We have many lessons, or God stories, that we have experienced throughout our lives! We can look back and see how we have been lovingly “taught by God” (“theododaktoi” -greek) in so many ways by His Spirit as we journey through life.
The Greek word “theododaktoi” is only found once in the Bible and no where else in Greek literature! Paul used this very special word when sharing about living with God and loving others in the process.
“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God (theododaktoi) to love one another” 1 Thessalonians 4:9
We are still learning more and more in our everyday adventures! The following entries are a compilation of many of these moments that we have recalled, and the lessons we have learned. We wanted to record these as a reminder to us and possibly for the benefit of others who may read these.
We pray that God will use these life experiences that He has taught us to encourage you and cause you to reflect on those special moments that God has taught you as well!
Lesson One: -Jesus Saves!
When we traveled to England in 1999 with the CB-ROM Team, we ministered to a mission church nicknamed: “The rose between two thorns”. The church sign high up on its steeple proclaimed, “Jesus Saves”. But one of the “s” was broken and hanging upside down – not a great announcement for those passing by. We were able to repair and reset the sign proclaiming the truth “JESUS SAVES” once again for all to consider.
Jesus saves…from what, how? (Realize…we are eternal creatures!)
To sin is to do anything in thought, word, or deed that contradicts God’s perfect and holy character – God declares that the wages of this sin is death (…eternal separation from Him). There is one choice to make, either continue in the sin without regard to God, or repent “turn around” and allow Jesus’ death on our behalf pay our wages.
Is there a solution? Yes! Because we have sinned against an infinite God, either a finite person (us) must pay for our sins for an infinite amount of time, OR an infinite Person (God in the flesh – Jesus) would be required to pay for our sins one time. There is no other option.
Jesus saves each individual by coming into the world (Christmas celebration) and dying in our place (Good Friday)…thereby paying our “wages for sin” and declaring us justified (as have never sinned – forever righteous!) In other words, Jesus Christ chose to sacrifice Himself on our behalf, paying the infinite and eternal penalty only He could pay. Because of His immense unconditional love and desire to have an eternal relationship with each of us – forever – Jesus took the punishment and ultimate death that we deserve. To repeat – Jesus physically suffered and died in order to save us from an eternal destiny separated from God. This is the truth: because of His great love for us, Jesus laid down His life (crucifixion on a cross and ultimate death) paying the penalty that we had earned but can/could never pay.
BUT – Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead (Resurrection Sunday -Easter)! This has been substantiated and historically recorded with multiple eyewitnesses! This is the supernatural gift of grace that changed human history forever! Since the “wages of sin” has been paid for us, and we choose to accept this by placing our trust and hope only in Jesus, we are given eternal life – forever living an intimate life with Him. Amazing Grace!
For God So Loved the World (as God says in: John 3:16-18…)
“For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Is today is the day of your salvation? THIS is the Gospel (great news)!
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8: 1-6
Growing up in a Christian home and the teaching in our church, this was the scripture that penetrated my heart (Dennis). It’s the power of God (not mine) for everyone (MY) salvation – just believe! …and WE DO! Lorree accepted Christ also at a young age following the teaching of her parents and the teaching in church life. It’s for all – everyone – everywhere!
The ONLY way to a vibrant eternal relationship is through Jesus. We sincerely pray that you will consider accepting your Creators invitation to accept HIS sacrifice to live eternally with HIM – it’s unconditional – HE LOVES YOU now just as you are! Don’t overthink this – this truth is for everyone = YOU!
Questions? Give us a call or email we’ll be glad to connect with you!