1. Jesus loves us in spite of ourselves!

“8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Rom 5:8, 9)

Listen to the first stanza:

2. Through Jesus’ blood our sins are forgiven!

“For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (Eph 1:7; 1Pet 1:18,19)

The following is the second stanza:

3. God’s Great Love is Unconditional!

“4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Eph 2:4-9)

Sing the last stanza:

He knew me, yet he loved me
He whose glory makes the heavens shine
So unworthy of such mercy
Yet when he was on the cross
I was on his mind.

Introduction: Have you ever studied the “Mock trial” of Jesus? Consider for a moment the events in this Passion Week. Here is the condensed version:

1. Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver!

“14Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, 15And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.” (Matt 26:14,15,16)

2. After Jesus is arrested in the garden, He appears before Annas!

“12Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him, 13And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.” (John 18:12-14, 19-23)

3. Next, Jesus stands before Caiaphas & the Sanhedrin!

“57And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.” 

“59Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death; 60But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, 61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” (Matt 26:57,59-68; Matt 27:1)

5. Jesus is sent to king Herod!

“7And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. 8And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. 9Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. 11And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.” (Luke 23:6-12)

6. Back to Pilate!

“15Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. 16And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. 17Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? 18For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 19When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. 20But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. 21The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. 22Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. 23And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. 25Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. 26Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” (Matt 27:15-26)

7. To the Cross!

“7Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. 28And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.”

“32And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, 34They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. 36And sitting down they watched him there; 37And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”(Matt 27:31-34-37)

Introduction: Have you ever thought about it….if Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead? Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, discusses that issue. Writing to the Corinthian believers in what is called the great resurrection chapter – 15 – he dialogues with that thought – if Christ had not overcome the grave. Read the overwhelming evidence that Jesus did in fact conquer sin and death, but what if He had not?

“… And if Christ be not risen” (1Cor 15:14)

1. If Christ be not risen – our preaching is vain!
(1Cor 15:14)

We might as well close our Bibles and go home if Christ had not risen.

2. If Christ be not risen – our faith is no good!
(1Cor 15:14)

“your faith is also vain.”

There would be no reason to believe in a fairy tale, if Jesus had not risen. Instead, we could believe in ourselves like some practice. Yet, ultimately we will fail. Jesus never fails!

3. If Christ be not risen – we would be liars and false teachers!
(1Cor 15:15)

“…we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.”

If there is no proof of His resurrection, then why believe? We are all living a lie.

4. If Christ had not risen – we are still in our sins!
(1Cor 15:16)

“….ye are yet in your sins.”

There would be no remedy for sin. No forgiveness. No pardon. No justification. No reconciliation. No substitution.

5. If Christ had not risen!
(1Cor 15:18,19)

“18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”

There would be no hope for tomorrow; death would be the end. No future. No peace.

1. WAIT with TRUST!

“14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psa 27:14)

2. WAIT and be ENCOURAGED!

“14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psa 27:14)

3. WAIT and be STRENGTHENED!

“14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psa 27:14)

“Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off.”

Introduction: Have you ever made a statement that you would NEVER do something…..and you did it? All of us perhaps have done the same thing as Peter. Question: Are you following Jesus CLOSE, or Far AWAY?

Andrew brings Peter to Jesus.

“40One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.” (John 1:40-42)

The SANDMAN was turned into the ROCKMAN!

1. Consider Peter’s Declaration! 

But first, listen to Jesus who tried to forewarn Peter.

“31And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31,32)

Peter responds in the flesh.

33And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.” (Luke 22:33)

Peter had good intentions, but like us, he had to learn the lesson you cannot depend upon the FLESH! It profits nothing.

Praise the Lord because the Holy Spirit has made provisions for the Flesh!
(Rom 8:1-13)

2. Look at Peter’s Devastation! 

“55And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. 56But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. 57And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. 58And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not. 59And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean. 60And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.” (Luke 22:55-60)

Strike 1! Strike 2! Strike 3!
You’re OUT!!

But Peter gets another bat.

3. Look at Peter’s Determination!

“61And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 62And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61-62)

Peter’s godly sorrow led to genuine repentance. He made a change! Read and Listen to the ROCKMAN on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts.

Introduction: Is Easter Sunday just an historical event? Or is it a daily personal experience? Here are (2) ways to make it personal.

“42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)

Here is the practical application for us today.
Will you pray?
My prayer:
Not my will….
In My finances,
My future,
My family

2. Will you Embrace the Cross of Christ?

“33And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” (Luke 23:33,34)

Jesus Christ was obedient unto death, even the cross. In doing so, being the perfect sacrifice, He paid the awful price for the sins of the whole world.

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1John 2:2)

There is a cross for every believer.

“8And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matt 10:38,39)

Have you been bearing your cross?

1. Listen to CHRISTian music!

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph 5:19)

“16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:16)

2. Read and MEDITATE on Scripture?

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psa 19:14)

3. Guard your eyes and ears from evil!

4. Take time to rejoice in the GOODNESS of the Lord!

5. Think on your PURPOSE for living!

Conclusion: Set your focus on things above. Paul wrote, “1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
(Col 3:1,2)

Introduction: How do you know the Will of God? This devotion is including factors to consider when you do not know the Will of God. Can we know the Will of God? But how do we go about finding it?

Here are (3) main ingredients to apply when you are trying to determine God’s Will in a certain situation: 

1. Following the Word of God!

“105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psa 119:105)

The Bible would never contradict itself! Therefore, our challenge is to be familiar with all of Scripture. Otherwise, we can step out of the Will of God. 

How well do you know the principles and precepts of the Word of God?

2. Being led by the Spirit of God!

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14)

God the Holy Spirit will guide us if we will let Him. Learning to be led by the Spirit is a lifelong process.

Note: The Holy Spirit of God would never contradict the Word of God.

3. Understanding the Will of God!

“39And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:39-44)

God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, was obedient unto His mission. He proved this, while submitting to His Father’s will. The Father’s will would never contradict the Word of God or the Spirit of God. Therefore, when we clear those two things on our checklist we can have confidence that we are in the Will of God.

Conclusion: Finding the Will of God is not always easy. However, by knowing the Word of God, and being led by the Spirit of God, and in addition, by submitting to the Will of God, we can be assured of finding and following the Will of God. 

Introduction: Has God been good to you? Do you have a place to sleep? Roof over your head? Food on the table? Groceries in the cabinet…if they are not out! Clothes on your back? A little money in your pocket? At least some change. We have been BLESSED! Truthfully, we may not have all our WANTS; but we have all of our NEEDS!! Biblical personalities like David understood and wrote about the FAITHFULNESS of the Lord…the GOODNESS of God. Listen to their words of affirmation and appreciation:

1. BLESSED while we were young and BLESSED when old!

“25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Psa 37:25)

Look back on your life. Has our Lord supplied your needs?

2. BLESSED and running over!

“….thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over….6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” (Psa 23:5,6)

If we will stop and count our BLESSINGS, then we will realize our “Cup runneth over”!

3. BLESSED with God given BENEFITS!

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psa 103:1,2)

Jesus has a retirement plan that is out of this world! His benefits cannot be matched. Praise His name!

Think about this: We have… forgiveness of all of our sins, a heavenly home prepared in the future, Jesus Christ’s personal promise to be with us no matter what, and His assurance to come back for us; these are absolutely unparalleled.

Conclusion: David goes on to list the “BLESSED BENEFITS” of the Lord…

“3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psa 104:3-5)

1. Jesus came from Glory!

“5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” (Phil 2:5-7)

2. Jesus suffered our shame and guilt!

“8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil 2:8; Heb 12:2,3)

3. Jesus suffered and bled on a CROSS for our sins, but He arose from the dead conquering death, sin, hell and the grave!

“9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name….10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9)

4. Jesus suffered on a CROSS but in His second coming, He will be CROWNED as the KING of KINGS and the LORD of LORDS!

“16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:16)