--HIS INDESCRIBABLE GIFT/ JESUS DIED TO PAY OUR SIN-DEBT ~~

--"Carrying his own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified Him.
----(John 19:17-18 / NIV) --

---The essence of our story as Christ-followers is the Cross. When I say the cross, I mean Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. We have no message, no hope apart from that. It is the anchor of our faith and the foundation of who we are as a people. Death on a cross was a torturous ordeal intended by those who utilized the practice to intimidate their enemies into submission. The idea was that if you crucified someone in a public place, it was so horrific that it would quell any thought of rebellion.

When Hollywood has attempted to depict crucifixion accurately, it has been nearly impossible to watch. The symbol of the Cross has become the most identifiable symbol of our faith. It is hung on walls as home décor, worn as jewelry, and used on business cards. I have no problem with that, but my hope is that we will always see the Cross for what it is—the place of our Lord’s death on our behalf—and be reminded to thank Him for His indescribable gift.

**THINK ABOUT IT**
--If the depths of suffering Jesus endured on the cross on our behalf are kept in view, worship and obedience toward God will flow. Remember what it cost Him. May we “never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 6:14, NIV®).

**PRAYER**
--"Heavenly Father, what inexpressible love You have for me that You presented Your Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice of atonement on my behalf. I receive Your gift of righteousness by faith and worship You with thanksgiving. Thank You, My Lord and Savior, for paying my sin-debt by dying in my place. Lord, help me to never be ashamed of You, and to tell others of Your gift of eternal life by accepting Your 'free-gift' gift In Jesus' name. amen."

Blessings,
Pastor Allen Jackson
[Friend, We accept Jesus' 'free gift' of salvation, not because it cost nothing. It did cost Jesus's life. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin." - (--HEBREWS 9:22) ]