Our World Belongs to God 25

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
 “Where, O death, is your victory?
    Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

"Our World Belongs to God: A Contemporary Testimony," continues on today with a look at the meaning of the victorious suffering of Jesus, in Paragraph 25.

Paragraphs 1-6: Preamble (April 11-29)
Paragraphs 7-12: Creation (April 30-May 8)
Paragraphs 13-17: Fall (May 11-15)
Paragraphs 18-22:Redemption (May 18-22)
Paragraphs 23-27: Jesus Christ (May 25-29) 

Paragraph 25 (Today)
Standing in our place,
Jesus suffered during his years on earth,
especially in the tortures of the cross.
He carried God's judgment on our sin—
his sacrifice removed our guilt.
God raised him from the dead:
he walked out of the grave,
conqueror of sin and death—
Lord of Life!
We are set right with God,
given new life,
and called to walk with him
in freedom from sin's dominion.

[For Jesus’ lifelong suffering, see Hebrews 5:7-10. All four of the gospel passion accounts portray the depths of his suffering on the cross. Jesus’ resurrection victory is proclaimed often, especially in Matthew 28:1-10 and 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.]

 

Our song today was suggested by Jessie, "Above All" by Paul Baloche.

Jesus' suffering on the cross is the central point of this redemption story. His victory over death is the opening of all that follows: our lives, freed from the mastery of sin, ultimately victorious over death.  This opens the door to all that follows in this Confession, looking at how we live this life of freedom. This is the gospel we have come to believe. Thanks be to God through our Lord Jesus Christ!

"Lord, we thank you for the life you have given us in Jesus. Thank you Jesus for your work of love on the cross. Thank you for freeing us from sin and the dread of the grave, and for victory in your name. We pray today for Holland Christian Homes and all of the Long Term Care homes in our country, that your grace would be poured out on them, that governments, corporations and citizens would work together for their improvement, and that the caregivers, residents and their families would know and share your love one in serving with another."

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
      creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
      who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
      and born of the virgin Mary.
      He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      was crucified, died, and was buried;
      he descended to hell.
      The third day he rose again from the dead.
      He ascended to heaven
      and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
      From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
      the holy catholic church,
      the communion of saints,
      the forgiveness of sins,
      the resurrection of the body,
      and the life everlasting. Amen.

Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Pastor Mark

PS - My online office hours Thursday will be from 11am-noon. Zoom in for a chat!

 

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