Blessings Through the Blood of Jesus

By Steve Gwin

When Jesus established the memorial of His death, He said, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 11:25, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”  What a wonderful blessing it is that through the blood of Jesus we have received a new and better covenant in which God has promised to remember our sins no more (Hebrews 8:8-12).

The Scriptures declare other blessings for believers through Jesus’ blood on the cross:

1. Justification: Romans 5:9 states, “Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”  To be justified means to be declared innocent.  Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are seen as innocent before God, despite past transgressions.

2. Redemption: Ephesians 1:7 reveals, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”  Redemption implies being freed from captivity through the payment of a ransom.  Our sins held us captive, and there was nothing we could do to free ourselves.  Jesus’ blood liberates believers from the bondage of sin, granting freedom and forgiveness.

3. Nearness to God: Ephesians 2:13 states, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”  Our sins had resulted in us “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).  Christ’s blood allows believers to have a close relationship with God.

3. Reconciliation: Colossians 1:20 explains, “and through him to reconcile to himself all things… making peace by the blood of his cross.”  Reconciliation means the restoring of harmony between us and God, allowing believers to experience divine peace.

4. Clear Conscience: Hebrews 9:14 assures, “how much more will the blood of Christ… purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”  Jesus’ blood removes the heavy burden of a guilty conscience and enables wholehearted service to God.

5. Cleansing from all sin: 1 John 1:7 promises, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light… the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”  Christ’s blood gives us the assurance that we need not worry about eternity if we will repent of our sins because Jesus’ blood can cleanse us from all sin.

In summary, the blood of Jesus establishes a new and better covenant, justifies us, redeems us, reconciles us to God, purifies our conscience, and cleanses us from all sin.  These blessings are profound gifts that transform our relationship with God as well as our lives.

Let us continually give thanks for Jesus’ blood which provides us with these immeasurable blessings.

Surviving a Godless World: Lessons from the Book of Jude

By David Norfleet

In many emergency services like the military, police, and fire departments, training and drills are a constant part of the routine.  Emergency personnel are often training for situations they hope will never occur.  Yet, the true value of this preparation is revealed when the inevitable emergency strikes.  These professionals are ready to spring into action, relying on the rigorous training they have undergone.  In a similar way, the Book of Jude functions as a survival guide for Christians, preparing them to face the threats of ungodliness and false teaching that were encroaching upon their communities in the 1st century.  Jude’s letter, although addressed to a particular group of believers, is timeless and relevant for Christians today as they contend with similar challenges.

The Shift in Jude’s Message

Jude initially intended to write about the “common salvation” shared among believers (Jude 1:3).  He wanted to focus on the hope and joy of salvation, a theme that undoubtedly would have encouraged and uplifted the saints.  However, as he surveyed the spiritual landscape of his time, Jude recognized that a more urgent message was needed.  False teachers had infiltrated the church, spreading dangerous and ungodly ideas (Jude 1:4).  Jude had to shift his focus to guide the believers through a turbulent period, reminding them of their identity in Christ and equipping them to stand firm in the faith.

Surviving in a Godless World

1. Remember Who You Are

Jude’s first piece of advice to the saints is to remember their identity.  He uses a powerful triad of descriptors: called, beloved, and kept (Jude 1:1).  These three words are not just theological labels, but reminders of who the believers are and why they can stand firm in the faith.  They are called by God to salvation, beloved by God with an eternal love, and kept by His power through all trials.  These descriptors should not just be understood as designations but as life-altering truths.  The knowledge that God loves you, that He has called you, and that He is keeping you provides the strength and security needed to endure any challenge.  Jude repeats this idea throughout the letter to emphasize how vital it is for believers to remember their divine identity in the midst of perilous times.

2. Contend for the Faith

Jude urges believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).  The word “contend” here comes from the Greek epagonizesthai, which carries the sense of struggling or wrestling with intensity—almost like being in an agonizing contest.  This is not a casual defense of beliefs but an active, passionate fight for the truth.  The faith Jude speaks of is not a collection of human opinions but the one true gospel that was delivered once for all.  To contend for the faith means understanding its value and its vulnerability.  Jude warns that this faith will face threats, from false teachers to external persecution.  But the emphasis on “you” in verse 3 reminds believers that, while collective action is important, each individual plays a vital role in guarding and defending the faith.

3. Do Not Be Caught Unaware

Jude emphasizes the importance of vigilance, warning believers not to be caught unaware (Jude 1:17-18).  The dangers of ungodliness, false teaching, and persecution are real and must not be ignored.  Jude calls Christians to remember the warnings given in Scripture—such as in Matthew 7:15-23 and 1 Peter 4:12—and stay alert.  There is a danger of either being overly paranoid, seeing false teachers behind every corner, or becoming so complacent that one fails to recognize the threat when it appears.  False teachers are not a thing of the past.  They still exist today in various forms: heretics, charlatans, dividers, ticklers, and speculators.  They may come with appealing messages or promises but often seek to distort the truth for their own gain.  Jude’s exhortation to not be unaware is as relevant now as it was then.

4. Look to Self

While contending for the faith and standing guard against false teachers is important, it is also vital that believers look to their own spiritual growth.  Jude cautions that in times of struggle and defense, it’s easy to become so focused on external threats that one neglects their personal transformation.  He encourages Christians to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20).  This means continuing to grow in the knowledge and likeness of Christ, even in the midst of trials.  Spiritual growth should never stop, regardless of circumstances.

5. Look to Others

Jude also emphasizes the importance of looking out for others, particularly fellow believers who may be vulnerable to deception.  In the face of false teaching and persecution, Christians should not only be concerned with their own spiritual survival but also with the well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jude calls for a compassionate approach, urging believers to rescue those who are wavering (Jude 1:22-23).  Some may need sympathy, others need a more aggressive intervention, and still others need cautious help.  The key is to meet people where they are, always with a heart of love and care.

Conclusion

The Book of Jude provides a timely and necessary survival guide for navigating a world filled with ungodliness and deception.  His instructions for believers to remember their identity in Christ, contend for the faith, stay vigilant, and look after both their own spiritual growth and the well-being of others are as vital today as they were in the first century.  Christians are called to live faithfully in a world that increasingly opposes the truth of the gospel.  As Jude’s letter reminds us, we can endure in this godless world because we are called, beloved, and kept by the power of God.  The challenges may be great, but the victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ.

Ice, Snow, Sin, the Sun and the Son

By Mark McCrary

Over the past few days, a winter storm has blanketed our area, and more is on the way.  At first, the beauty of the snow seems harmless, maybe even beautiful. Yet, beneath the surface lies danger. Ice coats the roads,  making travel treacherous. Branches bend under the weight, snapping and falling. Power lines collapse, plunging homes into darkness, and leaving areas of Louisville in disarray.

Like such a storm, sin often appears enticing and harmless at first. But when it takes hold, it weighs us down, disrupts relationships, and leaves damage in its wake. Romans 6:23 reminds us, “The wages of sin is death,” showing the ultimate consequence of sin’s icy grip. Just as the storm paralyzes movement and isolates us from others, sin separates us from God, leaving our souls cold and fractured.

But there is hope after the storm. When the sun comes out, the ice begins to thaw, and the snow melts away. Roads clear, trees straighten, and light returns to homes. The sun brings hope of restoration. The sun changes everything.

Similarly, the true Son, Jesus Christ, has the power to melt away the effects of sin in our lives. Through His sacrifice, He offers healing to our frozen hearts. John 1:29 declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” His light shines into the darkest corners, melting away guilt, shame, and separation. Isaiah 1:18 captures this beautifully: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Just as the sun transforms the storm’s effects, the Son transforms our brokenness into beauty, offering us peace with God and a life filled with His love.

In life, storms will come, and sin will tempt. But the sun that melts the ice is a reminder of the Son who heals the soul. Will you turn to Him, embracing His warmth and light, allowing Him to make all things new with you?

Redemption

By Boyd Hurst

“Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.”  We often sing of this thing called redemption, but I wonder if we give it serious thought as to its meaning and significance for the Christian.  I would like for us to consider the meaning of this term as used in scripture in the hope that it will draw us closer to the Lord, especially as we partake of the memorial feast each first day of the week.

The New Testament uses the idea of redemption in at least 3 ways:

• There is a Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who gave His life as a sacrifice for sin.
• We are able to have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins
• The faithful believers will have eternal redemption in heaven, freed from the presence and power of sin and the corruption of the body at His second coming.

There are two words translated “redeem” in the New Testament.  One refers to the price paid for our redemption with a view to the actual redemption.  We see this in Gal. 3:13: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us…”  Also, in Gal. 4:5 speaking of Christ, He came ”to redeem those who were under the Law.”  Of course, that occurred when Jesus, our Redeemer, was crucified.  The second word translated “redeem” refers to the actual redemption.  An example is Titus 2:14 where speaking of Christ, it says “that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people.”

The blessing of redemption in Christ cannot be minimized, and it should be uppermost in our minds.  We see this idea strengthened in the following verses:

• Heb. 9:12 teaches that redemption brings deliverance through His death from the guilt and power of sin.
• Eph. 1:7 and Col. 1:14 teaches that it provides forgiveness of sins including both a liberation from the doom of sin and the introduction to a life of liberty, a newness of life as mentioned in Rom. 6:4.
• Heb. 10:10-14 explains that we have redemption not just from the consequences of sin, as under the Law, but from the sins themselves.

Eternal redemption through Christ provides deliverance from the presence and power of sin as well as bondage of the body to corruption, Rom. 8:23.

What a wonderful blessing of redemption we have through the sacrifice of Jesus that was manifested by His love for us.  We should never cease to lift Him up in praise and honor and glory.

“Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it.  Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.  Redeemed thru His infinite mercy.  His child and forever I am.”

God So Loved the World

By Paul Earnhart

God’s love for mankind has been expressed in more ways than we can count.  His creation of man was an act of love, to say nothing of the wonderful world which He made for our habitation.  He gave us eyes to see and mountains and flowers and colorful sunsets to behold.  He gave us ears to hear and the song of the birds and the roar of the ocean to enjoy.  He gave us the gift of taste and delicious food to satisfy our appetites.  Who can count the material and physical benefits He has provided?

But when we try to describe the love of God, all of these things become insignificant beside the gift He gave for satisfaction of our spiritual needs.  Jesus described it in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  God knew that the needs of the inner man are greater than those of the outer man.

God’s love is surely the greatest love of history, and it was expressed in the greatest gift of all time…the gift of His only begotten Son.  Its purpose was to rescue each one of us from the greatest possible tragedy: eternal death.  And to provide for us the most valuable blessing we can hope to attain: eternal life.

Our world does not now comprehend what God did.  Our thinking is so dominated by our concern for here and now, for the needs of our physical bodies, that most people give little attention to the needs of the spirit.  But one day, all of that will change.  Regardless of how we may prosper in material things, there will come a day when none of those things can help us.  When we come to the time of our death, the important thing will be our relationship to God.  If we are not right with Him, all will be lost.  Jesus is our way to God (John 14:6).  Only those who believe in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.  And belief in Him means full submission to Him.