Month: July 2026

Risen

/ James Penner / Leave a comment

“Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” John 20:19

When Jesus walked out of the tomb a new world began. The sacrifice had been made to take on the sins of the world. Lucifer’s grip over man had lost its power. As singer, songwriter Chris Tomlin wrote, “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns.

Unending Love, Amazing Grace”

Now the faith choice completely rests with us. Jesus did His part. He’s made the ransom payment. He even cut our chains free. Still, it’s our choice whether or not to accept this gift of grace. Just a few words and everything changes. “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, I need you.”

Keys

/ James Penner / Leave a comment

Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” Revelation 1:17

The Saturday after His crucifixion was a day of mourning and defeat for those who had walked with Jesus. To lose their beloved friend and Savior in such a brutal way brought a serious combination of grief and outright fear. But that was nothing compared to what was going on in Hell. The victory celebration was just getting cranked up when a light suddenly appeared in the darkness. I can almost see Lucifer’s jaw begin to drop in that “this is not possible” sort of way as the light grew brighter, and Christ walked right up to him. I can then picture Christ with a peaceful countenance holding out his nail pierced palm and saying, “You had a good run, but now it’s over,

I’ll Take Back My Keys”

Suddenly powerless, Lucifer had no choice but to hand them over. For you see, in the garden of Eden Lucifer had deceived Adam and Eve and literally stole from them the keys to life, forever creating a door of separation between us and our Creator. The cross changed that. The cross was the ultimate sacrifice to atone for that sin, and the key to unlock the door between us and God. Today, Christ has a key with your name on it. All you have to do to receive it is say one three letter word to Him: Yes.

Amazing Love

/ James Penner / Leave a comment

“Jesus said, “It is finished.” John 19:30

On a rocky hill outside the walls of Jerusalem stood three wooden crosses. Jesus had been placed on the center cross between two men who had been tried and convicted as thieves. Of the three, Jesus was the only one who was innocent, yet willingly He went to the cross anyway in our place. Along the way He asked God for another path, but He knew there was no Plan B. For God is holy, and a sacrifice had to be made to take on the sins of the world, allowing us to be restored to our Heavenly Father. “It is finished” meant,

The Sacrifice Had Been Made, The Price Was Paid.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” He willingly paid the price for our sin. That’s how much Jesus loves you. If you were the only one left on earth, Jesus would have still endured the cross for you. Talk to him.