Know the Truth – Going through the basics Christians believe so that we are better equipped to tell our friends about Jesus

 

1 – God is God
2 – God is the creator of all things
3 – Man was originally created to be in perfect relationship with God
4 – Man has rejected God and His rule
5 – Man’s punishment is death and judgment.
6 – God has got a rescue plan for people

 

this week…

 

7 – Jesus was my substitute

Remember last week?  We looked at God’s rescue plan – that it was his intention to rescue and only He could do it!

This week we look at how that plan took place through the death of Jesus on the cross.

 

I wonder if you’ve noticed the amount of crucifixes (the symbol of the cross) there are displayed in the world?

On church steeples, in church buildings, in people’s homes, even a fashion item hanging round some people’s necks.  If you think it through this symbol brings with it a horrifying fact!  It was the form of death that was kept for the worst criminals in the Roman Empire.  A criminal was laid across 2 planks of wood (often two tree trunks), either tied or nailed to the wood then raised up so that everyone could see.  It was thought to be the most painful, degrading, humiliating form of death known to man. 

 

So why did Jesus die this horrendous death?  Why did the son of God go through that kind of pain?

 

The bottom line answer – for you and for me!

Jesus died in my place!  Jesus took my punishment on His shoulders!  Jesus died so that I may go free!

 

1 Peter 3v18

“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God.” 

 

Wow – What is Peter saying here?

 

That Jesus died for sins committed by people.  That he died once and that one time was sufficient.  That he was completely without sin yet died for those who were sinful.  That this act was sufficient to bring people back to God – His rescue plan complete.

 

It’s hard to get your head round isn’t it?

 

Jesus the innocent one is punished. I, the guilty one, go free – if I respond to what Jesus has done.

 

More next week!

 

This week I hope you’re thrilled by what Jesus has done for you – let this affect

the way you play your sport this week!

• Praise God for his incredible rescue plan in the form of Jesus dieing on the cross!

 

• Pray for Mike and his mate Brad

 

• Pray that if you have a game this weekend you’ll represent Jesus well!

 

 

Go well friends!

Until next week – remember the cross – the heart of the rescue plan!!!