The LOVE of JESUS and the POWER of the CROSS

Today I believe God wants to give you a fresh revelation of His love and grace. Let’s look at the LOVE of JESUS and the POWER of the CROSS!

Romans 1:16-17…

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” 

1 Corinthians 1:17-18…

“For Christ sent me to preach the Good News.”

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved recognize the message as the very power of God.” 

Do you realize what Jesus did? 

Do you realize how much God loves you? 

Are you aware of what Jesus accomplished on the cross?

Jesus shed His blood for you and me so that we can be set free and reconnected to God.

God wants a relationship with you.

Do You Know What GRACE is?

It is God’s undeserved favor. You cannot earn it, and we do not deserve it. It is a FREE GIFT from God. It is God’s undeserved kindness.

God’s grace is not based on how good or bad you have been. God’s grace is based purely on what Jesus did on the cross.

Galatians 2:20-21…

“I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.” 

Do You Know What MERCY is?

Mercy is God’s choosing to withhold the punishment we deserve. 

If you break the law, you are deemed guilty and must pay the price. But God sent Jesus, and he paid the full price for us. Jesus basically took the punishment on our behalf. God’s mercy, therefore, lets us off the hook because Jesus paid the full price for our sins. 

So, today, I want to show you what Jesus did for you through the cross. I pray that you will see the love of God through the power of the cross. 

Through the Cross, God Offers You ABUNDANT LIFE and HOPE

No matter who you are or what you have done, Jesus loves you, and his love is unconditional. It is not based on your performance, your works, or your feelings but solely on what Jesus did on the cross.

You may have messed up or failed. You may have fallen short. The good news is that Jesus came to “seek and save the lost.”

Jesus came to bring hope to those who know they have messed up.

So, if you have failed, fallen short, or are living in guilt, you can be made right with God by taking Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

God loves you so much!

Romans 5:8 says, “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” 

Put your faith in God. Trust in Jesus. Put your confidence in Him and the finished work of the cross.

The message of the CROSS is so powerful. It shows the abundant love of God.  

BUT…

We have a problem. It is called SIN.

Romans 6:23 makes it clear that “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

The price of sin leads to death.

BUT…

Jesus offers a free gift that cannot be earned which leads to eternal life.

Romans 5:12 says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.”

Romans 5:15-21 continues, “But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin.” 

“For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”

Read this scripture carefully.

It is so powerful.

While sin brings eternal death (hell), along with guilt and condemnation, Jesus offers new life, forgiveness, freedom, and the opportunity for you and me to be made right with God.  

Through the Cross, God Offers FORGIVENESS

Jesus took the nails so that we could be forgiven and cleansed.

Sin was dealt with and paid for by the blood of Jesus on the cross.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

Through the Cross, God Offers ETERNAL LIFE

Life on earth is short and temporary, but life does not end at the grave. In eternity, there is a heaven and hell.

Jesus paid the full price to give you eternal life. 

If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior and if you do not know where you will spend your eternity, give Jesus your life. Surrender your life to God and invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.

We need to be righteous to get to heaven: We need to be holy, sinless, and pure to enter heaven.

The bad news: We have all blown it. We all fall short of God’s standard because of sin. We are all in serious trouble, and our eternity is at risk.

The good news: God made a way. Jesus Christ came as the sinless, perfect sacrifice. He died in our place, taking the punishment we deserve for our sins. He shed his blood once and for all for our past, present, and future sins.

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

Jesus gave his life up on the cross so that we can be reconnected to God.  

Through the Cross, We Have RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD 

We were sinners, unrighteous and cut off, but through the cross, Jesus made a way for all people to be made right with God.

Through the price Jesus paid, we are justified – it is just as if I have not sinned!

On the cross, there was a divine exchange where Jesus took our sins and paid the full price. He gave us His righteousness. In other words, Jesus paid the price for our sins so that we could be right with God. 

This is not based on our effort or our feelings—it is ONLY because of what Jesus did on the cross. 

All you can do is receive God’s free gift by faith. Put your confidence in God. Trust in the saving work of Jesus.

Hebrews 9:22 says, “…without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” 

Jesus shed his blood for you and me. It cost Jesus his life! Do you see His love, mercy, and grace? What undeserved kindness! 

Take a look at these life-changing scriptures in Romans 3…

Romans 3…

¹¹ “No one is good, not even one.”

²³ “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

²⁴ “Yet God, in his gracious kindness, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”

²⁵ “For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.” 

That is why the cross is so powerful.

Romans 10:13 says, “Who so ever called on the name of The Lord, will be saved.”

Call on Jesus. If you haven’t done so yet, take Jesus as your Savior. On the cross, Jesus was treated as if he was a sinner. He took our place so that we could be set free.

The message of the cross is GOOD NEWS. 

Through the Cross, You Can Have a FRESH START  

Through the cross, God offers you a brand-new start.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Those who belong to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Through the Cross, God Offers You FREEDOM FROM GUILT AND CONDEMNATION 

Many believe that God loves them when they do right, but when they mess up, they feel cut off from God.

Often, we blow it and feel guilty and ashamed. We think that God has deserted us and is angry with us for failing him, but the truth is that if you have taken Jesus as your Lord and Savior and surrendered your life to God, all your sins and failings were paid for 2000 years ago. You are then fully forgiven and free from your past transgressions.   

Don’t take the enemy’s bait of condemnation.

In John 10:10 Jesus said, “The enemy comes to kill, steal and to destroy, but I have come to give you life and life more abundantly.”

If you have sinned and feel haunted by your past or condemned, confess it to God.

1 John 1:9 says… “If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.” 

You don’t have to live in condemnation and guilt. If you have blown it, confess your sin and put your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Your forgiveness is NOT based on your efforts, holiness, or good works. Your forgiveness is based on what Jesus did on the cross.

The absolute best you can do will never be good enough—Jesus did it ALL. 

There is now no more condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world (YOU) that he gave his one and only Son (JESUS), that whoever believes (FAITH IN GOD) in him shall not perish (HELL) but have eternal life (HEAVEN).”  

But this scripture goes on and says these incredible words… 

John 3:17 continues, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” 

Romans 8:1 confirms this where it says, “There is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” 

Jesus said in John 5:24, “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”

God wants to fill you with his peace.

It is time to shake off the lie of the enemy.

There is now NO CONDENATION in Jesus Christ.

I used to walk in a lot of bondage in guilt and condemnation. Even though I was Christian, I did not understand God’s new covenant and his grace.

I would blow it and feel so condemned, guilty, and cut off from God as though his love for me was based on my performance. I was like a schizophrenic Christian, like a yo-yo! One moment I would be up, and the next moment down, depending on my performance. One moment I would feel holy and then I would mess up and feel cut off from God.

I blow it often, but thank God for his love, mercy, and grace. 

Without Jesus, we are all sunk! But because of Jesus, there is NO condemnation.

You do not need to walk in guilt and shame.

If you mess up, then go boldly to God’s throne of grace. Pour out your heart to Him. Confess your shortcomings, mistakes, and sins. He is faithful to forgive, and he is just and able to forgive. Surrender your sins and burdens to God, then move on in faith, knowing that Jesus has already dealt with your sins. Jesus did it all!

Stop living in guilt! Live right! Put your faith in God!

I want to make something clear. I am not advocating a license to sin. You will sin without a license to do so. The good news is that through the cross, you have a license to be right with God. 

In Hebrews 10:26, it is clear that “If we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.”

Don’t trample the grace of God, but if you do mess up, go immediately to God and ask him to cleanse you.

Yes, under the law, we were condemned for sin, but thanks to the finished work of Jesus on the cross, we can be free. Jesus gave his own life. He paid the price, the full price.

This shows God’s grace and mercy. It cannot be earned or deserved. It is a free gift from God. Just because it is free does not mean it is cheap. It cost Jesus his life!

Through the Cross, You Can Have AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD 

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, you and I have a position of privilege. We have been invited to be children of God. If God is the King of Kings, then as his children, we are royalty. If your FATHER IN HEAVEN IS THE KING, that makes you a PRINCE or PRINCESS.

You can have an intimate walk with God as His child. 

Romans 8:14-15 says, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So, you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” 

God wants a moment-by-moment CLOSE walk with you. You can begin this relationship today.

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

Sometimes, we live such busy and noisy lives. I encourage you to get quiet with God. 

I dare you to draw near to God. When you do, God will draw near to you. He wants to walk with you closely.

Related: Sit at Jesus’ Feet – Getting quiet with God in a busy world

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

God speaks.

He wants to lead you to quiet waters.

He wants to renew your strength.

Stay close to God. Spend time with God.

Draw near to him, and he will draw near to you. 

The God who made the world and flung the stars into space wants to walk life’s journey with you.

In Matthew 28:10, Jesus says, “I am with you always!”

Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

You are not alone.

You don’t have to fear.

If God is with you, you will be okay.

We can only walk intimately with God because of what Jesus did on the cross.

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.

Through the Cross, You Have DIRECT ACCESS to God

When Jesus was hung on the cross, the Bible tells us that from noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over all the land. 

Matthew 27:46 tells us that Jesus shouted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

God had to turn his back on His beloved Son because all our sin was loaded onto Jesus.

God, being holy, had to look away from Jesus. Only because Jesus paid the price for sin can God look on you and me and offer forgiveness.

Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

Jesus took on our sins. He became a curse so that we could be set free from it.

John 19:30 tells us that in the final moments before Jesus died on the cross, knowing that he had accomplished God’s plan to redeem mankind, Jesus shouted, “It is finished!” He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Jesus did not say, “I am finished!”

He was saying, “It is done! I have paid the full price so sinful man can be forgiven and set free!”

Beaten, bloodied, and nailed to the cross, Jesus paid the debt of sin. 

Matthew 27:51 tells us that “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split, and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.”

The people on the scene said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

As Jesus died, the curtain temple was torn in two.

Under the Old Covenant, God dwelt in the Tabernacle, in the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest could enter God’s presence. He had to be pure and clean. When the High Priest entered God’s presence, he went through the curtain that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God dwelt.

When Jesus died on the cross, the temple curtain tore in two. This is significant, as it shows that we now have direct access to God.

Hebrews 10:19-22 tells us, “We can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him.” 

Jesus opened up a new, life-giving way for us to approach God. Under the Old Covenant, you needed to approach God through the High Priest, but Jesus brought in a New Covenant. Jesus became our Great High Priest, and because of the price he paid on the cross, we now have direct access to God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “We have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” 

You can come boldly to God’s throne, all because of what Jesus did on the cross when he shed his blood for you. Through the cross, Jesus gives you direct access to God.

Through the Cross, the HOLY SPIRIT WANTS TO EMPOWER YOU TO IMPACT YOUR WORLD 

On the cross, Jesus died and paid the price for our sins.

Three days later, He conquered the grave – He rose again.

He then walked the earth for 40 days before ascending into heaven, and he will return once again to fetch his people and judge the world.

In John 16:7, Jesus said, “It is better that I am going away, so that the Holy Spirit would come.”

Jesus promised us that the Holy Spirit would come. 

According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will…

• Be our helper, advocate, and counselor, and that He would both be with us and in us (John 14:15-18)
• Teach you all things and give us God’s peace (John 14:26-27)
• Convict of sin, of God’s righteousness, and the coming judgment (John 16:8)
• Guide us into all truth and reveal the future (John 16:13) 

The Holy Spirit came to empower you to be His ambassador. 

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)

Related: The Holy Spirit and Pentecost: God Wants to Fill You! – Everything you need to know to live a spirit-filled life!

You may think that SUPERMAN has powers.

BUT…

The God who created the world, who has all power and authority in heaven and earth, wants to live in you and empower you.

1 John 4:4 says, “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world.”

God wants to empower you to change your world.

In John 14:12-14, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” 

God has set you apart.

He wants to empower you.

All you need to do is yield to God and be available. Jesus said that you will do the same works He did and even greater works.

When Jesus walked the earth, he healed the sick, brought breakthrough, delivered the oppressed, and set the captives free. 

The early Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, turned their worlds upside down. Go read the books of Acts and see how God empowered the early believers. God empowered his people to heal the sick and set captives free. He worked in supernatural ways. God even empowered Peter. He came to a certain town, and they lined up the sick on the payments so that when he walked by, his shadow would fall on the sick, and they were healed. 

Related: Change the Atmosphere – If you want to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to reach your world!

Do you realize what Jesus has done for you?  

God wants you and I to walk in His power.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1, Peter said, “When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

When Peter came to Corinth, all he did was talk to people about Jesus and the cross. He said he came in fear and trembling, and all he did was lift Jesus up. When he did, God demonstrated His power through the Holy Spirit.   

God is waiting for you to take your rightful place as a blood-washed, forgiven Child of God.

You have direct access to God, and He wants to empower you to impact your world. 

God is waiting for you to rise and attempt great things for Him.

The POWER of the CROSS

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16-17)

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)

The message of the cross is so powerful. It brings freedom. 

Do you realize what Jesus did? 

Do you realize how much God loves you? 

Are you aware of what Jesus accomplished on the cross?

I pray that this message has given you a fresh revelation of The LOVE of JESUS and the POWER of the CROSS.

Through the CROSS, we have…

• ABUNDANT LIFE AND HOPE
• FORGIVENESS
• ETERNAL LIFE
• RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD
• A FRESH START 
• FREEDOM FROM GUILT AND CONDEMNATION
• AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
• DIRECT ACCESS TO GOD
• THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO EMPOWERS US TO IMPACT THE WORLD  

It is time to rise up and take up your position as a Child of God.

God bless you.