April 2025

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

-1 Peter 2:24-25

The cross of Jesus Christ is central to our faith. Even though we seek to live well and to do what is right, the inspiration for the Christian is not found in our abilities, but in God’s unsurpassed love for sinners. No longer does the believer place their confidence in their own goodness, but rather they trust in what the cross signifies: that Jesus considers us worth dying for.

Not long ago in Sunday school, we focused on the gift of Jesus’ crucifixion: a gift that anyone might have a hard time accepting because it is so extravagant and undeserved. The severity of Jesus’ death on the cross speaks both to the depth of human sinfulness and the mercy of the Lord. There was (and is) no other way to God, save through faith in Jesus Christ.

The apostle Paul understood this well, and told the churches that when he was among them, he kept his message on point. “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2).” What else, really, is there for the church to tell? This is where it all begins: when we failed, God stepped in to deliver us and make things right.

Our Christian lives are a response to God’s goodness. When we are able to obey and accomplish good things, we recognize it is because of the cross and the gift of God’s Spirit alive in us. When we fail, we return to the cross in faith, trusting that Jesus’ sacrifice covers all of our transgressions, and once again find love enough to carry on.

I conclude this month with verses from Charles Wesley’s hymn: “Arise, My Soul, Arise.”

Five bleeding wounds he bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
They strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

Have a blessed Lent, Holy Week, and Easter season, dear friends.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Matthew