Daily Reading: 9-14-16
John 3:13-18 The Message (MSG)
According to the Christian calendar, today is Holy Cross Day. It is a time to celebrate by focusing on the cross and how our Lord Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, defeated death and the devil, reconciled the world to God, and obtained our salvation. Proclaim the cross today; Jesus won the victory and now he draws all people to himself. Hallelujah!
John 3:13-18
13-15 “No one has ever gone up into the presence of God except the One who came down from that Presence, the Son of Man. In the same way that Moses lifted the serpent in the desert so people could have something to see and then believe, it is necessary for the Son of Man to be lifted up—and everyone who looks up to him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
16-18 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving your life for me, paying my debt so that I may know the power of your resurrection. Because of Jesus I am forgiven and am free to enjoy a new life in fellowship with your Spirit. All blessing, honor, and glory goes to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.