BJU Press Blog

Christ

The Gift of the Gospel

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In 1858, Francis Ridley Havergal visited a museum in Dusseldorf, Germany, and viewed a painting depicting the crucifixion. Next to the painting was this caption: “I did this for thee; what hast thou done for Me?” That question inspired her to write the poem that became the text of the hymn “I Gave My Life for Thee.”1

two stanzas of "I Gave My Life for Thee" by Francis Ridley HavergalAll four stanzas of this hymn text often come to my mind during the Christmas season because Christmas involves so much giving. We give gifts to family members and friends. We give toys to underprivileged children. We give money to help families suffering from a natural disaster or devastating diagnosis. The list goes on and on.

But sometimes, even in the midst of all this giving, we lose track of the Person who gave the most. Instead, we get caught up in the shopping, the parties, and even the gifts themselves. We hurriedly call a friend to celebrate the amazing shopping deal we just got, but we pass right by the sales clerk without even thinking about taking the time to give her a gospel tract. At this time of year, we need to be reminded of the precious gift of salvation that we possess. We need to be reminded of the immense price that Christ paid to accomplish our redemption.

The Gift

Francis Havergal’s hymn text reminds us of what Christ left behind when He came to earth. He left the glories of heaven (Philippians 2:7). This is not just a story about a prince becoming a pauper—Christ’s humiliation was far greater. We read in John 3:17 that “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

That salvation came with a price. The price was incomprehensible suffering and death on a cross. The Gospel of Luke takes several chapters to tell how Jesus endured beatings, mocking, betrayal, desertion, false accusations, physical agony, and even separation from God the Father. He did it all out of love for us, His lost creation.

Thankfully, Christ’s suffering and death aren’t the end of the gospel story. After three days in the tomb, Christ rose from the dead. God’s redemptive plan was complete.

Our Response

Francis Havergal’s hymn text also encourages us to think about our response to the gift of the gospel. We can’t just say “thank you” and move on like we would after receiving a sweater or a box of homemade cookies. Doing so would cheapen the gift. Instead, our gratitude should transform us.

This Christmas season, take time to share the gift of the gospel. Talk to your neighbors about what Christ did for them. Hand out tracts when you’re out shopping. Invite an unsaved relative over and share how Christ has transformed your life. People need the gospel more than anything else you can give them.

1. Francis R. Havergal, “I Gave My Life for Thee,” Majesty Hymns (Greenville, SC: Majesty Music, Inc., 1997), 546.

Easter Word-Art Cross

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text from Romans 5:12, Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10, John 3:16, Isaiah 53:7, Mark 15:37-38, Romans 5:6, Romans 5:8, John 3:17, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 2 Corinthians 5:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21

This Easter, I wanted to share a printable with you that would be different from the normal Easter activities/crafts. With a little help, I  created this word-art cross. The words come directly from the Bible, telling the true story of our sin, our need of a Savior, God’s loving provision, and Christ’s sacrifice that allows us to stand righteous before God.

Most of the passages are probably familiar, but in case they aren’t, I’ve also included the Scripture references. You can view the PDF version by selecting the image. Please print it out, read the verses, and remember this action of God’s love.

I hope this word-art cross is a blessing to you and your children. May you have a blessed Easter remembering Him.

External Compliance vs. Heart-Engaged Obedience?

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Christian education is facing a crucial and unsettling time. It has sought for years to lay a thoroughly biblical foundation for students and to impart truth on every hand. But many Christian school students are cold, and even resentful, toward that teaching. As Christian educators, we should try to bring students back to Christianity’s foundation—the truth of the gospel—so that when we address students’ behavior it is motivated by and grows out of our dedication to the gospel.

Since young people sometimes try to define truth by their own subjective perceptions, perhaps we should ask ourselves some questions about what we are teaching them. Are we teaching them the whole truth? Could we actually be dumbing down our presentation of the truth? Amid calls of “Don’t give them doctrine, make it practical!” and an obsession with “principles to live by,” have we maybe lost sight of the basics and unintentionally obscured the person of the gospel, Jesus Christ?

We often respond with more and more behavior-focused instruction when our students’ behavior seems to indicate that they do not understand Christianity. There’s a need to balance our teaching of practical do’s and don’ts with teaching Christ’s perfect sacrifice for us on the cross. Perhaps one reason the gospel has lost its wonder and richness for young people is because of our presentation of the wonderful central figure—Jesus Christ. He is sometimes overshadowed by lesser goals when He should be the focus as well as the motivator behind practical Christian living.

In 1 Corinthians 1:23 Paul also states that there were those (the Jews and Greeks) who found his preaching of Christ unacceptable. Even though the impact of Paul’s ministry on both his own generation and on every generation since is astounding, even Paul’s faithful preaching of the gospel was not welcomed by every person who heard it. The same holds true when we admonish our students. Some will accept it while others may reject the truth.

When faced with such animosity or dismissal of the truth, we may mourn our own lack of power and the great limitations of our flesh that we think make us inadequate to share the gospel that we love. We must remember that God is never frustrated or limited. His promise in Isaiah 55:11 shows that His Word is never “void.” He holds the key to our hearts and has the power to accomplish whatever He intends to—in spite of our sinful nature and wandering hearts.

God alone is able to reach our hearts and those of our students. Whatever work He intends to do in our students’ lives is not impossible. And we can help by trusting in His power, not our own, to guide us as we share His truth through our words and actions.

How do you share the Truth with your students?

Pausing on His Way to Heaven

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image of the sky with sun rays beaming

In the synagogue at Nazareth, the Lord Jesus introduced Himself with the most powerful, yet tender mission statement ever spoken.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”        —Luke 4:18
 

To the end of His life on earth, our Lord was faithful to this mission; the closing hours and days before His glorious ascension vividly portray His commitment and shepherd’s heart. Throughout the Gospels, we see Him drawn to people with different needs. We see Him pausing on His way back to heaven to preach, to heal, to release, to show, and to convince.

Poor in spirit (Luke 24:13–31)

On the road to Emmaus, the Lord Jesus drew alongside to preach the gospel of His salvation to two downcast disciples who were poor in spirit. His words helped them to piece together the prophecies and promises so diligently taught to them before His crucifixion. They needed to hear it again, and our Lord didn’t think two was too small an audience. With knowledge and authority, steadfastness and patience, His divine instruction lifted them out of despondency. How easy it is for us to forget the power of the gospel. Hearing Him transforms even our bleakest circumstance.

Lonely, broken heart (John 20:11–17)

Then there was weeping Mary Magdelene—not only left alone in the garden—but feeling truly alone in the world.  Tears are the constant companion of the broken heart, and our Lord—yearning to wipe them away—drew near to her. Healing came with joyful recognition. The encounter was briefer than the one with the travelers, but the quiet comfort was lasting. And again, one was not too few for our Lord’s attention—even when His time was short.

Captive of the past (John 21:17)

A captive to his past, Peter, too, became the object of the risen Lord’s mission of mercy. Only a wide-open confession followed by a great commission could free the grief-stricken disciple from believing that his denial had cost him all future usefulness. He had to be singled out for grace. He needed to “taste” forgiveness. Peter: “Thou knowest that I love thee.” Jesus: “Feed my sheep.”  Restoration given, the shackles fell off.

Wounded and doubting (John 20:24–29)

Perhaps we understand doubting Thomas, but wounded Thomas? The Lord understood that in the flesh, sometimes life’s wounds can cause a hard crust of doubt or unbelief to form. Feeling his trust had been betrayed, Thomas refused to hope and be disappointed. He put up barriers; yet Christ was patient with him. He presented Himself to be seen and touched. He set at liberty the one who was wounded.

Unconvinced multitude (1 Corinthians 15:6)

On one occasion He was seen by more than five hundred of His followers—seen not by one or two, but by many. The Lord made Himself recognizable. In the same way today, eyes see and hearts respond. We have all been blinded by discouragement, heartbreak, guilt, or doubt. Only a supernatural work can give us the vision to see He is there and to know that He will never not be there.

Christ’s mission was fulfilled. He was faithful until the very end of His earthly mission—even as He paused on His way heavenward.

How has the ministry of Christ impacted you?