You Set Me Free

                                                                                                                                                   -  by Rev. Hepsi

Today is April 13, 2025, It’s Palm Sunday, and we have entered the Holy Week. 

Many of us gave up something during Lent, which is a valuable spiritual discipline.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, spent 40 days and nights fasting and praying in the desert before starting his ministry. Reflecting on his sacrifices helps us face life's challenges with renewed courage. 

The topic of my message today is: You Set Me Free. 

In this discussion, we look at one passage in particular Luke 16: 19-31. Why is Jesus narrating the story of the Rich man and Lazarus? Also, why did God choose to come down in the flesh? Why did He leave His throne in heaven to live among mortals briefly? The Bible addresses crucial questions about life and death, including what happens after we die. 

Earth, Heaven, and Hell

Earth is our home planet, and it is one of the eight planets orbiting the Sun, along with numerous comets, asteroids, and dwarf planets. When we were children, we learned about the ninth planet, Pluto, which is now known as a dwarf planet.  Scientists are continually making fresh discoveries about our solar system.

By faith, we understand that there is a distant planet known as heaven. Ample evidence of this is found in the Bible. Jesus spoke both of heaven and hell. In recent times, we have been hearing people share their near-death experiences on platforms like YouTube. Many of these accounts align with the Scriptural descriptions of both places. The inhabitants in heaven experience eternal joy and perfect peace. Heaven symbolizes abundance and beauty where nothing decays or dies. Its streets are paved with gold, and its foundations are made of precious stones. We find glimpses of heaven in the gospels, the book of Revelation, and other parts of the Bible.

Once there was a rich man who lived in luxury, while a poor man named Lazarus, covered in sores, was brought to his door, hoping to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man's table.

When Lazarus died, angels took him to Abraham in heaven. The rich man also died and found himself in Hades, tormented. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus at his side and called out, “Father Abraham, have pity on me! Send Lazarus to cool my tongue with water, for I am in great pain!”

Abraham replied, “During your life, you had good things, while Lazarus faced suffering. Now he is comforted, and you are in pain. There is a Chasm between us that cannot be crossed.”

The rich man pleaded, “Please send Lazarus to warn my five brothers so they don't end up here!”

Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” The rich man insisted, “If someone rises from the dead, they will change!”

Abraham replied, “If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”

In the world, people often categorize others based on their financial status, distinguishing between the rich and the poor. Some are wealthy, while others live in poverty. The question remains: why does poverty still exist? It is a reality that persists despite years of societal progress. It is largely due to inequalities in a flawed world.

The concepts of wealth and poverty are always present in our discussions. From an earthly perspective, the rich man appears to be a clear winner in the story. However, Jesus offers a heavenly perspective that we need to consider. The rich man and the poor man had nothing in common during their lives. But one day, both of them died. Death is a common experience for all humans. After their deaths, each experienced a complete reversal of fortune.

Lazarus went to Abraham's side and was comforted, indicating that Abraham, who died long ago, was flourishing in heaven. In contrast, the rich man found himself in the torments of Hell. Despite his plight, he can see from a distance the joys that Lazarus, the beggar who once lived on the streets outside his residence, is experiencing in Heaven. During his life on earth, the rich man neither acknowledged God, nor took the opportunity to care for his impoverished neighbors like Lazarus, despite the wealth that God had given him.

There is more to consider here. Jesus is teaching us that there is an afterlife. That, both persons continue to exist in different realms: Heaven and Hell. The story affirms the certainty of eternal life after death. It highlights the important choices one must make during their time on Earth regarding where they will spend eternity.

In our world, there are always rich and poor. God loves everyone the same and extends his salvation to all people, to those who believe.  When a poor person believes in Jesus, they can become instantly enriched both spiritually and physically. Why is that? It is because they are connected to Jesus, our Savior, who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Isn’t that amazing?

Jesus is the Source of everything - Life, love, and light. Every good thing comes from God. For those who are physically needy, God promises to provide for them as stated in Philippians 4:19:

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." When you have a relationship with Jesus, you are not only spiritually enriched, but He will also take care of all your physical needs. Isn’t God so good to us? 

The rich man argued, ‘If someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” Jesus concludes the story with a powerful statement: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (v. 31). This is a significant message.

God worked many wonders through Moses and the prophets, using them to communicate about the Messiah. He warned His people about judgment and urged them to care for the poor. If the rich man’s brothers would not heed their teachings, how could a miraculous event change their minds? During His early ministry, Jesus performed extraordinary miracles, including raising people from the dead. But the enemies of Jesus still crucified him. Even when he was raised from the dead on the third day, the religious leaders of his time refused to believe him.

An important aspect to consider in the story of the "Rich Man and Lazarus" is the certainty of our eternal life, which is life after death. While on earth, we must make a choice. In the book of Revelation, the Risen Jesus said:

 "I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades" (Revelation 1:18).

Why Did God Come Down to Earth?

The season of Lent is a time of reflection and meditation on Jesus’ work on the cross. Let us reflect on why God, who is seated on the throne in heaven, chooses to come down to us. It is because God saw human misery; He recognized our sinful condition and the penalty of death that awaited all of us. Every person must die eventually. What happens after we die?

As our loving Heavenly Father, God loved us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the price on the cross to redeem us. To rescue humanity from death and destruction, Jesus had to come down as a human being and die on the cross for our salvation.

Jesus foretold of His death in this way: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him." (John 3:14-15 NIV)

Here Jesus is referring to the Old Testament account in Numbers 21: 5-9. The people of God led by Moses were complaining against the Lord. So, judgment came upon them through poisonous serpents. As a result, many died bitten by the serpents. When the people finally repented, the Lord told Moses to set a serpent on a pole (a kind of cross) so that everyone who looked at it could live. In the same way, those who face the penalty of death, can look upon Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and receive eternal life. The bronze serpent that Moses made in the desert foreshadowed the ultimate work of salvation that Jesus accomplished for us on the cross.

Jesus is the lamb of God who willingly set aside His divine attributes and came to earth in the form of a human. He suffered in his mortal body - pain, grief, and sorrow so that He would become our faithful High Priest. So, Jesus understands your pain today.

So, what is Jesus doing in Heaven now? He is interceding for us. He is constantly working to bless us. He receives your prayers and mine.

Hebrews 7: 25 states: ‘Therefore, he [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.’

 As we are approaching the Resurrection Sunday. It is significant to learn about Heaven and hell and what Jesus accomplished by his death, burial and resurrection. Jesus was crucified on a Friday, we call it Good Friday, it's a holy day, when we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ which led to his resurrection and salvation. 

The Bible says:

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—Hebrews 2:14

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus reveal the glory of God. Jesus defeated Satan and death. Jesus broke Satan’s power over us by shedding his blood on the cross once and for all people. He also promised to prepare mansions in heaven for His believers. As stated in John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” As a believer of Jesus your destination in Heaven is certain. Jesus is preparing a place for us.

What is the role of preachers?

Some may wonder about the role of preachers. Preachers share the good news of Jesus, which is known as the Gospel. This message centers on salvation and liberation from sin, brokenness, and separation from God.  The Good News focuses on Jesus Christ and his ministry, death, and resurrection.  It is through Jesus that God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new life in the kingdom of God.  The primary focus of preachers, therefore, is to share the gospel and to preach the Kingdom of God as Jesus did.

The good news of salvation and eternal life in Jesus needs to be shared, not kept a secret. It is not just for some people; it is for everyone. God is love, and He is impartial. Because this message is about God’s love for all humanity, it is meant for people of every culture and every place.

 

Do you know that Jesus paid a heavy price for us to obtain eternal life?

We should know about it and reflect on it. It was costly for Jesus to redeem humanity.  When Jesus entered human history- He went through much suffering, he was betrayed, rejected, and crucified. Religious leaders handed him to Pontius Pilate,  the fifth governor of the Roman province of Judaea.  Pilate served under the Emperor Tiberius from about 27 AD to 37 AD. Pilate presided over the trial of Jesus and he ultimately ordered his crucifixion.  The gospels record that Pilate ordered the crucifixion of Jesus. Josephus and the Roman historian by name, Tacitus,  also recorded it. The first gospel writings were written within 30-60 years of Christ’s crucifixion, meaning eyewitnesses wrote them.

Pilate’s soldiers mocked Jesus and abused him as a pretend king. They put a scarlet robe on him, a crown of thorns on his head, and a staff in his hand to serve as a scepter. They knelt before him and mocked him shouting, “Hail, King of the Jews.” They flogged him and spit on him. Thus, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.  

‘But because of our sins he was wounded,
    beaten because of the evil we did.
We are healed by the punishment he suffered,
    made whole by the blows he received.
All of us were like sheep that were lost,
    each of us going his own way.
But the Lord made the punishment fall on him,
    the punishment all of us deserved.’ (Isaiah 53: 5-6)

Jesus took the punishment for our sins, died on the cross, and rose again victoriously on the third day.

Jesus came to liberate us from the power of sin, sickness, death, and the devil. Jesus liberates people from their bondages. Everyone needs to hear this good news. Jesus conquered death and the grave. Satan has been defeated.  In the gospel of John, Jesus said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life” and showed the proof by raising her brother back to life.

Jesus preached about the Kingdom of God and taught us to love God and our neighbors. Therefore, preachers should share the gospel message and preach the Kingdom of God widely.

Preaching the Gospel is not propaganda; it is the truth. Jesus is the Word made flesh. As stated in John 1:14: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." When we preach or share the gospel with others, we need to do it with a sincere love for God and people. It works by love and prayer. God is love, and His love is as vast and mighty as His power.

So, what are the benefits that believers enjoy?  Jesus has given us everything.  When the blood of Jesus is applied to your life, it cleanses you from sin and gives you the power to completely break off every bondage of Satan— sin, sickness, poverty. You are no longer a slave; you are now a child of God.  Rejoice today, knowing that you have been set free. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly accepted the punishment meant for us and proclaimed us not guilty.

 Does Jesus heal today? Yes, he does, I speak from personal experience. Take healing scriptures from the Bible and declare it over yourself, believe, and receive your miracle.

Only Jesus can cleanse us from our sins and offer true forgiveness and lasting peace. There is no stain too deep, no past too dark, that His love cannot redeem.

There are countless testimonies of people set free by the mercy of Jesus. John Newton is one. Jesus transformed a corrupt slave trader into a wonderful pastor, hymn writer, and abolitionist who wrote the world-famous hymn, 'Amazing Grace.' Such is the transforming power of God.

See Jesus today as the Resurrection and the Life. His resurrection life in us will one day raise us from the dead.

Sharing the good news of Jesus is a vital mission. God has called me to preach, write, pray, and share His message, and I embrace that calling. Trust in Him to equip and use you for His glory. Caring for others and showing compassion aren’t just good deeds — they are core to the life Jesus calls us to live. When we feed the hungry, comfort the broken, and stand beside the forgotten, we echo His heart. This is Kingdom work. We are not alone the Holy Spirit empowers us.

An Important Choice to Make

God never forces Himself on anyone—He lovingly gives us free will.
God the Father is also known as “The Ancient of Days” and “The Everlasting God.” Out of His great love for humanity, He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, to save us. God is the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Three distinct persons, yet perfectly united as One. The choice to follow Him is ours to make during our time on Earth. Heaven is the eternal dwelling place of God, where His glory and presence abide.

Now you might ask, what about Hell? Hell was created for Satan and his demons, also called fallen angels, due to their pride and rebellion against God Almighty. It is also called the kingdom of darkness where there is no light. Hell is the habitation of Satan.

Earth, on the other hand, was created for humanity, and the perfect Garden of Eden was meant for Adam and Eve, where God provided all they needed for a harmonious life.

However, they lost their privileges. They fell for Satan’s deception. Disguised as a serpent, Satan led our first parents to disobey God. This resulted in their expulsion from Eden and the need to work for their food.

To this day, Satan seeks to drag people to hell, a place of torment. Jesus called Satan a thief, who steals life and peace.

Jesus said: "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved... I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." (John 10:9-10).

Apostle Paul wrote earnestly, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9, NKJV).

Talk to Jesus today.

Say a simple prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank You for coming to save me. I accept You as my Savior and Lord right now. Please forgive my sins and make me Your child. Amen.” When you say this prayer, your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life instantly.

When you trust in Jesus and believe He conquered death, you recognize His power to save and guide you. He offers you a life of freedom and purpose.

We are not merely flesh beings

Our bodies are just like the coats we wear temporarily—we shed them at death and our spirits ascend to their eternal destination. We are created in the image of God, who is Spirit, and our spirits are destined for eternity.

Although we focus on our outward appearance, it’s vital to nurture our spiritual well-being during our tenure on Earth. It is our spirit that lives forever. This leads us to reflect and take action. What is my destination? Where do I plan to spend eternity? During the Holy Week let us remember how Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross to secure our salvation and eternal life. Salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ.

We Are in the End Times

 

God is in the business of restoration. End Times refers to the period that precedes the second coming of Jesus. Believers can live with great hope as God promised to restore everything that’s broken.

Dear friends, we must acknowledge that we are living in the end times. Jesus referred to this in Matthew 24.

I encourage you to read this significant passage closely.

You are witnessing an increase in wars and natural disasters. Predictions about global warming suggest more frequent and severe heat waves, floods, and wildfires, which could significantly impact human health and ecosystems.

Bible prophecy indicates that our Lord Jesus Christ will return to earth for His Church.  It's called, "The Rapture of the Church." At the Rapture, believers of Christ, both living and dead, will receive their glorified bodies and be taken up to meet the Lord in the air.  We need to be aware of this event as it is found in the Bible. It is a topic to discuss another time. Following the Rapture of the Church, there will be a time of tribulation on the Earth, a challenging period in human history.

Jesus said, “Watch therefore, for you do not know at what hour your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). If you have chosen Jesus as your Savior, you will be part of the Rapture. We need to be ready and walking in His will. Jesus loves you and He will soon return for His Church.

Every believer in every place is the church, it's not a building. While we do not know the exact hour, we can be sure that we are in the season. How can you be certain? The Holy Spirit is revealing this to many of God's people. The Holy Spirit is our divine guide and teacher. The Holy Spirit showed me that Jesus is coming soon.

If you look at the sky, you will see signs of His coming. Over 2,000 years ago, the wise men from the East looked up and saw His sign—His star—and began their search for the newborn King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). They traveled far to find the Christ child in Bethlehem and to worship Him. Yes, even today, God writes messages in the sky. Please watch and pray, and look up! Be prepared to receive Jesus.

Before I pray, let me share a few encouraging words:

None of us are exempt from trials in life. When storms come out of the blue, what do you do? You stand on God’s Word. You stay rooted and grounded in Christ. Remind yourself often of your identity in Christ. You are the beloved of the Lord. You are in a covenant relationship with Jesus. He takes responsibility for your life. Jesus never fails; I speak from experience. Let us meditate on these powerful promises:

We can affirm with the Psalmist David, "I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me." (Psalms 55:16).

Apostle Paul reminds us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

Jesus told Peter, "On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18).

Jesus said, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8: 32)

As believers, we are overcomers in Jesus. So, confidently declare,

"I have Jesus, and I have everything." May God's peace that surpasses all understanding be yours.

You may say this meaningful prayer with me:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. The Bible says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." It also says, “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Through your suffering, death, and resurrection, you have given me salvation and eternal life. You declared, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Lord Jesus, thank you, for setting me free. I’m eternally grateful to you. Amen.

 

Have A Blessed Holy Week and A Joy-filled Resurrection Sunday! God bless you!

© Hepsimp

April 2025

 

TEN GREAT THANK YOUs – A Reflection Exercise

By Rev. Hepsi

This reflection exercise invites you to express gratitude by identifying ten aspects of our faith for which we should be thankful as Christian believers. Take a moment to reflect deeply on each one and consider its impact on your life.

There are harvest festivals worldwide, in every culture. Thankfulness and gratitude are essential aspects of human nature and can be found in all cultures.

Celebrating is important. Jesus celebrated or observed all the Jewish feasts. Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A life abundant is God’s desire for people. Irenaeus of Antioch, a theologian of the 2^nd century, said, 'The glory of God is a human being fully alive.' Our God is about joy.

The Bible is rich in celebrations and giving thanks to God. Throughout the Book of Psalms, prayers and expressions of gratitude are offered to God. 'Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.' Psalm 118:1. Celebrations, including harvest festivals, thanksgiving offerings, and feasts, are mentioned. In the Book of Exodus, God instructs His people to celebrate feasts, “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the first fruits of the crops you sow in your field” Exodus 23:16. The concept of thanksgiving originates from the Bible.

Each year, when October and November come around, we enter the joyous season of Thanksgiving in North America. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration of the Thanksgiving feast.

Many families encourage their members to write a list of things they are grateful for and to read it out during the feast. This practice fosters a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for both our blessings and for one another. I believe that cultivating gratitude is essential for a fulfilling life. It enhances our well-being. Thankfulness and appreciation contribute to a healthy mind and body.

Let’s take a few minutes to reflect and thank God for the foundations of our faith. Our Christian belief is more than a religion; it is based on a personal relationship. Let us strive to know and understand God better as our relationship grows.

No.1: God made us in His image

God created the towering mountains, deep valleys, vast oceans, gentle breezes, and countless beautiful creatures that inhabit the land, water, and air. However, God made humanity in His image—body, soul, and spirit—with the ability to create and the responsibility to care for the earth, just as God does. Isn't it special to be created in the likeness of God?

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a]and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them. Genesis 1: 26-27 NIV

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. 

Genesis 1: 28 NLT

Adam and Eve had beautiful fellowship or communion with God. They walked and talked with God in Eden until rebellion separated them from Him.

Now each of us is unique, like the various colors of coats in our closet—black, white, red, and beige. We have both a physical (outer) and a spiritual body within. When we die, we set aside our physical bodies, similar to removing a coat, and ascend to heaven as spirit beings. Our minds and emotions remain intact, connected to the spirit body. God has done a wonderful job of creating each of us in His image. God is Spirit. One can easily grasp such biblical truths with the supernatural gift of faith. The Christian life is a life of faith. ‘We walk by faith, not by sight.’

God has given us the ability to create, govern, and take responsibility. He also designed us to have a close relationship with Him. The cycle of life continues year after year, without end. The Creator loves to create and longs for communion with us!

Let us say, "Lord, we thank You for making us in Your image!"

No. 2: God Grants Humans Wisdom and Understanding

To illustrate this, let’s consider the story of Job, a wise and upright man, who struggled to understand his suffering when calamity struck. The fascinating book of Job comprises many conversations, at the climax God speaks to Job and restores him.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set,
or who laid its cornerstone—
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels^[a]shouted for joy? Job 38: 4-7 NIV

Job responds to God:

My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”  Job 42: 5-6 NIV

God’s greatness is beyond our understanding. However, God is relational. Like the wise old Job, it is important to remember that the Lord is God and we are not. God is the Creator, and we are His creation. He is the original, while we are merely reflections of Him. Job recognized his mistake of speaking too much and acknowledged the sovereignty of God in his life. In response to Job’s humility, God restored him completely and blessed him greater than before. As we go through the battles of life, we are perfected. We learn to know and trust God, and come to know ourselves.

Say: Lord, Thank You for giving us wisdom and understanding.

No. 3. God Is the Provider

Throughout Scripture, God revealed Himself as the provider of all good things. Both spiritual nourishment and the physical come from God. Let us examine the New Testament passage:

Then Jesus declared,“ I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:35 NIV

In the Old Testament book of Exodus, God provides physical food for His people:

When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. 

Moses said to them, “It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. Exodus 16: 14-15 NIV 

Later, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross for our redemption. He became the bread of life, the living water, and the light of life for all who believe. God restored communion with Him through Jesus’s blood.

In Scripture, God reveals Himself as our heavenly Father, demonstrating His love by providing for us and meeting our needs. He also embodies nurturing qualities often associated with a mother, reflecting both fatherly and motherly traits in His character.

Say: Lord, thank you for providing spiritual and physical nourishment and for being our divine parent who nurtures us.

No. 4: From Spiritual Darkness to the Eternal Light of Christ

When the world was enveloped in spiritual darkness, God sent His Son, Jesus. To deliver us from unawareness and bring us into the radiant light of Christ. Light signifies God's presence and favor (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 9:2). It is associated with God, His Word, salvation, goodness, truth, and life.

Apostle Paul enunciates:

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”^[a]made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6.

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1: 13-14 NIV

Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus destroyed the works of the devil. As a result, the dangerous powers of darkness—those of Satan, our enemy—have no power over those who are in Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to break Satan's hold over us. Jesus broke the power of Satan and overcame all the demon forces of darkness. As Jesus ascended into Heaven, He led captivity captive. He spoiled principalities and powers and disarmed and stripped them of their power over us. (Colossians 2:15)

Christ brings us into His light and offers us a life of freedom in Him, so we have no reason to fear the dominion of darkness. Therefore, let us express our gratitude.

Say: Thank you, Lord, for delivering us from spiritual darkness into Your eternal light and truth.

No. 5: A Life that Is Abundant and Eternal   

God is the author of life, the source of every good thing, yes, God is good. Notice Jesus’ words of life:

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

John 10: 28 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

When people believe and receive Jesus into their hearts, their names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. (Revelation 21:27) Some individuals may feel uncertain about it, but if you believe with your heart and confess Jesus as Lord with your mouth, there is no need for fear. Faith in God makes you confident. God is not an impersonal force; He is trustworthy and faithful. Jesus is our personal Savior so we can communicate with Him. To live the abundant Christian life, however, we must allow Jesus to live his life through us. We let Christ reign in us. God’s love motivates and empowers. 

Say: Lord Jesus, we thank You, for You are the giver of life.

No. 6: The Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is key in relationships. In life we all make mistakes, but there is hope. Jesus offers us forgiveness for our sins and teaches us to forgive others. Let us look at some passages in Scripture that shed light on this topic.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 NIV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John  1: 9 NIV

...and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6: 12 NLT

Just as a lifeguard rescues a drowning child from the waves at the beach, Jesus came to rescue us from eternal death and the devil. We have all sinned against God by living in rebellion until we meet our Savior, Jesus. He alone lived a sinless life and paid our sin debt in full. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

Offering forgiveness to someone is a sacred act. The Lord’s Prayer that Jesus taught His disciples is one of the most powerful prayers that we can say, through which, we can forgive those who have hurt us and pray for those who need forgiveness.

Say: Lord, we thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness.

No. 7: Our Divine Teacher

Immanuel means God with us. We are not alone; Jesus is always with us. How is this possible? After Jesus finished his work of redemption, before ascending to Heaven, he promised to send another helper, the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is our guide to help us in our faith journey and who intercedes for us.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be^[a]in you. John 14: 16-17 NIV

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16: 13 NIV

The Holy Spirit, our divine teacher, is present in the world today. Jesus, our resurrected Lord, however, is seated on the throne at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is here on earth to guide, empower, and sanctify the body of Christ and indwell every believer. The Holy Spirit sees everything, knows everything, and reveals the future (prophecy) to those in close relationship with Jesus. This mysterious connection is called communion with God.

Say: "Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit, our guide, and Divine teacher!"

No. 8: Jesus Brought Peace and Reconciliation to Humanity

The first Adam, who received life, rebelled and brought death into the world. In contrast, the Last Adam, Jesus, who is the Source of life, gave up His own life so that we might have life (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45). When Jesus walked alongside His disciples, it symbolized the beginning of the restoration of full communion with God. Jesus, God’s Son incarnated in the flesh, reconciled humanity to God and restored the relationship that existed between God and humans before the rebellion and fall of Adam and Eve.

He was wounded for our rebellious acts.
He was crushed for our sins.
He was punished so that we could have peace,
and we received healing from his wounds. Isaiah 53: 5 GW

“Their sins and lawless acts
I will remember no more.”Hebrews 10: 17 NIV

Although humans have grieved God through sin and rebellion, He has graciously reconciled us to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus. This act was costly for God, but He did it out of His amazing love. Thanks be to our loving God!

Say: Lord Jesus, we thank you for re-uniting us to God.

 

No. 9. You Must Be Born Again

We are born naturally once, but we need to be born again, a second time, spiritually!  Jesus said it. (John 3:3) Paul calls this new birth experience, “a new creation” in Christ.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5: 17 NIV

How does it happen? When you pray and read God’s Word enthusiastically, you fall in love with God and His Word. Something awesome happens within you. The Holy Spirit transforms you! As a born-again person, you become spiritually minded. The carnal nature is discarded and we will walk by the Spirit instead of the flesh. We will also receive the many "Fruits of the Spirit." These fruits contribute to our spiritual maturity like how a healthy tree bears delicious fruit. Isn’t it wonderful? Moreover, faith is a remarkable supernatural gift we receive the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5: 22-23 NIV

About faith:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—Ephesians 2:8 NIV

Say: Lord Jesus, we thank you for the fruits of the Spirit and the gift of faith!

No. 10. God Rewards His Children

Did you know that God is a Rewarder? God is just, compassionate, and faithful. He keeps His Word. If you are holding on to his promises/prophecies, they will be fulfilled. But God does it His way, not our way and it all turns out for our good. When we look to Him as our only source, we can experience miracles. God can move heaven and earth to fulfill His will and plan for you. However, God expects something from us – to release our faith and trust Him. We are called the children and seed of Abraham for a significant reason. Just as Abraham left everything behind to follow God, we are also called to trust and follow Jesus. From one man, God created a nation. Abraham’s faith in God’s trustworthiness is a model for us today.

Similar to earthly compensation received for hard work, God rewards those who serve Him both on the earth and in eternity. Let’s explore the ways God rewards his people:

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11: 6 NIV

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Matthew 16: 27 NIV

He will swallow up death forever.
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears
from all faces;
he will remove his people’s disgrace
from all the earth.
The Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25: 8 NIV

Since God records all our deeds, we need to be diligent and intentional in doing good. Our compassionate Lord Jesus, promises to wipe away our tears, just like a loving mother comforts her child. God watches over us intimately and assures us that He will make things right.

Say: Lord, we thank You for your great compassion and the many rewards you have for us.

 

I hope you feel energized by reflecting on these ten aspects of our faith and thanking God for His goodness.

God bless you! Happy Thanksgiving!

© Hepsimp

November 2024