44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:44 – 46)
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)
Theme: The Local Church
Context
Your passionate comments about prayer yesterday were greatly appreciated. So far we have considered lessons the local church can learn from Jesus’ passion for people, God’s mission, servant leadership, and prayer. We end with the life giving passion Jesus has for all of us. His love for humanity is unparalleled and that has the most profound implications for us personally and for the local church.
Bible Passage
Our passages today are from Luke 23:44 – 46, and 1 Peter 3:18 (presented above). As we celebrate Good Friday, there should be no doubt why Jesus died. He died because he loves us and seeks to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity – a relationship broken by sin.
This is good news that the local church must share with the highest priority!
These words from a song by Andrae Crouch are fitting for our deliberation today:
The blood that Jesus shed for me
Way back on Calvary
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
It reaches to the highest mountain
It flows to the lowest valley
The blood that gives me strength
From day to day
It will never lose its power
Please prayerfully read the passages above and answer the question below.
Question
As you reflect on the importance of Good Friday, how can you support your local church in ensuring the gospel message is a priority all year round?
April 15, 2022 at 7:25 am
As I prepare to lead a Good Friday service this morning and share a message I am reminded that the responsibility I have to ensure that the sermon message is absolutely faithful to the biblical text that is being used as it’s foundation. The scriptures God’s word, must always be presented as the ultimate priority of all members of the church.
April 15, 2022 at 8:56 am
As an individual member of a local church, I can ensure the gospel is continually supported all throughout the year, by first and foremost, being faithful and consistent with my walk with God , my prayer life and on relying on His word. I started helping my local church here in Texas by offering to help even just by assisting in ESL for Japanese coming to church on weekdays to learn English, or to assist in VBS program during summer break. The volunteer work I do for my local church here may not as significant compared to the ones doing the major work, but I still believe it can contribute in spreading the gospel. Since I also have official duties for my husband’s work , I convinced myself that whenever I’m available I would use that free time to help my local church. I guess, even only by interacting with people I meet daily at work, in the community or in church, I get to share the gospel. Sometimes even just through “ action” one can convey or share the gospel. Words may be few but how we as believers interact with others could impact the lives of people especially the ones who had no idea what the gospel or God’s gift of salvation means. Today, good Friday, I was asked to read the scriptures in Japanese during the 12 noon Good Friday service. I can
converse in Japanese, and can only read little kanji, but still believe I can help my local church reach out to many Japanese in the community. So today, I’m asking the Lord to help me read the scripture in Japanese smoothly and clearly as possible. Enjoy the Easter weekend!