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Blooming.

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Sabbath - Sending His Faithful

John 20:19-23 ESV

“19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld."

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Path of greens

Leading to where I can take you

To remember the lush feeling that we had

Under the clouds sharing each other’s thoughts.

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Heavenly Father, I pray to Thee,

That thou art guide me,

Bless me and provide me, the faith and courage to face what the enemy instills in me. For I know I am weak without you my Lord.

And here I am bowing down to my knee; hear me; have mercy on me; though I am not worthy, still I beg for your Grace.

For your love is everlasting. Even to the lowliest, you have given forgiveness.

Let your love shower on me so I may shower it to others who needs it.

Let your Spirit dwell on me, so I may have the wisdom to understand your words, your commands, the truth on about your salvation.

All these I humbly ask in your mighty name, Amen.

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Plagues in the Bible Lesson 04: Plagues in the Wilderness

After the ten plagues of Egypt, the people of Israel were led out of Egypt by Moses.  After such an experience, one would think the people of Israel had more than their fair share of plagues.  However, they went through at least four more plagues in their wilderness journey?  What happened and why?

Let’s read together Exodus 16:1-16; Numbers 11:1-6, 18-20, 31-33; and Psalms 78:17-32,  105:40, 106:13-15.

The Bible records two times where the people of Israel were asking for meat.  Both times God responded by giving them quail.  Why did God send a plague upon the people of Israel the second time?

God showed mercy towards the people of Israel the first time they asked for meat.  However, the people of Israel demonstrated distrust of God when they asked for meat the second time.  God had already provided them food daily by giving them manna.  He also gave them water when they needed it.  Yet, the people of Israel were tired of manna and craving meat.  They even went so far as to crave the food they had when they were slaves in Egypt.

Interestingly, the name “Kibroth Hattaavah” can be translated as “graves of craving” or “graves of lust.”  God punished the people of Israel for giving into their carnal cravings.  

Let’s read together Numbers chapters 13 and 14.

Moses sent twelve spies to check out the land of Canaan.  They returned after forty days and confirmed that land was indeed bountiful.  However, ten of the spies told the people of Israel that they would not be able to conquer the inhabitants of the land, who were simply too large and powerful.

Joshua and Caleb begged  the people of Israel to follow the word of the Lord in faith to enter the promised land in faith.  However, the people murmured against Moses and Aaron, wanting to choose new leaders to take them back to Egypt. 

In response to the people’s rebellion, God sent a plague that killed the ten spies.  The people of Israel would also not be allowed to enter the promised land for another forty years.  They would all die in the wilderness, except for Joshua and Caleb.  Thus, the people of Israel were punished for blatantly doubting God’s promises and seeking to make their own way.

Let’s read together Number 16:46-50; Romans 8:34; and Hebrews 7:25.

Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.  They contended for the leadership of Israel, but they failed to acknowledge that it was God who appointed Moses and Aaron to be leaders.  Korah, Dathan, and Abiram were killed by God for their presumption.

However, the rebellion did not end there.  The next day the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, siding with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.  God sent a plague upon the people of Israel.  Aaron rushed into the camp with a censer to atone for the people of Israel.  He literally stood between the living and the dead to end the plague.

Aaron’s intercessory action pointed to Jesus, who would stand between us and the plague of sin.

Let’s read together Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:13-15; and John 12:30-36.

Once again, the people of Israel murmured against Moses.  God sent poisonous fiery serpents to plague them in response.  God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and set it upon a pole.  Anyone bit by a fiery serpent would live if they looked upon the bronze snake.  However, if they refused to look up at the bronze snake, they would die.

This incident foreshadowed Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.  Jesus died bearing all the sins of humanity.  Everyone who repents of their sins and accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved.  However, anyone who refuses to accept Jesus will die in their own sins.

Let’s read together Isaiah 45:22; John 14:6; 1 John 2:1; and Hebrews 12:2.

What can we learn from these plagues in the wilderness?  We will die in our sins if we rely upon ourselves.  Instead, we need to look upon Jesus and accept His infinite sacrifice on the cross.  Jesus is the only One who can save us from the plague of sin.

Friend, will you confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

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Blessed before breakfast 🙏. #perksofasinglemom #blessed #metime #mybreakfastandme😏 #thankfulthursday #missthismoment (at Pan de Amerikana) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn29IkuvfJz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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Sometimes, we may feel unworthy being followers of Christ. But because of his love and mercy, even how many times we fail Him, still he stretched out his hand and save us from sinking. Just like saying, “ I got you my child.” Praise to you my Lord.

The Disciples of Jesus Lesson 09: Simon Peter

This man is one of the most well-known of Jesus’ disciples.  He went from a lowly fisherman to being one of the pillars of the early church.  Who are we talking about?

Let’s read together Matthew 20:2; Mark 3:13-16; and 1 Peter 1:1

Today we will study Peter.  

Let’s read together Matthew 15:15; Matthew 16:16; Mark 5:37; Mark 9:2; Luke 5:1-11; Luke 9:28-32; and John 13:3-11.

While Peter was only a fisherman, he quickly became a leader among the disciples.  Peter was willing to ask questions and speak his mind when the other disciples were silent.  Peter was one of the first disciples to proclaim aloud Jesus as the Son of God.  Peter even became part of Jesus’ inner circle, alongside James and John.

While there are many stories we pick from to discuss Peter, we will focus on two stories.  We will look at Peter at his best and Peter at his worst.

Let’s read together Matthew 14:25-33.

This passage tells the story of Jesus walking on the sea to meet his disciples.  When they saw Jesus, they were greatly afraid at first because they thought He was some sort of spirit.  However, Peter was the first one to realize it was Jesus walking on the water.  Peter asked Jesus to command him to walk on water also.

Jesus obliged and Peter got out of the boat in the middle of the sea to walk towards Jesus.  Peter took his eyes off Jesus momentarily and noticed the boisterous wind and turbulent waters around him.  Peter began to sink and cried for Jesus to save him.  Jesus picked Peter up out of the water and gently rebuked him for his lack of faith.

You may be tempted to think of this story as a lesson of failure.  However, of all the disciples, Peter was the only one with enough faith to ask Jesus to command him to walk on water.  No one else dared to get out of the boat.  In addition, when Peter realized he was sinking, he knew that only Jesus could help him.  This is the type of faith Jesus wants us to have, to step out of our comfort zone and go towards Him.

Let’s read together Matthew 26:34-35; Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:33-38; and Luke 22:54-62.

Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him three times.  Peter refuted Jesus’ statement, boldly proclaiming he would rather die for him first.  However, Jesus’ words came to pass and Peter denied Him three times.  Peter even cursed and swore to hide the fact he was a follower of Christ.

Why did Peter fail Jesus so spectacularly?  Peter made the same mistake as the children of Israel when they promised Moses they would obey God’s words (Exodus 19:8).  Peter tried to follow Jesus on his own strength.  If Peter had prayed with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, he would have been strengthened for the trial to come.  Let this be a lesson to us.  We must depend on Jesus for everything (Philippians 4:13).

Let’s read together John 18:15-19 and 1 John 1:9.

Jesus is so merciful.  He forgave Peter and restored his apostleship after Peter repented of his sin.  No matter how badly we fail Jesus, He is willing to forgive us our sins if we confess and repent of them.

Peter may not have had a perfect faith as a disciple of Jesus, but he had great passion and a willingness to learn from his mistakes.  Friend, are you willing to learn the lessons of faith Peter learned?

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Back To Basics Lesson 19: The Law Of Liberty

Roy was reading his Bible in the living room when his brother John came in.

“What are you doing, Roy?”

“Oh, I am reading Exodus chapter 20. I am trying to memorize the Ten Commandments.”

“What? What for? Don’t you know those old stuffy laws were done away with at the cross? We don’t need to worry about keeping those old commandments anymore as long as we follow the spirit of the law! It’s all about love now, Roy.”

Are John’s assertions true? Are the Ten Commandments no longer really relevant in our lives today? Let’s find out today as we study the law of God.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 10:1-4; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 31:26; and Revelation 11:19.

God’s divine law is embodied in the Ten Commandments. Note that the Ten Commandments are not the same thing as the law of Moses. The Ten Commandments were placed inside the ark of the covenant in the sanctuary. On the other hand, the book of the law of Moses was placed beside the ark of the covenant. Additionally, in the book of Revelation, when John saw a glimpse of the temple of heaven, he saw the ark of the covenant.

Let’s read together Psalm 19:7-14; Psalm 40:7-8; and 1 John 5:3.

The Bible clearly states there is nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments in and of themselves. In fact, the law of God is perfect. The Bible goes even further and calls the law of God a delight for His believers.

If the law of God is indeed perfect and delightful, then why do so many Christians today see the Ten Commandments as burdensome?

Let’s read together Exodus 19:8; 24:3, 7; Hebrews 8:13; Jeremiah 31:33-34; and Hebrews 10:16.

In the eyes of many Christians, the Ten Commandments are linked to the old covenant God made with the Jewish people. They have the mistaken belief there must be something wrong with the Ten Commandments because the old covenant failed. They claim Jesus did away with the Ten Commandments at the cross and replaced them with simplified rules to love God and their fellow man.

However, the old covenant failed because the Jewish people tried to obey God on their own strengths and merits. There was nothing wrong with the Ten Commandments or God’s part of the old covenant. The difference between the old covenant and new covenant is that Jesus promises to empower us to keep God’s law.

Let’s read together 1 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 3:1-31; and Romans 6:23.

The Ten Commandments cannot save us - we are only saved by faith in Jesus Christ. Think of the Ten Commandments as a diagnostic tool like a mirror. The Ten Commandments reveal to us our sinfulness and how far we are off from the mark of perfection. When we realize how sinful we are, we are made acutely aware of our need for Jesus. The law of God encourages us to go to Jesus to confess our sins.

Let’s read together Matthew 22:36-40; John 14:15; and John 15:17-20.

Love is at the heart of the law of God. The Ten Commandments are actually a reflection of His character. We are accustomed to thinking about the Ten Commandments as a list of “don’ts” - you shall not do this or you shall not do that. However, the Ten Commandments are actually positive values and promises Jesus makes to us. For example, the first commandment teaches us that God values loyalty. He promises to be our everything.

Let’s read together Matthew 5:17-20 and Romans 8:3-4.

Contrary to what many Christians believe, Jesus never tried to change the law of God. Rather, He upheld the law of God His entire life here on earth. Jesus freed the law of God from all the constraints and burdens placed upon it by man and his faulty interpretations.

Let’s read together Ephesians 2:8-10; Hebrews 8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; Revelation 12:17 and 14:12.

God’s people in the end times will uphold the Ten Commandments, which distinguishes them from the rest of the world. They know the law of God does not save them. They know they cannot keep the law of God on their own. Nevertheless, they put their faith in Jesus and uphold the law of God out of love and obedience to Him.

Friend, will you uphold the law of God out of love and obedience to Jesus?

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Back To Basics Lesson 20: God's Rhythm

Millions of sincere Christians go to church every Sunday to worship God. They have been taught that Sunday is the “Christian Sabbath” and that the original seventh-day Sabbath is only for the Jews. If one were to try to observe the Sabbath today, that would be considered legalism in their eyes.

However, is this what the Bible really teaches? Let us learn about the Sabbath and what it truly means in today’s lesson.

Let’s read together Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 58:5-6; Mark 2:27; and Hebrews 4:1-11.

The Sabbath is one of two institutions God made at Creation. (The other was the institution of marriage.) Why did God make the Sabbath? The Bible states in Isaiah 40:28 that God does not get tired. God did not need the rest. Rather, God made the Sabbath for the benefit of mankind. He wanted mankind to have a dedicated day to rest from their worldly labors and commune with God.

Note that the Sabbath was in existence long before there was a Jew on earth. The Sabbath was first kept by Adam and Eve! The Sabbath is for everyone!

Let’s read together Exodus 20:8-11.

The Sabbath was so important to God, it is actually part of His divine law. God made the observance of the Sabbath one of His Ten Commandments. He even explicitly tells us to remember the Sabbath, because He knew mankind would forget about it.

Let’s read together Genesis 1:5, 31; Exodus 16:26; and Leviticus 23:3

What day is the Sabbath? The Bible clearly states that Sabbath is Saturday, the seventh day of the week. One thing to note is the Sabbath begins at Friday evening at sunset and ends Saturday evening at sunset. This reckoning of a day is different from what we are used to (midnight to midnight).

It is interesting to note that there is nothing in nature or science to explain the weekly cycle. A day is twenty four hours long because that is the time it takes for earth to revolve on its axis. A month is approximately 30 days because that is the time it takes for the moon to revolve around the earth. A year is approximately 364.25 days because that is the time it takes for the earth to revolve around the sun.

However, only the Bible offers an explanation for a week, which begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:8-11; 31:13-17; and Ezekiel 8:12, 20.

Just as a king puts a royal seal to signify a document, God’s mark of authority is the Sabbath. When we worship on the Sabbath, we are acknowledging God as our Creator. When we worship on the Sabbath, we show that we believe God created the world in six literal days.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 5:12-15.

If you read the fourth commandment in Deuteronomy chapter 5, you will find that God tells us the Sabbath is also a symbol of redemption. When you observe the Sabbath, you acknowledge Jesus has redeemed us from our sins just as He redeemed the Israelites from Egypt.

So, how are we supposed to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy?

Let’s read together Isaiah 58:13-14; Matthew 12:1-12; and Hebrews 4:1-11.

God calls us to rest from worldly labors. While physical rest is important, the Sabbath is also about spiritual rest and renewal. Rather than worry about business and work, we have time to focus on our relationship with God. We can strengthen our relationship with God through worship with other believers, Bible study, prayer, or even being out in nature to marvel at His creation. We can also do good deeds and engage in ministries of healing just as Jesus did.

Let’s read together Malachi 3:6; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 26:28; and Hebrews 9:16-17.

Was the Sabbath changed to Sunday? Not according to the Bible. Jesus did not change the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday when He made the new covenant. Jesus observed the Sabbath His entire life on earth (Luke 4:16) and even in death.

Jesus’ followers kept the Sabbath even after His death (Luke 23:54-56). Paul the Apostle also kept the Sabbath during his ministry (Acts 13:42-44, 16:3, 17:1-3). In fact, Jesus expected His followers to keep the Sabbath even in the end times (Matthew 24:20). The Bible even mentions the Sabbath will be kept on the new earth after Satan is ultimately defeated and sin is eradicated (Isaiah 66:23).

Let’s read together Isaiah 58:13; Luke 6:5; and Revelation 1:10.

Many Christians call Sunday the Lord’s day and worship on that day in honor of Jesus’ resurrection. However, the Bible states the Lord’s day is actually the seventh-day Sabbath. Jesus’ death and resurrection is symbolized in the act of baptism (Romans 6:4).

Some people point to Acts 20:7 and say the breaking of bread on the first day of the week is proof Christians worshiped on Sunday. However, Acts 2:42-46 showed that the disciples “broke bread daily.” Additionally, considering how Jewish people reckon time (Genesis 1:5), “the first day” in Acts 20:7 is actually Saturday evening. (Paul preached from Saturday evening to midnight Sunday.) Therefore, Acts 20:7 cannot be proof of Sunday worship.

Other people point to 1 Corinthians 16:2 that tithe was collected on the first day of the week, which implies Sunday worship. However, Acts 11:28-30 indicate that the collection was actually a special offering to help the brethren suffering from a famine in Judea. Paul asked that people set the money aside early as a matter of convenience before he came to take the offering back to Judea.

Let’s read together Psalm 119:105; John 14:15; Luke 22:42; and Revelation 14:12.

Have you ever heard a catchy song you enjoyed so much that it seems to stay in your head? You may find yourself mentally grooving to that song throughout the day. If you want to sing along with that song or hum it, you have to follow the rhythm of that song. In the same way, the Sabbath is God’s rhythm. It is different from the rhythm of the world and may seem counterintuitive at first.

However, if you love God, you will want to follow His rhythm. You do not keep the Sabbath out of obligation or a belief that Sabbath keeping will save you. You keep the Sabbath out of love for Jesus.

Unlike other religions which have holy places people have to make a pilgrimage to visit, the Sabbath comes to you every week. Even if you are in prison, on a desert island, or even outer space, you can experience the Sabbath. When you follow God’s rhythm and truly keep the Sabbath, your mindset will change. The Sabbath will become the highlight of your week as you cannot wait to rest in Christ and spend time with your Creator and Redeemer.

Friend, will you take a step in faith and observe the Sabbath and keep it holy?

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Back To Basics Lesson 11: Growing Gains

When you make a decision to follow Jesus, what happens next? When you get baptized, does that mean you have arrived as a Christian? Today we will study what happens after you receive salvation.

Let's read together 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 23:4; Luke 10:17-20; and Romans 8:38-39.

We can have victory over sin and salvation through Jesus. No matter what happened in your past, Jesus can give you a new life. Even if you engaged in dark spiritual practices or you were held down by demonic powers, Jesus can overcome it all (Colossians 1:13-14). All you have to do is make a conscious choice to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and forsake your old ways. The Bible states you cannot compromise on this issue. You cannot serve two masters. You must love one and hate the other (Matthew 6:24).

Let's read together 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Colossians 2:6; Ephesians 6:12-18; Philippians 3:7-14; and 2 Peter 3:18.

The Bible exhorts to grow in Christ. This means you need to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. Why is this important? Let's discuss a couple of examples to better explain this.

How do you know if you have a good friend? You can't claim to have a good friend after only one conversation with a person. You have to spend enough time with that person and learn about who that person is. It is only after spending a significant amount of time that you can get to a point where you say, "I know this person really well."

Another example would be a basketball player joining a professional basketball team. While that player may be talented enough to make the team, that player cannot simply show up to the arena just before tip-off and expect to be an impactful player. That player must learn the team plays. That player must train diligently and work to correct any flaws and weaknesses. That player must take the coach's advice. That player must spend time with the teammates on the court to develop a rapport.

In the same way, you cannot develop a strong relationship with Jesus if all the time you spend with Him is going to church for an hour once a week. You need to take the time to know Jesus and learn about Him. So, how do we grow in Christ?

Let's read together Jeremiah 29:12; Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2; and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Prayer is our guaranteed communication link with God. When we pray to God, it is like getting to know Him better through conversation. We can come to God with all our problems. We can thank Him for all the blessings He has given us. Prayer will draw us closer to Jesus.

Let's read together Deuteronomy 11:18-23; Psalm 1:1-2; Acts 17:11; and 2 Timothy 3:14-17.

Daily Bible study is essential to help us grow in Christ. The Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament, testifies of Jesus. We can learn about His life, study His character, and follow His example (Psalm 77:11-12; John 15:5-8).

Let's read together Ephesians 5:19-20 and Hebrews 10:25.

We can grow in Christ when we meet with other believers. Our faith in Jesus and our relationship with Him will deepen when we worship together as a group. We will speak more on this topic in the next lesson.

Let's read together Matthew 23:31-46 and James 1:27.

We can grow in Christ when we engage in service to others. Jesus spent much of His ministry healing and meeting the needs of the people. We should follow Jesus' example and do likewise. Our relationship with Jesus will strengthen when we help others and not be so focused on self.

So, how do we know we are truly growing in Christ?

Let's read together Galatians 5:22-25.

When we grow in Christ, our character will conform to be more like His. Our lives will change. We may not notice it ourselves, but people will see something is different about us. When we grow in Christ, we will manifest the fruits of the spirit.

Let's read together Galatians 2:16; James 2:14-26; Philippians 1:6 and 2:12.

We can do nothing on our own merit to earn salvation - it is a gift from God. When we receive salvation from Jesus, we are forgiven of all sins and declared righteous. This is called justification. Jesus receives us as we are, imperfect and full of sin. However, He does not leave us there. Jesus wants us to grow in Him and deepen our relationship with Him. This process is called sanctification. Day by day, we conform closer to the image of Jesus. This is the work of a lifetime and Jesus promises us one day we will be perfect in Him.

Friend, are you willing to grow in Christ?

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Back To Basics Lesson 10: What Does It Mean to Be Saved?

How would you explain the experience of salvation to someone? In other words, what would you say when someone asks you what it is like to be a Christian? Is life easier when you become a Christian? Harder? We will explore these questions in today's Bible study.

Let's read together Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3;23; and Romans 6:23.

People live. People die. This is the reality in this world, however it is not how God meant for it to be. If you ever experienced the death of a loved one, it feels wrong. You may have even asked yourself, "Why do people have to die, especially the ones we love?"

Death was not part of God's original plan. He created humanity with eternity in mind (Ecclesiastes 3:11). However, sin entered into the world through our ancestors Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:23). All of humanity became sinners. We became separated from God, the source of life. The end result of sin is death.

Let's read together Genesis 3:15; John 3:16; and Romans 5:6-10.

What is salvation? It is the deliverance from the power and effects of sin. Salvation means we do not have to die forever. Jesus Christ died for the sins of all of humanity two thousand years ago. Jesus' sacrifice opens a way for us to be saved.

Let's read together Isaiah 45:22; John 14:6; Romans 3:21-26; Galatians 3:13-14; and Galatians 4:4-7.

Salvation is only possible through Jesus. There is no other way to be saved.

Let's read together Acts 16:30-31; Romans 10:9; and Ephesians 2:4-10.

How do we receive salvation? What must we do to be saved? We cannot do any great work or deed on our own to merit salvation (Isaiah 64:6). However, salvation is a free gift from God. It is ours for the taking. How does this work?

Let's say you received a free ticket to Disneyland. You did nothing to earn a trip to Disneyland. You didn't pay for the ticket. However, that ticket does nothing for you if you leave it in your closet and forget about it. You have to bring that free ticket to Disneyland to gain admission.

If you want to be saved, you only have to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (Philippians 3:20).

Let's read together Ezekiel 33:11; John 16:8; Romans 10:10; and Colossians 1:13-14.

Repentance is part of the salvation experience. Do you remember the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)? After the son frivolously wasted his father's inheritance and hit rock bottom, he came to his senses. He realized the error of his ways. He decided to go back home and beg his father for forgiveness. The son realized he was no longer worthy to be called his father's son. The son only hoped the father would be merciful enough to allow him to come back home and work as a hired hand.

However, as the son was getting close to home, the father saw him. The father had compassion and love for his son, despite all the shame and humiliation his son brought upon the family name. The father actually broke cultural norms by running out to greet his son.

The son confessed his sins before his father and repented. However, much to the son's surprise, the father ordered for his son to be dressed in the best robe, and given a ring and sandals. The father also ordered a great celebration for his son's return.

It doesn't matter where we are in life and what we have done in the past. God can forgive all sins if you truly repent of them. Consider the story of the woman caught in adultery. Jesus could have stoned her, but He did not. He forgave the woman and told her to go and sin no more. In the same way, we are to give up all cherished sins and follow Jesus in the light.

Let's read together Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Mark 9:23-24; John 3:3-8; Romans 8:1-4; and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

So what does it mean to be saved? Theologically speaking, we are no longer under the condemnation of sin and death. We have the assurance that, though we may die, Jesus will one day return for His people and raise us again.

Practically speaking, if we truly accept salvation from Jesus, our lives will change. Our priorities will change. Our relationships with others will change for the better. Although we may stumble and still sin on occasion, we repent of those sins. We follow Jesus wholeheartedly and grow more dependent upon Him day by day.

Friend, will you accept the salvation Jesus has to offer you?

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Back To Basics Lesson 09: Matters of Death and Life

Jesus' death at the cross is at the heart of Christian theology. Virtually all Christians understand Jesus died for our sins at Calvary and was resurrected three days later. However, what does that mean, exactly? Why should Jesus' death matter to us? Why should His resurrection matter? We are going to try to answer these questions in today's Bible study.

Let's read together Revelation 12:7-12; Job 1:6-12; John 14:30; Job 1:6-12; and Genesis 3:1-15.

In our last lesson we learned there is a great spiritual battle between Jesus and Satan. In this conflict, God's character is on trial. Satan accuses God of being arbitrary and unfair. He also claims it is impossible to follow God's laws. Humanity became a casualty in this ongoing war and is doomed to death without divine intervention. However, not all is lost, a Messiah was prophesied to save humanity.

Let's read together John 1:1, 14; Isaiah 53:2; Philippians 2:6-7; Romans 8:3-4; and 1 Peter 2:21-22.

Jesus answered Satan's accusations by setting aside His divinity and living on earth as a human like you and me. It may be impossible to understand how Jesus, who is 100% God, also became 100% human (1 Timothy 3:16). Yet, Jesus lived a human life in perfect obedience to God. Jesus went through the same struggles as the rest of us.

Jesus did not grow up with privilege. He was poor (John 1:46; 2 Corinthians 8:9). He had to learn a trade (Mark 6:3). Although we know Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), He had to deal with questions about his parentage (John 9:24). Jesus was constantly harassed and attacked by the Pharisees during His ministry (Matthew 11:19; Mark 2:16). Jesus was beaten and tortured (Mark 15:15). Jesus even faced temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11).

Despite all of this, Jesus never sinned. He did not even raise His voice against those who mocked and accused Him (Isaiah 53:1-9). Jesus proved Satan wrong and showed the universe perfect obedience to God is possible.

Let's read together John 3:16; Psalm 22:1; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 John 2:2; and 1 John 4:10.

Imagine a murderer who decides to change his ways and lives like a humble saint for the rest of his life. He can do good works and be a credit to society, but he can never bring back the lives of those he murdered. In the same way, our sins have separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2). No matter what we do, we cannot atone for our sins on our own.

However, Jesus loves us so much, He is willing to give up His life for us to bridge that gap between us and God (Genesis 28:12).

It is impossible to overstate the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice. A person may be willing to give up their life for someone they love or someone they believe is important (Romans 5:7). However, would you be willing to die for someone unworthy? A drug dealer? A murderer? We are all unworthy, wretched sinners in the eyes of God, yet Jesus was willing to exchange His righteous life for our unrighteous lives.

Jesus died the death we all deserve to give us a chance to live the life He deserves. Jesus's sacrifice on the cross is as relevant to us today as it was two thousand years ago.

Let's read together Romans 1:4, 3:25, 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-22; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Colossians 2:15; and Philippians 2:8-11.

Jesus' resurrection is proof Jesus' death is sufficient atonement for our sins. It also demonstrated decisively that Jesus overcame the power of sin and death (Acts 2:24). Jesus' resurrection is a rebuke to Satan's accusations against God.

Jesus' resurrection gives us all hope we can also have victory over sin and death. We can look forward to Jesus' second coming and judgment day without fear or trepidation.

God gave us His Son to save us from our sins. Jesus' life shows us obedience to God is possible. We can live just as Christ lived.

Jesus' death shows us the power of sin has been broken. We can be forgiven of all sins if we ask God for forgiveness and we accept Jesus' death on the cross as a substitute for us.

Jesus' resurrection gives us hope that we have life beyond this earthly death. His resurrection gives us the promise we can have victory over sin and the grave.

Friend, are you willing to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

[chaguia]

Proverbs 3:5-7

[5] Trust in YAHUAH with All your Heart, And lean NOT on your own understanding;

[6] In ALL your ways Acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

[7] Do Not be wise in your own eyes; Fear YAHUAH and Depart from evil.

[chaguia]

• 2 Chronicles 7:14

If My People who are called by My Name will Humble Themselves, and Pray and Seek My face, and Turn From Their Wicked Ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

• Proverbs 28:13

He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and Forsakes Them will have Mercy.

• Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 18:21 את Cepher

Humble yourself before you be sick, and in the time of sins show Repentance.

[chaguia]

Acts 4:12

Neither is there Salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.