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Luke 23:35-43
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. It is not uncommon today for people who “error because they do not know the Scripture or the power of God” to say God does not perform miracles today like those recorded in Scripture. There are even many who call themselves “Christian” who believe God does not perform great miracles today! All such people who make that statement emphatically reveal their ignorance concerning both The Word of God – and The God of The Word! The truth is every time someone comes to a saving knowledge of Christ, that single event in and of itself is both amazing and miraculous! The account of the salvation of the dying thief on the cross is infallible and inerrant proof of the power of Christ to save, and of His infinite willingness to receive all, – no matter what their plight may be – nor at what point in their life they come asking for redemption! The faith of this thief is noteworthy because he recognized a rejected, ridiculed, and crucified Christ was the only one able to save him. Physically he was as racked with pain at death’s door as was Jesus. He is also surrounded by all those scoffing, insulting, and taunting The Christ! There is a lesson we can learn this criminal – His faith was not affected by his surroundings! You got that? Here’s a question for you to ponder: is yours? We don’t often think of this but the faith of that thief is worthy of our imitation! Let’s consider 4 truths in this account:
- AN AMAZING SITUATION -the Lord of Glory crucified as a common criminal. One writer said the crucified thief was our Lord’s last companion on earth. Want to bring that forward 2000 years and make it very personal? *You can rejoice because you are assured He will not refuse to associate with you. Now consider
- AN AMAZING SUPPLICATION (Lord remember me). The thief prayed a humble but fitting prayer. It is one of the amazing prayers in the Bible. Notice 4 things the thief confessed: 1. In addressing Christ as Lord he confessed that he was not an agnostic, irreligious, or an atheist. By asking the Lord to remember him – 2. He was confessing his faith in Jesus as The Savior. 3. He admitted his guilt (v.41) and that he deserved this punishment. He also recognized that Christ was innocent – and 4. That there is life after death. Finally, it was
- AN AMAZING SALVATION. There are at 5 truths here about the salvation Christ brings to us:
- This man’s salvation was entirely by grace.
- It is also important to notice that the man’s salvation was certain and secure.
- His salvation was personal. All of the billions that will populate heaven forever were all saved one at a time!
- The salvation Christ gives us is present.
- This amazing salvation is centered in Christ.
Here’s a very simple “formula” that is a very broad perspective salvation relationship to Christ: Jesus identified with man in condemnation – man identifies with Christ in salvation. There is a principle here we can learn from our Savior – He demonstrated forgiveness by forgiving. This is one of those places where we can’t say – go thou and do likewise. Let me just close with this statement. If you are without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ – and it comes time for you to stand before God in judgment – and went He asks you why never received His Son As Your Savior – listen to me – you can never say to God – I didn’t know – you’re only answer will be I heard, I knew, and I refused! The next words you hear will be the most dreadful words any human will ever hear – they are recorded in Matthew 25:41 when Jesus says, “depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Now, today is the day of salvation!
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
