2 Corinthians 5:14 tells us, “For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.” The phrase “the love of Christ” is best seen in this context as Christ’s love for us – a love most clearly seen in His sacrificial death. As those who have passed from death to life, we have a growing appreciation for what Christ has done for us. In this passage Christ’s incomprehensible, unbreakable, unconditional life overwhelmed Paul. Christ’s love controlled Paul because he had concluded in a deep and profound way the reality of his identification with Christ. It is that identification that becomes New (2 Cor. 5:17) when we become a believer. Just as Paul was overwhelmed with gratitude that the eternal, holy God sent His Son to die as a substitute to pay the penalty for his sins, we to should allow that marvelous truth to move in our lives to live in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord. We do not do this because we are destined for heaven (although that is a privilege of the believer) we serve the Lord and His body out of gratitude for … READ MORE

Spring is just around the corner, and with that corner comes new life, new hope, and new perspective. We have “survived” another winter, and now with the coming of spring there is a completely new perspective on the coming year. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things are becoming new” When we establish a relationship with Christ in our life things begin to change naturally. Life is about change, and no matter how hard we try, change will enter into our lives. Life is about change, and the moment of conversion brings a new perspective into our lives and heart. What a blessing it is to know that our relationship with the Lord grows and changes as we live each day of our lives. And the beauty of our walk with the Lord is enjoyed by those around us, just like the flower beds that are around us. Today, May you blossom where the Lord has planted you.… READ MORE

Exodus 13 talks of the deliverance of Israel from the Egyptian bondage. What a miraculous power, God displayed by delivering His people from the most powerful nation of the time. And they were released from their bondage without Israel “firing” a single shot. It was all made possible by the power of God. Fast forward a few centuries, and on the night that Jesus was betrayed, He was celebrating that deliverance, as he took a cup from the Passover meal, and said to the Disciples, “This cup represents my blood, which will be shed for you.” While God provided physical deliverance for the people of Israel through the Passover, it only pictured the deliverance that the people truly needed, deliverance from Sin. That deliverance is pictured as we come to the Lord’s table and celebrate the work of Christ in delivering His people from their sin. Passover commemorates an outward deliverance from the slavery of Egypt, The Lord’s Supper commemorates an inward deliverance from the power of sin. If you have not taken a moment to evaluate your need for Christ, do so today. If you have forgotten how much we should be grateful for our deliverance from sin then … READ MORE