Christianity Oasis Forum

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December 18 | Bible in a Year: Obadiah; Revelation 9

The Language of the Cross


READ ROMANS 5:1–10
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God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While
we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
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Pastor Tim Keller said, “Nobody ever learns who they are by being told. They must be shown.” In a sense, it’s one application of the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” Spouses show their mates that they’re appreciated by listening to them and loving them. Parents show their children they’re valued by lovingly caring for them. Coaches show athletes they have potential by investing in their development. And on it goes. By the same token, a different kind of action can show people painful things that communicate much darker messages.

Of all the action-based messages in the universe, there’s one that matters most. When we want to be shown who we are in God’s eyes, we need look no further than His actions on the cross. In Romans 5:8, Paul wrote, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross shows us who we are: those whom God so loved that He gave His one and only Son for us (John 3:16).

Against the mixed messages and confusing actions of broken people in a broken culture, the message of God’s heart rings clear. Who are you? You’re the one so loved by God that He gave His Son for Your rescue. Consider the price He paid for you and the wonderful reality that, to Him, you were always worth it.
By Bill Crowder
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**REFLECT & PRAY
Father, I can never understand why You would love me so much
or give Your Son for my forgiveness. Your love is unsearchable and
Your grace is amazing. Thank You for making me Your child!

~~How have you been defining your worth? What false messages
might you need to discard or reject in exchange for comprehending
the value that God places on you?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.SCRIPTURE INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
In Romans 1-3, Paul begins his letter by showing that those who reject Jesus are enemies of God and objects of His wrath (1:18; 2:5; 3:23). Then he shares the good news of God’s salvation through Christ: “God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin” (3:24-25 nlt). In Romans 5, Paul affirms God’s lavish love for us. First, we know how much He loves us “because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (5:5 nlt). Second, while we were still God’s enemies (vv. 6-10), He showed His great love by giving us His only Son to be “an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10) and making us “friends of God” (Romans 5:11 nlt). K. T. Sim

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