" Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Great instructions on how to become the body of Christ, unless you start using only parts of the verse. When not used in it's entirety, this verse can offer us license, and provide cover for our agendas. Partial adherence can lead to either speaking the truth with no love, or not speaking the truth and using love as an excuse.
Typically there are three camps:
1. Those who can't wait to point out their brothers mistakes. This group will ignore the love requirement and are more than willing to "speak the truth" and claim this verse as license to judge
2. Those whose only goal is popularity and peace for themselves... When there is a truth that their brother needs to hear, they abdicate that responsibility in the name of "only speaking love".
3. Those who love their friends enough to tell them the truth.
In reality.....If you don't love your friend more than your friendship - then you really don't have either one. You have to care so much about another person that offending them is preferable to not helping them.
If the people around you don't know your weaknesses...if they can't provide accountability. If they never challenge you, or sharpen you - then those people are acquaintances not friends.
If there is a person around you who loves you enough to tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it. If they encourage you, and push you to be your best. Then that person is a friend and is exceedingly rare and incredibly valuable.
Real Friendship is not for sissy's...you have to be willing to speak and hear the truth...neither of which is easy.
The best way to find a good friend - is to be one. This week, talk about stuff that matters with those you love. Try a little transparency and depth....Most important, don't let either requirement in this verse slip through the cracks. ..."Speak the Truth...and speak it in Love."
"Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer."
Jean de La Fontaine
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
1 Corinthians 6:11 5/24/2016
"11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
This verse flies in the face of today's social mantra. Some of the sins referred to are considered permanent conditions today. Our culture's response to difficult temptation is to simply lower the bar, label the condition, and make the sin acceptable.
God, however, is in the business of changing people.
The early church was a collection of immoral sinners. The list included adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, and more. But this verse states that those sins did not describe them any longer.
The verse does not say "that is what you ARE", it says
"that is what you WERE"... Past tense ... Changed by the blood of Christ.
That is the Gospel. That is the good news. No matter what you were, no matter what you've done, regardless of what the world thinks of your past... it does not define you. You have been washed by the Spirit of God. Your acceptance of the sacrifice Christ made, means you stand spotless before the Throne, and the only label you bear is "Child of The King".
The enemy would have you surrender, and accept that you are controlled by sin...and maybe you were. But not now... The Cross has set you free and literally changed your identity.
That is the essence of amazing grace. That your sins are as far from you, as the east is from the west. You are a new creation, no longer a slave to sin. That is not who you are anymore.
Live in victory, and cherish the freedom that Christ's blood purchased for you. By God's amazing grace you have been set free...Intentionally live in that grace, and offer it to everyone you meet.
"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."
- John Newton
This verse flies in the face of today's social mantra. Some of the sins referred to are considered permanent conditions today. Our culture's response to difficult temptation is to simply lower the bar, label the condition, and make the sin acceptable.
God, however, is in the business of changing people.
The early church was a collection of immoral sinners. The list included adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, and more. But this verse states that those sins did not describe them any longer.
The verse does not say "that is what you ARE", it says
"that is what you WERE"... Past tense ... Changed by the blood of Christ.
That is the Gospel. That is the good news. No matter what you were, no matter what you've done, regardless of what the world thinks of your past... it does not define you. You have been washed by the Spirit of God. Your acceptance of the sacrifice Christ made, means you stand spotless before the Throne, and the only label you bear is "Child of The King".
The enemy would have you surrender, and accept that you are controlled by sin...and maybe you were. But not now... The Cross has set you free and literally changed your identity.
That is the essence of amazing grace. That your sins are as far from you, as the east is from the west. You are a new creation, no longer a slave to sin. That is not who you are anymore.
Live in victory, and cherish the freedom that Christ's blood purchased for you. By God's amazing grace you have been set free...Intentionally live in that grace, and offer it to everyone you meet.
"Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see."
- John Newton
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
1 Cor 6:18 5/17/2016
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body."
When this verse was written sexual sin had become so common place in Corinth that some believers had begun thinking it was acceptable. Today we face the same problem. There is a litany of "acceptable" sexual sins in our society, and we have become so confused with sexuality that we argue over points that should be self evident.
God makes it clear that there is something different about this sin ... It is more dangerous than others.
Today, pornography is readily available, promiscuity seems to be the norm, and perversion is legislated .. It is interesting to note that evil's playbook has not changed much in the last 2000 years. This is still the enemy's favorite weapon. Broken families destroyed by sexual sin are common place, and numerous ministries have been reduced to "spiritual roadkill" - dead and useless on the roadway for all to see.
We are given a clear directive when confronted with sexual sin... Run.
Some temptation you fight... this one you flee. Your natural reaction to a rattle snake is to immediately get away....spiritually this should be your reaction to immorality. It defiles you in ways that other sin does not and will destroy the sanctity of your soul.
Let's rip off the callouses that our culture has created regarding this sin, and view it as the rattlesnake it is. Guard your eyes and your thoughts. The enemy comes to" kill steal and destroy" and this sin is what he uses to do it.
Do not allow the poison of sexual sin to invade your soul, and you will protect your heart, your family, and your legacy.
"Regardless of what society says, we can't go on much longer in the sea of immorality without judgment coming."
- Billy Graham
When this verse was written sexual sin had become so common place in Corinth that some believers had begun thinking it was acceptable. Today we face the same problem. There is a litany of "acceptable" sexual sins in our society, and we have become so confused with sexuality that we argue over points that should be self evident.
God makes it clear that there is something different about this sin ... It is more dangerous than others.
Today, pornography is readily available, promiscuity seems to be the norm, and perversion is legislated .. It is interesting to note that evil's playbook has not changed much in the last 2000 years. This is still the enemy's favorite weapon. Broken families destroyed by sexual sin are common place, and numerous ministries have been reduced to "spiritual roadkill" - dead and useless on the roadway for all to see.
We are given a clear directive when confronted with sexual sin... Run.
Some temptation you fight... this one you flee. Your natural reaction to a rattle snake is to immediately get away....spiritually this should be your reaction to immorality. It defiles you in ways that other sin does not and will destroy the sanctity of your soul.
Let's rip off the callouses that our culture has created regarding this sin, and view it as the rattlesnake it is. Guard your eyes and your thoughts. The enemy comes to" kill steal and destroy" and this sin is what he uses to do it.
Do not allow the poison of sexual sin to invade your soul, and you will protect your heart, your family, and your legacy.
"Regardless of what society says, we can't go on much longer in the sea of immorality without judgment coming."
- Billy Graham
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Matthew 28:19 Luke 10:2 5/10/2016
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
If you're bored with your life it's your own fault. If it's not fulfilling maybe it is because you are not doing it right.
Jesus gives us very specific instructions in what is called the "Great Commission"... "make disciples".....it is why you are here. You will not be fulfilled until you are doing what you were created to do.
The "big lie" is that you need more stuff to be happy....this delusion occupies people for their entire lives. In fact you often see the rich, who have achieved what others are chasing, turn to drugs and alcohol because they realize the goal was hollow.
You don't need 400 more TV channels, you don't need faster Wi-fi , or more followers, you don't need a bigger house, or a nicer car...you need to go and do what you were made to do.
You want excitement and fulfillment? Be about the business of eternity.
Live each day sharing the gospel with others. There are opportunities everywhere...your office, your neighborhood, your friends ... you just have to open your eyes, and grasp the importance of your assignment. "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Luke 10:2)
We are birds walking on the ground, of course we are not fulfilled. Spread your wings and do what God created you to do and you will experience life as you never have before. The world is full of broken souls and you have the cure...go give it to them.
This week live deliberately. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities and then be ready to love those that God puts in your path...you will experience many different things...but boredom isn't one of them.
“One faithful witness is worth a thousand mute professors of religion . . . Our faith grows by expression . . . we must share it—we must witness.”
― Billy Graham
If you're bored with your life it's your own fault. If it's not fulfilling maybe it is because you are not doing it right.
Jesus gives us very specific instructions in what is called the "Great Commission"... "make disciples".....it is why you are here. You will not be fulfilled until you are doing what you were created to do.
The "big lie" is that you need more stuff to be happy....this delusion occupies people for their entire lives. In fact you often see the rich, who have achieved what others are chasing, turn to drugs and alcohol because they realize the goal was hollow.
You don't need 400 more TV channels, you don't need faster Wi-fi , or more followers, you don't need a bigger house, or a nicer car...you need to go and do what you were made to do.
You want excitement and fulfillment? Be about the business of eternity.
Live each day sharing the gospel with others. There are opportunities everywhere...your office, your neighborhood, your friends ... you just have to open your eyes, and grasp the importance of your assignment. "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few" (Luke 10:2)
We are birds walking on the ground, of course we are not fulfilled. Spread your wings and do what God created you to do and you will experience life as you never have before. The world is full of broken souls and you have the cure...go give it to them.
This week live deliberately. Ask God to open your eyes to opportunities and then be ready to love those that God puts in your path...you will experience many different things...but boredom isn't one of them.
“One faithful witness is worth a thousand mute professors of religion . . . Our faith grows by expression . . . we must share it—we must witness.”
― Billy Graham
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
John 16:33 Romans 8:18 5/3/2016
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Some define Peace as the absence of problems. This has confused and disappointed many, and it is not what God said.
In the verse above Jesus offers us peace, right before assuring us, we will have trouble.
He makes it clear that peace if found not in the absence of problems, but in the absence of worrying about them. This is not accomplished by minimizing your problems, but by maximizing your God.
Peace is a choice . Jesus tells us it is available "in Him", and even assures us that when the storm is raging, we can "take heart" in knowing He has already overcome the storm.
Paul talks about the Christian life as a "fight, or a race" (2 Tim 4:7). Neither are easy, and they are not supposed to be.
In Track, one of the hardest races is the Mile relay. It is both excruciating, and exhilarating. It is the last event, and winning or losing the meet often depends on it. So even though you know pain is certain, you grab the baton and run. Because the joy of victory with your brothers, is greater than the temporary pain it cost.
That is the Christian life.
Paul said it this way: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) In other words ... Run the race! ..fight the fight! ...it is well worth it.
A life with Jesus provides joy. And the Christian life is sweeter because of the Peace we have in Him, and the love we have for each other.
But when trouble comes, we don't panic, and we don't worry. We crawl up in our Father's lap, face the problem and "take heart"...because He Loves us dearly, and He has overcome the world.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
― Corrie ten Boon
Some define Peace as the absence of problems. This has confused and disappointed many, and it is not what God said.
In the verse above Jesus offers us peace, right before assuring us, we will have trouble.
He makes it clear that peace if found not in the absence of problems, but in the absence of worrying about them. This is not accomplished by minimizing your problems, but by maximizing your God.
Peace is a choice . Jesus tells us it is available "in Him", and even assures us that when the storm is raging, we can "take heart" in knowing He has already overcome the storm.
Paul talks about the Christian life as a "fight, or a race" (2 Tim 4:7). Neither are easy, and they are not supposed to be.
In Track, one of the hardest races is the Mile relay. It is both excruciating, and exhilarating. It is the last event, and winning or losing the meet often depends on it. So even though you know pain is certain, you grab the baton and run. Because the joy of victory with your brothers, is greater than the temporary pain it cost.
That is the Christian life.
Paul said it this way: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18) In other words ... Run the race! ..fight the fight! ...it is well worth it.
A life with Jesus provides joy. And the Christian life is sweeter because of the Peace we have in Him, and the love we have for each other.
But when trouble comes, we don't panic, and we don't worry. We crawl up in our Father's lap, face the problem and "take heart"...because He Loves us dearly, and He has overcome the world.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”
― Corrie ten Boon
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
2 Kings 6:17 4/25/16
2 Kings 6:17 "And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
It has been a tough week. There has been heartbreaking pain that will take some time to heal. Sometimes it feels like the world is falling apart and all you see is pain and problems much like Elisha's servant did.
But Elisha prays an interesting prayer for his servant. He did not pray for God to change anything...he just asked that his servant could see the plan and reinforcements God had provided.
Pain is real, and it is a big part of life...everybody experiences it. The only choice you have is how you see it. Do you only see the pain, or are your eyes open to also see the provision God has made to comfort and protect you?
Sometime God does not remove the pain. Sometimes He carries you through it. But, whether you see them or not, there are always chariots of fire on the hills all around you. You are never alone, and you are never exposed. The angels of heaven stand watch over you.
Like Elisha, I pray that God will "open our eyes, so we may see". And that we will not fear, because we do not view the world with earthly eyes, but with spiritual ones. Though we see the storm clouds, we also see the love and grace our Heavenly Father has for us, and that will be our anchor in our time of need.
“If you can't see His way past the tears, trust His heart.”
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon
― Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Matthew 20:26 4/19/2016
Matthew 20:26 "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant"
Yesterday morning I held my Moms hand as Jesus took her home. As I thought about this Tuesday's bible study, I didn't want to write one. But it's a ministry, and Mom frowns on us not serving well, so I picked a verse she has modeled for me.
Jesus told His disciples that what the world considers great is actually the opposite of greatness. It is not about power and getting your way. It is about being so satisfied with Christ that your needs are already met, and you are free to love, and serve other people.
My mom was Great. Not because she was a talented musician who played in University bands, and professional orchestras. Not because she was an amazing English teacher. Not because she was a talented artist. Those made her outstanding, but they did not make her great.
What made her great is that she spent her life showing me, and countless others, how to put hands and feet on love and make it come alive.
As I grew up, our house was full of people being served. Whether Mom was tutoring students, or hosting church parties, she was always ministering to others.
When my sisters and I where young, the whole Youth Department of First Baptist Church Houston would regularly come to our house on Sunday nights for fellowships.
Once the entire Baylor football team had tamales at our house on short notice, and she never mentioned it...
I had friends who, when they needed a place to stay, lived in our house until they got situated .... I thought this was normal. Serving was so natural to her that I never even noticed it until I got older.
Even during this final hospital stay she was more concerned that I wasn't getting enough sleep than she was for herself. She never retired from being a good and faithful servant.
I have learned by watching. I have seen greatness..and though I have not achieved it, I have a clear understanding of what it looks like.
By God's own definition, this world has now lost some of it's greatness. My request is that you honor my mom by carrying on her work, and bring a little greatness back into this world by becoming a servant to someone else.
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not the number of servants he has, but the number of people he serves" - J. Hagee
Yesterday morning I held my Moms hand as Jesus took her home. As I thought about this Tuesday's bible study, I didn't want to write one. But it's a ministry, and Mom frowns on us not serving well, so I picked a verse she has modeled for me.
Jesus told His disciples that what the world considers great is actually the opposite of greatness. It is not about power and getting your way. It is about being so satisfied with Christ that your needs are already met, and you are free to love, and serve other people.
My mom was Great. Not because she was a talented musician who played in University bands, and professional orchestras. Not because she was an amazing English teacher. Not because she was a talented artist. Those made her outstanding, but they did not make her great.
What made her great is that she spent her life showing me, and countless others, how to put hands and feet on love and make it come alive.
As I grew up, our house was full of people being served. Whether Mom was tutoring students, or hosting church parties, she was always ministering to others.
When my sisters and I where young, the whole Youth Department of First Baptist Church Houston would regularly come to our house on Sunday nights for fellowships.
Once the entire Baylor football team had tamales at our house on short notice, and she never mentioned it...
I had friends who, when they needed a place to stay, lived in our house until they got situated .... I thought this was normal. Serving was so natural to her that I never even noticed it until I got older.
Even during this final hospital stay she was more concerned that I wasn't getting enough sleep than she was for herself. She never retired from being a good and faithful servant.
I have learned by watching. I have seen greatness..and though I have not achieved it, I have a clear understanding of what it looks like.
By God's own definition, this world has now lost some of it's greatness. My request is that you honor my mom by carrying on her work, and bring a little greatness back into this world by becoming a servant to someone else.
"The measure of a man’s greatness is not the number of servants he has, but the number of people he serves" - J. Hagee
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Matthew 26: 40-41 James 5:16 1 Thes 5:16 4/12/2016
Matthew 26 :40 "Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. ...”
Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane facing His toughest trial. As He often did, He went off to pray, and this time He asked His friends for help.
They failed. They didn't take the job seriously, fell asleep, and left Jesus to fight alone.
How many times have you said "I'm praying for you" and figuratively gone to sleep in the garden?
This happens because our opinion of prayer has been watered down. None of us would fall asleep performing physical CPR, yet we drift off in the midst of far more critical spiritual work.
We must upgrade our view of intercession. As Christians, we should never say "All we can do is pray". It is the equivalent of a General saying "all we can do is drop a Nuclear weapon". It shows that we don't understanding the power of prayer.
The ability to communicate with God is an amazing and expensive gift. "...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."(James 5:16) Never discount the importance, or potency of talking to your Creator.
Let's change our tone when we say "I will pray for you". It should not be a last ditch effort, or some sympathetic consolation prize. It is a battle cry that should shake the gates of hell with dread, and the realization that a fight is coming.
The veil has been torn and we have complete access to the King...let's use it.
Imagine the strength we would have in our lives if we "prayed without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:16) and fully utilized the power made available to us as children of God?
“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach"
- Charles Spurgeon
Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane facing His toughest trial. As He often did, He went off to pray, and this time He asked His friends for help.
They failed. They didn't take the job seriously, fell asleep, and left Jesus to fight alone.
How many times have you said "I'm praying for you" and figuratively gone to sleep in the garden?
This happens because our opinion of prayer has been watered down. None of us would fall asleep performing physical CPR, yet we drift off in the midst of far more critical spiritual work.
We must upgrade our view of intercession. As Christians, we should never say "All we can do is pray". It is the equivalent of a General saying "all we can do is drop a Nuclear weapon". It shows that we don't understanding the power of prayer.
The ability to communicate with God is an amazing and expensive gift. "...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."(James 5:16) Never discount the importance, or potency of talking to your Creator.
Let's change our tone when we say "I will pray for you". It should not be a last ditch effort, or some sympathetic consolation prize. It is a battle cry that should shake the gates of hell with dread, and the realization that a fight is coming.
The veil has been torn and we have complete access to the King...let's use it.
Imagine the strength we would have in our lives if we "prayed without ceasing" (1 Thes 5:16) and fully utilized the power made available to us as children of God?
“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach"
- Charles Spurgeon
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Luke 21: 1-3 Matt. 28:19 4/5/2016
Luke 21: 1-3 "And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all..."
God doesn't need your money. Nor does He need your talent. He gave you both. Giving to God, is a little like my children giving money I have given them, back to me. It's a nice gesture but it doesn't impact my finances.
The act of giving to God is for our benefit. We are only truly free - when what we own - does not own us. The only way to achieve that freedom is to realize that everything you have belongs to, and comes from God.
He has given you what you need to carry out His explicit instructions...."go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). Sometimes, like this Widow, you may be asked to give an amount that the world considers foolish. Give it anyway.
God is not impressed with calculating Christians. Yes, He calls us to be good stewards, but he also calls us to walk on water, charge into battle with giants, and change the world...Sometimes, following His call cannot be achieved without passionate, and deliberate abandonment of what the world considers wise.
Where is God calling you to trust Him? What area of your life does He want more time than you have to give?...or more money than you can spare?....or more strength than you have to offer?
Trust Him...Go do it... and make disciples.
True wealth is found in what you give away, and has nothing to do with possessions. Be free...and use what He has given you, to change the world around you.
No one has ever become poor by giving. - Anne Frank
God doesn't need your money. Nor does He need your talent. He gave you both. Giving to God, is a little like my children giving money I have given them, back to me. It's a nice gesture but it doesn't impact my finances.
The act of giving to God is for our benefit. We are only truly free - when what we own - does not own us. The only way to achieve that freedom is to realize that everything you have belongs to, and comes from God.
He has given you what you need to carry out His explicit instructions...."go and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19). Sometimes, like this Widow, you may be asked to give an amount that the world considers foolish. Give it anyway.
God is not impressed with calculating Christians. Yes, He calls us to be good stewards, but he also calls us to walk on water, charge into battle with giants, and change the world...Sometimes, following His call cannot be achieved without passionate, and deliberate abandonment of what the world considers wise.
Where is God calling you to trust Him? What area of your life does He want more time than you have to give?...or more money than you can spare?....or more strength than you have to offer?
Trust Him...Go do it... and make disciples.
True wealth is found in what you give away, and has nothing to do with possessions. Be free...and use what He has given you, to change the world around you.
No one has ever become poor by giving. - Anne Frank
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
John 19:30 3/29/2016
John 19:30 "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Those were the last words Jesus spoke on Friday afternoon.
His first words Sunday morning are not recorded, but they may have been something like ... "It has begun".
What was "finished" Friday was the Old Covenant. The arrangement between a sinful people and a Holy God, that partially restored a relationship that had been fractured by our sin.
What "began" Sunday morning was the New Covenant...which fully restored our relationship, and has since been called the Gospel, which translated means the "Good news"...and that is the ultimate understatement.
What happened Sunday morning, means nothing will ever be the same. We are no longer slaves to sin. We now have the power to defeat sin because His Spirit lives within us. If we stumble, the sin does not stick because His blood is on us. We have gone from being subjects, to children. Instead of servants, he calls us friends. And for the fist time since The Garden, we have the ability to freely fellowship with God.
This explains why the most horrific day in all of history is now called "Good Friday". Nothing short of Salvation, and the restoration of God's children to Himself, could cause such a abhorrent day to be referred to as "good".
"It is finished" means the price has been paid in full...And that is the "Good News"..that through His death and resurrection we have been offered a new, beautiful and unimpaired relationship with our Heavenly Father.
"He drained the cup of God's wrath bone dry, leaving not a drop for us to drink."
- Richard Allen Bodey
Those were the last words Jesus spoke on Friday afternoon.
His first words Sunday morning are not recorded, but they may have been something like ... "It has begun".
What was "finished" Friday was the Old Covenant. The arrangement between a sinful people and a Holy God, that partially restored a relationship that had been fractured by our sin.
What "began" Sunday morning was the New Covenant...which fully restored our relationship, and has since been called the Gospel, which translated means the "Good news"...and that is the ultimate understatement.
What happened Sunday morning, means nothing will ever be the same. We are no longer slaves to sin. We now have the power to defeat sin because His Spirit lives within us. If we stumble, the sin does not stick because His blood is on us. We have gone from being subjects, to children. Instead of servants, he calls us friends. And for the fist time since The Garden, we have the ability to freely fellowship with God.
This explains why the most horrific day in all of history is now called "Good Friday". Nothing short of Salvation, and the restoration of God's children to Himself, could cause such a abhorrent day to be referred to as "good".
"It is finished" means the price has been paid in full...And that is the "Good News"..that through His death and resurrection we have been offered a new, beautiful and unimpaired relationship with our Heavenly Father.
"He drained the cup of God's wrath bone dry, leaving not a drop for us to drink."
- Richard Allen Bodey
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