Adopted on Easter

Our local church talks a lot about adoption. We have added so many children recently I have trouble keeping up with their names. They bless us with their love, joy, and faith.

We have celebrated Easter with loud “Hosannas.” We’ve listened to Jesus’ forgive his murderers. We have shouted, “He is risen!” and “Christ is risen indeed!”

Before I understood the need for Jesus’ death, I knew adoption. My husband adopted our daughter. My father-in-law accepted me as a daughter. We became part of a family full of love. 

Adopted.

Jesus was beaten for our transgressions. He was crucified for our sins. He rose to conquer sin and death in this dark world. And he did it all because he loves us (John 3:16).

The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ offer eternal life and adoption into his royal family. When we accept his great love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness we become children of God.

Adopted. Sonship – full members in the family of God.

Unlike me, God is able to name each of his adopted children. He has their names written in the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:16). He has inscribed our names in The Lambs Book of Life.

Jesus is my Brother. My Savior. My Friend.

God is my Daddy. My Father. My King.

“The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba Father’” (Romans 8:15 NIV).

In Christ,

Berta

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It Is Written: Jesus' Death

  

I’ve been mulling around this idea as we follow Jesus to the cross:

How well do we represent the Jesus of Good Friday to the world? How do we show the love of the Father to the skeptic, the atheist, the young mother who sees images she doesn’t want her child to see?

·        Jesus was beaten, scourged, slapped, spit on and his beard was pulled out.

·        Jesus was crowned with thorns, cloaked in purple and called “The King of the Jews”.

·        Jesus was nailed to a tree, yet refused medicinal wine.

·        Jesus forgave his murderers and welcomed a thief into paradise.

·        Jesus was mocked, “If you are the Messiah save yourself.”

·        Jesus took the sins of the world upon him and felt separation from his Father.

·        Jesus committed his spirit to God, died and was buried in a borrowed tomb.

Is that enough to frighten and turn people away? Yes, I agree. But how can we portray that day of Jesus suffering and sacrifice as a witness to what he provides?

·        Jesus took all our sins and transgressions, and the punishment for them, upon his body.

·        Jesus shed blood offers forgiveness to the children of God into eternity.

·        Jesus death allows us to live righteous and holy before God and man.

·        Jesus life tells us to represent the gospel of Jesus Christ always and everywhere.

·        Jesus tells us to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.

Jesus’ death – and resurrection – cleanses our spirit, renews our strength, and satisfies our soul.

“The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.” (Romans 6:10 NIV).

In Christ,

Berta

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Berta

If Necessary, Use Words

People often commend me for my bold witness with quiet resignations. “I wish I could tell more people about Jesus like you.” I tell you there are many bold witnesses among us.

Missionaries, local and those who travel to distant states and foreign countries answer God’s call. They boldly share the gospel by feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. They love orphans, widows, the poor, and the downtrodden. They portray Jesus to unbelievers.

Our church hosts an adoption support group each month. The families who attend share their experiences and fill the church. These parents encourage each other to raise their boys and girls in the gospel of Christ.

Gideon’s continue to place Bibles throughout the United States and around the world sharing the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

The faithful are reaching out through Easter Seals and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Schools are more accessible as children with disabilities attend regular classes. Communities provide children’s toys at Christmas.

The ministry Jesus began was to continue through the community of His disciples. He sent them out to make more disciples. Those disciples would believe in Him and obey His commands. They would make more disciples. The generations will continue to make more disciples until all nations have heard the gospel.

“Preach the gospel and if necessary, use words.” St. Francis of Assisi

Jesus read from Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19 NIV).

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21 NIV).

In Christ,
Berta