101 Things Jesus Has Done for You

8/12/2019 101 Things Jesus Has Done for You

1/111


2/111


3/111

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

1. Jesus gives us a clean slate

2. Jesus loves us

3. Jesus gives us confidence before our Heavenl!at"er

#. Jesus gives us a ric"$ abundant life

%. Jesus saves us

&. Jesus 'a(es us c"ildren of )od

*. Jesus gives us His guidance

+. Jesus 'a(es us overco'ers

,. Jesus "eals us of t"e sic(ness of sin

1-.Jesus 'a(es us 'ore li(e Hi'

11.Jesus gives us His unli'ited strengt"

12.Jesus gives our lives 'eaning and urose

13.Jesus gives us t"e gift of /o1#.Jesus offers us an unding "oe

1%.Jesus gives us t"e gift of eace

1&.Jesus rovides for all our needs

1*.Jesus gives us life

1+.Jesus gives us victor

1,.Jesus blesses us beond our i'agination


4/111

2-.Jesus gives us a relations"i 0it" )od

21.Jesus gives us t"e gift of His resence

22.Jesus gives us rest

23.Jesus gives us eace 0it" )od

2#.Jesus gives us His 'ig"t o0er in our 0ea(ness

2%.Jesus gives us fait" and "oe

2&.Jesus brings us into a fa'il of believers

2*.Jesus gives us t"e gift of 0isdo'

2+.Jesus gives us t"e gift of rig"teousness

2,.Jesus gives us ever siritual blessing

3-.Jesus brings us near to )od

31.Jesus frees us fro' aniet

32.Jesus "els us ersevere in t"e race of fait"33.Jesus gives us t"e o0er to carr on His 0or(

3#.Jesus gives us t"e gift of freedo'

3%.Jesus intercedes for us

3&.Jesus ta(es on our roble's and ain

3*.Jesus initiates a relations"i 0it" us3+.Jesus 'a(es us "ol

3,.Jesus rescues us fro' a life of sin

#-.Jesus gives us access to t"e one true )od

#1.Jesus offers us an in"eritance t"at 0ill never soil

or fade

#2.Jesus ras for us


5/111

#3.Jesus gives us eternal life

##.Jesus s"o0s us "o0 to live

#%.Jesus 'eets 0it" us

#&.Jesus (no0s us b na'e

#*.Jesus uenc"es our deeest t"irsts

#+.Jesus accets us

#,.Jesus is found b us 0"en 0e see( Hi'

%-.Jesus cleanses us fro' sin

%1.Jesus calls us His friends

%2.Jesus s"o0s us t"e !at"ers love

%3.Jesus brings us "ealing

%#.Jesus gives us t"e "oe of "eaven

%%.Jesus gives us eace 0it" ot"ers%&.Jesus gives us true freedo'

%*.Jesus "ears our raers

%+.Jesus is co'assionate to t"ose 0"o are "urting

%,.Jesus redee's us

&-.Jesus ta(es care of us&1.Jesus gives us a ne0 identit

&2.Jesus enables us to stand fir'

&3.Jesus uses us as 0e are$ even in our 0ea(ness

.Jesus is rearing a lace for us

&%.Jesus gives us unit

&&.Jesus encourages us


6/111

&*.Jesus is a fait"ful friend

&+.Jesus 'a(es us better eole

&,.Jesus co'forts us

*-.Jesus 'a(es us His a'bassadors

*1.Jesus ta(es our unis"'ent uon Hi'self

*2.Jesus re0ards our efforts

*3.Jesus lifts u t"e "u'ble

*#.Jesus gives us (no0ledge of )od

*%.Jesus gives u His life for us

*&.Jesus frees us fro' our ast

**.Jesus offers us forgiveness and grace

*+.Jesus brings lig"t to t"e 0orld

*,.Jesus ic(s us u 0"en 0e fall do0n+-.Jesus s"o0s us t"e trut"

+1.Jesus "ears us 0"en 0e cr for "el

+2.Jesus enables us to endure te'tation

+3.Jesus teac"es us

+#.Jesus roduces fruit in our lives+%.Jesus gives us t"e bread of life

+&.Jesus 'a(es our lives an adventure

+*.Jesus does 'iracles in our lives

++.Jesus gives us His 'erc

+,.Jesus teac"es us "o0 to love

,-.Jesus lives in us


7/111

,1.Jesus notices t"e outcasts

,2.Jesus overco'es t"e devil

,3.Jesus gives us securit

,#.Jesus gives us courage

,%.Jesus 0ants to be 0it" us

,&.Jesus c"allenges us

,*.Jesus gives us a brand4ne0 life

,+.Jesus restores us

,,.Jesus stas 0it" us

1--.Jesus 'a(es eac" da 'eaningful

1-1.Jesus gives us His grace


8/111

INTRODUCTION

5"ile Jesus 0as on eart"$ 'an eole traveledgreat distances to catc" even a distant gli'se of t"eNa6arene 0"o 0as said to be t"e 7essia". T"e0anted to (no0 'ore about Hi' and find out if t"eru'ors 0ere true.

T"e sa'e "aens in our o0n lives. 5"en 0e "ear

about Jesus8 0"en 0e "ear about 0"at He does int"e lives of ordinar eole8 0e 0ant to find out'ore about Hi'.

5"at 0e find is t"at (no0ing Jesus offers blessingsbeond our 0ildest drea's. 9nd even if 0eve

(no0n Hi' 'an ears$ 0e find t"at He is al0asastonis"ing us 0it" ne0 0as of 'eeting our needsand restoring our souls.

:o'eti'es 0e need a 'o'ent to reflect$ to be stilland let our 'inds 0ander over t"e 'an t"ings Jesus"as done for us$ to let t"e trut" of His goodness ta(e

"old in our "earts. 5e need to re(indle our gratitudeb re'e'bering t"e blessings of C"rist. 5e need toreceive His eace b reflecting on His great o0erand love.

In t"e follo0ing ages$ oull find reflections and

:critures t"at re'ind us of 0"at Jesus does in ourlives. ;inger as He forgives a sinful 0o'an and "eals


9/111

celebrate as He ta(es on t"e sin of t"e 0orld anddefeats deat"$ re'e'bering "o0 He too( on our sinand rescued ou fro' t"e blea(ness of our lifebefore ou 'et Hi'.

Read and re'e'ber$ and let our "eart be filled 0it"0onder.


10/111

1

JESUS GIVES US ACLEAN SLATE

Therefore, there is now no cone!n"tion for

those who "re in Christ Jes#s, $ec"#se thro#%hChrist Jes#s the &"w of the S'irit of &ife set !efree fro! the &"w of sin "n e"th(

RO)ANS *+1-

5e (no0 t"e feeling 0ell= guilt. It "as follo0ed usduring t"e da and (et us a0a(e at nig"t. 5e cantforget t"e t"ings 0eve done$ no 'atter "o0 'uc"0e 'a 0ant to.

T"e good ne0s is t"at in C"rist$ )od accets us as Hisc"ildren. 5e can be free fro' guilt (no0ing t"at He

"as forgiven us8co'letel. >T"oug" our sins areli(e scarlet$> He tells us$ >t"e s"all be as 0"ite assno0> ?Isaia" 1=1+b@. 9nd 0"ile 0e still face t"econseuences of our sin and so'eti'es t"edisciline of our Heavenl !at"er$ 0e can finallslee at nig"t$ resting in t"e assurance t"at )od is forus.


11/111

-

JESUS LOVES US

). co!!"n is this+ Lo/e e"chother "s I h"/e &o/e .o#(

JO0N 1+1-

5e 0atc" Jesus loving eole t"roug"out t"e)osels. :o'eti'es His love is easerated$ li(e0"en He la'ents over Jerusale'$ >Ho0 often I "avelonged to gat"er our c"ildren toget"er$ as a "engat"ers "er c"ic(s under "er 0ings$ but ou 0erenot 0illingA> ?;u(e 13=3#b@. :o'eti'es it isc"allenging$ li(e 0"en He c"allenges t"e ric" oungruler to give u 0"at 0as 'ost i'ortant to "i'.9nd so'eti'es His love is si'l indescribable$ li(e0"en He stretc"es out His ar's and allo0s Hi'selfto be crucified.

Jesus loves us 0it" an everlasting love. 9nd He s"o0sus His love in 'an 0as t"roug"out our lives8butnever 'ore lainl or o0erfull t"an ding on t"ecross.


12/111

2

JESUS GIVES US CONFIDENCEBEFORE OUR 0EAVENL3 FAT0ER

Therefore, $rothers, since we h"/e confience toenter the )ost 0o&. 4&"ce $. the $&oo of Jes#s,

((( &et #s r"w ne"r to Go with " sincere he"rt inf#&& "ss#r"nce of f"ith, h"/in% o#r he"rts s'rin5&e

to c&e"nse #s fro! " %#i&t. conscience "n h"/in%o#r $oies w"she with '#re w"ter(

0EBRE6S 17+18, --

In t"e Te'le in Jerusale'$ onl a riest could enter t"e7ost Hol Blace$ and onl on t"e Da of 9tone'ent$ 0"en"e 'ade t"e annual offering for sins.


13/111

9

JESUS GIVES US A RIC0,ABUNDANT LIFE

I h"/e co!e th"t the. !". h"/e&ife, "n h"/e it to the f#&&(

JO0N 17+17B

In a "ot$ oressive desert$ s"ee are vulnerable tot"e ele'ents and redators. T"e need a s"e"erd0"o can lead t"e' to 0ater and food eac" da and

(ee t"e' safe eac" nig"t.

Jesus tells us t"at He is t"at :"e"erd. Unli(e t"et"ief$ 0"o >co'es onl to steal and (ill and destro$>

Jesus "as co'e t"at 0e 'a >"ave life$ and "ave it tot"e full> ?Jo"n 1-=1-@. He (no0s us b na'e and isco''itted to our care. ;ife as one of Jesus s"ee isindeed full8full of His abundant love$ fait"fulattention$ and a'a6ing grace.


14/111

JESUS SAVES US

I "! the %"te: whoe/er entersthro#%h !e wi&& $e s"/e

JO0N 17+8A

5e 0ere falling$ rus"ing to0ard t"e ground and ourdestruction.


15/111

;

JESUS )A


16/111

=

JESUS GIVES US 0IS GUIDANCE

6hether .o# t#rn to the ri%ht or to the&eft,.o#r e"rs wi&& he"r " /oice $ehin .o#,

s".in%, >This is the w".: w"&5 in it(>

ISAIA0 27+-1

ver /ourne needs eit"er a road 'a or anavigator. !ortunatel for us$ in our /ourne 0it"

Jesus$ 0e "ave bot".

5e "ave t"e :critures to tell us 0"ere 0e are in)ods rede'tive lan$ "o0 to articiate in t"atlan$ and "o0 to order our lives. T"e navigator>8t"e Hol :irit guides us into all trut"and leads and directs us.

Jesus "asnt left us 0it"out a guide. He 0atc"es overour ever ste.


17/111

*

JESUS )Aconsider it ure /o$ ' brot"ers$0"enever ou face trials of 'an (inds$ because ou(no0 t"at t"e testing of our fait" develos er4severance> ?1=243@. T"ats a toug" t"ing to do. 0e are 'ore

t"an conuerors t"roug" "i' 0"o loved us>?Ro'ans +=3*b@$ because 0e (no0 0"at lies on t"eot"er side of ever trial= t"e love of )od.

>If )od is for us$ 0"o can be against us> Baul as(s.:ince )od "as loved us so lavis"l in C"rist$ 0"at do

0e "ave to fear His love is 'ore t"an enoug" tooverco'e an trial.


18/111

8

JESUS 0EALS US OF T0ESIC


19/111

17

JESUS )A


20/111

11

JESUS GIVES US 0ISUNLI)ITED STRENGT0

I c"n o e/er.thin% thro#%h hi!who %i/es !e stren%th(

40ILI44IANS 9+12

5"en 0e first set out to do so'et"ing difficult andc"allenging$ 0e 0onder if 0ell "ave enoug" strengt"to finis" it. 5ill our lungs "old out$ or 0ill 0e

collase "alf0a u t"e 'ountain 5ill 0e be able tosee our loved one t"roug" an illness$ or 0ill 0e lose"eart

Bauls eultation in B"iliians #=12413 is t"at no'atter 0"at tas( 0as set before "i' or 0"at trials "eendured$ "e "ad found t"e strengt" of C"rist to beco'letel sufficient. He could do all t"ings t"roug"His erfect strengt". C"rist is al0as$ Bauls lifedeclares$ co'letel enoug".


21/111

1-

JESUS GIVES OUR LIVES)EANING AND 4UR4OSE

6e "re 0is wor5!"nshi', cre"te in ChristJes#s for %oo wor5s, which Go 're'"re$eforeh"n th"t we sho#& w"&5 in the!(

E40ESIANS -+17 N


22/111

12

JESUS GIVES UST0E GIFT OF JO3

I h"/e s"i these thin%s to .o# so th"t !. o.!". $e in .o#, "n th"t .o#r o. !". $e f#&&(

JO0N 1+11 NRSV

5it" a vaguel uroean accent$ a 'an in a coffees"o 0as over"eard to sa to "is friend$ >:o "o0 areou Is t"ere an dancing in our 0orld toda>

9s Jesus reared His disciles for His crucifiion$t"eir 0orld 0as s"rouded in uncertaint. :o Heco'forted t"e'$ telling t"e' of His love for t"e'and saing$ >I "ave told ou t"is so t"at ' /o 'abe in ou> ?Jo"n 1%=11a@. 5"en fear and doubt cloudour 0orld$ 0e too can count on His love to rene0 our

/o.


23/111

19

JESUS OFFERS US ANUND3ING 0O4E

In his %re"t !erc. he h"s %i/en #s new $irthinto " &i/in% ho'e thro#%h the res#rrection

of Jes#s Christ fro! the e"(1 4ETER 1+2B

9n runner (no0s t"at finis"ing a race is 'ostl'ental. 5it"out t"e (no0ledge t"at "e can co'lete

t"e distance before "i'$ "is 'ind starts to 0ea(en$and "is bod soon follo0s. ;i(e0ise$ 0"en oursiritual endurance is tested$ t"e deciding factor is0"et"er or not our "oe 0ill "old out. If "oe dies$our sirits are crus"ed$ and 0e lose t"e 0ill tocontinue.

T"an(full$ t"e "oe 0e "ave in Jesus 0ill never die$because He lives forever. 5e (no08beond as"ado0 of a doubt8 t"at He 0ill ulti'atel triu'"in our lives and in t"e 0orld.


24/111

1

JESUS GIVES US T0E GIFT OF4EACE

4e"ce I &e"/e with .o#:!. 'e"ce I %i/e .o#(

JO0N 19+-=A

5"ile He 0as on eart"$ Jesus "ands did 'an t"ings.T"e touc"ed leers and 'ade t"e' 0ell. T"eblessed bread and 'ultilied t"e loaves. 9nd t"e

stretc"ed over a stor' sea and uieted t"e 0aves.

ven no0$ Jesus "ands stretc" over our lives$ givingus His eace and stilling t"e stor's of our "earts. 5eeerience His eace 0"en 0e ra and 0"en 0eread about Hi'$ re'e'bering His great o0er andHis great love for us. 9nd so'eti'es 0e eerienceHis eace in a 0a t"at transcends our under4standing$ in an unelainable cal' t"at 0ras itselfaround us$ a gift fro' our loving :avior.


25/111

1;

JESUS 4ROVIDES FORALL OUR NEEDS

An !. Go wi&& !eet "&& .o#r nees "ccorin%to his %&orio#s riches in Christ Jes#s(

40ILI44IANS 9+18

It ca'e at /ust t"e rig"t ti'e8t"e c"ec( 0ould fill int"e gas t"at 'ont" during a season of une'lo4'ent. It 0as a gift fro' a c"urc" friend and a s'bol

of )ods rovision.

)od calls us to give generousl. He also calls us togive fearlessl$ (no0ing t"at He is 'ore t"an ableand 'ore t"an 0illing to 'eet our ever need. T"etrut" is t"at 0"en 0e give lavis"l$ 0ere giving as)od gives8He lavis"es us 0it" love and blessings inC"rist. 5it" Hi' as our s"e"erd$ 0e surel s"allnot 0ant.


26/111

1=

JESUS GIVES US LIFE

0e who h"s the Son h"s &ife(1 JO0N +1-A

5e see deat" all around us ever da. Just 0atc" t"ene0s for an eeful of 'urders$ bo'bings$ and tragicaccidents. 9nd its not /ust "sical deat" t"atlagues us. If 0e (ne0 t"e life stories of t"e eole

0e interact 0it" ever da$ 0e 'ig"t be s"oc(ed bt"e ain t"at infects t"eir souls.

In t"e 'idst of all t"is deat" and dar(ness$ Jesusbrings life and lig"t. 5"ere t"ere is destruction$ Herestores. 5"ere t"ere is "urt$ He "eals. 5"ere t"ereis deat"$ He resurrects. He relaces our as"es 0it"beaut and our 'ourning 0it" gladness. In a ding0orld$ Jesus brings life.


27/111

1*

JESUS GIVES US VICTOR3

For e/er. chi& of Go efe"ts this e/i& wor&,"n we "chie/e this /ictor. thro#%h o#r f"ith(

1 JO0N +9 NLT

>Eictor> is a good sorts 0ord. Eictor is aboutvanuis"ing a foe$ ac"ieving success in a battle.

5"et"er or not 0eve ever laed ro ball$ 0e all(no0 about battling foes$ because 0e all battle oursinful nature ever da. Its "ard to love t"e 0a )odloves and follo0 t"e co''ands He left us.


28/111

18

JESUS BLESSES US BE3ONDOUR I)AGINATION

0e who i not s'"re 0is own Son, $#te&i/ere 0i! #' for #s "&&, how sh"&& 0e

not with 0i! "&so free&. %i/e #s "&& thin%s(RO)ANS *+2- N


29/111

-7

JESUS GIVES US ARELATIONS0I4 6IT0 GOD

Tr#&. o#r fe&&owshi' is with the F"ther"n with 0is Son Jes#s Christ(

1 JO0N 1+2B N


30/111

-1

JESUS GIVES US T0E GIFTOF 0IS 4RESENCE

An s#re&. I "! with .o# "&w".s,to the /er. en of the "%e(

)ATT0E6 -*+-7B

5"en 0e 0ere learning to ride a bi(e$ (no0ing t"atDad 0as "olding t"e bac( of t"e seat 'ade us feelconfident and caable. 5"en 0e sit in a 0aiting

roo'$ t"e 0ordless resence of friends and fa'ilsustains us and cal's us. T"eres so'et"ing about(no0ing t"at so'eone is beside us t"at 'a(esc"allenges and difficulties bearable.

Jesus tells us t"at He is t"at :o'eone$ t"at He 0illal0as be 0it" us. He feels t"e ain 0e feel ands"ares our /os. He c"eers our victories and co'fortsus in defeat. He is beside us ever ste of t"e 0a.


31/111

--

JESUS GIVES US REST

Co!e to !e, "&& .o# who "re we"r. "n$#rene, "n I wi&& %i/e .o# rest( T"5e!. .o5e #'on .o# "n &e"rn fro! !e,

for I "! %ent&e "n h#!$&e in he"rt, "n.o# wi&& fin rest for .o#r so#&s( For !.

.o5e is e"s. "n !. $#ren is &i%ht()ATT0E6 11+-*27

Its "ard to 0al( 0it" "eav baggage 0eig"ing usdo0n. 9nd all of us "ave >0eig"ts> t"at 0e carrt"roug"out our lives8 burdens of guilt$ fear$sadness$ and anger.

Jesus ro'ises t"at if 0e trade our burdens in forHis$ He 0ill give our souls rest. In Jesus$ 0e canfinall set do0n t"e 0eig"ts 0eve been dragging

be"ind us and si'l rest in His gentleness andstrengt".

Baul tells us to >carr eac" ot"ers burdens$ and int"is 0a ou 0ill fulfill t"e la0 of C"rist> ?)alatians&=2@. 5"en 0e strengt"en and care for eac" ot"er$

0e are acting li(e Jesus.


32/111

-2

JESUS GIVES US 4EACE6IT0 GOD

Therefore, since we h"/e $een #stifiethro#%h f"ith, we h"/e 'e"ce with Go

thro#%h o#r Lor Jes#s Christ(RO)ANS +1

5"en fa'ilies or friends disute$ t"ere is al0as acutting aniet$ an unso(en fear t"at t"e relation4

s"i 0ill never be 'ended. 9nd so'eti'es$ as 0ee(sturn into 'ont"s and ears 0it"out an olive branc"$t"at fear beco'es reali6ed.

5"en Jesus ca'e to eart"$ He destroed evert"ingt"at ca'e bet0een us and )od b ding on t"e cross.No longer are 0e at en'it 0it" )od80e no0 "avefull access to Hi' and t"e oortunit for a close$t"riving$ ongoing relations"i 0it" Hi'.

Jesus is t"e olive branc" t"at stills our fear andgrants eace to our lives$ (no0ing t"at 0e are ongood ter's 0it" )od.


33/111

-9

JESUS GIVES US 0IS )IG0T34O6ER IN OUR 6EA


34/111

-

JESUS GIVES US FAIT0AND 0O4E

Thro#%h hi! .o# $e&ie/e in Go, whor"ise hi! fro! the e" "n %&orifie

hi!, "n so .o#r f"ith "n ho'e "re in Go(1 4ETER 1+-1

7ore t"an once$ t"e disciles turned to Jesus$alar'ed and fearful. On one suc" occasion$ a stor'

srang u suddenl$ and t"e 0ere caug"t in roug"seas. T"e 0o(e Jesus$ saing$ >Teac"er$ dont oucare if 0e dro0n> ?7ar( #=3+b@. He resonded bcal'ing t"e stor' 0it" a si'le 0ord. 9nd t"en "eas(ed t"e'$ >5" are ou so afraid Do ou still"ave no fait"> ?7ar( #=#-b@.

5"en 0e "old onto fait" in Jesus$ 0e "ave no need tofear for our future. T"roug" Hi'$ 0e "ave "oe int"e One 0"o "olds evert"ing in His "ands. Our fait"and "oe in )od8 our deendence on Hi' for t"efuture8is t"e 'ost abiding and sustaining "oe 0ellever find.


35/111

-;

JESUS BRINGS US INTO AFA)IL3 OF BELIEVERS

So in Christ we who "re !"n. for! one $o.,"n e"ch !e!$er $e&on%s to "&& the others(

RO)ANS 1-+

!e0 t"ings lift our souls li(e t"e energ t"at crac(lesa'ong eole 0"o belong toget"er. 9 sense ofbelonging is one of t"e 'ost deel felt "u'an

needs.


36/111

-=

JESUS GIVES US T0E GIFTOF 6ISDO)

It is $ec"#se of hi! th"t .o# "re in Christ Jes#s,who h"s $eco!e for #s wiso! fro! Goth"t is,

o#r ri%hteo#sness, ho&iness "n ree!'tion(1 CORINT0IANS 1+27

Broverbs tells us$ >5isdo' is sure'e t"erefore get0isdo'> ?#=*a@. 5isdo' is riceless$ t"e


37/111

-*

JESUS GIVES US T0E GIFT OFRIG0TEOUSNESS

So we, too, h"/e '#t o#r f"ith in Christ Jes#sth"t we !". $e #stifie $. f"ith in Christ "n

not $. o$ser/in% the &"w, $ec"#se $. o$ser/in%the &"w no one wi&& $e #stifie(

GALATIANS -+1;B

In t"e Old Testa'ent$ )ods >rig"teousness> often

'eans His fait"fulness to t"e covenant He 'ade 0it"Israel. )od ' His rig"teousness is co'letel loal8He al0as follo0s t"roug".

T"e sa'e cant be said about us. 5e regularl 'isst"e 'ar(. 5e c"eat on )od 0e fail to reflect Hisglor and u"old His standards.

!ortunatel$ in C"rist$ )od gives us His rig"teousness.He counts us rig"teous in C"rist$ giving us anunble'is"ed record$ and He 'a(es us 'ore "ol$'ore fait"ful to Hi' and His 0as of living. Clot"edin t"e rig"teousness of C"rist$ 0e live in a loving$

connected$ fait"ful covenant 0it" )od.


38/111

-8

JESUS GIVES US EVER3S4IRITUAL BLESSING

4r"ise $e to the Go "n F"ther of o#r Lor Jes#sChrist, who h"s $&esse #s in the he"/en&. re"&!s

with e/er. s'irit#"& $&essin% in Christ(E40ESIANS 1+2

Its "u'an nature= 5e cant "el but guard our livesrotectivel$ even at ti'es territoriall. ;i(e vines

cli'bing to0ard sunlig"t$ 0e deseratel 0ant tot"rive. 9nd 0"en follo0ing C"rist 'eans trustingHi' and deending on Hi' rat"er t"an ourselves$so'eti'es 0e bal(.

5"en 0e deend on Jesus$ 0et"rive 'ore co'letel$ 'ore abundantl t"an 0e

ever could on our o0n.


39/111

27

JESUS BRINGS US NEAR TO GOD

B#t now in Christ Jes#s .o# who oncewere f"r "w". h"/e $een $ro#%ht ne"r

thro#%h the $&oo of Christ(E40ESIANS -+12

In a certain sense$ Baul tells us$ 0eve all been)entiles at one ti'e in our lives or anot"er= 5eve allbeen outside t"e uroses of )od$ >0it"out "oe and0it"out )od in t"e 0orld> ?"esians 2=12b@. Our"earts 0ere far a0a fro' Hi'$ our lives a cra6'ess of tring to figure t"ings out on our o0n.


40/111

21

JESUS FREES US FRO) ANIET3

Do not $e "nio#s "$o#t "n.thin%,$#t in e/er.thin%, $. 'r".er "n 'etition,

with th"n5s%i/in%, 'resent .o#r re?#ests to

Go( An the 'e"ce of Go, which tr"nscens"&& #nerst"nin%, wi&& %#"r .o#r he"rts

"n .o#r !ins in Christ Jes#s(40ILI44IANS 9+;=

9niet is t"e c"ief ene' of eace. 9niett"reatens our slee and our sanit. 9nd its 0"en0ere anious t"at 0ere 'ost li(el to las" out atot"ers$ ruining our eace 0it" t"e' and 0it"ourselves.

Jesus soot"es our aniet b offering us His eace.

Our aniet can be overco'e$ Baul tells us$ braing8re'oving our anieties fro' our "eart$0"ere t"e stir us and trouble us$ and lacing t"e'in His "ands. 9s 0e do so$ )ods eace 0ill flo0 fro'"eaven$ soot"ing our sirits$ even if 0e cantunderstand 0" 0e "ave t"e eace t"at 0e do. In

C"rist$ our "earts and 'inds are guarded$ safe andsecure fro' ever t"reat to eace.


41/111

2-

JESUS 0EL4S US 4ERSEVERE INT0E RACE OF FAIT0

T"e ear "is daug"ter ran"ig" sc"ool cross4countr$ "e broug"t a tent and acooler full of drin(s to ever single 'eet.


42/111

22

JESUS GIVES US T0E 4O6ER TOCARR3 ON 0IS 6OROur "earts are filled 0it" /o 0"en 0e reali6e t"at

Jesus 0ants us to be His friend.


47/111

2*

JESUS )A


48/111

28

JESUS RESCUES US FRO)A LIFE OF SIN

For he h"s resc#e #s fro! the o!inionof "r5ness "n $ro#%ht #s into the

5in%o! of the Son he &o/es, in who!we h"/e ree!'tion, the for%i/eness of sins(

COLOSSIANS 1+1219

T"e "ostages$ t"eir senses dulled after 'ont"s of

rison and uncertaint$ "uddled in t"e dar(.:uddenl$ t"eir consciousness 0as interruted8noises$ unfa'iliar faces. It too( t"e' a 'inute tofigure out 0"at 0as going on$ but soon t"e reali6ed=T"e 0ere being rescued. T"e "ad been found and0ere being led to safet.

5e too once "uddled in t"e dar(ness of our sin. 9nd0e too 0ere rescued 0"en Jesus ca'e into our lives.He found us and led us to a better life8and His deat"on t"e cross rovided a bridge to reac" it. Jesus is ourgreat :avior and Hero.


49/111

97

JESUS GIVES US ACCESS TOT0E ONE TRUE GOD

3o# h"/e $een %i/en f#&&ness in Christ, who

is the he" o/er e/er. 'ower "n "#thorit.(COLOSSIANS-17B

ver no0 and t"en$ so'et"ing "aens t"at 'a(esus as( ourselves if our )od is )od enoug". Can He"andle our addictions Can He "eal our "earts CanHe rotect us

If 0e "ave ut our trust in Jesus$ t"e ans0er is aresounding es. He is )od over all8t"ere is not"ingt"at escaes His attention$ and not"ing is beond Hiscontrol. 9nd He is >t"e !at"er of co'assion and t"e

)od of all co'fort$ 0"o co'forts us in all ourtroubles$ so t"at 0e can co'fort t"ose in antrouble> ?2 Corint"ians l=3b4#b@. He is in control ofour lives$ and His love and strengt" can be trustedeven in t"e 0orst of ti'es.

In C"rist$ 0e "ave all t"e )od 0e could ever need.


50/111

91

JESUS OFFERS US AN IN0ERITANCET0AT 6ILL NEVER S4OIL OR FADE

In his %re"t !erc. he h"s %i/en #s new$irth into " &i/in% ho'e thro#%h the

res#rrection of Jes#s Christ fro! the e",

"n into "n inherit"nce th"t c"n ne/er 'erish,s'oi&, or f"e5e't in he"/en for .o#(

1 4ETER &+2B9

T"eres a eace t"at co'es to us 0"en 0e (no00ere doing o(a financiall. ;i(e0ise$ t"eres an

aniet t"at lagues our lives 0"en 0e arent uitesure "o0 ends are going to 'eet. 5"en 0e "ave'one$ 0e feel in control.

treasures in "eaven$ 0"ere 'ot" and rust do notdestro$ and 0"ere t"ieves do not brea( in and steal>

?7att"e0 &=2-b@. 9nd Beter tells us t"at as art of ouradotion as )ods c"ildren$ 0e "ave a "eavenlin"eritance t"at is incorrutible$ untouc"able.

T"is in"eritance8and )ods rovision for us ingeneral8is co'letel reliable$ and brings a greater

sense of assurance and eace t"an an a'ount of'one.


51/111

9-

JESUS 4RA3S FOR US

Therefore he is "$&e to s"/e co!'&ete&.those who co!e to Go thro#%h hi!,

$ec"#se he "&w".s &i/es to intercee for the!(0EBRE6S =+-

5e feel better 0"en 0e s"are raer reuests8itsdeel co'forting to (no0 t"at friends and fa'ilare bringing our needs before )od in raer. Its

a'a6ing to t"in( t"at Jesus does t"e sa'e for usever da.

He raed for us t"at 0e 0ould be unified and (no0His love ?Jo"n 1*=2-823@. He raed for :i'on$ t"at"is fait" 0ould not fail ?;u(e 22=32@. Jesus (no0s usinti'atel and (no0s our needs better t"an 0e do.9nd$ sitting at t"e rig"t "and of t"e !at"er$ He is'ore t"an able to bring our needs before Hi' 0it"boldness.

It is indeed 0onderful to be raed for. 9nd itseseciall 0onderful to be raed for b t"e Fing of

Fings Hi'self.


52/111

92

JESUS GIVES USETERNAL LIFE

For Go so &o/e the wor& th"t he %"/e hisone "n on&. Son, th"t whoe/er $e&ie/es inhi! sh"&& not 'erish $#t h"/e etern"& &ife(

JO0N 2+1;

Jesus often tal(ed about eternal life. 9nd in Jo"n1*=3$ He tells us eactl 0"at eternal life is 0"en He

ras$ >No0 t"is is eternal life= t"at t"e 'a (no0ou$ t"e onl true )od$ and Jesus C"rist$ 0"o' ou"ave sent.>

ternal life is (no0ing )od$ and Jesus is "o0 )od'a(es Hi'self (no0n. Jesus ca'e to reveal )od

8>9none 0"o "as seen 'e "as seen t"e !at"er$> Hetold His discile B"ili ?Jo"n 1#=,b@. He is t"e 5ord of)od ?Jo"n 1=1@ and t"e eact reresentation of )odsc"aracter ?Hebre0s 1=3@.

ternal life is life in lig"t of )ods resence$ and Jesusbroug"t t"e resence of )od near and available to us.


53/111

99

JESUS S0O6S US 0O6 TO LIVE

I h"/e set .o# "n e"!'&e th"t .o#sho#& o "s I h"/e one for .o#(

JO0N 12+1

)odliness isnt eactl in our nature8loo(ing to t"einterests of ot"ers is difficult$ turning t"e ot"er c"ee(net to i'ossible.

!ortunatel$ in Jesus 0e "ave a 'odel$ so'eone 0"os"o0s us "o0 to serve ot"ers and love )od. Just as ac"ild gro0s u 0atc"ing "is fat"er and develos "is"abits and values$ 0"en 0e i'itate Jesus$ 0e gro0 todevelo His love and co'assion$ His set ofriorities. 5atc"ing Hi' 0as" His disciles feet andadoting t"at sa'e attitude of "u'ilit in our o0n

relations"is$ 0e beco'e li(e Hi'$ sreading t"ebeaut of Jesus t"roug"out t"e 0orld.


54/111

9

JESUS )EETS 6IT0 US

6hen two or three of .o# "re to%ether $ec"#seof !e, .o# c"n $e s#re th"t I@&& $e there(

)ATT0E6 1*+-7 T0E )ESSAGE

T"ere are so'e grous t"at are never uite t"e sa'e0"en t"e leader isnt resent. 9 good leader brings asense of dna'is' and ent"usias' to a 'eeting and'a(es "is floc( feel energi6ed and safe.

Jesus$ of course$ is t"e erfect :"e"erd$ a trul greatleader. 9nd even t"oug" He is no longer "sicallresent$ 0e "ave t"e ro'ise t"at 0"en 0e 'eet0it" ot"er believers$ He is t"ere. He is t"ere$ assurel as if He 0ere sitting net to us$ to strengt"enand sea( to us t"roug" ot"ers and use us to

strengt"en and sea( to t"e'.

9nti'e 0e get toget"er$ 0e "ave t"e ro'ise of aver i'ortant )uest.


55/111

9;

JESUS


56/111

9=

JESUS UENC0ES OURDEE4EST T0IRSTS

Jes#s "nswere, >E/er.one who rin5sthis w"ter wi&& $e thirst. "%"in, $#t whoe/errin5s the w"ter I %i/e hi! wi&& ne/er thirst(Inee, the w"ter I %i/e hi! wi&& $eco!e in

hi! " s'rin% of w"ter we&&in% #' to etern"& &ife(>JO0N 9+1219

Our bodies deseratel need 0ater. 5"en 0e "aveenoug" 0ater in our sste'$ 0e feel 'ore content"sicall and 'ore able to focus 'entall. No'atter "o0 'uc" 0ater 0e drin($ t"oug"$ sooner orlater 0ere going to feel t"irst again.

5"en Jesus 0as on eart"$ He stood net to a 0ell0it" a :a'aritan 0o'an and told "er He could offer0ater t"at 0ould end "er t"irst for good. Toda$ Hisoffer is t"e sa'e8 strea's of ne0 life 0elling u0it"in us$ rene0ing our sirit and satisfing our'ost deel felt t"irsts. 9nd 0it" t"e 0ater Jesusgives$ 0ell never t"irst again.


57/111

9*

JESUS ACCE4TS US

Acce't one "nother, then, #st "s Christ"cce'te .o#, in orer to $rin% 'r"ise to Go(

RO)ANS 1+=

T"e /ur is still out on "o0 'an "ugs 0e need inorder to be "ealt"8studies suggest an0"ere fro'four to t0elve er da. 5"atever t"e nu'ber$ all ofus need a si'le e'brace ever no0 and t"en$ aneression of accetance and love.

In Jesus$ )od our !at"er runs to0ard us$ t"e rodigal$and e'braces us. Its not t"at 0e are sinless. Its t"atHe is 'erciful. 9nd b His 'erc$ 0e are able to liveour lives in an e'brace 0it" )od.


58/111

98

JESUS IS FOUND B3 US60EN 6E SEE< 0L)

As5 "n it wi&& $e %i/en to .o#: see5 "n.o# wi&& fin: 5noc5 "n the oor wi&& $e

o'ene to .o#( For e/er.one who "s5srecei/es: he who see5s fins: "n to hi!

who 5noc5s, the oor wi&& $e o'ene(LU)od did t"is so t"at 'en 0ould see( "i'and er"as reac" out for "i' and find "i'$ t"oug""e is not far fro' eac" one of us> ?9cts 1*=2*@.

)od 0ants to be found b us. He >re0ards t"ose 0"oearnestl see( "i'> ?Hebre0s 11=&b@. 9nd Jesusro'ises t"at if 0e continue to as( and see( and

(noc($ 0e 0ill be re0arded.


59/111


60/111

1

JESUS CALLS US 0IS FRIENDS

I no &on%er c"&& .o# ser/"nts, $ec"#se " ser/"nt oesnot 5now his !"ster@s $#siness( Inste", I

h"/e c"&&e .o# friens, for e/er.thin% th"t I &e"rne

fro! !. F"ther I h"/e !"e 5nown to .o#(JO0N 1+1

Bic(ed last. T"eres not"ing 0orse. 9nd if oure aless4t"an4stellar at"lete$ ou "ave one "oe= If one ofour friends is a tea' catain$ "e 'ig"t ic( ou

earl in t"e rotation. T"eres no feeling of relief uiteli(e being c"osen.

5"en 0e 'eet Jesus$ 0e eerience t"at sense ofc"osenness$ because He c"ooses us8>Gou did notc"oose 'e$ but I c"ose ou and aointed ou to go

and bear fruit8fruit t"at 0ill last> ?Jo"n 1%=1&a@. 9ndHe c"ooses us not to be His e'loees or evenacuaintances$ but His friends$ His co'anions.

Jesus greatest gift to us is His friends"i.


61/111

-

JESUS S0O6S US T0EFAT0ER@S LOVE

This is how Go showe his &o/e "!on% #s+0e sent his one "n on&. Son into the wor&

th"t we !i%ht &i/e thro#%h hi!(1 JO0N 9+8

)od$ being )od$ ossesses so'e ualities t"at 0e 0illnever be able to full understand. 5e 0ill never

understand His erfect 0isdo' or His incredible'ig"t. 9nd its certainl "ard for us to understandHis great love. >T"e love of )od is greater far t"antongue or en could ever tell$> goes t"e "'n.

Jesus$ elevated on t"e cross$ is t"e ulti'ate s'bol of)ods love for us8>


62/111

2

JESUS BRINGS US 0EALING

B#t he w"s 'ierce for o#r tr"ns%ressions,he w"s cr#she for o#r ini?#ities: the

'#nish!ent th"t $ro#%ht #s 'e"ce w"s #'on

hi!, "n $. his wo#ns we "re he"&e(ISAIA0 2+

:criture teac"es us t"at all of creation is under acurse$ and 0e feel it ever da8deat"$ disease$suffering.


63/111

9

JESUS GIVES US T0E 0O4EOF 0EAVEN

3o# h"/e this f"ith "n &o/e $ec"#se of.o#r ho'e, "n wh"t .o# ho'e for is 5e'ts"fe for .o# in he"/en( 3o# &e"rne "$o#t

this ho'e when .o# he"r the !ess"%e "$o#tthe tr#th, the Goo News(

COLOSSIANS 1+ NCV

5ere not uite sure 0"at "eaven 0ill be li(e. 5"at

0ill 0e do t"ere 5ill eole loo( t"e sa'e80ill 0ebe able to recogni6e friends

5e do (no0$ "o0ever$ t"at "eaven 0ill be 0onder4ful. )od 0ill 0ie t"e tears fro' t"e ees of t"eersecuted He 0ill give /ustice to t"e oressed.T"ere 0ill be a ne0 "eaven and a ne0 eart"$ and allt"ats 0rong 0ill be 'ade rig"t.

Jesus enric"es our eart"l lives in so 'an 0as$ but>if onl for t"is life 0e "ave "oe in C"rist$ 0e are tobe itied 'ore t"an all 'en> ?1 Corint"ians 1%=1,@. :ofir'$ so sure is t"e ro'ise of "eaven t"at it gives us

an uns"a(eable "oe for our resent life.


64/111


65/111

;

JESUS GIVES US TRUEFREEDO)

So if the Son sets .o# free,.o# wi&& $e free inee,

JO0N *+2;

Jean4Jacues Rousseau once 0rote$ >7an is born free$but ever0"ere "e is in c"ains.> 7an of us live freefro' olitical and social slaver$ and et its ver

ossible to be co'letel free and et still be a slave8a slave to sin$ a slave to doubt$ a slave to addiction.

5"en Jesus ca'e$ fie c"allenged t"e religiouslco'fortable$ T"e clai'ed to be sons of 9bra"a'$not slaves but t"eir "earts 0ere still slaves to sin. Ift"e :on set t"e' free$ Jesus told t"e'$ t"e 0ould betrul free8free in t"eir "earts and in t"eirrelations"i 0it" t"eir !at"er.

5"en Jesus sets us free$ 0e are co'letel$ trul freefro' t"e t"ings t"at enslave our souls.


66/111

=

JESUS 0EARS OUR 4RA3ERS

3o# !". "s5 !e for "n.thin% in!. n"!e, "n I wi&& o it(

JO0N 19+19

I'agine being friends 0it" so'eone$ et nevertal(ing. T"e relations"i 0ould robabl fall aart$9s art of His relations"i 0it" His !at"er$ Jesus'ade co''unication a "abit8He rose earl to raand co''une 0it" )od. 9nd He offers us t"e sa'erivilege of raer$ a freedo' bet0een us and )od$t"e abilit to co'e to Hi' 0it" all our reuests andetitions$ along 0it" t"e ro'ise t"at He 0ill "earus.

Jesus ro'ise to ans0er raers 'ade in His na'e

resuoses closeness 0it" Hi' and fa'iliarit 0it"His uroses. T"e eas co''unication 0eeerience in raer is a result of Jesus a'a6ing giftof friends"i.


67/111

*

JESUS IS CO)4ASSIONATE TOT0OSE 60O ARE 0URTING

A $r#ise ree he wi&& not $re"5, "n" s!o&erin% wic5 he wi&& not sn#ffo#t, ti&& he &e"s #stice to /ictor.(

)ATT0E6 1-+-7

5"en Jesus ca'e to eart"$ He ca'e to see( and save0"at 0as lost$ to "eal and restore. 9s He 0ent aboutt"is 'ission$ He ca'e across eole 0"o deseratel

needed t"at restoration$ 0"o 0ere cring out for)ods 'erc.

One suc" erson 0as t"e 0ido0 at Nain. 5"en Jesusencountered a funeral rocession and sa0 a 0ido0grieving t"e loss of "er onl son8and t"us "erfuture8>"is "eart 0ent out to "er and "e said$ Dontcr> ?;u(e *=13b@. T"en He touc"ed t"e coffin andraised "er son$ and >gave "i' bac( to "is 'ot"er>?*=1%b@.

Ours is not a tas(4driven$ utilitarian :avior. Jesus"eart beats 0it" co'assion for t"e eole He ca'e

to save$ and He treats t"e "urting 0it" secial care.


68/111

8

JESUS REDEE)S US

B#t when the ti!e h" f#&&. co!e, Gosent his Son, $orn of " wo!"n, $orn #ner

&"w, to reee! those #ner &"w, th"t we

!i%ht recei/e the f#&& ri%hts of sons(GALATIANS 9+9

5"en t"e Israelites rose u out of t"e slaver ofgt$ t"e sang songs and described t"eir eodus inter's of >rede'tion>8being set free fro' t"ebondage t"e "ad (no0n$ receiving a ne0$ free life.

In t"e sa'e 0a$ Jesus redee's us. He sets us freefro' t"e bondage of sin and gives us a ne0 life. In

Jesus$ 0e are no longer slaves but sons anddaug"ters$ c"ildren of )od= >9nd because ou are

c"ildren$ )od "as sent t"e :irit of "is :on into our"earts$ cring$ 9bbaA !at"erA> ?)alatians #=& NR:E@.


69/111


70/111

;1

JESUS GIVES US ANE6 IDENTIT3

B#t .o# "re " chosen 'eo'&e, " ro."& 'riesthoo," ho&. n"tion, " 'eo'&e $e&on%in% to Go, th"t.o# !". ec&"re the 'r"ises of hi! who c"&&e

.o# o#t of "r5ness into his wonerf#& &i%ht(Once .o# were not " 'eo'&e, $#t now .o# "rethe 'eo'&e of Go: once .o# h" not recei/e

!erc., $#t now .o# h"/e recei/e !erc.(1 4ETER -+817

5e all need to belong$ and 0e can all t"in( of a fe0ti'es 0"en 0e did so'et"ing 0e regretted /ust toidentif 0it" a grou.

5it" Jesus ' our lives$ 0e finall belong. 5e areacceted b Hi'$ and 0e also beco'e art of auniue grou. 9s believers$ 0e are freedo' fig"ters$

releasing t"e catives. 5e "ave been given t"e'inistr of reconciliation$ c"arged 0it" reac"ingt"e 'essage of )ods saving love. No longeridentified 0it" t"e dar(ness$ 0e are identified as saltand lig"t$ overco'ing evil 0it" good.

Our ne0 identit in C"rist gives our lives urose$fulfill'ent$ and /o.


71/111

;-

JESUS ENABLES US TOSTAND FIR)

Now it is Go who !"5es $oth #s "n .o# st"nfir! in Christ( 0e "nointe #s, set his se"& of

ownershi' on #s, "n '#t his S'irit in o#r he"rts"s " e'osit, %#"r"nteein% wh"t is to co!e(

- CORINT0IANS 1+-1--

T"e boo( of Hebre0s tells us t"at our salvation is

secure$ t"at )ods ro'ises are co'letel steadfast=>5e "ave t"is "oe as an anc"or for t"e soul$ fir'and secure> ?&=1,a@.

Having Jesus as our anc"or gives us an uns"a(eable"oe. 5it" His :irit reassuring us of 0"at )od "asdone in our lives$ 0e can (no0 beond a s"ado0 of adoubt t"at t"e stor's of our life can never trul"ar' us8t"e are no 'atc" for t"e One 0"o "assaved us.

In C"rist$ 0e can 0eat"er an stor'. Co'e 0"at'a$ 0e can ersevere.


72/111

;2

JESUS USES US AS 6E ARE,EVEN IN OUR 6EA


73/111

;9

JESUS IS 4RE4ARING A4LACE FOR US

In !. F"ther@s ho#se "re !"n. roo!s:if it were not so, I wo#& h"/e to& .o#, I

"! %oin% there to 're'"re " '&"ce for .o#(JO0N 19+-

9nti'e 0eve been a0a fro' loved ones$ 0e 'isst"e'. 5e 0is" 0e could see t"eir faces$ not in a"oto$ but in erson. 5e 0ant to be in t"eir

resence.

In t"e sa'e 0a$ 0e >'iss> )od. 5e eerience Hisresence$ but 0e 0is" 0e could finall see Hi' faceto face. T"e good ne0s is t"at Jesus is rearing alace 0"ere 0e can be 0it" )od. 5"en 0e arefinall us"ered into His resence$ 0e 0ill 0ors"iHi' 0it"out t"e veil of t"e "sical 0orld.

9s t"e sal'ist said= >Gou "ave 'ade (no0n to 'et"e at" of life ou 0ill fill 'e 0it" /o in ourresence$ 0it" eternal leasures at our rig"t "and>?Bsal' 1&=11@. In )ods resence$ 0e 0ill find great

/o.


74/111

;

JESUS GIVES US UNIT3

Let the 'e"ce of Christ r#&e in .o#rhe"rts, since "s !e!$ers of one $o.

.o# were c"&&e to 'e"ce(

COLOSSIANS 2+1A

;ots of t"ings searate us fro' ot"ers8geogra"$references$ bac(grounds$ languages. :o'eti'es itseasier to ic( out 0"ats different about us t"an 0"at0e "ave in co''on.

T"e earl c"urc" felt t"e sa'e (ind of divisionbet0een Je0is" C"ristians and t"e ne0 )entileconverts. destroed t"e barrier$ t"edividing 0all of "ostilit> ?"esians 2=1#b@. 5e are

all reconciled to )od in C"rist$ and t"erebreconciled to eac" ot"er.

5"en 0e re'e'ber 0"at Jesus "as done in our livesand celebrate 0"at He "as done in t"e lives of ot"ers$t"e 0alls bet0een us slo0l dissolve$ and 0e

eerience unit and eace.


75/111

;;

JESUS ENCOURAGES US

)". o#r Lor Jes#s Christ hi!se&f "n Goo#r F"ther enco#r"%e .o# "n stren%then

.o# in e/er. %oo thin% .o# o "n s".(

- T0ESSALONIANS -+1; NCV

To >encourage> so'eone is to give t"e' courage$confidence$ and boldness. 9nd Jesus is one of t"e bestencouragers of all.

:o'eti'es its a 0ord of t"an(s so(en b so'eone0eve "eled. :o'eti'es its a financial 'iracle t"atlets us (no0 t"at He is be"ind us in our endeavors.:o'eti'es its a "ug fro' a friend or a note fro' aloved one. 5"atever for' it ta(es$ 0"en 0e see( toserve Jesus$ His encourage'ent follo0s us 0"erever0e go.

5e 'a not (no0 0"en or "o0$ but 0e do (no0 t"atJesus rovides us 0it" all t"e strengt" and courage0e need for ever good 0or(.


76/111

;=

JESUS IS A FAIT0FULFRIEND

So!e friens '&". "t frienshi' $#t " tr#e frien

stic5s c&oser th"n one@s ne"rest 5in(4ROVERBS 1*+-9 NRSV

5"en it co'es to t"e big t"ings in life$ t"ere is nosubstitute for fa'il. >In ti'e of test$ fa'il is best$>goes t"e roverb. 9lt"oug" no fa'il is erfect$ itsfa'il 0"o stand beside us at t"e grave site. !a'il"els us 'ove. !a'il is t"e first to (no0 0"en ane0 bab enters t"e 0orld.

9nd et Jesus is even 'ore fait"ful t"an our dearestfa'il 'e'bers. His fait"fulness and consistenc

are unsurassed. He is never fic(le to0ard us. 5"en0e are 0orld40ear$ He lifts our burdens and givesus 0"at 0e need to (ee going.

;ife is inco'lete 0it"out fa'il and friends 0"ofeel li(e fa'il. 9nd Jesus is t"e best !riend of all.


77/111

;*

JESUS )A ?"esians #=1b@. 9nd 0it" His :irit andtransfor'ing resence at 0or( in our lives$ 0eslo0l beco'e 'ore atient$ 'ore consistent$ and'ore loving8'ore li(e Hi'.


78/111

;8

JESUS CO)FORTS US

As " !other co!forts her chi&,so wi&& I co!fort .o#(

ISAIA0 ;;+12A

Co'fort 'a ta(e 'an for's8c"ic(en sou 0"en0ere sic($ flo0ers 0"en 0ere grieving$ a "ug 0"en0e didnt get t"at /ob. One of t"e t"ings t"at "el us'ost 0"en 0ere in need of co'fort is si'l 0ords=Hearing co'forting 0ords so(en gives us "oe t"at0e can get beond our struggle.

5"en Jesus disciles needed co'fort$ He so(e tot"e'. He said He 0ould "ear t"eir raers and t"atHe "ad overco'e t"e 0orld. He told t"e' not to let

t"eir "earts be troubled. He said t"at t"e Counselor0ould co'e and re'ind t"e' of 0"at He "ad said tot"e'.

9nd Jesus 0ords re'ain 0it" us toda$ giving usco'fort and strengt".


79/111

=7

JESUS )A)ive t"an(s to t"e ;ord$ call on "isna'e 'a(e (no0n a'ong t"e nations 0"at "e "asdone.> T"roug" C"rist$ )od "as done a'a6ing t"ingsin our lives$ and He 0ants us to let t"e 0"ole 0orld

(no0.


80/111

=1

JESUS TA7an clai's rerogatives t"atbelong to )od alone )od accets enalties 0"ic"

belong to 'an alone.> Jesus deat" on t"e crossacco'lis"ed our forgiveness$ our rede'tion$ ourbeing 'ade 0"ole. Onl because He died in ourlace$ allo0ing His bod to be bro(en for us$ are 0eable to eerience salvation.


81/111

=-

JESUS RE6ARDS OUREFFORTS

I 'ress on tow"r the %o"& to win the'rie for which Go h"s c"&&e !e

he"/enw"r in Christ Jes#s(40ILI44IANS 2+19

5"en 0e 0or( out$ 0e 0ant to see a aoff8'oredefinition$ greater endurance$ 'ore energ.

Ot"er0ise$ 0e start to lose 'otivation. ;i(e0ise$ inour siritual 0or(out efforts$ 0e can so'eti'es getbogged do0n$ 0ondering if its all reall 0ort" it.

In Jesus arable of t"e talents$ He re'inds us t"at)od re0ards our efforts to 'ultil 0"at He "asgiven us. 9nd Ja'es re'inds us t"at 0"en 0eersevere$ 0e gro0 in 'aturit and c"aracter ?Ja'es1=#@. 5"en 0e run after Jesus$ 0e are assured t"at0e 0ill receive t"e ri6e 0e are see(ing$ In Ja'ess0ords$ > ?1=12@.


82/111

=2

JESUS LIFTS U4 T0E 0U)BLE

For whoe/er e"&ts hi!se&f wi&& $e h#!$&e, "nwhoe/er h#!$&es hi!se&f wi&& $e e"&te(

)ATT0E6 -2+1-

Hes eas to ic( out in an teen 'ovie= t"e /er(.Coc( and roud$ t"e /er( tor'ents t"e rotagonist0it" verbal and "sical /abs until "is da ofco'euance$ usuall near t"e end of t"e 'ovie.

5e all "ate t"e /er(. 9nd et t"eres a little /er( in allof us. 9ll of us ealt ourselves and ut ot"ers do0nso'eti'es$ "ogging t"e sotlig"t or 'a(ing ot"ersfeel bad about t"e'selves. 9nd ver often$ our rideearns us a ainful co'euance.

Jesus values "u'ilit and reserves ealtation for t"e"u'ble. 5"en 0e adot His attitude of "u'ilit80"en 0e ut ot"ers above ourselves and ac(no04ledge t"at 0e need )ods grace and strengt"80eeerience His blessings.


83/111

=9

JESUS GIVES US


84/111

=

JESUS GIVES U4 0ISLIFE FOR US

Gr"ce "n 'e"ce to .o# fro! Go o#r F"ther"n the Lor Jes#s Christ, who %"/e hi!se&f

for o#r sins to resc#e #s fro! the 'resent e/i& "%e,"ccorin% to the wi&& of o#r Go "n F"ther(

GALATIANS 1+29

;ove is often 'easured b t"e sacrifices 0e 'a(e for

our loved one.


85/111


86/111

==

JESUS OFFERS US FORGIVENESSAND GRACE

In hi! we h"/e ree!'tion thro#%h his $&oo,the for%i/eness of sins, in "ccor"nce with theriches of Go@s %r"ce th"t he &"/ishe on #s with

"&& wiso! "n #nerst"nin%(E40ESIANS 1+=*

9ll 0e (no0 about "er is t"at s"e "ad lived >a sinfullife.> :"e 0as not 0ort"$ t"e 'ur'ured$ to touc"

t"e feet of t"e Rabbi$ 'uc" less (iss t"e' and anointt"e' 0it" erfu'e$ Instead of brus"ing "er aside$t"oug"$ Jesus affir'ed "er offering and said$ >Goursins are forgiven. . . . Gour fait" "as saved ou go ineace> ?;u(e *=#+$ %-@.

5"en t"e "eard t"e 0ord >forgiven$> t"e'ur'uring began again= >5"o is t"is 0"o evenforgives sins> ?*=#,b@. In t"at grace4filled 'o'ent$t"e (ne0 t"at t"e 'an a'ong t"e' 0as not /ust aro"et$ t"at He "ad t"e o0er even to forgive sins.

Toda Jesus offers us t"e sa'e 'o'ent of grace$

saing to us$ >Gou are forgiven. )o in eace.>


87/111

=*

JESUS BRINGS LIG0T TOT0E 6ORLD

6hen Jes#s s'o5e "%"in to the 'eo'&e,he s"i, >I "! the &i%ht of the wor&(

6hoe/er fo&&ows !e wi&& ne/er w"&5 in"r5ness, $#t wi&& h"/e the &i%ht of &ife(>

JO0N *+1-

Bovert4stric(en areas of to0n can be blea( andderessing8 bro(en 0indo0s$ bro(en do0n cars$

bro(en do0n lives.


88/111

=8

JESUS 4IC


89/111

*7

JESUS S0O6S UST0E TRUT0

Jes#s "nswere, >I "! the w". "n the

tr#th "n the &ife( No one co!es to theF"ther ece't thro#%h !e(>

JO0N 19+;

7ost great stories are about searc"ing for trut" andfinding it in uneected laces. 5e see ourselves int"ose 0"o are see(ing to understand so'et"ing trueabout t"e 0orld and t"e'selves$ and 0e env t"e'0"en t"e eerience 'o'ents of revelation.

T"e searc" for trut" is a universal one$ and trut"often see's to sli t"roug" our gras. T"e 5ord 0as )od. . . . T"e 5ordbeca'e fles" and blood$ and 'oved into t"eneig"bor"ood$> Jo"n 0rites ?Jo"n 1=1b$ 1# t"e'essage@. In Jesus$ t"e trut" of )od "as co'e near.


90/111

*1

JESUS 0EARS US 60EN 6E CR3FOR 0EL4

An wi&& not Go $rin% "$o#t #stice for hischosen ones, who cr. o#t to hi! ". "n

ni%htH 6i&& he 5ee' '#ttin% the! offHLUJesus$ :on of David$ "ave 'erc on 'eA>?7ar( 1-=#*b@. Jesus stoed. He told t"e cro0d tocall


91/111

*-

JESUS ENABLES US TO ENDURETE)4TATION

No te!'t"tion h"s seie .o# ece't wh"t isco!!on to !"n( An Go is f"ithf#&: he wi&& not

&et .o# $e te!'te $e.on wh"t .o# c"n $e"r(B#t when .o# "re te!'te, he wi&& "&so 'ro/ie "

w". o#t so th"t .o# c"n st"n #' #ner it(1 CORINT0IANS 17+12

It al0as s"oc(s us 0"en 0e suddenl face a bout 0it"

te'tation. T"e uic(ened "eartbeat$ t"e indecision$ t"efeeling of i'ending guilt8no one en/os being te'ted.

!ortunatel for us$ 0e "ave a :avior 0"o (no0s all aboutte'tation$ because He 0as te'ted Hi'self.


92/111

*2

JESUS TEAC0ES US

The 'eo'&e were "!"e "t his te"chin%,$ec"#se he t"#%ht the! "s one who h""#thorit., not "s the te"chers of the &"w(

)AR< 1+--

Henr


93/111

*9

JESUS 4RODUCES FRUITIN OUR LIVES

I "! the Vine, .o# "re the $r"nches( 6hen .o#@reoine with !e "n I with .o#, the re&"tion

inti!"te "n or%"nic, the h"r/est is s#re to $e"$#n"nt( Se'"r"te, .o# c"n@t 'ro#ce " thin%(

JO0N 1+ T0E )ESSAGE

:o'eti'es 0e vie0 living as one of C"rists follo0ersas sort of li(e being an indeendent consultant= Jesus

is t"e >co'an$> and 0e 0or( for Hi' out of our"o'es$ tring to 'aintain a certain level oferfor'ance. 5e receive resources$ but onl b 'ailor on occasional face4to4face 'eetings.

In realit$ t"e trul saved life is a connected life$ a lifet"at flo0s directl out of loving connection 0it"

Jesus. 5e arent eected to ac"ieve results 0it"outHi'8nor are 0e even able to. Its as 0e 'eet 0it"Hi' dail t"at 0e receive our sense of 'ission andt"e resources 0e need to acco'lis" it.

Connecting 0it" Jesus is connecting 0it" t"e onl

true source of life.


94/111

*

JESUS GIVES US T0EBREAD OF LIFE

Then Jes#s ec&"re, >I "! the $re" of &ife( 0ewho co!es to !e wi&& ne/er %o h#n%r., "n he

who $e&ie/es in !e wi&& ne/er $e thirst.(>JO0N ;+2

9s t"e Israelites 0andered in t"e desert to0ard t"eBro'ised ;and$ t"e gru'bled. 5"at 0ould t"e

eat 5"at 0ould t"e drin( :o )od rovided'anna$ bread fro' "eaven$ eac" da8a s'bol of)ods fait"ful$ un0avering rovision for t"eir needs.

Jesus declared Hi'self to be t"e true 'anna$ t"e


95/111

*;

JESUS )A


96/111

*=

JESUS DOES )IRACLESIN OUR LIVES

6hen Jes#s &"ne "n s"w " &"r%e crow, he h"co!'"ssion on the! "n he"&e their sic5(

)ATT0E6 19+19

5e dont (no0 "o0 it got t"at 0a$ but t"e 'ansrig"t "and 0as s"riveled and useless. 5"o (no0s"o0 long it "ad "eld "i' bac($ "o0 'an ti'es it"ad broug"t t"e blus" of s"a'e to "is face 9nd so$0"en Jesus sa0 "i'$ desite t"e 'utterings of t"eB"arisees 0"o 0anted to see if He 0ould "eal on t"e:abbat"$ Jesus restored t"e 'ans "and ?;u(e &=&811@. )ood as ne0.

Jesus 'iracles tell us 'an t"ings. T"e disla

)ods o0er and reveal t"e nature of t"e Fingdo'Jesus brings about. T"e also s"o0 t"at )od isconcerned 0it" our needs. Its as true no0 as it 0asin t"e first centur= Jesus cares$ and He intervenes inour lives in 'iraculous 0as.


97/111

**

JESUS GIVES US 0IS )ERC3

0is !erc. etens to those who fe"r hi!,fro! %ener"tion to %ener"tion(

LU


98/111

*8

JESUS TEAC0ES US 0O6TO LOVE

B. this "&& !en wi&& 5now th"t .o# "re !.isci'&es, if .o# &o/e one "nother(

JO0N 12+2

;ove is confusing. Nevert"eless$ t0o t"ings areobvious= 5e all deseratel need love$ and fe0 of usare articularl good at loving.

Its true t"at 0e could all use love lessons. 5ere alittle bit selfis" 0e forget to consider t"e love needsof ot"ers. 9nd so'eti'es 0e si'l dont (no0 "o0to s"o0 love.

T"an(full$ 0e "ave Jesus to 'odel love for us8t"esacrifice$ t"e invest'ent of ti'e$ t"e giving andserving. 5e also "ave His :irit to uic(en t"e lovein our "earts for ot"ers= >T"e fruit of t"e :irit islove> ?)alatians %=22a@. 9nd as 0e gro0 in love 0it"our :avior$ 0e s"o0 t"e 0orld 0"at His love is li(eand glorif )od.


99/111

87

JESUS LIVES IN US

I h"/e $een cr#cifie with Christ "n I no&on%er &i/e, $#t Christ &i/es in !e( The &ife I&i/e in the $o., I &i/e $. f"ith in the Son of

Go, who &o/e !e "n %"/e hi!se&f for !e(GALATIANS -+-7

Baul first encountered Jesus on t"e road toDa'ascus. 9fter t"at$ "e 'ade suc" a turnaroundt"at "e even c"anged "is na'e8:aul$ t"e ersecutorof C"ristians$ beca'e Baul$ one of t"e C"urc"sfore'ost aostles.

;ater$ "e 0rote to t"e )alatians$ >I no longer live$ butC"rist lives in 'e. T"e life I live in t"e bod$ I live bfait" in t"e :on of )od> ?2=2-b@. :o co'lete and all4

enco'assing 0as t"at encounter 0it" C"rist t"at itaffected ever art of "is being.

Just as it did for Baul$ t"e ne0 life 0e "ave in C"risttouc"es our 'inds$ souls$ and bodies. He beco'esart of us. 9nd 0e are never t"e sa'e.


100/111

81

JESUS NOTICES T0EOUTCASTS

Now the t" co&&ectors "n >sinners> were "&&

%"therin% "ro#n to he"r hi!( B#t the 4h"risees"n the te"chers of the &"w !#ttere, >This

!"n we&co!es sinners "n e"ts with the!(>LUinvisible> to 'an of us=lunc"roo' nerds$ eccentric neig"bors$ friends4of4friends 0it" c"ec(ered asts . . . underfed$ over40or(ed c"ildren on t"e ot"er side of t"e 0orld.

T"e eole 0e tend to notice t"e least are t"e eoleJesus notices 'ost. 5"ile He 0as on eart"$ He sentti'e 0it" eole 0"o 0ere largel re/ected in t"eir

ti'e= He "eard t"e cr of leers and "ealed t"e' Heate 0it" ta collectors and sinners He c"atted 0it":a'aritan 0o'en.

T"e good ne0s for us toda is t"at 0"en 0e feel li(ean outcast$ 0e (no0 t"at He sees us and reac"es out

for us. 9nd as 0e eerience His co'assion$ Hegives us His ees to notice t"e outcasts all around us.


101/111

8-

JESUS OVERCO)EST0E DEVIL

0e too sh"re in their h#!"nit. so th"t$. his e"th he !i%ht estro. hi! who ho&sthe 'ower of e"thth"t is, the e/i&"nfree those who "&& their &i/es were he& in

s&"/er. $. their fe"r of e"th(0EBRE6S -+19B1

:in and deat" go toget"er. T"e entered t"e 0orld"and in "and$ and 0"ere sin lagues our lives$ deat"is its close co'anion. 9nd bot" feed on t"e o0er oft"e devil.


102/111

82

JESUS GIVES US SECURIT3

An Go r"ise #s #' with Christ "n se"te #swith hi! in the he"/en&. re"&!s in Christ Jes#s(

E40ESIANS -+;

5"en Jesus saved us$ He reac"ed do0n and too( onevert"ing t"at lagues us. He too( on "u'anit$frail fles" itself$ and t"e sin and deat" and diseaset"at infect our lives. He /u'ed in t"e 0ater in orderto save us fro' dro0ning.

in t"e "eavenlreal's> ?"esians 2=&b@. ven 'ore t"an t"at$

t"oug"$ )od "as seated us 0it" Hi'. In C"rist$ 0eare safe and secure fro' ever ene' and o0er.


103/111

89

JESUS GIVES US COURAGE

6hen .o# "re $ro#%ht $efore s.n"%o%#es,r#&ers "n "#thorities, o not worr. "$o#t

how .o# wi&& efen .o#rse&/es or wh"t .o#

wi&& s"., for the 0o&. S'irit wi&& te"ch .o# "tth"t ti!e wh"t .o# sho#& s".(

LU


104/111

8

JESUS 6ANTS TO BE6IT0 US

F"ther, I w"nt those .o# h"/e %i/en !eto $e with !e where I "!, "n to see !. %&or.,the %&or. .o# h"/e %i/en !e $ec"#se .o# &o/e

!e $efore the cre"tion of the wor&(JO0N 1=+-9

Invitations are a great t"ing to get in t"e 'ail$ abrea( fro' t"e "o4"u' of bills and advertise'ents.T"eres /ust so'et"ing secial and eciting about(no0ing t"at so'eone 0ants ou to s"are in t"eir0edding da or birt"da celebration.

Jesus "as sent us an invitation to 0itness His glor$ tos"are in t"e love bet0een Hi' and t"e !at"er. Heinvites us to /oin our lives 0it" His. He 0ants to benear us He 0ants to be a art of evert"ing 0eregoing t"roug".

T"e invitation fro' Jesus to s"are in His life is t"e

greatest "onor 0e could ever receive.


105/111

8;

JESUS C0ALLENGES US

For whoe/er w"nts to s"/e his &ife wi&& &ose it,$#t whoe/er &oses his &ife for !e wi&& s"/e it(

LU?7att"e0 1-=3*@.

His c"allenge is t"e sa'e for us toda= 5e 'ust dailc"oose to follo0 Hi' if 0e 0ant to be His disciles$even if it 'eans giving u 0"ats 'ost i'ortant tous. T"e good ne0s is t"at /ust as Jesus discileseerienced blessing b resonding to Hisc"allenges$ so do 0e.


106/111

8=

JESUS GIVES US ABRANDNE6 LIFE

Therefore, if "n.one is in Christ, he is " new

cre"tion: the o& h"s %one, the new h"s co!e- CORINT0IANS +1=

:o'e das$ 0e feel bogged do0n in old "abits$difficult circu'stances$ and a si'le lac( of energ.5e 0onder if 0ere living t"e life )od intended forus.

On das li(e t"ese$ its good to re'e'ber t"e da 0efirst 'et Jesus. He flooded our lives 0it" His love it0as li(e a lig"t suddenl ca'e on inside our souls$

and 0e 0ere brand ne0. 9nd even t"oug" it 'a notfeel li(e it ever da$ He "as given us a ne0$ full lifein Hi'8in C"rist$ 0e are a co'letel ne0 creation.9nd even no0$ )od is 0or(ing on us.


107/111


108/111

88

JESUS STA3S 6IT0 US

Go h"s s"i, >Ne/er wi&& I &e"/e .o#:ne/er wi&& I fors"5e .o#(>

0EBRE6S 12+B

T"ere are ti'es 0"en 0e si'l cant feel )odsresence. 9ll t"e


109/111

177

JESUS )AIf "n.one wo#&co!e "fter !e, he !#st en. hi!se&f "n

t"5e #' his cross "i&. "n fo&&ow !e(>LUToda> is an i'ortant da t"roug"out t"e )osels.>Toda> a :avior 0as born in t"e to0n of David.

>Toda> salvation ca'e to t"e "ouse of Kacc"aeus.T"e t"ief on t"e cross 'et Jesus in aradise >toda.>In t"e 'iddle of ordinar das on ordinar soil$ Jesus0al(ed t"e eart" and sread )ods grace.

5"en 0e "ave Jesus in our lives$ eac" toda beco'esan oortunit to eerience Hi' and live in HisFingdo'$ no 'atter "o0 ordinar t"e da 'a see'.Toda is an oortunit to follo0 Jesus. Toda is ada to feel t"e 0ar't" His grace.


110/111

171

JESUS GIVES US 0IS GRACE

I "&w".s th"n5 Go for .o# $ec"#se ofhis %r"ce %i/en .o# in Christ Jes#s(

1 CORINT0IANS 1+9

5e often "ear t"e 0ord >grace$> but so'eti'es 0erenot uite sure 0"at grace reall is$ 0"at grace loo(s

li(e. During Jesus 'inistr$ grace loo(ed li(eforgiving a sinful 0o'an roclai'ing )ods favorand blessing on t"e oor in sirit$ on t"e bereavedfreeing a de'oniac fro' "is "sical and sirituals"ac(les "ealing t"e sic(.

)race is si'l t"e "and of )od reac"ing out for usand blessing us$ desite "o0 'uc" 0e dont deserveHis blessing.

T"e life 0e "ave 0it" )od is not so'et"ing 0eearned or deserved. It is Jesus gift of grace.


111/111

Documents

101 Things Jesus Has Done for You