Good Friday

Good Friday

8:10 AM


Good Friday is the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ's journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death. According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning.


Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by Crucifixion one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of capital punishment known at the time.


Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on him, tormented and mocked him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed Him to the wooden Cross. 


Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) His last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46)


Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last breath and died. By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb. Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.

God’s plan

Where Love and Sorrow Meet (Matthew 27)

11:30 AM





Matthew 27


Last week we celebrated Christmas and pondered the birth of the Savior. This week we ponder the most pivotal event in human history: his death. As we read about the events leading up to his death we recognize the intense hatred, evil and injustice that he endured and we can’t even fully comprehend how brutal and sorrowful it was. 


The perfect, innocent lamb stood willingly in the midst of such horror and evil. Some recognized his innocence:

Judas: ““I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” (V4)

Pilate’s wife: “While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man..” (v19)

Pilate: ““Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. (V23)and he declared himself  “ ..innocent of this man’s blood” (v24)

But, truly no one is innocent of the blood of Jesus for it is our sin that required it. And it is on the cross where this perfect, innocent, holy sacrificial lamb of God transformed the sorrow of his cruel death into the purest, most selfless love the world has ever known.


It’s easy to reflect upon the birth of Christ and see the Holy and Divine. But the cross is where we see God most intimately.  At the cross is where sorrow and love are intertwined. The cross declares His humility and His majesty. As Chris Tomlinson explains:

At the cross…

…We see God’s sovereignty—reigning with absolute control over humanity’s greatest sin.

…We see God’s purpose—making known the mystery of His will prepared before time.

…We see God’s plan—to unite all things, on heaven and on earth, in Him.

…We see God’s judgment—requiring recompense for guilt.

…We see God’s holiness—demanding the perfect sacrifice.

…We see God’s power—crushing the Son of God according to the purpose of His will.

…We see God’s wrath—punishing the wretchedness of sin.

…We see God’s sorrow—wailing as only a forsaken son can.

…We see God’s mystery—the Son, as God, separated from the Father, committing His Spirit to God.

…We see God’s compassion—pleading to the Father to forgive the ignorant.

…We see God’s gift—His one and only Son, bruised and broken on our behalf.

…We see God’s mercy—making unrighteous sinners righteous.

…We see God’s love—Christ dying for sinners.

…We see God’s rescue operation—delivering us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His Son.

…We see God’s proposal—pledging Himself to His bride forever.

…We see God’s revelation—the Word of God speaking His last so He might speak on behalf of many.

…We see God’s victory—disarming His enemies, putting them to shame, and triumphing over them.

…We see God’s glory—the name of the Father being magnified for the sake of all peoples.


Do we truly ponder the purpose of the cross? Do we cherish that innocent blood that was shed on our behalf? His heart was broken and pierced that day. Has His sacrifice spiritually pierced your heart? Has the cross changed your perspective? Has it changed your will?  


When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watt

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.

1 Corinthians 1

It’s All About Jesus (1 Corinthians 1)

9:15 AM



For Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 1

We like to think that we are in control. We like to think we have all of the answers. We like to think that it’s all about us...what we know, what we think, what we want, when we want it, how we want it, etc. But, God’s Word says that our righteousness has “ NOTHING” to do with us. We can’t earn it and we can’t perform in our own human effort to attain it or keep it. No, it’s not about us!  But, the pivotal moment in a believers life is when they realize it’s all about Jesus. 

How should that impact your life?
You realize that to serve Him, you must be taught of and by Him.  You have to get in His Word and let Him speak to the depths of your heart. He will enrich you. 
“that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge—”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭

You have to realize that you can not save yourself but the salvation of Jesus pays it all. As He said on the cross...” It is finished.” He equips us. He sustains us. 
“so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:7-8‬ ‭

You have to trust God. Others may break their promises, let you down, fail you, etc. This life, this world, and the circumstances around you are not under your control, but you can put your confidence in the One who is faithful and in control. 
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:9‬ ‭

You can honor God by being unified with your brothers and sisters in Christ. There should always be common ground that we can agree on and unite on.....that would be Jesus!  Jesus being the only way to the Father. 
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:10‬ ‭

You must place your identity as God’s child on the work of the cross. Others may think they can earn their way to right standing with God, but His Word is clear that only  Christ crucified for you would ever make you worthy to stand before Him. 
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭

You can be transformed into a useful, glorifying masterpiece by the God of the universe. No single stroke of color stands alone but rather beautifully blends in to a bigger picture of His making.  You are personally made by Him and known by Him. He has a unique purpose and calling for your life.  The key is to humble yourself and let Him do all of the work of transformation as only He can.
“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-29‬ ‭

You can adorn yourself with the garments of His righteousness. Put aside your desire for self recognition or importance. Focus on being used by God. Others should see Christ in your life and His love should shine in all that you do.
“And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:30-31‬ ‭

Crucifixion

His Never Ending Love {John 18:1-19:42}

12:00 AM



“ I love you.”
“How much?”
“SO much.”
“How much is so?”
“Way, Way more than you know.”

This comes from a book I used to read to my young son entitled, “I Love You So...” by Marianne Richmond. It’s a beautiful story about the unconditional and never ending love a parent feels for a child. This book has always been one of my favorites. It perfectly expresses the height and the depth of the love I have for my son, and reminds me of that same love Jesus has for each and every one of us. 

No matter how many times I read the story of the Crucifixion, and what Christ endured on our behalf, I can never get through it with a dry eye. His entire life here on earth from birth to death, was a perfect shining testimony to the unconditional and selfless love He so freely offers to all. Even while hanging on a Cross in excruciating pain, and until He breathed His last, He continued His ministry; demonstrating grace, mercy, and love until the end.

“They took Jesus therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called Golgotha. There they crucified Him, and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between.” (vs. 19:17-18) Jesus, innocent and blameless, was made to be degraded by hanging the “King of the Jews”, between two common thieves. While one of the men joined in the crowd, mocking Jesus and hurling insults at Him, the other admitted his guilt and professed faith, asking the Lord to remember Him when He entered into His kingdom. Even with the physical pain He was experiencing, Jesus didn’t hesitate to give this man His unmerited grace saying, “Today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His outer garments and made four parts, a part to every soldier and also the tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it but cast lots for it, to decide whose it shall be.” (vs. 19:23-24) Imagine Jesus looking down from His Cross and seeing the angry mob crying out for His death, the mocking religious leaders, and the soldiers who had beat, ridiculed, spat on, and crowned Him with thorns now gambling for pieces of His clothing as a souvenir. Filled with agony, Jesus looked upon them not with admonishment, but with mercy praying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24)

“When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, ‘Woman, Behold your son!’ Then He said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ “ (vs.19-26:27) Bruised, battered, and nearing His death, Jesus wasn’t concerned with His own needs, but with those of His loved ones. Knowing that He would soon leave them, and that His mother and His dearest friend would each need the other, Jesus told them to take care of and love each other as family. He wanted them both to receive the comfort they would soon need and, “From that hour, the disciple took her into his own household.” (vs. 19:27)

Tortured and nailed to a cross, no one would blame Jesus for being so overwhelmed by His pain and suffering, that He could think of nothing else. Yet instead He repeatedly demonstrated His incredible, selfless love for others; never wavering in His grace and mercy. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Christ endured all of this; the wounds, humiliation, and shame for the “joy set before Him.” What is this joy? It’s you, it’s me, and all who would be saved through His death and resurrection. With His never ending love He gave His life, and with His dying breath He gave us life. Never again will we find condemnation, for as Jesus cried, “It is finished!” (vs. 19:30)

deny

Counting the Cost {Mark 7-8}

8:00 PM



After Jesus rebuked Peter for having man's preference over God's, He offered this challenge to all of them, but what exactly did He mean when He said,

 "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:24-26

The people in Jesus’ day were very familiar with the act of crucifixion being used as a deterrent to keep the Jewish nation in line under the control of the Roman Empire. They wanted nothing more than a savior (messiah) to come and rescue them, freeing them from the oppressive Roman rule over them! And now, here was this man claiming to be the Messiah telling them that each would have to deny their life’s wants, wills and desires and take up their own cross to follow after Him!

I can almost sense the collective gasp coming from His disciples at that moment, for I’m sure the disciples all felt this was no way to win followers and influence the people!   

 Peter had just had this incredible revelation that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Yet, minutes later Jesus tells us that if we want to follow Him, we must deny ourselves; putting God's desires above our own.

To take up a cross meant that one had received a death sentence.  But then He adds, "Follow me".

Deny self, take the death sentence, and follow Him! Which essentially means you’re no longer in charge of your life!

He goes on to explain that if we are intent on saving our lives, that is, keeping it for our own use, we will end up losing it. But if we lose our life now; if we give it to God for Jesus' sake, we will find the purpose and meaning that God intended when He fashioned us together in our mother's womb.

It seems so easy, so "cut and dry", sort of; “all or nothing”, “black or white” with no grey area. No fence sitting, you must choose one side or the other!

And to place a greater emphasis to His point, He asked what good would it be if we gained everything; all the pleasures and treasures of this world BUT [the result would be to] forfeiture our soul. It honestly seems like a "no-brainer" doesn't it? But the truth is:

 Following Jesus will cost you!

I believe Jesus felt it was of the utmost importance to be honest with His followers at that moment. To call a Jew to pick up a cross was absolutely repugnant to them, and was definitely the greatest symbol of self-denial out there at that time. Death by cross was the cruelest form of torture known in the Roman Empire. It had not only been designed as the most heinous type of death, but the most humiliating as well.

The call to follow Jesus is at the very least- challenging! He is calling us to deny our rights! Our pleasures! Our will!

To follow after Jesus we no longer have the right to decide how we will spend our day; who we will bless and what we will do! To follow Jesus we should rise each day reporting for duty and asking HIM how He intends for us to spend that day.

I will admit that more times than I care to admit, I still remain in charge. Too many times in each day I choose how I will spend it (MY day). I’ve been following after Jesus for years and still fail far to often, but I love this quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, and hoped you would too! The Cost of Discipleship:

“Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock. Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: 'Ye were bought at a price', and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.”
― Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Pretty cool when you think of it that way, don't you think? And one day soon when we all reach home I know, just as all those who have gone before us, we will all say, “It was absolutely worth it all.” Let’s live today for that day!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On a personal note:

Usually I like to share a bit more on video, but this week I think this sermon says it so much better than I can. If you don't have time to listen to the entire sermon just now, I want to encourage you to take just 10 minutes to listen to the last 10 minutes of this sermon. It's that good and I believe will leave a lasting impression on all who hears it!

Blessings,

sue

Hebrews

A Greater Message {Hebrews 2}

12:00 AM





Before Jesus, angels delivered messages from God and participated in the giving of the Law. (Deuteronomy 33:2-3; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19). To the Jewish people, these messages were highly esteemed, regarded as authority, and “proved unalterable.” (v. 2) In Hebrews chapter 2, we’re told that if the angels messages were considered great, how much greater is the message of Jesus! A greater message, “first spoken through the Lord, confirmed to us by those who heard. God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” (vs. 3-4) A greater message of salvation, and a greater message that we must anchor ourselves firmly to. Because if we aren’t careful, we risk getting caught in the current of worldly living, and drifting away from the Lord.








In order to offer us the gift of eternal life, Christ willingly left His glorious throne in heaven and became human. He did this because He loves us so much; He wants to save us. And to save us, He had to become one of us. As God’s Son, Jesus is heir to everything. (Heb.1:2) Yet in Psalm 8:4-5, we’re told that God has put all things in subjection under man’s feet. So in a perfect display of humility and obedience, Jesus became a man, fulfilling scripture and for a little while becoming, “lower than the angels.” (vs. 9); and who is now, “because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.” (vs. 9) The consequence of sin is death. But Christ in His beautiful love, became our substitute paying the sin debt we owe and giving His sinless life for our sin filled ones.

And even more wonderful, this awesome Savior of ours calls us family! He isn’t ashamed to claim us as His brothers and sisters, “For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father.” (vs. 11) Because of His sanctification, we are joined to Him forever. And like us, His family, He became flesh and blood, “that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” (vs. 14) Jesus conquered death with His work on the Cross, crushing Satan’s hold. Because of His victory, no longer do we need to fear death. Thanks to Him, we know it is merely a stepping stone to glory. 

Verse 17 tells us that Jesus had to be made, “like His brethren in all things so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest.” He became human in every way so that could relate to us in all areas of our lives. He knows our feelings of love, pain, joy, suffering, and sadness. There is nothing we can face that He Himself didn’t face. He is always there waiting to minister to us, help us, and love us through the ups and downs of life. “For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.” (vs. 16) No matter the circumstance, Jesus understands. And it’s because He understands, that He is our perfect advocate, and who is at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. (Rom. 8:34) He was made flesh to suffer and die for us. There isn’t a greater delegate we could have, nor a greater message we can receive than the message of Jesus and of His love and grace.