In short, the modern clergy system is far removed from the thought of God. It puts the living, breathing organism of the church into an Old Testament straightjacket. Many are benevolent dictators. Some are spiritual tyrants with a Machiavellian quest for power who imprison and freeze the life of their congregations.

Thank You, Lord, for Your Strength

Scripture: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Reflection: God’s strength begins where yours ends. It fills the gaps you can’t fill, carries the burdens you can’t lift, and sustains you when you feel worn thin. His strength isn’t loud or forceful — often it’s the quiet courage to take one more step, the calm resolve to keep going, or the unexpected peace that settles your heart. You don’t have to be strong all the time; you just have to lean on the One who is.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for strength that rises in me even when I feel weak. Help me rely on Your power and not my own. Amen.

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened.” — Ephesians 1:18
Through this Bible verse, we can see the power of revelation in the Lord. Our existence has both a physical and spiritual dimension, and faith is connected to what we believe and understand.
The Bible says:
“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” — Proverbs 23:7
This shows us that what is taking place within a person matters greatly. Your understanding influences how you perceive, believe, and respond to life.
Can a dead man think? The physical body may remain, but the Bible presents man as more than merely a physical body.
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” — Ecclesiastes 12:7
There is therefore a deeper dimension to human existence—the spirit and soul. What happens within us is not insignificant.
The Bible also says:
“For the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18
This means that what our physical eyes see is not the whole of reality. There is a reality beyond what can be physically observed.
That is why revelation is powerful. When God opens your understanding, you begin to perceive what you could not perceive before.
“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18
And Jesus said:
“Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?” — Mark 8:18
He was showing that a person can have physical eyes and yet fail to truly see and understand.
Faith also operates beyond physical sight:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
And:
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1
So the question becomes:
Can you see where the power lies?
The power is not simply in what the physical eyes can see. There is a deeper reality—the revelation of God, which enlightens the understanding.
When God opens your understanding, your perception changes. When your perception changes, what you believe can change. And when faith becomes active, it produces action.
“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:26
The process can therefore be understood like this:
God reveals → understanding is enlightened → faith receives → faith produces action → life is transformed.
This is why Paul prayed:
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling…” — Ephesians 1:18
The revelation is not merely about gaining information. It is about knowing—seeing with an understanding that comes from God.
“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God…” — 2 Corinthians 4:6
When God opens the eyes of your understanding, you begin to see beyond the physical realm. You begin to understand what faith sees, what revelation reveals, and what God is showing you. That is where the transformation begins.

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:9 (ESV)

“When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.”

Opening the Scriptures

The servants had done exactly what Jesus commanded.

They filled the jars with water. They drew from them. Then they carried what they had drawn to the master of the feast.

Now John tells us what had happened.

The water had become wine.

There is no elaborate description of the miracle. John does not tell us when or how the transformation occurred.

He simply states the fact.

Jesus had done what no servant could do.

The servants could carry the water.

They could fill the jars.

They could take what Jesus provided to the master of the feast.

But only Christ possessed the power to transform the water into wine.

There is another fascinating detail.

The master of the feast did not know where the wine had come from.

But the servants knew.

They had witnessed what happened because they had been obedient to Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important distinction here for every Christian.

God calls us to serve Him faithfully, but we must never confuse our service with His power.

We can preach the Gospel, but we cannot give someone a new heart.

We can teach Scripture, but we cannot force someone to believe it.

We can encourage a struggling person, but we cannot transform that person’s life.

We can plant.

We can water.

But God gives the growth.

That truth should produce humility in every Christian ministry.

Whenever lives are changed, sinners repent, churches grow stronger, families are restored, or people come to understand God’s Word, we must resist the temptation to take credit for what only God can accomplish.

We are servants.

Christ is Lord.

The servants at Cana had an extraordinary privilege. They knew where the wine had come from because they had been close enough to Christ to hear His command and obedient enough to carry it out.

There is a lesson there for us.

Faithful service often allows us to witness God’s work from a perspective others may never see.

Someone else may see only the result.

The servant remembers the empty jars.

The servant remembers carrying the water.

The servant knows that the power did not come from him.

Therefore, when God uses your service for His purposes, never say:

“Look what I accomplished.”

Instead say:

“Look what Christ has done.”

Question for Today

When God accomplishes something through your service, who receives the glory?

Respond: “All glory belongs to God.”

This is my very first book to be published soon:

Preface

For generations, humanity has accepted without question the idea that Jehovah is the Supreme and Ultimate Being — the beginning and the end of all existence. Religions have been built upon this belief, civilizations shaped by it, and billions have worshipped under its shadow. Yet throughout history, some questions have remained unanswered, buried beneath doctrine, fear, and tradition.

This book was born from one such question:

*What if Jehovah Himself is not the Highest Authority?*

What if beyond the God humanity has known, there exists a Greater Source — a Father above God?

At first glance, such a suggestion may sound shocking, even offensive to many. But every major discovery in human history began with a question people were afraid to ask. This book does not seek to attack faith, destroy belief, or mock religion. Instead, it seeks to examine Scripture, logic, justice, and the events recorded from the very beginning of human existence with honesty and courage.

The foundation of this argument begins in the Garden of Eden.

If Jehovah possessed absolute wisdom, absolute justice, and absolute power as traditionally believed, why was humanity condemned through Adam in a way that affected every generation after him? Why would descendants inherit suffering for a choice they never made? Why would an all-powerful being allow sin to spread endlessly instead of resolving the matter directly with Adam and Eve alone?

Could it be that the events in Eden reveal limitations, laws, or higher authorities beyond Jehovah Himself?

Throughout this book, we will explore difficult and uncomfortable questions that many avoid:

* Was the punishment in Eden truly just?
* Why does suffering continue despite divine power?
* Why do Scriptures sometimes hint at beings greater than the God mankind worships?
* Could the title “God” itself imply authority granted from a higher source?
* Did Jesus Himself suggest the existence of a reality beyond human understanding of God?

This work is not written from hatred toward religion, but from a deep desire to search for truth wherever it may lead. Truth has never feared investigation. Only deception demands silence.

The purpose of this book is not to force conclusions upon the reader, but to invite critical thought, reflection, and fearless examination. Whether one ultimately agrees or disagrees with these ideas, the journey itself may challenge long-held assumptions and open doors to deeper understanding.

Some readers may reject these pages immediately. Others may find themselves wrestling with questions they have secretly carried for years. Either response is understandable.

But if there truly exists a Father above God, then perhaps humanity’s understanding of divine reality has only scratched the surface.

And perhaps the greatest mystery is not whether God exists…

…but whether God Himself has a Father.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING
Sunday, August 23
OLD TESTAMENT
RUTH 3 — Ruth and Boaz
NEW TESTAMENT
1 JOHN 5 — Faith in the Son of God
Congratulations on completing the book of 1 John! Tomorrow we begin 2 John.
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH 34 — Judgment Against the Nations
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Ruth 3
Ruth follows Naomi's instructions and approaches Boaz with humility and trust. Boaz responds with integrity, showing the importance of honour, kindness, and doing what is right even when circumstances are difficult.
1 John 5
John emphasizes faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and assures believers of eternal life. Our confidence is not in ourselves but in Christ, and genuine faith produces obedience and love for God.
Isaiah 34
Isaiah describes God's judgment against the nations and reminds us that God's justice is certain. No power can ultimately stand against His righteous purposes.
KEY VERSE
“And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
— 1 John 5:11
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Strengthen our faith and help us to walk in obedience, love, and integrity. Give us the wisdom to trust Your timing, just as Ruth trusted You, and help us remain confident in Your righteous purposes. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Put your faith into action today. Trust God's timing, walk with integrity, and let your love for Christ be seen through your obedience and the way you treat others.
WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.

DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
Knowing His Name Is Not the Same as Knowing Him!

Key Scripture — Acts 19:14–16 (KJV)
“And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.”

Thought Of The Day...
There is a tremendous difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus.
Acts 19 gives us a powerful and sobering picture of this truth. The seven sons of Sceva had heard about the miracles taking place through the Apostle Paul. They had witnessed or heard reports of demons being cast out and lives being transformed through the name of Jesus.
They saw the results, but they did not understand the relationship behind the results.
They wanted the authority Paul demonstrated without possessing the relationship Paul had.
They attempted to use the name of Jesus almost like a spiritual formula. Earlier in the passage they said:
“We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
— Acts 19:13 (KJV)
Notice their language.
They did not say, “Jesus whom we know.”
They said, “Jesus whom Paul preacheth.”
Jesus was Paul's testimony, but He had not become their personal testimony.
And that raises a serious question for every believer:
Do you know Jesus for yourself?
It is possible to grow up in church and still only know about Jesus.
It is possible to know Scripture and still not truly surrender to Jesus.
It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus, teach about Jesus, shout about Jesus, and even use the name of Jesus—yet lack a genuine relationship with Him.
Christianity was never intended to be secondhand.
You cannot survive spiritually forever on your mother's relationship with God, your father's prayers, your pastor's anointing, your bishop's revelation, your spouse's faith, or your grandmother's testimony.
Eventually, you must know Him for yourself.
Paul could say:
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings…”
— Philippians 3:10 (KJV)
Paul wasn't satisfied merely knowing facts about Christ. His desire was, “That I may know Him.”
“JESUS I KNOW, AND PAUL I KNOW; BUT WHO ARE YE?”
These may be some of the most sobering words in Acts.
The evil spirit responded:
“Jesus I know.”
There was no confusion in the kingdom of darkness concerning Jesus.
The demons knew exactly who He was.
During Jesus' earthly ministry, an unclean spirit cried:
“I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.”
— Mark 1:24 (KJV)
James gives us another sobering reminder:
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
— James 2:19 (KJV)
Simply acknowledging that Jesus exists is not the same as belonging to Him.
But then the spirit said something else:
“Paul I know.”
Why was Paul recognized?
Because Paul's life demonstrated that he belonged to Jesus.
Paul wasn't borrowing somebody else's faith. He had encountered Christ for himself. His authority did not come from merely repeating Jesus' name; it flowed from his relationship with and commission from Jesus.
Then came the devastating question:
“BUT WHO ARE YE?”
In other words, You are using the name, but where is your relationship with the One whose name you are using?
The sons of Sceva discovered that the name of Jesus is not a magical phrase.
There is power in the name of Jesus because of who Jesus is.
Jesus declared:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
— Matthew 28:18 (KJV)
His name represents His person, His authority, His victory, His lordship and His kingdom.
We must never reduce the name of Jesus to something we merely shout when we are in trouble. His name belongs to the Savior to whom we surrender our lives.
DO YOU KNOW THE JESUS YOU CALL ON?
Jesus is more than a name mentioned at the end of a prayer.
He is the Son of God.
“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
— Matthew 16:16 (KJV)
He is the Savior.
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
— Luke 19:10 (KJV)
He is the Way to the Father.
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
— John 14:6 (KJV)
He is the Resurrection and the Life.
“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”
— John 11:25 (KJV)
He is Lord.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:11 (KJV)
The question is not merely, “Have you heard about Him?”
The question is:
Have you trusted Him?
Have you surrendered to Him?
Are you following Him?
Are you walking with Him?
Does your life belong to Him?
YOU CANNOT BORROW SOMEBODY ELSE'S ANOINTING
The sons of Sceva tried to imitate what they saw Paul doing.
But spiritual authority cannot be copied like a technique.
You can imitate someone's preaching style.
You can imitate someone's prayer language.
You can imitate someone's worship.
You can repeat someone's favorite Scriptures.
But you cannot imitate their relationship with God.
Jesus said:
“Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
— John 15:4–5 (KJV)
Our strength comes from abiding in Christ.
The greatest danger is not weakness that drives us toward Jesus. The greater danger is trying to operate spiritually while disconnected from Him.
The seven sons discovered this painfully.
The possessed man “overcame them, and prevailed against them.”
They entered believing they had authority they did not possess and left “naked and wounded.”
There is a warning here:
Never attempt to substitute religious activity for genuine relationship with Christ.
YOUR PRIVATE WALK MATTERS
Before Paul stood publicly in authority, he had privately surrendered his life to Jesus.
Our public Christianity must be supported by a private relationship with God.
Who are you when there is no microphone?
Who are you when there is no congregation?
Who are you when nobody sees you praying?
Who are you when temptation comes?
Who are you when life becomes difficult?
Do you still trust Jesus when there is nobody around to applaud your faith?
Jesus said:
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
— John 8:31 (KJV)
Real discipleship is demonstrated through continued fellowship, obedience, faith and dependence upon Christ.
KNOW HIM BEFORE THE BATTLE COMES
Don't wait until trouble arrives to try to discover who Jesus is.
Know Him now.
Know Him in prayer.
Know Him through His Word.
Know Him in worship.
Know Him through obedience.
Know Him when everything is going well so that when everything begins falling apart, you already know where your help comes from.
David could face Goliath because David already knew God before Goliath appeared.
Daniel could face the lions because Daniel knew God before he entered the den.
The three Hebrew boys could face the fiery furnace because they knew God before Nebuchadnezzar heated it.
Paul could endure persecution because he knew the Christ for whom he suffered.
And when your day of testing comes, you need more than something somebody told you about Jesus.
You need to be able to declare:
I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
Job said:
“For I know that my redeemer liveth…”
— Job 19:25 (KJV)
There are some storms where somebody else's testimony will not be enough.
You need your own history with God.
You need memories of prayers He answered.
You need moments when His Word carried you.
You need times when you experienced His grace.
You need the confidence to declare:
I know who Jesus is because I have walked with Him for myself!
THE QUESTION STILL STANDS
Acts 19 leaves us with a question that should cause every believer to examine his or her heart:
DO YOU KNOW WHO JESUS IS?
Not just the Jesus your pastor preaches.
Not just the Jesus your parents taught you about.
Not just the Jesus you heard about in Sunday School.
But Jesus Christ for yourself.
And perhaps an even deeper question is:
DOES YOUR LIFE SHOW THAT YOU KNOW HIM?
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
— John 10:27 (KJV)
Knowing Jesus should produce following Jesus.
Following Jesus should produce obedience.
Obedience should produce transformation.
And transformation should cause our lives to testify that we have been with Jesus.

PRAYER...
Father, in the name of Jesus,
Thank You for revealing Your Son to us. Lord, forgive us for every time we have been satisfied with simply knowing about Jesus instead of developing a deeper relationship with Him.
We don't want secondhand faith. We don't want borrowed convictions. We don't want to depend solely upon somebody else's prayers, testimony or relationship with You.
Lord Jesus, we want to know You for ourselves.
Draw us closer to You. Give us a hunger for Your Word, a desire for prayer, a heart of worship and a spirit willing to obey Your voice.
Search our hearts and remove everything that has created distance between us and You.
Teach us not merely to speak Your name but to honor Your name with the way we live.
When temptation comes, remind us who You are.
When storms arise, remind us who You are.
When fear attacks, remind us who You are.
When the enemy challenges our faith, help us stand firmly upon the authority of Your Word.
May our lives testify that we belong to Jesus Christ.
And Lord, let our greatest desire always be the cry of Paul:
“That I may know him.”
We want to know You more deeply, love You more completely, trust You more confidently, obey You more faithfully, and represent You more boldly.
In the mighty, matchless, powerful name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.

DECLARATION...
I DECLARE that I will not live on borrowed faith!
I know who Jesus is!
Jesus is my Savior.
Jesus is my Redeemer.
Jesus is my Lord.
Jesus is my Deliverer.
Jesus is my Rock.
Jesus is my Strength.
Jesus is my Hope.
Jesus is my King!
I will seek Him, follow Him, obey Him and grow deeper in my relationship with Him.
I refuse to merely know about Jesus.
I WILL KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
And when life asks me, “Do you know who Jesus is?”
My faith, my testimony, my obedience and my life will answer:
YES! I KNOW HIM FOR MYSELF!
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” — Philippians 3:10 (KJV)

Enjoy your Sunday Church Services and God Bless!

THEME: GETHSEMANE HOUR/ALONE WITH GOD

TOPIC: THIS WEEK AND BEYOND, I SHALL EAT THE FRUIT OF MY LABOUR

Bible Reading: Psalm 128:1-2, Isaiah 65:21-23, Galatians 6:9, Psalm 121:7-8

Recommended Time of Prayer: Between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Between 12:00 midnight to 3:00 am. Pray twice daily.

1. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries eat the fruit of every righteous labour invested in the advancement of Your kingdom. Let no effort in this commission become fruitless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:58)

2. O Lord, preserve every member of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries from traps, losses, disappointments, and schemes designed to make them labour without enjoying the fruits of their efforts, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 121:7-8)

3. Father, this week and beyond, I shall eat the fruit of my labour. Let the work of my hands produce profitable and lasting results, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2)

4. Every trap of the enemy prepared to divert, consume, or destroy the harvest of my labour, be exposed and rendered powerless, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 124:7)

5. Every power assigned to make me labour without reward, be frustrated by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:23)

6. O Lord, deliver me from every deceptive opportunity and financial trap designed to turn my legitimate efforts into loss, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 22:3)

7. Every hidden snare prepared against my business, career, ministry, farm, investments, and legitimate income, be broken by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 91:3)

8. Father, give me wisdom to recognize and avoid every trap of the enemy. Let me not walk into opportunities that will bring unnecessary sorrow or loss, in the name of Jesus Christ. (James 1:5)

9. Every devourer assigned against the harvest of my labour, be rebuked by the Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Malachi 3:11)

10. Father, preserve the fruits of my labour from theft, waste, manipulation, unnecessary expenses, and every form of financial leakage, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 28:8)

11. Every satanic strategy designed to make me miss the reward of my labour at the point of harvest, fail completely, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Job 5:12)

12. O Lord, let every righteous seed I have planted produce a corresponding harvest. Let me not become weary before my season of reaping, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 6:9)

13. Every power diverting my opportunities, customers, contracts, helpers, and legitimate rewards away from me, lose your influence, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 49:24-25)

14. Father, bless the work of my hands and establish everything I do according to Your will, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 90:17)


15. I reject every form of fruitless labour. I shall not build for another to inhabit, neither shall I plant without enjoying the harvest, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 65:21-22)

16. Every evil expectation that I will labour and end in disappointment, be disappointed by the power of God, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 27:2)

17. Father, let this week bring profitable opportunities, divine connections, fruitful decisions, and tangible results into my life, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 5:12)

18. I declare that I shall enjoy the work of my hands. My labour shall produce testimony, my harvest shall be preserved, and my efforts shall not be wasted, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2)

19. O Lord, preserve and prosper every current supporter and partner of Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries. Let them eat the fruit of their labour and enjoy the rewards of their generosity, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:10)

20. Father, let Dragnet Gospel Int'l Ministries continually receive the resources needed to preach the gospel, win souls, and advance Your kingdom. Let every labour in this work produce eternal fruit, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 15:58)

21. Father, this week and beyond, I shall eat the fruit of my labour. I shall not fall into the trap of the enemy, I shall not labour in vain, and I shall not surrender my harvest to the devourer. Preserve my work, protect my opportunities, establish the work of my hands, and let my labour produce profitable results, in the name of Jesus Christ. (Psalm 128:2; Psalm 90:17)

TAKE NOTE OF YOUR DREAMS AND HIDE YOUR FEEDBACK

For more information/counselling: Email: dragnetgospelAnderson Mwila.com WhatsApp: +2348062343560

SHALOM

Subject: Request for Support: Mayuge Gospel Crusade & Leadership Conference (Aug 28–30, 2026)
​Dear Friends, Partners, and Well-Wishers,
​We warmly invite you to stand with us as we prepare for the upcoming Gospel Crusade and Leadership Conference, scheduled for August 28th – 30th, 2026, at New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge.
​Organized under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Charles (Host) and Brother Siraji (Co-host), this three-day gathering aims to bring spiritual transformation, community empowerment, and divine healing to the Mayuge region.
​"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'"
— Mark 16:15
​To ensure the success of this event and accommodate the growing ministry needs, we are humbly appealing for support of any kind from well-wishers, ministries, and community members.
​Areas Where Support Is Needed:
​Financial Contributions: To assist with logistics, speaker transport, and event administration.
​Public Address & Equipment: Sound systems, lighting, generator power, and stage setup.
​Hospitality & Catering: Food, clean drinking water, and accommodation for guest ministers and volunteers.
​Publicity & Printing: Banners, flyers, posters, and radio/local announcement support.
​Prayer Support: Interceding for open hearts, physical healing, and peace throughout the three days.
​Whether through a monetary donation, provision of physical supplies, or spiritual intercession, your contribution will directly impact lives during this powerful weekend. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference.
​How to Contribute & Get in Touch:
​Host: Pastor Charles | Contact: +256 780670022
​Co-Host: Brother Siraji | Contact: +256 755145044
​Location: New Jerusalem City Church, Mayuge
​Dates: August 28th – 30th, 2026
​If you feel led to support or require further information, please reach out directly to Pastor Charles or Brother Siraji. May God abundantly bless you for your generosity and partnership in this vision.

THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT THE CROSS

“So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” —Luke 14:33

I heard a story about a couple who visited a jewelry store. As the jeweler showed them various crosses, the woman commented, “I like these, but do you have any without this little man on them?”

That’s what many people want today: a cross without Jesus. They want a cross without any offense—one that will look cool with their outfits. But the hard truth is that if we could travel back in time and see the cross in its original context, we would realize that it was a bloody and vile symbol. It would have been the worst picture imaginable to see someone hanging on a cross.

The Romans chose crucifixion because it was meant to be a slow, torturous way to die. It was designed to humiliate a person. The crucifixions outside Roman cities served as warnings to anyone who would dare oppose the rule of Rome.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NLT). In other words, salvation and eternal life can be found only through Him. Many people today object to His words. They see John 14:6 as a statement of exclusivity and narrow-mindedness. But Jesus was simply explaining God’s plan of salvation.

Humankind’s decision to disobey God and pursue sin created an existential crisis with only one solution. To satisfy God’s perfect justice and wrath, a perfect sacrifice had to be offered in our place. Someone who had never sinned had to die in the place of everyone else who had. Only Jesus lived a sinless life. Only He had the power to conquer death. So, only He could save us.

If there had been any other way, do you think that God would have allowed His Son to suffer like that? If there had been any other way that we could have been forgiven, then God surely would have found it.

Jesus Himself prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Matthew 26:39 NLT). He was talking about the cross and the unimaginable suffering that lay ahead. But God did not take it away from Him because there was no other way.

If living a good, moral life could get us to Heaven, then Jesus never would have died for us. But He did die. He had to pay the price for our sin. At the cross, Jesus purchased the salvation of the world.

If you ever were tempted to doubt God’s love for you, even for a moment, then take a long, hard look at the cross. Nails did not hold Jesus to that cross; His love did.

God bless you!