Eternal

Those on the journey of faith have a different mindset. We are willing to invest in eternal things. We must be willing to plant trees so that those who come after us can enjoy the shade . . . and plant trees of their own.

Through the work of Jesus, believers have an eternal inheritance that will “never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Our rebirth comes with powerful privileges.

We all need a Savior to save us from the sins that separate us from God. That’s the eternal salvation that Jesus came to give us! Once our eternal salvation is in place, we can trust Him for the other issues. But we must start with first things first.

The virgin birth, however hard to explain, is something we need to know. Every aspect of our faith and hope for eternal life hinges on this truth. If Jesus were simply a product of a man and a woman, His life and death mean nothing more than yours or mine.

Matthew’s genealogy answered the important question that a Jew would ask of the person who claimed to be the Messiah. Jesus is a royal descendant from King David and has the rightful lineage of the Eternal King.

God chose a small-town girl for a big-time mission. John Donne described it as “immensity cloistered in thy dear womb.” Through Mary, the eternal God made His way into the temporal world. Indeed, the Lord was with her.

God has the same promise for you. He is working in your heart to do great things for Him. Every believer lives with the power of the Holy Spirit. You have everything you need to do what God has called you to do.

Jesus did not come to perform. He did not come to show us another sign. His mission was clear. He came to die so we could live. He purchased life for us by His death on the cross. Signs will draw a crowd; the cross drew scorn. Signs will fade away; the cross purchased life eternal. Jesus let His actions speak for Him. He came to give His life as a ransom for many.

What an amazing truth! This is the foundation of our identity!  I am a friend of the Creator! The eternal, omnipotent, all-powerful, omniscient, all-loving God chooses to call me His friend! He chose me! He communicates with me! Let’s never get over that astounding truth!