Just a Minute!

Sexual temptation is everywhere. You can’t escape its brazen invitation. It’s a big problem in this sexually charged culture in which we live.

It’s a big problem in the church, one that is much bigger than most of us want to admit. And it is one we shouldn’t ignore.

Here is the reality. This temptation will knock on your door. You can count on it.

You drive by a bill board, or see a provocative television ad, or find disturbing images from an innocent internet search.

And it’s right there staring you in the face.

What do you do? How do you handle that situation as a Christian?

Turn and run. The Biblical word is flee.

It’s not super spiritual, but it’s effective.

Follow this advise and sexual temptation will never become sexual immorality.

Categories: Sin Christian Living Righteousness/Justification

Jesus was raised from the dead.

He is alive and he will never die again.

Which means death no longer has dominion over him.

That’s Jesus. But what about you?

Well here is your story as Paul writes it.

You have been baptized, or placed into Christ’s death, burial and resurrection through faith in him.

Which means your old man was crucified with Christ.

This is good news, because the one who has died has been set free from sin. Sin is no longer your master.

And since you have died with Christ, you will also live with him.

Death no longer has dominion over you.

Because he lives, you live.

So today, live in this truth. Count yourself dead to sin, and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Categories: Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Resurrection Hope

The book of Hebrews was written to make this one point — the New covenant is better than the Old in every way.

The reason is simple. The New Covenant totally rests on the shoulders of Jesus.

His once for all sacrifice.

His eternal priesthood.

His indestructible life.

As Hebrews 7:22 states, “This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.”

His finished work on the cross guarantees every promise, every provision.

His resurrected life in you guarantees that every promise, every provision of the New Covenant becomes a reality in your life.

No longer do you have to rely on human effort. you can trust the one who loved you and gave himself for you.

So what makes the New Covenant better than the Old?

In a word — Jesus.

Categories: New Covenant Jesus Christ

Here are three reasons the New Covenant is better than the old.

The new covenant gives Hope — Jesus shed his blood so that you could stand before God as righteous, holy and perfect. This work guarantees that you will be him forever. And that’s hope.

Also in the New Covenant you are free — You are no longer in bondage to sin and death. or under the control of sin. Now you are led by the Spirit. And as Paul wrote, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

And this freedom brings Transformation — That Old Covenant kept you trapped in your sinfulness. But now that you are free, God’s Spirit is transforming you through faith into the likeness of Christ, from glory to glory.

And that’s better.

Categories: New Covenant Hope Righteousness/Justification

The New Covenant is better than the Old in every way.

2 Corinthians 3 gives the reasons why.

First the New Covenant is a ministry of Life — As Paul wrote, “the law kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The end of the law was death. But through the New Covenant, you receive life, Christ’s very life.

Next, it is a ministry of Righteousness — Now the law is a ministry of condemnation. But the New, God makes you righteous in Jesus. You are accepted.

And finally this New Covenant is Eternal — The Old Covenant was temporary. It ended at the cross. But the New is eternal. Which means Jesus’ promises last forever. Which means you eternally secure in Christ.

Categories: New Covenant Hope Righteousness/Justification

“Since then you have been raised with Christ…”

Now that should get your attention.

Paul is declaring a truth about you.

Christian, you have been raised with Christ. And it happened the moment you believed.

In the same way that God raised Jesus Christ physically 2000 years ago, he raised you raised spiritually to live a new life.

Now, since this is true, seek the things that are above where Christ is.

In other words, look to Jesus. He is now your life. And nothing in this world compares to Him. And while you are seeking the things above, set your mind there as well.

That’s where true joy and peace are experienced, You will never find them in the world

So don’t sell your self short. You have new life.

You’ve been raised with Christ.

Categories: Resurrection Jesus Christ Hope

It Is finished!

A victory cry pierced that the darkest moment in human history.

Just three words uttered from a Roman cross but three words that changed everything.

Sin, your sin, had been dealt with once and for all — sent away for ever. The powers and authorities that once controlled you had been disarmed and totally defeated by the cross. The curtain was torn from top to bottom opening the way into God’s presence for everyone who believes.

And as a result today, you stand as a forgiven person. Free from the control of sin and death and fully alive and abiding in the love of Jesus. And it’s all yours because of Christ’s victory at the cross.

Today, let "It is finished!" be your victory cry.

Categories: Jesus Christ Sin Forgiveness/Repentance New Covenant

The resurrection of Jesus Christ guarantees your eternal security. Because he lives forever, so will you.

But his resurrection also gives you a new way to live here and now.

In this new way of life, sin and death can no longer have their way with you.

As Paul wrote, “sin is no longer your master”. Your old self that was under sin’s control was crucified with Christ, dead and buried. So count yourself dead to sin and fully alive to God, living through the power of grace.

Say along with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Categories: Jesus Christ Resurrection Faith Hope Love

The evidence is overwhelming concerning the resurrection.

Jesus Christ is alive. He was raised from the dead just as he said.

And since Christ was raised, he cannot die again.

Paul put it this way, “death no longer has mastery over him” (Romans 6:9).

Now here is what that means to you. Because he lives forever, you, as a Christian, will live forever.

If you have ever wondered about your eternal security, these words from Hebrews should erase all doubt and fear:

“Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:24-25).

Because Jesus lives, you have been saved completely.

Categories: Jesus Christ Resurrection Faith Hope Love

Most of you are familiar with the song, Because He Lives.

The lyrics, penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither, strike the chord of hope in every person who genuinely believes that Jesus Christ lives today.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone,
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

And the good news is that he lives in you! And that makes you eternally secure.

For many, the question of salvation weighs heavy on their hearts. They wonder, “Have I done enough? Or, been good enough?”

The answer to both questions is “No!”

But Jesus did enough through his death, burial and resurrection.

And he is alive forevermore. Because he lives, you live forever.

Categories: Jesus Christ Faith Hope Love Resurrection