The Message
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,
but to us who are being saved it is the power of God”
(1 Corinthians 1 v 18)
Be not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of Salvation. To everyone that believeth. To everyone that receiveth. Ye shall have everlasting life. Life is short, no matter how long we live. Do not be deceived into thinking you have lots of remaining time to live for Christ, to enjoy worldly pleasures, or to do what you know you should. Live for God today! Then, no matter when your life ends, you will have fulfilled God’s plan and purpose for your life.
Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He did not demand His Heavenly glory on earth; He lived as a man. The Bible called Him ‘the man Christ Jesus’ (1 Timothy 2 v 5). He felt pain, hunger and tiredness.
“O Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matthew 26 v 39).
Even though He was co-equal with God, Jesus humbled Himself and surrendered Himself to a most horrific and humiliating death on the cross. His humility caused Him to be obedient to God’s will. Humbling ourselves means recognizing that our true worth comes from God alone. It is working with His power according to his guidance, not with our own independent effort. Although we do not deserve his favour, He reaches out to us in love despite our human shortcomings.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleans your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4 v 7-8)
How Can I Draw Close To God?
1. Submit to God. (Realize that you need His forgiveness and be willing to follow him).
2. Cleanse your hands and purify your heart. (Live a pure life and let there be sorrow and sincere grief for your sins).
3. Humble yourself before God and walk in obedience to his word and will.
4. Read and study your Bible daily.
5. Pray and praise without ceasing.
6. Resist the devil. (Do not allow him to entice and tempt you).
All people die physically, but Jesus Christ died so that we would not have to die spiritually. We therefore can have wonderful confidence in his sacrifice regarding our past, present and future. He has forgiven our past sin; when he died on the cross, he appeared once for all. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us deal and overcome present sin; he appears for us now in Heaven as our High Priest; and he promises to return and raise us to eternal life in a world from which sin is banished.