Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  Romans 5:7–8 (NLT)  An experience I had with my son one day opened my eyes to the depth of God’s love.  Years ago, my son, Zach, and I were walking across a bridge in the spring. He was young, so I warned him about the dangers of the melting ice and freezing waters swirling below. Suddenly, Zach gripped the bridge railing and hoisted himself up for a better look. My heart leapt into my throat as I jumped …

“The Father has an intense love for me because I freely give my own life—to raise it up again.”  John 10:17 (TPT) How much does Jesus love you?   His words and actions speak loud and clear. In fact, John 10:17-18 is a very revealing piece of Scripture because Jesus says something with love written all over it: “I freely give my own life.” That means He had a choice not to. After all, if someone coerces, manipulates or forces you to do something, you can’t say you’re doing it freely, can you?  God could have told Jesus, “You don’t have a choice. I’m commanding You to go die for the human race.” But He didn’t do things that way. Why?   It was so that you and …

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” Luke 23:39 (NLT)   As a paramedic, and then a pastor, I’ve been with many people as they breathed their last. Over the years I’ve noticed it’s rare to meet someone cynical or egotistical on their deathbed.   Yet that was the attitude of one of the two thieves crucified beside Jesus. Even approaching the end, this thief ridiculed Him. That may seem shocking. But then again, haven’t we all met people who are living in heartache or nearing death, yet still refuse to turn to God?   Now, the other criminal had a completely different attitude. He rebuked the sarcastic thief, then spoke …

Therefore, since we now have been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him.  Romans 5:9 (AMP)  One of the worst things religion has ever done is tell people that God brings pain or heartache into their lives because they deserve it. Is that what God’s Word teaches? Not even close!   The word “justified” in today’s verse means to be made righteous as if we’d never sinned. In other words, placing our faith in Jesus’ finished work from the cross to the throne makes us right with God. It’s a mind-blowing gift we receive through Him.   Paul goes on to write that because of Jesus’ …

Don’t give the devil any opportunity [to work]. Ephesians 4:27 (GW)  Many people lose their peace because they believe it’s possible to give the enemy permission to bring trouble into their lives. Let’s clear this up right now: as a believer in Christ, you cannot give Satan any authority over your life. Why?   Because, unlike the old covenant, the new covenant is not between you and God. The old covenant was between Adam, representing humanity, and God. Unfortunately, Adam blew his end of the deal. So God sent Jesus to Earth in a human body to write a new contract between Jesus and God—one that overwrites the old version. (See Romans 5:15-19.) Notice that you’re not even on the contract! So how could you hand Satan …