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MISSION ARTICLES
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History:
Today marks a significant religious day for anyone who believes in Jesus. Today is the day that is known as “Good Friday.” The historical day that religious scholars have decided when Jesus of Nazareth died. John writes his account in John 19:16-18 “…So they took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him…”
Differences:
There are some religions that believe that Jesus died, and celebrate this day in His sacrifice; however, they do not believe in His resurrection. Why do I even bother to mention this? Well… if a person believes that Jesus was just a good person and that He died on the cross, but did not rise from the dead; is today a good Friday? Or is it just a tragic Friday? If you believe that Jesus did not rise from the grave, then today wouldn’t be a good Friday; it would just be a tragic Friday. Similar to a Christian martyr such as Nathanael Saint. If Jesus didn’t rise from the grave, then He was just a casualty in God’s plan. But… Jesus isn’t a martyr and He did change everything… Isaiah prophesied this truth when he wrote in Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Respond:
What is your response? Do you believe that the Bible is the word of God? Do you believe that everything in the Bible is true? 2 Timothy 3:16 says “ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…”
Everyone will at some point be faced with this question. This truth is found in Philippians 2:8-10:
He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Application:
Is this a good Friday? Or is this a tragic Friday? Where are you in this dilemma? IF you believe that all of the Bible is God-breathed and true then today is a good day! Why? Because you can surrender your life to Jesus and ask Him to be your Savior! He has paid the penalty for sin. He has once and for all paid the penalty of the sin that you and I have partaken in. You can be set free! John 3:16 says “For God so loved the word, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Do you think that your sin is too much? Are you burdened? Oh beloved by the Lord, God sent Jesus for you. Yes, you dear one; He loves you. Your sin is not too much. Just talk to Him. David wrote in Psalm 103:17 “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him…” My God’s love is steadfast and brings me to life!
Not only did Jesus die on the cross and defeat death; it says in 1 John 4:9 “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might LIVE through Him.” And again, in John 10:10 “… I have come that they (those who surrender their life to Jesus) may have life, and have it to the FULL.” (added in comments).
Today is a good Friday. It marks the day that my Jesus paid the penalty for my sin. Something that I could never do and I am so thankful for! 1 Peter 1:3-4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you…” Jesus is the way to that glorious inheritance in heaven. John 14:6 says “ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.”
Prayer:
Jesus thank you for Your sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for paying the penalty for my sin. Jesus I cannot imagine the pain that this day brought for You. I am so sorry for my sin. Jesus I give my life to You now and always. Please help me to live a life that reflects Your love. Lord of my life please help me to see each moment as a chance to glorify You. Please help me to be strong and brave as I seek to glorify You with every breath that You give to me. Thank you for this GOOD Friday. Jesus You amaze me!
