If you don't have time to read, skip down to point four, that is the most important thing that I have learned all week. After a week of VBS and a weekend of working plus singing Sunday morning, I was ready to crash. In fact, I did and that's why I'm up now blogging. The sermon that Pastor Bennett spoke upon this morning was none other than the crucifixion. Now, I know everyone in my circle of friends has heard this story at least 50 times over in their life. Today was yet another one of those instances. Most of what Pastor Bennett was saying I've heard multiple times (if you want to listen click here), yet there were quite a number of things that really stuck out that I would like to share.
1) Encountering the Man on the cross - The title of the message is so insightful. We NEED to encounter Jesus everyday not passively accept Him. Jesus wants to get involved in your life, but you must get involved in His life.
2) What did Jesus tell us to remember? His miracles? His baptism? His ascension? His birth? No, the only thing that Jesus told us to remember was his death and resurrection by the Lord's Supper. Why? Because that is the heart of what Jesus came to do and who He is.
3) Jesus triumphed when He said the words, "It is finished" and gave up His spirit. The same statement Jesus gave meant "paid in full" and was stamped on debts that were forgiven. It was our Declaration of Independence from Sin because Jesus paid it already. Therefore, our good deeds do not "go towards" our salvation because there is NOTHING left to accomplish.
If you don't get anything else from this post read point four and consider it.
4) Does our energy for service come from a need to appease God? No, no, and no again! Pastor Bennett put it so well when he said, "Our energy for service is a NATURAL overflow of gratitude." Just like a dam has a natural overflow of water, we too must overflow with our love for our Savior.
"Hallelujah, what a Savior!" was written by American songwriter and educator Phillip Bliss in 1875 during the time of the Reconstruction. Listen to this wonderful song and meditate on the words.
Tetelestai! [It is finished]
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