Easter is a great time to celebrate. Many get together with family, share a meal and perhaps have special treats for the kids. But why do we celebrate? It has nothing to do with bunnies and eggs. It is not about fertility as some religions believe. It is about victory over death and sin. It was God’s plan all along for His one and only Son to come to this earth, take the sins of the world and pay for them by giving His life, dying on the cross, and being raised on the third day. So this day is much bigger than many realize. It is the day that we can declare victory over sin and death because Christ did. All we have to do is believe and trust in Him.
Continue reading “The True Reason for Easter”Tag: death
Lazarus and the Rich Man: Heaven and Hell
In this second part of our discussion about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, we get a small glimpse of heaven and hell. Keep in mind this is prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Also, keep in mind I am no expert, but this is just my take based on what I have read in the Bible.
Several words have been used in the Bible to describe where one goes when they die. A general term used is Hades or Sheol. In the story of Lazarus, Hades is a place of torment for the wicked and unrighteous. Abraham’s bosom is where the righteous go (before Jesus’ resurrection when He declares victory over death and Hades). Jesus also called this Paradise, as He did when talking to the thief on the cross). After the resurrection, people go to heaven or hell, those who believe go to heaven, those who do not go to hell. Gehenna is when final judgement (the Great White Throne Judgement) occurs, where the unrighteous will be thrown into the Lake of Fire (the second death).
Continue reading “Lazarus and the Rich Man: Heaven and Hell”Sin is More Than a Mistake
We all make mistakes. We all sin. Are they the same? No! Should we dwell on either one of them? No! We have hope. I once heard someone say God forgives our mistakes. No! Jesus paid for our sins. He saved us from our evil (sinful) nature, from what is in our hearts. If we accept that gift, we are saved from sin, we will receive God’s grace. Unfortunately, we have to live with our mistakes, but we can also learn from them. But sin is much more serious. Sin leads to death. Without the blood that Christ shed for us, we are doomed for hell. But, when we trust in Jesus, we have an inheritance in heaven. No matter what we have done in the past, He will forgive us.
Continue reading “Sin is More Than a Mistake”Events of Jesus’ Resurrection
Jesus’ ministry did not stop at the cross. In many ways it had just begun. Christ said, “It is finished.” Dying on the cross accomplished God’s goal. But part of the victory is conquering death so that we may be raised into eternal life. Without the resurrection, He was just another prophet. But Jesus is more than that; He is our God, our Savior, our Lord. He also had to prepare His disciples for their ministry. And He revealed Himself to many. One day He will return and reveal Himself to all. Continue reading “Events of Jesus’ Resurrection”
God’s Plan Through Jesus and the Cross
We have been discussing Jesus’ words on the cross. God had a plan all along. Jesus proclaimed that He accomplished it. God spoke through Isaiah nearly 800 years earlier about this time. Daniel mentions the coming of the Messiah over 400 years earlier and gives a specific date. God’s message gave hope, and that hope was through Jesus Christ. Continue reading “God’s Plan Through Jesus and the Cross”
My Daily Scriptures 