"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous." Psalm 19:1-9

Every single thing in creation is a wonder of God: babies, flowers, bees, trees, our bodies.
For example, 1055 amino acids make up a protein, but those amino acids have to be lined up in one perfect order. For this to happen accidentally, the chance of this happening would be 10 to the 260th power!

God's wonder is laid out all around us. The wonder of God is self-evident.

"But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
    or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
    or let the fish in the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
    that the hand of the Lord has done this?" Job 12:7-9

Man is the only creation that will deny God.

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20

The Joy of the Law of God

"The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous." Psalm 19:7-9

The Law gives us and all things guidance.

"My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline, but don't be crushed by it either. It's the child he loves that he disciplies; the child he embraces, he also corrects." Hebrews 12:6

Discipline comes from love. God's ways are always best.

The Love of God in Jesus

God's plan from the very beginning was to make a way for us to be with him -- that way is Jesus.

 "He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. 27 Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. 28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. 29 As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”" Mark 4:26-29

1. Our God is alive and working.
2. He loves us enough to discipline us.
3. He loved us enough to send Jesus.
4. We need to be actively growing. We need to be fertile soil.
5. The Creator is still creating.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.​" Romans 5:8

He Demonstrates. Present tense!

We should be faithfully growing daily, never stopping until death or when Jesus comes back.

We should be faithfully planting, never stopping until death or when Jesus comes back.

Jesus will come back for the final harvst.

Hesitation -- we see the door open and we hesitate. Hesitation in battle can be deadly. 

The "forlorn hope." Someone has to charge up to the hole to secure the opening. There is a high casuality rate. You have to volunteer and if you survived it was guaranteed promotion. 

"In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing is the wrong thing; and the worst thing is to do nothing." Theodore Roosevelt.

"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:1

Be strong!

Without Him I am nothing. With Him, I am invincible!"

There is no such thing as an Army of one. God can overcome anything.

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

"And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:2

We need to share the Gospel and the work. Don't hoarde it. Share it.

"Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:28

"It is better to train ten people than to do the work of ten people. But it is harder." D.L. Moody

The rule of multiplication: if you disciple 2 people and both of them disciple 2 people, in ten steps it becomes 1024 people!

"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 2:3

Stay Faithful (even when the battle is hard). 

If you are not currently experiencing spiritual warfare ask yourself if you are doing anything for God. 

Seek the resistance and overcome it.

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of lifethat the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

By not quitting, we win.

If you fail, get up and push again. Persevere. We can't win if we stand still. Must go forward.

"No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules." 2 Timothy 2:4-5

Stay out of worldly junk. Just do your job. Look forward. Don't be distracted. 

Do your eyes get taken off the battleground and go onto the playground?

If something overtakes you, it becomes sin.

"I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." Revelation 3:11

No one ever goes into battle expecting to lose. 

"The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops." 2 Timothy 2:6

Do your share. Earn your pay. Do your part. Do the best you can with the part you've been given.

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." 2 Timothy 2:7

Remember your training.

Remember the truth you've learned. Same foundational training for everyone. The elemental training is the same for all of us. Remember and build on the knowledge. You can read the Bible over and over and learn something new each time you read it.

"We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."
1 John 5:20

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained." 2 Timothy 2:8-9

Remember what your purpose is. Remember why you are here.

Just go!

Remember where you are going.

"fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 2:2-3

We can finish our races because Jesus finished His.

"Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10

Endure for your brothers and sisters.

I shall finish my race strong so it will give others courage to finish theirs. Sometimes we need to carry each other.

"Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." 1 Peter 2:10

I do what I do to strengthen others.

If you hesitate and stand back, others may too. Cowardess begets cowardess. Courage can beget courage.

"Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself." 2 Timothy 2:11-13

You are reborn for a purpose in God's kingdom.

Which do you want to hear?

"Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" Matthew 7:22-23

OR

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:1-5

A person's scars represent lots of lessons learned. Scars (if we learn by them) strengthen us. We have strength in Jesus.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves." Romans 15:1

Our strength is in our hope.

"Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming." 1 Peter 1:13

Our hope is our strength.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2

Have compassion. Be humble. Pray. Give a hug. We don't help for ourselves. We help so we can build others up.

"Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up." Romans 15:2

Don't help to garner praise.

"not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:" Philippians 2:4-5

That's who I came for (Jesus says). Even if it is self-induced suffering, still help. God does. He dealt with the issue first, then spoke. Through the helping they saw the love of God. Don't worry about what others think.

"For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” Romans 15:3

Jesus picked people up. He didn't do this for himself. World asks, "What's in it for me?"

"If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10

This is the reward!

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Give grace always. Give a flood of grace so others can't help but get touched by that grace.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." Romans 15:4

Where does our strength come from?

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Look at the goal. That's the encouragement. 

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Train and get better. Read your Bible. Spend time with Jesus. The source of our strength!!

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

The spirit of unity:

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had," Romans 15:5

How do we live in unity? in strength in unity?

Remember where we came from:

"Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly; do not be wise in your own estimation." Romans 12:16

We need to get to someone's eye level, eye-to-eye. Get down to their level.

"To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;" 1 Peter 3:8

"And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them." Acts 4:32

SO, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

1. Work out spiritually! Add strength through Bible study and prayer and obedience.
2. Use your strength. Help others be strong.
3. Need Help? Follow the example of Jesus and the early church.
4. Endurance. Persevere. Hope.

(Story from recording about riderless horse)
His heart was trying but he couldn't win. What if he had had someone helping him? There are people who are trying alone -- if we recognize it we can help them. Help me Lord see the ones I can encourage to walk with you.

1. We have been given everything we need through Jesus!

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

If we choose not to know, that's on us.

2. Escape the world -- participate in heaven now.

"Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." 2 Peter 1:4

The world didn't change when Jesus came. We are the ones who are supposed to change.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

Renewing your mind -- use the Bible. Conform to God's will. When we fail to do this, we are failing to develop the way God intends us to develop.

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love." 2 Peter 1:5-7

Check out the progression -- where are you?

Faith -- add Goodness.
Goodness -- add Knowledge.
Knowledge -- add Self-Control.
Self-Control -- add Perseverance.
Perseverance -- add Godliness.
Godliness -- add Mutual Affection.
Mutual Affection -- add Love.

Going toward these things. When we go back to God. it will all come back in line.

If you try and skip the knowledge, you will miss it all. 

3. We are meant to be different than the rest of the world.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

God did this to free us. But some of this is our responsibility.

"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8

"If!"  Increasing measure means always increasing.

4. The Sacred Secret.

Secret means a mystery or religious secrets.

"Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly." Ephesians 3:2-3

Jesus changed all this.

"The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them." Matthew 13:10-11

If you know Jesus, the secrets of heaven are open to you.

5. We are part of the family.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." 1 John 3:1

We are living in the time of Grace.  Galatia church had a problem. 

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervertthe gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:6-10

This church started the right way. Then they starting adding to it. Why? To please people! If we lose sight of God and His ways, we are going to wander off the path. If we try to please people first before God, we are going to wander off the path He has for us.

6. We have a job to do -- be the hands and feet of Jesus.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free," Luke 4:18


"But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins." 2 Peter 1:9

We are to be used by God. We have to take what He gives us and use it. A chainsaw is great but if we don't put our hands to it it is useless.

7. We have been chosen for a purpose.

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:10-11

The Triumphal Entry. When the Romans would have a victory parade, the leader would be led in with a powerful chariot. All his troops would be marching behind him. It was a big deal. They were conqueroring heroes!

Jesus came in a donkey in a victory parade of sorts (though humbly and nothing like the Roman parade). But excitement was in the air. 2.5 million people were in town for the passover.  Jesus was normally very quiet about his ministry. Would heal people and then tell them not to tell anyone about him. 

"Then Jesus said to him, “See that you don’t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Matthew 8:4

Why did this happen? Did Jesus give the crowds what they wanted so all would see it wouldn't be as they thought it would? They wanted a conquering hero. Jesus came in on a donkey proclaiming peace, but there was no conquering Rome. He had to first conquer sin.

Remember the streets were crowded with people. Celebration feeling in the air. Parties. Reunions. People planning this for a year. 

"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
"This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a] Matthew 21:1-5 (and quoting Zechariah 9:9)

Matthew was a Jewish writer writing to a Jewish audience. He knew how important it was to show that Jesus fulfilled prophecy.

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Matthew 16:21

Jesus knew why He was going to Jerusalem. He had tried to prepare His disciples to face His death.

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29

John the Baptist knew who Jesus was right away!

Prior to going to Jerusalem, Jesus spent time with Lazarus, Martha and Mary in Bethany. Between Bethany and Jerusalem they would go over the Mount of Olives (called this because it was covered in Olive trees). Jesus would look down on Jerusalem before He arrived.
 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:41-42

Jesus told the disciples where to find a donkey for the procession. They did exactly what He told them to do.

"The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on." Matthew 21:6-7

Cloaks and branches were laid down to cut the dust. This was the "red carpet" treatment!

 "A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna[a] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[b]
“Hosanna[c] in the highest heaven!” Matthew 21:8-9

Palm branches and the shout "Hosanna" were signs of victory. Hosanna is a victory chant. The city was shaken (like in an earthquake) with the crowd's enthusiasm. So much fanfare the ground shook. 

There people had huge expectations for Jesus, what Jesus would do for them. They thought they were going to gain from Jesus -- gain physical freedom from Rome. Be free from Rome's taxes. People quickly got disillusioned with Jesus because they didn't cash in with Jesus as they thought they would. Jesus never promises a life of ease. There is only one place in the Gospel where Jesus uses the word "easy."

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

God's great promise is His presence, not a life of ease. His promises aren't for material junk.

"When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophetfrom Nazareth in Galilee.”Matthew 21:10-11

(Where "stirred" is used in this verse is where the ground shook with excitement)

The people are shouting for Him. Jesus is in tears (see Luke 19:41-42) over their blindness.

 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." Luke 19:41-42

They didn't get it. They didn't understand why Jesus was there. Nobody was getting it. They were twisting all of it to their own agendas. He promises redemption, His presence, Eternal life. Before victory there has to be the sacrifice for sin.

Jesus is coming back as a warrior eventually. See below:

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean." Revelation 19:11-14

Jesus wasn't offering revolution but repentance on Palm Sunday. 

What does your life say Jesus is? When People see Jesus through you, what do they see?

"Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signsyou are doing if God were not with him.”
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”"
John 3:1-3

Nicodemus was a member of the ruling council, a pharisee and a mature man (he was not young). He was aware of Jesus and he acknowledged Jesus. BUT, he came alone at night. He doesn't acknowledge Jesus in public though. Jesus knows what's really going on inside Nicodemus. He says to him,

Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]” John 3:3

Jesus knew his heart. Nicodemus was wondering what Jesus had that he could add to what he already had? He was hoping for a self-improvement class from him. 

Jesus says He wants all or nothing. Gospel doesn't add to who we are. Gospel gets rid of who we are and makes us new creatures. It transforms us. Tear down and start over. We can't just add Jesus to our ready-made life. Jesus must become our life. 

Am I Nicodemus? Am I trying to do it my way rather than Jesus' way?

 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” John 3:4

"Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit." John 3:5

Water is the justification, the forgiveness of our sins. Can't have the Spirit without repentance.

"I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impuritiesand from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:25-26

Nicodemus didn't think he needed new birth.

"Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[a] gives birth to spirit." John 3:6

Jesus didn't give Nicodemus easy answers. He didn't give him steps to take to be saved. 

"You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[a]must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[b]" John 3:7-8

You can't give yourself new birth. Nicodemus was probably offended by this point.

“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" John 3:9-12

Are you, am I, leaning on our own understanding?

 "one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[a] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[b] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”" John 3:13-15

God's message is confrontational. Nicodemus would have got this reference. The people who were bitten by the snakes had to look to the snake, to the representation of their own sin, to be saved. Just like we do with Jesus -- who became our sin on the cross.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

We did nothing to deserve salvation. Jesus struck Paul blind so Paul could see. Pharisees weren't made overnight. We are nothing without Him. Are you part of the radical change or are you a pharisee? The Cross is uncomfortable. Carrying the cross is uncomfortable. If it isn't, then something's wrong.