Because He Lives

Jesus willingly came to earth to pay the penalty for our sin. Because God loves us, He sent His Son to suffer the death we deserve. Jesus’ blood has set us free from eternal punishment. His resurrection set us free from the power of sin’s control.

It is April 11, 2020, the day before​​ Easter Sunday, and the​​ world is in a​​ pandemic. ​​ Covid19 is showing its affects worldwide. ​​ The phrases ‘social distancing’, ‘safer at home’, ‘self quarantine’, ‘essential business’, ‘the curve’, and ‘shelter in place’​​ have become everyday vocabulary. ​​ There may be​​ uncertainty​​ in the​​ world;​​ however,​​ there is absolute security in Christ. ​​ There are Truths we can stand on with confidence.

We are justified. ​​ We have peace.

Romans 5:1 Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We stand in grace, we rejoice in hope.

Romans 5:2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

We find joy in difficulty because we know God is working in us.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;​​ and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;

We are satisfied in God’s love.

Romans 5:5 and hope does not​​ disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

HOW?​​ 

Romans 5:6-9 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. ​​ For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.​​ ​​ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.​​ ​​ Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath [of God] through Him.

Jesus willingly came to earth​​ to pay the​​ penalty for our sin.  ​​​​ Because God loves us, He sent His Son to suffer the death we deserve.​​ ​​ Jesus’ blood has set us free from eternal punishment. ​​​​ His resurrection set us free from the power of sin’s control. ​​ 

Are you willing to​​ answer the following questions honestly?

Does your faith produce peace?

Do you rest in God’s​​ grace with hope for the future?​​ 

Do you find joy in all circumstances?​​ 

Are you​​ certain​​ of​​ God’s love for you?

Will you kneel before your Lord and Savior as you remember His sacrifice?

Celebrate His Redeeming Grace, His Power, and His Mercy towards you! ​​​​ Have a glorious​​ Easter​​ because He lives!

 

Author: Sharyn Balogh

You know it's difficult to write about yourself. The most important fact I can disclose is that I'm saved by God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. My desire is to live a life honoring to God in response for the gift of salvation I've been given. This is so much easier said than done! I struggle daily with right choices, right words, right thoughts, and right actions. My best and only defense against sin is the power of God in me and for that I am inexpressibly thankful. I have three amazing grown-up children who have responded to God's call in their lives along with their spouses. One of the great joys of my life is knowing my children and their families strive to serve and follow God. My grandchildren are another wonderful joy in my life! My husband and I are blessed with four beautiful grandchildren to date with another expected very soon on September 12th. We also are thankful for the comforting knowledge that an additional three of our grandchildren, a set of twins at three months gestation and a little boy, Isaac, at four and a half months gestation, are in our Savior's presence. I have attended the same church since the day my eyes were opened to Truth over thirty years ago. How fortunate it is to have been led by God’s hand immediately to a church body that follows the Bible, no man-made doctrines, just the Word clear and strong. My husband is my best friend, my confidant, my encourager, and I still can't believe how blessed I am by his example of love and generosity towards everyone around him. He is God-fearing, compassionate, and kind and I have learned so much from him. I am a daughter to my almost 92 year-old mother, sister to three brothers, a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, neighbor and friend. That means, whomever is reading this, we probably have something in common! I love every unique role I have been placed in. I'm frequently stretched and sometimes feel like silly putty that wants to bounce right back into my comfort zone. My greatest ambition is to be a follower of Jesus; a light that shines for Him at all times, in all circumstances. So, there it is, a bit about me. I guess I was able to write about myself after all! However, my existence cannot be defined without Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. His love has permeated my life to His glory and my eternal thankfulness.