The Gospel

Honestly, as believers, when was the last time you thought about what our hope for the future would be if it were not for Christ's death and resurrection? In everything that we believe - if it were not for Christ emptying himself, coming into the universe which he created, fulfilling every prophecy by his life, death, and resurrection - then what hope would we have through the course of eternity? If it were not for Christ satisfying the wrath of God, enduring the cross, and fulfilling the price of sin and death, would we honestly - when we really think about it - have any hope to stand on at all?

Oh how sad the thought that people go throughout life without this hope for eternity. There are times when I feel completely and utterly unworthy to speak the words of the gospel (John 19-20) into the lives of people (and in my sake this summer, the kids of camp), but it's in those times when God shines through and shows me exactly who he is, his power, and his might! And how glorious he is! We are truly a chosen generation. God is bringing his kingdom come in us and through us, may we run with this idea in sight!

Jesus did not have to come to the universe he himself created, but he did, out of love, grace, and a longing to spend eternity with each of us - who had messed up, who were drowning in sin.

Jesus was hated and not recognized by those who he came to save. The Jews, who hated the Romans with passion, would rather bow to Caesar and serve Caesar than have Jesus NOT be crucified! - These were the VERY PEOPLE whom Jesus loved, stepped out of heaven, and was willing to endure the cross for.

Jesus was flogged/scourged, beaten to the point that those who knew him the most could not even look on his face and recognize him.

He was then released to the people. Our Savior, the Creator of the heavens and earth, was dragged through the city, carrying his own cross, to the outer walls where he was crucified.

He was tortured, mocked, and hung on a cross as the Father turned his back on his Son - satisfying the wrath that was rightfully ours to bear before God.

Immediately following his death, Christ was taken and placed in a tomb in a garden nearby the site of Golgotha, the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The tomb was heavily guarded, because the Roman government did not want any funny business to happen on their watch.

On the 3rd day, the stone flung from the tomb and the guards could not even move, having no need more prevalent at the time than shielding their eyes from the sheer glory. Christ had risen! - though it was believed at the time he had been stolen.

Shortly after, Jesus reappeared to many people, giving them clear directions to carry out until his return.

WE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION.

MAY WE LIVE IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL.

May we realize what would be the extent of our vision if it were not for the blood and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ - death.

Go. Serve.

Eph 3:19