Pastor Stephen Dedman

Category: Encouragement

It Is Finished

Encouragement, Faith, Salvation

It Is Finished

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
‭‭John‬ ‭19:30‬ ‭

Fulfilled

Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled numerous prophecies that were foretold in the Old Testament and the New Testament. Jesus satisfied all requirements that were necessary to provide a blood atonement sacrifice for all sins. Although Jesus never sinned, He died a sinner’s death on the cross. Once and for all, the punishment of sin was accomplished.

God had a plan from the very beginning. Jesus dying on the cross was not plan “B” nor was it an accident.  The crucifixion of Jesus was the ultimate plan before man was ever created. God knew what He was doing and knew that Jesus would be the One who could do it.

As Jesus suffered in torment He shouted triumphantly from the cross, “It is finished!”  Jesus had completed the work that God sent Him to accomplish. He had faithfully fulfilled the will of the Father and it was completed. His death marks the end of all sacrifices. His blood and broken body was the perfect sacrifice that satisfied God’s requirements for the forgiveness of sin. At the moment when Jesus shouted these words the debt was paid in full. No longer was it necessary to offer another burnt sacrifice for sin. The perfect Lamb of God was offered up and it was approved by God. Jesus ended the old covenant and started the new. Now the new covenant is solely based upon the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

May we always remember the works of Christ that gives eternal life to those who believe in Him.

Prayer

Lord, we seek to please you with our whole life by living holy and righteously unto You.

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

Encouragement, Trust

Our Hearts Burn Within Us

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:32‬

Walking With Jesus

After Jesus’ resurrection He appeared to two disciples who were leaving Jerusalem and apparently witnessed His crucifixion.  They received the news that Jesus was not in the tomb but was alive.  They were very sad as they discussed the details of the events that happened over the weekend.  As they were walking and talking, Jesus joined their conversation and they did not know that it was Him.  Jesus spent much time with them as they talked on the road to Emmaus.

As Jesus spoke to the two disciples, He began with Moses and the prophets to tell the story of Himself.  They spent time together as He shared the Scriptures with them and broke bread together.  Their eyes were finally opened to see that it was Jesus who spoke with them concerning all things.  After they considered all things they said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us and as He opened the Scriptures to us?:  Their hope was restored and their passion was renewed.  The fire burned in their hearts as they heard the words of Jesus.

In the same way, Jesus wants to renew your passion for Him.  Notice that it begins with the Word of God.  A you walk with Jesus, He wants to spend time with you to reveal His goodness and mercy for you to be encouraged.  We must allow time for Him to speak to us and the fire will be rekindled within our hearts.

Prayer

Open our hearts to what You have to say to us and help us to learn from Your word.  Give us what we need to hear.

Not Ashamed

Encouragement, Faith, Trust

Not Ashamed

But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
2 Timothy 1:12

Confidence and Boldness

Paul is in prison and awaiting death.  He is recounting the cause for Christ that has led him to persecution and distress and now imprisonment.  He is writing to a young preacher named Timothy who was a close brother and friend to Paul.  Paul writes him to instruct and encourage the young preacher as he too may face persecution for the faith.

Paul was hated by the Jews for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.  Even though he suffered persecution and waiting execution, Paul considers his calling to preach the gospel a worthy cause.  He never backed down from telling the truth of the gospel and never avoided speaking when he had a chance to share the Word of God with anyone.  His confidence in the Lord produced a boldness that glorified God.  His faith and hope in Christ fueled his efforts of winning souls and building the Kingdom of Heaven.

Paul’s knowledge and faith in Jesus Christ strengthened him daily but God’s grace is what kept him striving to endure the hardships he faced. Our knowledge of God’s Word and our strong faith in Jesus allows us the same opportunities to share the gospel with boldness. Never shy away from telling the lost about the good news of Jesus and always be ready to give an answer for your faith.  It is during times of persecution and trials that people either coward down or boldly step up.  Be prepared today to speak words of comfort to those who are suffering or lost.

Prayer

Ask the Lord to give you boldness to speak the truth of the gospel to everyone everywhere.