By Nancy Virden (c)2024 AlwaysTheFight.com

1. Purpose. So what about the cross is a celebration? How does the torturous death and resurrection of Jesus relate to his birth? Almighty God, Sovereign of the Universe, created everything out of nothing. His power is beyond compare. He is absolutely holy – that is, without fault or blame. Because he is limitless, we can live in his light and offer that light to others.

2. Freedom from negative cycles. He made each of us because he loves us, and longs for our close friendship. We keep turning to other gods like pride, self-will, “rights”, money, sex, and more getting and keeping ourselves in trouble. Out of sheer love for you and me, he sent his one and only birth son Jesus to take the punishment God knew we could not bear.

3. Gratitude. That is the meaning of the cross. Jesus was God with us. He came as a vulnerable baby to be among us. He was sinless (that is a critical point!), and then gave himself up to die via crucifixion.  This is why we are grateful.

4. Hope. He did not stay dead! He was buried, and three days later, he rose back to life! If Jesus did not resurrect, then our faith is in vain. If God is dead, what hope do we have?

5. A perfect Father. He returned to heaven, and according to Jesus’ promise is preparing a place for anyone who believes on his sacrifice and salvation. Because he ‘paid the price’ already, we have the utmost privilege of coming to God The Almighty, and talking with him, thanking him, asking for forgiveness, asking for help, and listening freely without fear. And he eats it up! He wanted this from the start, remember? There is no need for false sacrifices or bargaining; he wants you!

6. Unfailing love. Micah 7: 18, 19 (NLT) reads, “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! (The bold accent is mine).

7. Forgiveness. All that is asked of us to begin that relationship with God and to gain eternal life with him, is to accept the gift Jesus gave. When we believe he came in human form, died, was buried, and resurrected, we know he holds the power to forgive sins. We can repent and place our trust in God’s unfailing love.

8. Eternal life with God. There is much to say about this! Know that the cross is the reason he came. It’s so simple yet nothing is as profound.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Corinthians 15 : 3- 6

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time…”  

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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