Our pastor frequently describes the difference between Christianity and other world religions as this...
He came to us.All other religions are about how can I get to God, whether it is how can I clean myself up or how can I live my life right or just what do I need to
DO so I will find him.
The Gospel is this...we get HIM. HE came to us. The
Creator of the universe, (let that one weigh on you for a second...
Every star, every blade of grass and EVERYTHING in between, was created, ordered, put into motion and sustained by HIM)...The creator of the universe humbled himself, took on human flesh (as a helpless baby), and died on a cross...all so that we can have HIM.
And why did He do this?
Because He loves us. Not just the general, all encompassing "us", but the personal, you and me, "us."
So...all of this to say...
In case you have forgotten (as I frequently do) or in case you have never heard...
The Father loves you. He sent Jesus to die for you. Jesus willingly and obediently laid down His life for you. This is the joy that was set before him...you!
Hebrews 12:2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Acts 4:10,12then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
