April 3

​For I have decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2
 
Paul’s words to the Corinthians brings us to the heart of the Gospel which is Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Christ crucified - simplistic in its message yet enormous in its impact. Without the cross there is no forgiveness. Without forgiveness there is no salvation. Without salvation there is no good news. Without the cross there is no Gospel at all. Likewise, if Christ was not crucified there is no hope, peace, or joy for today or for eternity. But the fact is that Christ did go to the cross where he offered himself as a sacrifice for the sin of the whole world. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but passes from death to life.” (John 5: 24)
 
This is the reason that we as believers in Christ can begin each day with a thankful heart and with the words of the Psalm in our mouths, “This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
 
Gospel verse for today:
This is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6: 40