Living By Faith Blog

Remembering Christ’s Death

Something powerful happens when we set our hearts and minds on the truth of Christ’s death.

So when you can, set everything else aside, pray for the Spirit’s work in your heart, and ponder the following Scriptures, asking God to strengthen your faith, open your eyes, and show you his glory —

And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10)

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)

Then — let Keith and Kristyn Getty’s song “Behold the Lamb” lift your heart in praise of Jesus Christ.

And to help with this, here are five ways the lyrics of the song impacted me —

Forgiveness by Faith in Christ

No matter what sin has been or still is in your heart, you can turn to Christ with repentant faith right now and be assured of complete forgiveness and welcome by the Father —

Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away,
Slain for us – and we remember
The promise made that all who come in faith
Find forgiveness at the cross.

Unity with Others

Think of your heart toward other believers.  Do you feel any anger or bitterness toward any of them?

It’s hard to keep angry and bitter when we come to the foot of the Cross, because the Cross humbles us for our sin, and shows us Christ’s love for our brother and sisters.

So let the Cross stir in you a fresh commitment to be patient, to forgive, and to love —

 The body of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
Torn for you – eat and remember
The wounds that heal, the death that brings us life
Paid the price to make us one.

Hunger for the Life of God

Christ died for us so we could have the all-satisfying joy of knowing God, now and forever.

So in a fresh way, turn away from whatever else you have been seeking to satisfy you.  Thank Christ for making it possible for you to enjoy the life of God.  And resolve, by God’s grace, to seek him alone as your all-satisfying Treasure.

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin,
Shed for you – drink and remember
He drained death’s cup that all may enter in
To receive the life of God.

Fresh Devotion to Christ’s Mission

When we experience God’s forgiveness and joy at the Cross, our hearts will break for those who don’t know God and face eternal suffering.

And so, by God’s grace, commit afresh to follow the steps of Christ, who came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).  Ask God to help you center your life on the call to make disciples of all the peoples of the world.

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise
To respond, – and to remember
Our call to follow in the steps of Christ
As His body here on earth.

Hope as We Suffer

As we move out to make disciples of all the peoples, we will suffer.  Satan will counterattack with persecution, temptation, sickness. Even though we know God is sovereign in all of this, we still sorrow, and grieve, and weep.  But the Cross gives us hope.

Because when Christ returns, he will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain.  This fills us with hope as we battle for his glory now.

As we share in His suffering
We proclaim Christ will come again!
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King

 So let this song stir your worship, and encourage your heart —

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR77xKx_0CQ

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