Encounter the Truth

The Old Testament ceremonial system tells us that sin has a defiling effect. The blood of the animal sacrifices pointed to God’s intention to cleanse, but did not provide true cleansing themselves. But the blood of Jesus really does make defiled sinners clean.

The cross is the place where God is able to justify sinners without violating his standards of justice—because Jesus bears the judgment of God in our place as our substitute.

Because Jesus has died for our sins and risen again, we can be born again and receive the Spirit. The is the great open invitation and offer of Easter.

The cross is the place where God is able to justify sinners without violating his standards of justice—because Jesus bears the judgment of God in our place as our substitute.

Because Jesus has died for our sins and risen again, we can be born again and receive the Spirit. The is the great open invitation and offer of Easter.

Our hope hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. If he has not been raised, then our hope is futile. But, praise God, Jesus has in fact been raised from the dead—and we are a people of hope!

Our hope hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. If he has not been raised, then our hope is futile. But, praise God, Jesus has in fact been raised from the dead—and we are a people of hope!

Jesus the Righteous One suffered for our sins on Good Friday to bring us to God. This exchange is the heart of the gospel and the core of our hope. These words capture in a nutshell what took place on Good Friday.

The problem of death traces back to the Garden—and the disastrous decision to rebel against God’s Word. We look back to the origin of death to understand this crisis, to acknowledge our responsibility—and to lay the foundation for the solution that is found in the Gospel of Easter.

Jesus the Righteous One suffered for our sins on Good Friday to bring us to God. This exchange is the heart of the gospel and the core of our hope. These words capture in a nutshell what took place on Good Friday.

The problem of death traces back to the Garden—and the disastrous decision to rebel against God’s Word. We look back to the origin of death to understand this crisis, to acknowledge our responsibility—and to lay the foundation for the solution that is found in the Gospel of Easter.

Death could not hold this King. He is risen to reign. John tells us that he has given us this written record of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for a specific purpose: that we may believe and have life in his name. Will you accept this offer of life in Jesus’ name?

Death could not hold this King. He is risen to reign. John tells us that he has given us this written record of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for a specific purpose: that we may believe and have life in his name. Will you accept this offer of life in Jesus’ name?

Jesus is crucified under the charge that he is King of the Jews. In deepest irony, this charge is proved true. Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 22—and dies as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. Do you recognize who he is and what he has done for you? Does it move you to know that this King willingly suffered in your place?

Jesus is crucified under the charge that he is King of the Jews. In deepest irony, this charge is proved true. Jesus fulfills the words of Psalm 22—and dies as the Messiah of Israel and Saviour of the world. Do you recognize who he is and what he has done for you? Does it move you to know that this King willingly suffered in your place?

Pilate views himself as the king as he tries Jesus, but we see that Jesus is the real King, whose kingdom is not of this world. Jesus proves by his words and deeds that he speaks the truth and is indeed, the way, the truth and the life. Do you recognize the truth of who Jesus is? Will you submit to the authority of this King?

Pilate views himself as the king as he tries Jesus, but we see that Jesus is the real King, whose kingdom is not of this world. Jesus proves by his words and deeds that he speaks the truth and is indeed, the way, the truth and the life. Do you recognize the truth of who Jesus is? Will you submit to the authority of this King?

Prayer is more powerful than we believe. It can lead to the restoration of people and the transformation of situations. So often we doubt that prayer achieves anything, but James calls us to pray with faith.

Prayer is more powerful than we believe. It can lead to the restoration of people and the transformation of situations. So often we doubt that prayer achieves anything, but James calls us to pray with faith.

The coming of the Lord should drive us to godliness. For the rich who live indulgently and oppress the poor, James calls for repentance. For the believers who are suffering, he calls for steadfast endurance. Are we living in the light of the Lord’s return—and is that prospect driving us to repentance and godly living?

The coming of the Lord should drive us to godliness. For the rich who live indulgently and oppress the poor, James calls for repentance. For the believers who are suffering, he calls for steadfast endurance. Are we living in the light of the Lord’s return—and is that prospect driving us to repentance and godly living?

We are so prone to arrogant speech—in judging one another and in speaking of our future plans. James reminds us that God is the Judge of our neighbour, and he is sovereign over the future. Such boasting is evil, and we do well to learn humility.

We are so prone to arrogant speech—in judging one another and in speaking of our future plans. James reminds us that God is the Judge of our neighbour, and he is sovereign over the future. Such boasting is evil, and we do well to learn humility.

We must decide whether we will be friends with the world or friends with God. We cannot be both. God’s Spirit demands our affection and loyalty. If we will submit ourselves to God and draw near to him, he will draw near to us.

We must decide whether we will be friends with the world or friends with God. We cannot be both. God’s Spirit demands our affection and loyalty. If we will submit ourselves to God and draw near to him, he will draw near to us.