The Miracle of Salvation!
Max Lucado is one of my favorite Christian authors. He has written almost 100 books with more than 150 million in print and has been called “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today and “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest. His books have been published in 56 languages worldwide and they regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. Everything Max writes is excellent. I read his 365-day devotion, “God is with You Every Day”, every morning as part of my daily devotions.
In his book, Six Hours One Friday, Max tells the true story of a missionary in Brazil who discovered a tribe of Indians in a remote part of the jungle, living near a large river. A contagious disease was ravaging the population and the tribe was in need of medical attention; people were dying daily. A hospital was not too far away—across the river, in fact —but the Indians would not cross it because they believed the river was inhabited by evil spirits. To enter the water of the river would mean certain death.
The missionary explained how he had crossed the river and was unharmed. But the Indians were not impressed. He then took them to the bank of the river and placed his hand in the water. They still would not go in. The missionary walked into the water up to his waist and splashed water on his face. It did not matter. The tribe was still afraid to enter the river.
Finally, the missionary dove into the river, swam beneath the surface until he emerged on the other side. He raised a triumphant fist into the air. He had entered the water and escaped. It was then that the Indians broke into a cheer and followed him across.
“Isn’t that what Jesus did?” Max Lucado asks. “He entered the river of death and came out on the other side so that we might no longer fear death, but find eternal life in Him.”
We were lost in our sin, held in bondage by Satan in his kingdom of unrighteousness. There was Nothing we could do to escape from that slavery. But on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for sin that we could never pay. He endured the wrath against sin that we could never endure. So now we can live in Salvation and Freedom. The transformation is a Miracle! We are a new creation in Christ; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Salvation makes us part of Christ’s forever family. What an incredible privilege! You are not just a forgiven sinner; you are now a son and daughter of the Lord! And He calls us to spread the message of redemption and transformation and adoption to others. Salvation is not just for you and for me; it is also for those who do not yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Why? Because what the Lord does To you, He also wants to do Through you. Salvation is too important, too life-changing, to keep to ourselves. We are called to be Ambassadors for Christ and Ministers of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). Let’s do it!
This Sunday, October 25, we will continue our new study entitled, “Welcome Home!” Next is “House of Salvation!” (2 Corinthians 5:14-21). Jesus Christ has purchased for us Redemption from Sin, Hope for Today, and Joy for All Eternity. And what the Lord does To you, He also wants to do Through you, so please pass the Good News of Salvation on to others. Please invite someone to join you at the 10:35am worship service in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us! And please join us in person for Bible Study this Sunday morning at 9:30am. Be blessed & grow in your Christian life by studying the Bible together.
Everyone is welcome to attend the joyous wedding of Jacklyn Paul and Sasiuo Mokut this Saturday, October 24, at 12pm here at Honolulu Assembly of God. Jacklyn’s family has been part of this church for many years so let’s bless and support her and her fiancé in this new chapter they are starting.
Aloha and Aloha ke Akua!
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