Good Friday

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Today is Good Friday, the day that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified.  Christians believe He died to be the ultimate sin sacrifice for those who believe in Him.  His death was required to allow anyone, no matter what their baggage is, to go to Heaven. 

He died for the "good people."  You know the type.  They don't get arrested, they volunteer in the community, and they help the old lady load her groceries in her car.  They are polite, helpful, and are good friends.

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He died for the "bad people."  The person that every other word would be bleeped out if he/she was on television, gets drunk/high every night, or is a San Francisco Giant fan.  The person in prison for murder, rape, or any other horrible crime.  

"For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.  Not by works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2: 8-9)

"Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Jesus came here to die for us all.  There is no prerequisites for anyone to follow Him and receive eternal life.  He asks that you admit that you are a sinner.  Admit the obvious, we all suck from time to time.  Repent for your sins by asking for forgiveness.  

Then believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, that He died for you, and rose again so that we all can live in Heaven.  "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)  

Finally, confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and follow Him. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

The tough part is sometimes believing that you are wanted, loved, worthy of someone's unconditional love.  But that's exactly what Jesus offers.  There is no shame, guilt, sin, flaw, hang up, addiction that is so gross that Jesus says, "Whoa! That's too awful."  Instead He says "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

Someone once said, "Christianity does not guarantee a release from the ills of the  world, but a way to deal with them."  Life is hard and unfair at times.  But having faith and hope in the right place leads to something better.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."  We all stumble and fall, but we get back up.  Even if the world says you are not good enough, no one cares about you...someone does. 

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