Freed From The Curse #248

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”
14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

When Christians are asked the question, “Why did Jesus come to earth?” the answer is most often, “To die for our sins.” That is only part of the answer. Jesus, God in human flesh, did die on a cross for the sins of all mankind. He did suffer the cruel death on a cross. The writer of Galatians calls the cross, a tree. The Bible says it is a curse to die on a cross. So in all reality Jesus did die on a cross to forgive the sin of mankind by becoming a sin offering and taking the place of every sinner and as a substitute died in your place also.

He did far more than that. His death was preparation. It was on the cross that Jesus provided a way to be forgiven. He vicariously took the place of sinners. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:21 “God made him who had no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (NIV) It was because we are forgiven that God sent God the Holy Spirit to live in every believer. The Bible uses the words ‘so that’ to connect the cross with the promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit. We receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit lives in you. He gives you the power to live the Christian life. So not only does God forgive you through Christ’s death on the cross, He then comes to live in you because you have been redeemed from the curse of the law. The law is only able to condemn you of your sin. The cross is able to free you from that curse. Then the Holy Spirit indwells you to give you abundant life. It is through the Holy Spirit who lives in you that you are able to call your Heavenly Father, Daddy. The relationship is close. You are His child. You are special to Him.

If Jesus had not died for you then you would be cursed because of sin. But now because you have been forgiven and by faith received forgiveness you are also able to receive the Spirit of promise, God’s Holy Spirit to live in you.

You are forgiven in order to be indwelt. Praise God for His two-fold blessing. Live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit and call upon your Daddy for life itself. 

________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

Happy Mother's Day!! Sunday is a day of celebration for those who brought us into this physical life. My own Mother has been with Jesus for over six years. She is missed by all of us, but mainly by my Dad. He will be 88 years old in June. He is doing well. Our family will celebrate Mother's Day with a meal together on Sunday evening.  

School is almost finished for this year. Our next few weeks will be filled with end of school activities. Monday night Sandy and I had the privilege of attending Collin's end of school Honor's Team Potluck and a special YOYO presentation. A professional YOYO master showed the students the art of YOYOING. Collin ended up on stage and became part of the program. He received a free YOYO for his appearance. 

Band concerts, choir concerts, and end of year activities fill our calendar until the first of June. We already are planning some camping trips this summer. Living in the Valley of the Sun in the summer means 110 plus temperatures. Camping in the beautiful mountains of Arizona is a great reprieve from the heat. 

I was contacted by a church that is currently without a pastor about the possibility of preaching for them this summer. Pray with me about this opportunity. I am feeling well enough to begin preaching again. I saw the liver specialist this last Friday and he said the stent was working and I did not need to see him for another six months. Praise the Lord for that. 

I do hope God will bless you as you finish the school year and  plan for your summer activities. Don't forget!! God is good!!!  ~ DGW