1. Some recently asked me, "If Good Friday is the day we commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus, why is it called good?" Now that is a very "good" question. So let me offer up a very good answer. And the answer comes from a very solid website called gotquestions.org. I highly recommend this particular website if you have any questions about the Bible or theology. Here is got questions.org's answer to this question:
"Why is Good Friday referred to as “good”? What the Jewish authorities and Romans did to Jesus was definitely not good (see Matthew chapters 26-27). However, the results of Christ’s death are very good! Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” First Peter 3:18 tells us, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
So what Satan orchestrated for evil is ultimately for our greatest good. For were it not for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, we would all still be without God and therefore without hope in this world. But because Jesus died on the cross some 2000 years ago, we can have genuine hope for this life and for all eternity. I don't know about you my friends, but I call that GOOD!
2. Recently my soon to be four-year-old grandson was telling me how he liked to help out his mommy at home. He told me he helped do the dishes and he liked to do chores. He said it with such passion that I knew what he was telling me was true. He loves to be mommy's little helper! We who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ have a helper as well. When Jesus left this earth he said that he
would send the Holy Spirit to be our helper (John 16;7). And sure enough, the Holy Spirit descended upon the followers of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The remainder of the New Testament is full of commands concerning the Spirit such as "walk in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), "Be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18), and "do not grieve the Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 4:30). The Christian life would be impossible to live if it were not for the Holy Spirit actively at work in our lives. Have you thanked God lately for this divine helper who is your constant companion? I'm guessing if you're anything like me, the Holy Spirit is all too often far from your mind and heart. Please take some time to reflect on your need for the Holy Spirit's help, and praise the Father and the Son for sending him to this earth to help us!
Thanks for stopping by… And have a blessed Good Friday and Easter celebration!
PJ
No comments:
Post a Comment