Video Bible Lesson - The Death of Death by Greg Laurie

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

4/10/2020

The Death of Death

by Greg Laurie

Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:26)
When Jesus died on the cross, He conquered sin. But when He rose again from the dead, He defeated death.
Death is not a subject we usually want to discuss. But when you get down to it, that is what Easter is all about. Easter is about the death of death, because Jesus came to conquer death.
We don’t like to discuss this subject of dying. It is a hard subject for us to talk about. Many don’t even want to use the word death. They will use other words, like passed away or expired. We will refer to someone who has died as “the dearly departed.”
Some, in an attempt to avoid its seriousness, will make light of it with expressions like “kicked the bucket” or “cashed in their chips.” We don’t want to deal with death. It is a hard subject to grapple with.
Easter is a day that marks the death of death. Death died when Christ rose. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25–26).
You may be thinking, “Greg, are you crazy? What are you talking about—death died? People still die. Don’t you watch the news? Haven’t you heard about all of the horrible things that are happening in our world right now and the deaths of so many people? How can you say that death died?”
I understand that we die. I understand that our bodies go into a grave. But here is what I am saying to you: death is not the end. Sure our bodies go into the ground, but the soul lives on forever. The Bible says that one day our bodies will be resurrected as well.
This is the hope of Easter. Death is not the end of the road; it is only a bend in the road. When Jesus died and rose, He rendered death powerless.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

The Cross The Believer's Victory.....Dr. Charles Stanley

The Cross The Believer's Victory

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 1:17-31

From a worldly perspective, Christ's death signaled His defeat. After all, dying in agony on a cross hardly seems like the path to victory. But it was! And He did it all for us. Because Jesus triumphed over death, we can be victorious in life. Just consider what He won for us by sacrificing Himself on the cross.

Our Eternal Salvation: The cross was the means of our salvation. Without it, we'd have no hope of heaven. If Christ hadn't died in our place, we'd have to stand before God and receive the just punishment for every sin we've ever committed.

Power over Sin: Jesus not only paid the penalty for our sin; He also brought us present victory over it. When He was crucified, our old sinful nature died with Him (Rom. 6:6). The power of the "flesh" was broken, and Jesus now lives His triumphant life through us. That means we are no longer enslaved to sin and can choose obedience to God.

Defeat of Satan: At the crucifixion, the list of decrees against us was nailed to the cross, and the Devil lost his power over our lives (Col. 2:13-15). None of his accusations can stick, because God holds nothing against us anymore. And now every time we yield to the Spirit within us, Satan is defeated once again.

Christ met all our needs on the cross. By making us a part of His family, He gave us a sense of belonging. When He died in our place, He affirmed our value. And by coming to live His life through each believer, He gives us the ability to live a victorious, obedient life.

No, You Are Not Limited

No, You Are Not Limited 
SHALA W. GRAHAM

"Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3 (NCV)

Sometimes I have the recipe for a sumptuous dish that I start preparing, only to realize I’m missing a key ingredient. I feel disappointed and limited by what’s in my pantry, and resign myself to a good enough meal.

I recently found myself with a great vision for what I felt called to chase in Christ. But when I looked in my life’s “pantry,” I seemed to be missing key ingredients for the vision. Ingredients that were no longer available to me. Ugly cries abounded as I grieved the vision that was just beyond my reach and tried to be content with a plan B.

Wrestling with my feelings, I messaged a friend and mentor to schedule some time to unpack the deep and complicated layers of my life. Over pancakes, eggs and bacon, I lamented that my circumstances limited me.

She stopped me right in my tracks, saying: “You are not limited. You are the daughter of God. Satan will whisper, ‘Because X is not there, you can’t do Y.’ It’s all lies. No, you are not limited!”

She graciously shook my perspective to help me fix my eyes on Jesus and not on my circumstances. Jesus has stocked my “pantry” with everything I need to live a life that pleases Him.

We see this reminder in today’s key verse:

“Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness. Through these he gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in God’s nature, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4).

The disciples probably struggled with vision, too.

When their promised Messiah hung on a cross, they likely thought they were missing a key ingredient to the Kingdom of God. They could not see beyond the tomb. They did not understand the power of God or perceive the incredible plan He had to raise Jesus from the dead, crushing the enemy with his lies under Jesus’ heel.

Oh, but on the third day!

I need the power and compassion that flows down from the cross and from the very heart of God to fine-tune my vision. I need to dismiss the lies that tell me my God didn’t make me or my “pantry” good enough, that maybe He’s not for me, or that God simply isn’t big enough.

I have to remember that the vision I have for my life or the way I see the vision unfolding might not be God’s vision. Our human limitations do not constrain God’s vision. He will always produce a masterpiece. I just need my heart to stay fixed on what He can do.

Father, thank You for the testimony of Your faithfulness and goodness that I have in the cross of Christ. Thank You for Your loyal love and compassion that stocks my pantry with everything I need to live a life that pleases and serves You. Forgive me for the ways I have knowingly or unknowingly rebelled against Your truth. Resurrect the grand vision for my life that You have crafted just for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Psalm 103:11-13, “For as the skies are high above the earth, so his loyal love towers over his faithful followers. As far as the eastern horizon is from the west, so he removes the guilt of our rebellious actions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on his faithful followers.” (NET)

Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (ESV)

A Prayer for Good Friday: It Is Finished

A Prayer for Good Friday: It Is FinishedBy Debbie McDaniel

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

The ashes that marked the foreheads of millions of believers on Ash Wednesday just weeks ago, held a reminder for us. We are but dust. Yet His story reminds us of so much more - we are redeemed. We are set free. We have been given new life, an open door, through Jesus Christ.

The ashes are a clear picture of the frailty of human existence. And though many times we may somehow think we’re invincible in this life, or even led to believe that we are not “needy” of a Savior, when hit with life’s struggles or face to face with painful events, we quickly remember, we need help. We need a Savior.

We have One, who also was broken, in ways we could never fully comprehend, yet he remained strong, and chose to endure it all - for us.

He extends grace to remind us we don’t have to stay stuck in our struggle and pain. He holds good in store through it all, able to bring greater purpose, greater beauty, greater strength. He never intends for us to remain in the pit of our despair. For he breathes fresh life.

God brought beauty out of the brokenness of the cross, he gives beauty for our ashes. His sacrifice offers forgiveness for our sin. The power of the Resurrection gives hope for our future.

There’s such power there. God sent His Only Son. He loved. He gave. There was no other way...but this.

As we enter into this weekend, may we take a closer look at the reality of it all. The suffering of the cross. The huge sacrifice that Christ paid. The pain that was endured. The great cost of His gift. The love that was shown. The freedom He offers. It’s not a flowery picture of fluff and stuff. But it's the most powerful story ever told.

Incredible sacrifice. Amazing grace. Lavish love. Use this Good Friday prayer to focus on what Jesus did for you.

Dear God,

We remember today, the pain and suffering of the cross, and all that Jesus was willing to endure, so we could be set free. He paid the price, such a great sacrifice, to offer us the gift of eternal life.

Help us never to take for granted this huge gift of love on our behalf. Help us to be reminded of the cost of it all. Forgive us for being too busy, or distracted by other things, for not fully recognizing what you freely given, what you have done for us.

Thank you Lord that by your wounds we are healed. Thank you that because of your huge sacrifice we can live free. Thank you that sin and death have been conquered, and that your Power is everlasting.

Thank you that we can say with great hope, “It is finished…” For we know what’s still to come. And death has lost its sting. We praise you for you are making all things new.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Remember the Cross.....Dr. Charles Stanley

Remember the Cross
By Dr. Charles Stanley

Heavenly Father, you are the way, the truth, and the light. It is by your sacrifice that we are made whole in spirit. Let us never forget the significance of the cross. Amen.

“‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’” – 1 Peter 2:14

What does the cross mean to you? Many people in the world today view it as a symbol of Christianity, but stop and think about what it represented in Christ's day. Nobody wore a miniature cross around the neck or displayed one in a place of worship. The cross was a torturous means of execution, and the mere thought of it was repulsive.

Yet believers throughout the ages have chosen this as the sign of their faith. In fact, to remove the cross from our teaching and theology would leave nothing but an empty, powerless religion. The subjects of death, blood, and sacrifice have become unpopular in many churches because they're unpleasant and uncomfortable topics. We'd prefer to hear about the love of God, not the suffering of Jesus.

But let me ask you this: How could anyone be saved if Christ had not been crucified? Some people think all you have to do to receive God's forgiveness is ask Him for it. But a sinner's request can never be the basis for His forgiveness. He would cease to be holy and just if no penalty was imposed for sin. According to Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22). Christ had to bear the punishment for our sin in order for God to grant us forgiveness.

Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was -- an instrument of execution. Then thank Jesus that He was willing to be crucified so the Father could forgive you of sin. Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous, Christ turned the cross into a place of great triumph.

You Can Do This

You Can Do This
By Ryan Duncan

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. – Luke 6:30

Every other day, just after finishing with work, I head to the gym and spend some time exercising. I like to work out. It’s a great way to stay healthy and burn off stress at the same time.

My routine is pretty simple. I start by running on a treadmill, then I wander around the free-weight section for a variety of exercises. Finally, I try to finish off by swimming a few laps in the pool. When it’s over I always feel tired and sore, but good that I completed such a full workout.

One day, I was invited to work out with a friend of mine. As we made our way around the weight room, my friend stopped at the bench press and placed two huge weights on the side of the bar. Immediately, I became nervous. I had done the bench press before, but never with that much weight. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to lift it. Pride got the better of me though. Instead of saying something, I just braced myself and lifted the bar with all my strength.

To my surprise, it wasn’t that heavy. Sure, it took more effort than usual, but I realized my continuous workouts had made me a lot stronger. I had underestimated my own strength.

I think Christians can sometimes have the same problem when it comes to their faith. We keep telling ourselves we are not ready, that we need just a little more time to prepare ourselves. We underestimate our ability to be of service to God. Take a moment to read this excerpt from the book of Acts.

After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. – Acts 18: 1-3

Acts continues to explain that while Paul ministered in Corinth, Aquila and Priscilla opened their home, helped with his teaching, and even followed him on some of his travels. Now read the verse again. Aquila and Pricilla weren’t anything special, they were tentmakers. If anyone had an excuse to think they weren’t ready for ministry, it was them. Instead, they gave what they had while serving where they could and God did amazing things through them.

So, instead of wondering if you're ready to serve, ask yourself: what could you do to serve?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Make a list of your strengths. How can these be used to serve God?

Thank God It’s (Good) Friday

Thank God It’s (Good) Fridayby Liz Curtis Higgs

“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORDmakes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.” Isaiah 53:10 (NIV)

What’s so good about the Friday when Jesus sacrificed His life for us? Everything.

Around the world, this sacred day is known as Holy Friday, Mourning Friday, Silent Friday, High Friday, Sorrowful Friday, and especially, Good Friday, which some say began as God’s Friday. Yes, it certainly was. And is. And always shall be.

In Denmark, it’s called Long Friday — a fitting name for the brutal hours that stretched from sunrise to sunset, from His beating to His burial.

“Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer …” (Isaiah 53:10a). Of all the powerful verses in the Bible, this one brings me to my knees. How much does God the Father love us? Enough to sacrifice His only Son.

I love you, dear friend, but I could never give up my only son, or my only daughter, for your sake. I’m sure you feel the same.

Even so, “it pleased the LORD to bruise Him” (Isaiah 53:10a, KJ21). That’s right: God the Father “wanted to crush him and to make him suffer” (CEB). Why? Because the atoning death of His Son would bring salvation to His children. That means salvation to you and to me and to all who know Him as Savior and Lord.

Today’s verse continues, “… and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin …” (Isaiah 53:10b, NIV). Not only was God the Father willing to crush His Son, the Son was also willing to be crushed. Our staggering debt of sin — past, present and still to come — was paid in full when Jesus put Himself “in sin’s dark place, in the pit of wrongdoing” (VOICE). Separated from His Father, He was forsaken for our sake.

And because of His sacrifice on the first Good Friday, grace poured out like living water, bringing the gift of forgiveness to a hurting, dying, sin-filled world.

But there’s more, beloved. So much more.

Then came Easter morning and the angel’s shout of triumph: “He has risen!” (Luke 24:6b, NIV) Not only did He set us free from the penalty of sin, but He also gave us the assurance of eternal life. In the same way Christ rose from the dead, so will we. Just imagine it!

In the face of imminent betrayal, abandonment, torture and death, Jesus had told His disciples, “But after I have been raised from the dead …” (Matthew 26:32a, NLT). There was no doubt in His mind, and there must be no doubt in ours. He died agonizingly at the hands of men, and He rose victoriously at the hands of God, defeating death, and making a way for His followers to do the same.

Our verse also declares, “… he will see his offspring and prolong his days …” (Isaiah 53:10c), meaning the Son will have “a multitude of children, many heirs” (TLB). Thousands, millions, tens of millions, century after century, shining like stars, holding firmly to the word of life.

Then comes this final promise, “… and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10d). It’s a lifetime guarantee, written in the blood of the Lamb. Since Jesus “did everything the LORD had planned” (CEV), you can be sure “the LORD’s plans will come to fruition through him” (CEB). As commentator Matthew Henry wrote, “He has vanquished principalities and powers, sin and Satan, death and hell, the world and the flesh.”

What a hero! What a Savior!

Lord, how can we ever thank You enough? You endured more pain, more shame, more sorrow, more grief than we can possibly fathom. Help us remember why You gave Your life. Because of love. Because of mercy. Because we desperately need them both. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Philippians 2:8, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!” (NIV)

1 John 2:2, “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” (NIV)

1 John 2:25, “And this is what he promised us — eternal life.” (NIV)