Subscription Lists
The Focus
by Dennis Wheeler
"God is so rich in mercy, and He loved us so very much, that even while we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's special grace that you have been saved!) For He raised us from the dead along with Christ, and we are seated with Him in the heavenly realms - all because we are one with Christ Jesus. And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all He has done for us through Christ Jesus. God saved you by His special grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. We are God's masterpiece!" - Ephesians 2:4-9 (NLT)
At Calvary a man was hanging on a cross next to Jesus. This man had lived a life of evil. He was a thief...a murderer...and he deserved his punishment. He deserved hell.
Yet in the last moment he turned to Christ and said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." (Luke 23:42) In that moment Jesus turned to him and said, "I assure you, today you will be with Me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)
I don't know about you...but I fully expect to see that man in Paradise. I believe that man is in heaven today. Not because he could come down from the cross and be baptized. Not because he could come down from the cross and take communion. Not because he could come down from the cross and give money to charitable work. Not because he could come down from the cross and live a good life. He had been wicked, evil, and godless . . . and yet he was saved by the tender mercy and grace of God.
Folks...that is what brings you and me to the cross.
You will never understand what the cross means until you understand in your own life the assurance that God gives in His Word..."For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - - and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)
When we think of Christmas - we automatically think of giving and receiving gifts.
BUT...the greatest gift...the gift of salvation was given to each of us at Easter!!
IT'S EASTER!!
CELEBRATE HIS RESURRECTION!!
CELEBRATE HIS LIFE!!
CELEBRATE HIS LOVE!!
CELEBRATE HIS GIFT OF GRACE!!
"Amazing GRACE! How sweet the sound...for it saved a wretch like me!
He serves as the Senior Pastor with southwest Virginia church... a loving church family in Abingdon.
He and his wife Sharon have been married for over 27 years and are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, one son-in-law, and two precious grandchildren, the second arrived arrived on the scene in September 2004!!
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Focus" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.