By Grace Through Faith

Easter... Is my favorite Holiday celebration

because of what Christ did for me personally;

He suffered and endured the shame of the cross

when it should have been me on that cross.

"Christ, being found in fashion as a man, he

humbled himself and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross."  (Philippians 2:8)

He came to prove His love towards me,

in that while I was a sinner, He died for me,

so that I might live a victorious life through Him.

I cannot help but think about the free gift 

that we have through Jesus Christ our Lord,

 as we celebrate Resurrection Sunday.

 Ephesians 2: 1-10 is such a beautiful reminder

of God's divine formula for rescuing His people from their sin.

God's rich Mercy (verse 4 a) "But God who is rich in mercy."
Romans 10:12&13 are beautiful verses showing God's mercy to ALL

who call upon His name. 

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek;

for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved." 

 God forgives all our iniquities

and heals all our diseases. (Psalm 103:3) 

He removes the barrier that separates people from Himself

by canceling the debt of sin (all our iniquities) so that anyone

can enjoy a loving relationship with Him.

God's love removes a persons sins as though they never existed. (Psalm 103:12)

Oh my! That should cause us to bow down on our knees

to the Lord and lift His name on high and thank Him

for the work He has done for us

as we trust Him in His unfailing love. 

God's great Love (verse 4 b) "For his great love, wherewith he loved us."

John 3:16-17 are verses we quote so often, and are filled 

with the wonderful truth of salvation.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have eternal life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but that the world through Him might be saved." 

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God's Grace (verse 5) "Even when we were dead in sins, 
hath quickened us together with Christ,
by grace are ye saved."
Paul expresses his thanksgiving to God 
for his salvation through the grace of God in 1 Timothy 1:14&15
"And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith
and love which is in Christ Jesus.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world 
to save sinners, of whom I am chief."  

Mercy, love, and grace combined together produce a free Gift. (verses 8&9)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
Not of works lest any man should boast."   
Romans 6:23 ties in so well with these two verses,
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  
Eternal life is a grace, a gift received through Faith. (verse8) 
"So faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." 
Have you trusted in the marvelous grace of Jesus
and received His free Gift of salvation? 

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"Why Should He Die 
For Such As I" 

In everything both great and small
we see the hand of God in all,
and in the miracles of Spring
when everywhere and everything
His handiwork is all around
and every lovely sight and sound
proclaims the God of earth and sky
I ask myself "Just who am I"
that God should send His only Son
that my salvation would be won
upon a cross by a sinless man
to bring fulfillment to God's plan-
For Jesus suffered, bled and died
that sinners might be sanctified,
and to grant God's children such as I
Eternal life in that Home on High.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~ 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of our praises.
Our Precious Heavenly Father,
thank you for the gift of salvation
through Your Son Jesus Christ,
who willingly suffered and died
so that we may have life.
Amen.

Hallelujah
Christ is Risen!
~ Debbie ~