There are some days I feel encouraged and excited to write, others are sadly like today when I come cautiously and with hesitation to His word. Days like this my prayer is selfishly more for me than others. May God enlighten these words as they are written and carry them by His means and grace. May He strip away my ignorance and press in the hearts of myself and others His truth.
Extra credit: Going somewhat with today’s discussion question, the extra credit reading is by Pastor Donald Fortner with an answer to The Purpose of God
Jhn 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Discussion forum : What commandment did Christ receive from His Father?
I love to look at the cross and see that it was not the nails but the strength of Christ’s love to the Father and His elect that held Him to the cross. It was not the hands of man but the will of God that toke His life that day on Calvary. Oh the sovereignty displayed by our Savior. When Christ died He was not a martyr, He did not die as a victim, and by no means did He die by accident. When Christ died He died voluntarily. It should never be looked upon and given a thought that our Lord was powerless to prevent it. Pilate, the Jews, and Gentiles nailed Him to a cross but it was not without His voluntary surrender. He died the appointed death at the appointed time at the appointed place for His appointed people (Isa 53:10-12). This was the covenant His Father gave Him to fulfill, the work He gave Him to do. And this is what He willing did. He sent His Son into the world to redeem His sheep and through His death and resurrection it was accomplished and completed.
