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The gifts you have are not for you but rather for the glory of the One who gave them to you – to be used to edify christ’s body and not draw attention to you (1 Peter 4:10-11).

“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

THOSE who sit around boasting of their gifts and yet not being diligent to obey God in using them in serving HIM, are headed straight for hell. Just as their father, satan, glorified himself in his pride due to his gifts, so shall these rebels be damned irrevocably. Hell is full of rebels who were gifted by God. EVERY gift is from God – to glorify HIM, not you! (1 Peter 4:10-11)

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

You are not special – and will be damned like all other rebels if you choose to live outside of God’s stated will (Matthew 7:21). Repent now. You are wicked and HE is “Wonderful”! (Jeremiah 17:9; Isaiah 9:6-7)

“For THE LEADERS of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.” Isaiah 9:16

One of the ways Satan targets, deceives, and snares saints is via false leaders – wolves who wear sheep’s clothing. Satan uses false leaders to turn the affections of people’s heart away from Christ and onto them. Their personalities and ministries and church building projects are projected in the minds of their prey so regularly, therapeutically that most people never realize it. Study Colossians 2:18-19 closely saints.

We see this happening with David and his son Absalom where his son “Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6) Absalom intercepted the affections of the hearts, directing them upon himself instead of King David. David was a type of Christ and Absalom is a type of false teachers and the antichrist. Anti means in place of. Absalom sought to put himself in place of his father David – to replace him in order to be esteemed, popular, worshipped (Colossians 2:18-19). This is what false prophets do. They get your attention, your support, and your money on them – Not Christ! (Colossians 2:18-19)

The LORD is much more intent upon His children having the FRUIT of the Spirit thank He is the GIFTS of the Spirit. Yes, both are part of His New Testament program and yet one is priority above the other! Read 1 Cor 13.

Self-serving, self-seeking, self-willed, cross-less people seek to relish and use the gifts God gave to bring glory to self (John 7:18). Isn’t this exactly what Lucifer did before he was violently ejected from Heaven by the LORD who “resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”? (Isaiah 14:12-15; Luke 10:18; James 4:8; Ezekiel 28:13-15)

To know your gifts is one thing. To focus on and to proclaim your supposed gift and calling to bring attention to yourself is deceitful and evil.

Jesus told us that those who are self-seeking instead of Savior seeking, seek their own glory and not God’s:

“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18

It’s a dead give away when you hear individuals and ministries relishing, seeking out, and talking about gifts and yet out of those same mouths you never hear them relishing Jesus, His blood, His divinity, His Majesty, the cross, the original Gospel message, and His soon coming. Run!

Those gifts God has given were given strictly to serve the One who gave them, not us (1 Peter 4:10-11). We shall give full account of how we used those gifts (Romans 14:10, etc.).

You are not a celebrity but rather a mere servant of the KING of kings.

WHY not just shut up and SERVE? Memorize Matthew 23:11 and Philippians 2:3-5 today.

MANY wonder what their calling is and there are a whole lot of folk in ministries that will accommodate and yet never call them to the cross. Interesting. There is no Christianity without the cross of Christ and our cross. Nothing of Christ’s kingdom works outside of the crucified, the cross life. There are many books circulating that engage people in seeking out what their gifts are. Yet, we hear very little of truly repenting and laying down our lives. Our calling is to die, to lay down our lives, and serve, serve, serve – God and others, not self – that’s why we must have the daily cross. Funny many ministries never mention this paramount, absolutely essential truth of Christ’s Gospel (Matthew 16:24-25; 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24; 14:33, 17:33; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3, etc.). God will show us the gifts He put in us as we obey Him (John 7:17-18). Let’s seek the Giver and not the gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11).

The cross gets us out of the way so Jesus reigns and blesses! It must be!

God gave us gifts so we could glorify Him with them and to bless others by them – never bringing undue attention to ourselves in whom “no good thing dwelleth.” (Romans 7:18)

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

God is not impressed with the gifts HE gave you. He’s holding you personally responsible for using them to glorify Him not you! 1 Corinthians 4:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11

Of the cross and its relationship to God’s gifts in us, one commentator writes:

“Our gifts to benefit others and ourselves (grace) flow out the fountainhead, God the Father, but only thru the cross, Christ Crucified.  Moses smote the Rock and the water of life flowed out of, to, and through the followers of God.  For I have determined to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).  Religion and Law VS the Cross and grace.  We must present our bodies to the cross as a living sacrifice just as Shadrach Meshach and Abednego presented their bodies to the cross, the 7x’s hotter fiery furnace.  They were freed or “loosed” from their bindings and freed from sin, the law of the golden image which kills, Nebuchadnezzar (Satan) and death.  Praise God!! Daniel 3.”

We have all been given gifts from our Maker and those gifts of God are given to us by Him in order to bring Him glory and to bless and serve others with, not ourselves.

—UNLIKE humans, God doesn’t aggrandize or value anyone according to their gifts – remember HE gave those gifts. And, He will judge us all according as we have used the gifts He invested in us. See the parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Learn this Bible chapter well. There is much to be gained. Will you hear “Well done my good and faithful servant” or “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”? Am I using the gifts the LORD invested in me to bring glory to myself or the nail-scarred, Risen LORD and Savior? Read Matthew 25.

Far too many people have been led by wolves to the altar of self-service, such as searching out your gifts, taking gift tests. etc. We see that no where in the New Testament. Jesus calls those who will follow Him to deny self, take up the cross, and humbly serve, serve, serve – God and others and not to seek out what gifts are in us but rather simply love and serve everyone around us (Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 9:23-24, etc.).

The thing being pointed out here is that many use prophet and apostle as a title to elevate themselves instead of simply humbly serving while drawing all attention to Jesus and not to self – the cross.

Take notice in the following passage how seriously and with trepidation Paul looked toward the judgment to come:

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-11

In light of “the terror of the Lord,” the apostle persuaded men to do good according to the LORD who watches and weighs the motives and intentions of the hearts of all men.

“The LORD looketh on the heart (not the gifts).” 1 Samuel 16:7

God is not impressed with our gifts. He gave them. He’s not in awe when we flash them or use them and mere men celebrate us for doing so.

In fact, we are instructed by the LORD to go out of our way and use the energy and faculties He has given to us to lift up the less desirable among His people (to the human eye).

“And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow (hedge about) more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:23-25

As good stewards of God’s gifts, we are to use all of our energies and faculties, not to elevate ourselves but rather the Savior and His blessed people.  While others flock to the person who can sing or preach well, you and I, as Christ’s disciples, are to look and find that person who is off to the side, neglected, and in need of edification and the love of God through Christ’s body.

“There is NO respecter of persons with God.” Romans 2:11 (memory verse)

Partiality is sin and such a sin is addressed throughout God’s Word. Here’s an example:

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

God’s Word is the fountain of divine wisdom and, I must say that memorizing the above Bible verse has truly been a blessing in a myriad of ways (Proverbs 3:3; 4:4).

Origin of “Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift”

Where do your gifts and everything good in your originate from? Are the gifts in your life your doing or God’s?

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

In light of the truth that “every good and every perfect gift” is from God, why then do you boast?

“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

Are you using your money, your looks, or gifts of God to worship and to glorify Christ? What shall the Judge of your eternal soul say to you on that Great and Terrible Day when you stand before Him to give account of your life?

Jesus never said “Ye shall know them by their GIFTS” but rather “Ye shall know them by their FRUIT.” (Matthew 7:16, 20) Good fruit is only born out of an abiding, obedient relationship with Christ (John 15:1-16)

Do you tout you attributes, and use your wealth or looks to draw people to yourself? Or, are you dying to self, laying aside yourself, denying yourself, and pointing people – eternal souls – to the only One who made and bled to redeem them?

Never exalt self, only Christ and others.

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” Proverbs 27:2

Dare you vaunt yourself against the Most High with your vain elevations of your sinful self?

Get down low disciple of Jesus! Take on the form of a humble servant. Today, find Bible verses on this essential topic and memorize them. Refuse any title except “servant” or “disciple” saved by the mercy of God!

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 (memory verse)

Jesus teaches us not to use titles, coupling it with pride.

“But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matthew 23:8-12

“Altogether Vanity!”

“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:4-5

The root of all Christ-denying self-idolatry is refusal to truly repent and put all trust in Christ alone. The fruit of such rebellious refusal is self-exaltation. In his book The Great Falling Away, the late Milton Green captures such a phenomenon:

“We come to the light when our ambition is to please God more than anything or anyone else …. Men who attempt to come to Jesus and still love the flesh nature will still have selfish ambition. They will try to have the biggest church, the largest and best choir, the greatest numbers, and the best reputation for building a church. (All done for God, of course!) Instead of obedience to the Word of God  and holiness, their goal is ‘nickles, noses, and numbers’ to fulfill their selfish ambition. They say, ‘Come see mychurch!’ …  If a person has a root of pride, his motive will be to build an image for himself. As he builds a name for Jesus in the strength and works of the flesh, he will deceitfully take part of the glory which belongs to Jesus to fulfill his love for pride and reputation. He will show partiality and will exploit all his relationships in order to control others and advance  his selfish ambition. He will flatter and deceive others in order to look good and receive the approval of man. Pride always wants to be the center of attention. Pride receives glory from men. Pride is always concerned with its own image. Pride always has to be right. Pride loves the approval of men more than the approval of God. Pride will welcome thoughts and suggestions from Satan to exploit and use people to build one’s self image. … Every man in the world walks in the image and likeness of Satan. He does not love nor honor God; neither does he love his neighbor. Each one in the world lives of himself. The strong deceive, manipulate and lord it over the weak. Everyone greedily gathers and hoards for himself, while all around him his neighbor hurts and suffers in need. ‘The whole world lieth in wickedness.’ (1 John 5:19) Their hearts agree with Satan.” Milton Green, The Great Falling Away Today, p. 17, 28, 31

Are you learning to crucify the deeds of your sinful nature? Read Romans 6 every day for the next week prayerfully. If you think somehow that you have a good pastor or favorite Bible teacher and yet, that person isn’t calling you to Christ, that is, to die to self so that Jesus alone can be glorified, you are sitting under a false teacher who is an enemy of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18-21).

Memorize Ephesians 4:3, 32 and Psalms 133:1.

LET’S LEARN GOD’S WORD TOGETHER – ONE TRUTH AT A TIME: Are you tired of reading Scripture or hearing a good message from the Word and not retaining it for yourself and to help others? We can help you. This message was sent out to each person who is on the Moments For My Master e-mail devotional list. In supplementation to your personal daily study of God’s Word, we would love to add you and have the privilege of nourishing your heart with God’s Word (Jn. 5:39; 1 Tim. 4:6, 16; Heb. 5:11-14; 1 Pet. 2:2). Sign up here.

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Abiding

“Fervent in Spirit” [podcast]


“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Concerning being “fervent in spirit,” one commentator notes that this means to:

“Maintain zeal to the boiling point.” Dake

“Fervent” – A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest): – be fervent.

“Do nothing at any time but what is to the glory of God, and do every thing as unto him; and in every thing let your hearts be engaged.” Adam Clarke

“Never let your zeal flag (lag, drop, tank), maintain the spiritual glow, serve the Lord.” Here we are reminded of the words of Jeremiah 48:10: ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,'” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Apollos was “fervent in the spirit.”

“This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being FERVENT in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.” Acts 18:25 

In all things Christ’s saints are to be “fervent in spirit”:

“Not slothful in business; FERVENT in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Disciples of Jesus are to have a “fervent mind” toward all saints and ministers of His blessed Gospel:

“And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your FERVENT mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.” 2 Corinthians 7:7 

“Fervent prayer” is to be offered to God for other of His saints:

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual FERVENT prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James_5:16

Jesus’ people are to have “fervent charity among” ourselves:

“And above all things have FERVENT charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

“Fervent heat” will soon consume the wicked who refused the salvation that comes from Christ alone:

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with FERVENT heat.” 2 Peter 3:12 

On this biblical topic of fervency, of being “fervent in spirit”, one commentary offers the following:

“2 Peter 3:

To be ‘fervent in spirit’ means to have intense, burning passion, zeal, and enthusiasm for spiritual matters, often linked to serving God, rather than being lukewarm or apathetic. It implies being ‘boiled’ with spiritual energy, actively engaged, and diligent in faith, as described in Romans 12:11, (‘not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’). It’s a passionate, fiery commitment, distinct from fanaticism, involving earnest application and a deep love for God. 

Key aspects:

  • Intensity: A deep, glowing, or boiling heat of emotion and dedication. 
  • Diligence: Not being lazy or half-hearted, but actively applying oneself to spiritual duties. 
  • Spiritual Zeal: A strong desire and excitement for God’s will, the Gospel, and spiritual growth. 
  • Source: Often described as being moved by the Holy Spirit, a fire within. 
  • Biblical Example: Apollos was described as ‘fervent in the spirit’ as he taught diligently about the Lord (Acts 18:25). 
How it’s expressed:
  • Passionate prayer
  • Diligent study of God’s Word
  • Active, loving service to others
  • Bold witnessing for faith
  • Being ‘on fire’ for God, not lukewarm” 

Jesus says that those in His church who are “lukewarm” will be spued or rejected (Revelation 3:15-16). What’s the opposite of being “lukewarm”? – being “fervent in spirit.”

“Amen! Don’t let your fire die as the church in Laodicea did! They were neither cold nor hot. They were lukewarm. Comfortable! Indifferent! Their fire for the Lord had gone out. God’s not looking for people who play it safe but people who burn with fire for Him!!!” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: LORD, make me Yours. Please keep me close to You, NO MATTER what it takes. Break me dear LORD. Let the holy light of Your presence permeate and shine through my inner man. I am Your temple Jesus. Shine Your light on all darkness. I love You my LORD. In Jesus’ name.

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Abiding

It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]


“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3

One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10

“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:

4  But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

5  In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

6  By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,

7  By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8  By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

9  As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

10  As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”

You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).

“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2

“Hated”

“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22

“Ye shall Laugh”

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21  Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.” Luke 6:20-22

“Through  much Tribulation”

“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22

Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12

“To Make them White”

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33  And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35

“Made white … the wise shall understand”

“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

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7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]


What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?

Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?

1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).

This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).

Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6

2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).

He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).

Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14

3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).

This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).

Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28

4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).

Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).

Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.

5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).

Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.

Application to us:  We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)

Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.

Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).

7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).

This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.

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