Luke 23:44-49 | JD Summers

Jesus’ death on the cross was not just an example of extravagant love and sacrifice. Jesus accomplished something, accomplished many things. He made atonement for sin by giving his life as a ransom for many. He opened the curtain to the holy of holies, breaking down the barrier of sin and ushering believers in to gain access to God’s presence. He ratified the new covenant by his blood, making forgiveness of sins possible through his death. There is no salvation for us outside of the faithfulness of Christ, which kept him on the cross to the very end. Let us worship and praise our suffering Savior for his effective work of salvation!

Dalton Vansell | Daniel 3

We live in an age of pluralism that claims all ways of life are acceptable. The world calls us to affirm the choices of others, and even goes so far as to demand that we bow down and worship the idols of their creation. As Christians, we must prepare for the pressures of pluralism and set our eyes on the God who does not have eyes that cannot see or ears that cannot hear, but who is alive and personal. Let us place our faith in Jesus, our deliverer, who promises to bless us now and forever.

Galatians 5:22-23 | Steven Parkin

Christians are called to kindness. Not to a kindness that is nice by the world’s standards, but to kindness that is defined by Christ. Jesus overflowed with kindness, driven by his deep compassion for those around him. He demonstrated this kindness to us by going to the cross and providing an atonement for sins we could never accomplish. Let us look to Christ, seeking to be conformed to his image so that we can be filled up with his kindness and act as a conduit to share it with others.

Luke 23:32-43 | JD Summers

When Jesus was on the cross, he was mocked for not being able to save himself. In reality, he was sacrificing himself to save all who would believe in him. Jesus showed how much he loves sinners by praying for their forgiveness on the cross. He was faithful to the end, providing an effective salvation by his sinless life and innocent death. And he holds out the promise of salvation based not on merit, but on mercy. Let us join the thief on the cross in believing that our only hope to be right with God is because of Jesus.

Luke 23:26-31 | JD Summers

When we encounter the truth about Jesus, he demands a response. Some respond in faith, taking up their cross and following him. Others respond mistakenly, focusing on the suffering of Christ but missing the reason why he suffered: to bear our sins that deserve judgment. Some are interested in the story of Jesus, but mere interest is not enough. Jesus invites all people to repent from their sins and trust in him, receiving saving grace earned at the cross. Are you willing to follow Jesus?

Galatians 5:22-23 | Steven Parkin

We often view our calling to be patient with dread and frustration, but Scripture shows us that patience is a godly virtue. God demonstrates his grace and love to us by bearing with us patiently, giving us time to repent rather than immediately pouring out his righteous wrath on our sin. He then shares his patience with us, infusing us with the ability to bear up in the midst of persecution, provocation, and uncertainty. As we place our hope in Christ, we can endure anything with patience, knowing that God will bring us through what he has prepared for us.

Otto Skoog | Psalm 16

Anxiety in our world is at an all time high. Nothing is trustworthy - the stock market is volatile, our friends fail us, our bodies break down. Where can we turn? We need a God who is trustworthy in the midst of uncertainty. When we trust in God, we will find satisfaction in him. He will lead us in good counsel and direct our steps in security. When we realize that the Lord is at our right hand, with us in the fight, we can overcome fear and anxiety. Let us trust in God and worship him supremely!

Luke 23:1-25 | JD Summers

The heart of the gospel message is this: Christ in our place. Though innocent, Jesus was condemned to die for the guilt we ourselves bear. He was despised and rejected by those who would stop at nothing to protect themselves and accomplish their sinful desires. Satan worked in these people to try to defeat Jesus, but he merely played a part in God’s plan to save sinners by providing a perfect sacrifice in their place. Do you see yourself in this story as someone who, like Barabas, is given life and freedom by Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice?

Luke 22:63-71 | JD Summers

The most important question anyone will answer in this life is “Who is Jesus?” How we respond to the person of Jesus determines everything about our lives. Some reject him, understanding his claims and yet refusing to submit to them. Jesus is the prophesied Son of God who took on flesh, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and reigns with the Father in heaven. Believing the truth about Jesus means submitting our thoughts and lives to him, and many are unwilling to do so. But for all those who do believe in Jesus, drawing near to him in humble fear, he grants forgiveness of sins and life with him for eternity. Let us submit to King Jesus!

Various Texts | JD Summers

Those who have never married or are no longer married fit into God’s redemptive plan just like everyone else. God loves marriage, but marriage is not the mission. God’s glory is preeminent in his plan, and single people must pursue his glory above all else. In God’s providence, those who are not married are uniquely suited to glorify God in ways that those who are married cannot. Ultimately, the unmarried can find happiness and contentment in Christ, embracing God in his purpose and his character. Let us cling to Christ above all else!