2 Corinthians 3:18 "True Acceptance"

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. ~2 Corinthians 3:18

Two major aspects of the transformation that Jesus brings that are sometimes overlooked are forgiving ourselves/others and repentance. When we ask God to forgive our sins, we must also forgive ourselves for the sins we’ve committed and forgive those who have sinned against us. Too often people will hang onto the shame and pain and really stall themselves in the process of transformation. Jesus didn’t die for us to dwell in the midst of the muck. He died so we’d have victory. Therefore, we need to completely let go of all that is associated with that sin.

Forgiveness is not the only problem. Many people do not choose repentance. Repentance is completely turning against our sin. We must make a 180 degree turn to choose to leave old ways behind that led us to that sin and to walk the path Christ has for us. Only when we choose to turn away from evil will we see the true glory of God.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find Scripture on forgiveness and repentance. Write out one of each here.
2. Are there sins in your past that you haven’t forgiven yourself for? Write out a declaration of forgiveness to yourself.
3. Who do you need to forgive? You don’t have to go to them. They may not even know they’ve hurt you. But in your heart you need to forgive them for the wrong they’ve done. Write out a statement of forgiveness to them.
4. What parts of your old way of life do you keep hanging onto? List the areas of your life that need a 180 degree turn from.

Father, help me to forgive myself and others and teach me to turn away from the old me and build on the new. Amen.

Romans 12:2 "Our Transformation Through Christ"

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2

The amazing thing about surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ is that in the act of humbly yielding to Him, you regain your life. The power of Christ transforms you into a new creation that is so much better than the old one. The old one was controlled by vain desires and selfishness. It sought pleasures for self and certainly didn’t see the big picture of life. Every decision and thought was reduced to, “How will this affect me.”

When we are transformed, the “me” is taken care of hidden in Christ. My troubles are temporary and fleeting. My joys are precious gifts from Him. My future is in His hands, and I don’t have to worry about it. My family, neighbors, co-workers, and the people I pass on the street need me to show them His love. I’m just a conduit of caring and compassion. The world may be in chaos, but in this new life, I rise above the chaos to a peace and joy that passes all understanding. Do I still have troubles. Yes. But I face them resting safely in the Father’s capable and protective hand.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find Scripture that says we are changed, renewed, transformed when we receive Christ.
2. Is transformation an event or a process? Support with Scripture.
3. How has God transformed your life?

Father, thank You that I don’t have to stay where I am, but You transform me. Continue to work on my heart to make me more like You. Amen.

Romans 10:9-11 "Our Choice for Christ"

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. ~Romans 10:9-11

The right to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior is completely a choice. He has already paid the price for the forgiveness of our sins, but we must choose to accept that grace-filled gift. It’s like receiving a beautifully wrapped present. We can accept the gift, but if we never unwrap and open the gift, we have not truly received it. Acceptance happens by believing in your heart through faith that Jesus is who He says He is and did what He said He did. Ask Him to forgive your sins and receive His amazing gift.

The choice to receive Christ also comes with a commitment. We are stating that we are now followers of Christ. To follow anyone is to do as they lead. Christ wants to not only be your Savior, He desires to be Lord of your life. Surrendering to the Lordship of Christ will be the most liberating choice you will ever make.

Further Thoughts:

1. Define “grace.”
2. Why did Jesus sacrifice for us?
3. If you have not received Jesus Christ as your Savior, you can do that right now. Confess that you are a sinner and ask for His forgiveness. His grace, mercy and love are waiting for you. Write out your prayer of confession.
4. If you have already received Christ as Savior and Lord, write out your story. When did you receive him and how have you grown in your relationship with Christ?

Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing grace and precious gift of salvation. Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted as I strive to follow You. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:21 "Jesus Our Savior"

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ~2 Corinthians 5:21

As we discussed last week, we are fallen beings who are in need of a Savior. Without someone to pay the price for our sins, we cannot be in relationship with God because He cannot condone sin. Someone must pay the price. That someone was Jesus Christ. The Almighty chose to come down from His throne humbling Himself into the human body of His creation.

And as the sacrificial Lamb, He paid a dear price. His body was severely beaten then placed on a cross. His torturers drove iron nails through His hands and feet; pierced His side with a spear. Christ’s death was horrific, but the Lamb went suffered willingly for you and me. His grace-filled gift is our life renewed.

Within the arms of Jesus, we not only have salvation, but protection and guidance. He has given us life and shown us how to live. As our Lord, we are safe in His arms.

Further Thoughts:

1. Why did the chief priests arrest Jesus? How did God use their sin to His own purpose?
2. Read an account of Jesus’ crucifixion in John 19:16-30. Write your thoughts on His sacrifice.
3. Compare and contrast the death of Christ compared to the sacrifices of the Old Testament.
4. What completes Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and separates Him from all the other gods that man worships? (HINT: See John 20:1-9)

Lord, You endured such horrors for me. Thank You for Your grace and sacrifice which passes all understanding. Amen.

John 1:14 "Jesus, 100% Man"

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. ~John 1:14

God determined that someone needed to pay the final price for man’s sins, so He became that man. By sending His Son, He fulfilled the penal punishment and became the final sacrifice ever needed for our sins. He desired that no more blood be shed for sins, so He became just like us. Born as a baby, Christ learned to walk and talk and grew into a man like all men. He battled temptation as we all do. We see evidence of that when He went into the desert and Satan tempted Him with all the very same temptations he throws at us today. Christ walked as a man and endured the elements like we do. He needed food to live and suffered when His body was abused. He bled like we do and cried out to the Father for mercy in the same way we cry out in our own pain. And when His body could take no more, he died like all men die.

In every way, Jesus walked this earth as a man. Living, loving, laughing, eating, sleeping, suffering, and then dying. Yet…. He walked it as 100% God and did it perfectly. Christ, in His perfect humanity, showed us how to live our lives pleasing to the Father.

Further Thoughts:

1. Find examples from Scripture that demonstrated Christ’s humanity.
2. In the above examples, can we live in our humanity as He did, or does our lack of divinity make us weaker and less able? Explain.
3. Why does Christ’s humanity offer comfort to us today?

Father, thank You for humbling Yourself for my sake and demonstrating how to live. Continue to guide me on that path. Amen.

1 John 10:30 "Jesus, 100% God"

I and the Father are one. ~John 10:30

The divinity of Jesus is questioned by many, but has many points of proof as to its veracity. God, the Father, sets the stage from the very beginning of creation with His use of the word, “us” to describe Himself amid the Trinity. Then the prophets predict Christ’s virgin birth showing forethought and divine intervention. How else would a baby be born without intercourse unless God intervened.

Christ’s life continues to demonstrate His divine nature. He possessed a knowledge of people beyond given information. His ability to heal the sick and raise the dead showed a power beyond a mere human being. His wisdom and authority over the spiritual realm by calling out demons displayed for all present an authority beyond humanity.

But even with all the evidence, there is still an element of faith that must be practiced to believe that Jesus was God incarnate. And that is a step we all must take to walk as His devoted followers.

Further Thoughts:

1. What Scripture other than John 10:30 speaks of Christ’s divinity?
2. What is the definition of “Immanuel?”
3. Why is it important that we believe He is 100% God?
4. How does Christ’s divinity separate Christianity from other religions?

Father, thank You for sending Yourself to atone for my sins. You humbled Yourself; now teach me how to humble myself before You and others. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:9 "A Way to Make Us Worthy"

…who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…. ~2 Timothy 1:9

We are all sinners. Romans 3:23 says, “For we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We can choose to be good people, but that will not pay the price for our sins nor will it make us worthy to be in the presence of God. We are only made worthy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Matthew 10:38 says, “…and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Our worth is not by anything we do but by who we choose to be. Just as he called the disciples to follow Him, in the same way Christ is calling us to follow Him with our life.

Surrender of the heart is a very difficult action. We want to guard ourselves from submitting to anyone. Our natural tendency is for self-preservation and self-control. In other words, we want to be our own God. But if we surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and accept the unearned gift He is offering, then and only then will we be worthy to enter into a relationship with the Father. It’s the grace of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice that makes us worthy.

Further Thoughts:

1. Why did God choose to be in relationship with me?
2. Am I made worthy to be in His presence? Why or why not?
3. Am I choosing daily to take up my cross and follow Him? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not?
4. Relationships take work. Am I willing to become all God wants me to be? If not, what is hindering me?

Father, You did all You needed to do to make me worthy to be in a relationship with You. Now I choose to be the person I need to be. Amen.