In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace….Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God….Jesus loved His church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by …
What Christ Does with Our Sins (Part 3)
Christ Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25) In August 1945, Japan surrendered and ended World …
What Christ Does with Our Sins (Part 2)
Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. (Psalm …
What Christ Does with Our Sins (Part 1)
Jesus said: Your sins are forgiven….Go in peace….I do not condemn you….Go now and leave your life of sin. (Luke 7:48,50; John 8:11) Even solid Christians sometimes lack assurance of salvation. Martin Luther, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, and C. S. Lewis struggled with doubts. True believers can worry and wonder if God is really reconciled to us. The Lord told …
Hiding In Jesus
You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance….The Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 32:7; 94:22) A Gifted Hymnwriter William Orcutt Cushing (1823-1902) was raised in a Unitarian family, but through Bible reading, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, …
The Blue Marble Revisited and Peace in Christ
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom….So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand….For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of …
Christ is My Strong Tower
For you (Christ) have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe….The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe….The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. (Psalm 61:3; Proverbs 18:10; Nahum 1:7) This continues our comments on Scriptures selected by …
Christ is My Hope, My Trust, My Confidence
You are my hope; O Lord God, you are my trust and the source of my confidence from my youth. From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you….Now we have great confidence in God through Christ. (Psalm 71:5-6; 2 Cor 3:4) This continues our series commenting on Scriptures …
What God Is to Me: Elisabeth Elliot (Part 3)
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned….For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One …
What God Is to Me: Elisabeth Elliot (Part 2)
Never again will they hunger or thirst. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Revelation 7:16-17) A Faithful Missionary Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015) was one of the most influential Christian women of the 20th century. Her …