TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4-5a
Listen: Ephesians 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus saves. From billboards to yard signs to words on the eye black of football players—the message that “Jesus saves” is a part of our culture. At times it’s almost a cliché. But, Jesus as Savior is not something we can just gloss over. It isn’t a box to check. From the beginning of the Jesus story in the gospels (Luke 2:11) to the end (Luke 19:10), Jesus is presented as Savior. This week, we will look at this essential element of who Jesus is.
Jesus as Savior should make us uncomfortable. It requires us to admit we need one. In some ways, it is almost un-American. Our culture tells us we don’t need anyone and that we can figure it out on our own. Jesus as Savior tells us we have a problem. It’s a problem we can’t solve. Our physical heart might be beating, but our spiritual heart is flat-lined. It’s an inconvenient truth that can cause us to respond in different ways. Sometimes we don’t respond well when we hear about this problem. We lash out at the messenger, we dismiss it by telling ourselves we are fine, or we comfort ourselves by comparing ourselves to someone else. The proper response, however, is to listen humbly.
This week we are going to look at Jesus as Savior and how we can open our hearts to hear what he has to say. Only then will our hearts move from spiritually dead to alive.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Read Chapter Ten of the book, A Doubter’s Guide to Jesus today with a pen or pencil in hand. Underline/highlight things that are significant to you. Then, download the lock screen below as a reminder that Jesus saves.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
