DEATH ~VS~THE PASSION OF CHRIST

The Passion of Christ has so many different meanings...............

Here's a list of what the Passion of Christ means to me:

1).  Love was met at the Cross

2).  A perfect sacrifice, for my sins

3).  Death took place in exchange for life

4).  Blood was shed for my shame

5).  Salvation Thru Christ

6).  Victory was won

The Passion of Christ was revealed.  His unconditional love for you and for me.  A man that lived blameless, righteous, holy, without blemish.  An example to us all. 

There are times when I just think of God's mercy..... and WOW!  God gave His Son......... To die for you and for me........... Who on this earth do you know would do something so selfless?  Take a few minutes and really think about this! 

For example, You are blessed with ONE child, and because this world is so out of order, you decide to allow the people of this world to take your ONLY son or daughter, and sacrifice him or her.  Let me be blunt..... You allow them to KILL your child.................  Do we really know anyone that would sacrifice their children so that the world could be saved? 

The reality is that no one in their right mind would do something so painful like this.  I look at my beautiful daughters and just can't imagine giving their life so that everyone else would not have to pay a heavier price.  My God, I thank you Lord, because even still, I do not deserve that mercy.  This world is full of sin, shame, lust, hate, etc..... the list goes on and on..... But there is a God that has shed His blood to cover our sins. 

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John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

His love is so GREAT, and UNCONDITIONAL.  He proved His love for me when He exemplified the true meaning of Love for His people when He died on the cross. 

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

He died so that we would have eternal life.  Eternal life is a gift from God.  If it is a gift, then it is not something that we earn, nor something that must be paid back. 
Ephesians 2:8-9
God saved you by His grace when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this;  it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

Our salvation is a gift of God, not something of our own doing.  (When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That's very nice..... so how much do I owe you for that?"  No, the appropriate response to a gift is "thank you."  Yet and still many Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God.  We simply need to respond with gratitude, praise and joy. 

Psalm 68:18
When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives.  You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you.  Now the Lord God will live among us there.

God is pictured as a conqueror marching to the gates and taking tribute from the fallen city.  Christ, in His crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over Satan.  When Christ ascended to heaven, He gave gifts to the church. 

Love was met, the price was paid, the blood was shed, life was exchanged, sins were erased, salvation was given, and the VICTORY was WON!  That's enough passion to last a life time and then some.  I wouldn't trade my Lord and Savior for the things of this world.  He gave His all for me...... and besides, what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul????  There is no benefit in gaining the world. 

Search your heart of Passion..... Do you strive to have the Passion of Christ?  Was the price He paid enough for you?  The shedding of His blood certainly can not be replaced and I am eternally grateful for the Almighty God I serve.  Search the heart of God, and allow Him to be your Passion.  We are no longer dead but Alive in Him.  Blessings :)

A HOPE ONCE AND FOR ALL

Are you hurting?

Have you been betrayed?

Do you feel lonely?

Are you looking for acceptance?

Is your struggle bigger then you?

Are you overwhelmed?

Has anxiety taken over your life?

I'm not sure who this particular blog is for........ But I have good news for you!  I have an answer to your need.  I know someone that can take the hurt away and heal your wound.  I adore a man that is for me and not against me.  I met a man that promises to never leave me nor forsake me.  I honor a man that embraces me through my good times and bad times.  I acknowledge a man that stands in front of my struggle and reminds me that He is in control.  I know a man that can provide a peace that will surpass all understanding.  I have found someone that SPEAKS peace to the storm surrounding me, and that storm has to cease. 

Has your heart been broken?

Have your dreams been stolen or shattered?

Is there fear in your life that you just can't explain?

Is there any room for love anymore?

Are you hopeless?

I have good news for you!  I have an answer to your need.  I know someone that can mend your broken heart.  I know a man that restores your visions and dreams.  I acknowledge a man that says I can trust in Him for all things.  I have found someone, and His name is LOVE and HE has so much of it to give.  I met the MASTER of HOPE! 

This man's name is JESUS!  He is my Savior, Master, Lord, Lover of my Soul, Redeemer, Lifter of my Head, Shelter, Comforter, Healer, Provider, and Joy!  He's everything I want, everything I hope in.  He has done a work in me and I'm ever grateful.  When I look at how far the Lord has brought me, I can't help but be thankful for His mercies that are new every morning.  

I want to encourage you today to come to the Father!  If you are in need of healing, love, peace, comfort, etc.... God is waiting to hear from you.  This life is not a perfect life, and no one has a perfect story.  But I know a God that is perfect and doesn't make mistakes.  When God made you..... He made perfection thru Jesus.  We are not perfect, but perfect through His Son Jesus Christ. 


His word says you can stand.  He'll cover you with His grace.  Everything you need is in your hand, so lift up your head and say.......

All things are working for me.  Even things I can't see.  Your ways are so beyond me.  But you said that you would let it be for my good.  So I'll rest and just believe. 

~Fred Hammond~

1 Timothy 1:15-17
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.  "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" and I am the worst of them all.  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners.  Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.  All honor and glory to God forever and ever!  He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God.  Amen.