Simplicity

Heart Prep

Ask God to open your heart to what He wants you to learn.

Luke 23:42-43 “And he was saying, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’
And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.’”

The story of Jesus' crucifixion gives us a heart-grabbing image but shows us that salvation is not a complicated transaction. Two other people were crucified with Christ. They were both criminals and they were both facing death because of the crimes they had committed. We all reach a point in our lives where we have to face the consequences of our sin, but we have been given the choice to accept complete forgiveness. We can either run from the cross in unbelief or run to the cross with faith in Christ and
His payment for our sin. Because of His mercy, His blood covers all of our sin and sets us free from
eternal death.

One criminal knew that the time had come to pay for his crimes, and though he knew his life had been full of darkness, he had faith in Who Jesus was and in His ability and willingness to forgive him and fill his heart with light. He didn't pray an elaborate prayer. He simply said, "Remember me," and Jesus showed His love and mercy and grace. You may say, "That seems too easy,” but God is never looking for a show. He is looking for a heart of faith and repentance. He's looking for a sincere heart. It doesn't matter what has complicated your past; He's standing with open arms ready to give you eternal life. Open your heart to Him now.     

Mercy - “lenient or compassionate treatment” (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2019); as in “imprisonment rather than death” (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2019), even when justice demands death 

Grace - undeserved, unearned “divine assistance” (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2019) given to man for his new birth and separation to God

These words are like two sides of a coin:

Mercy - God NOT GIVING us what we really deserve (eternal separation from God in hell)

Grace - God GIVING us what we DON’T deserve (eternal life in His presence)

(God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)   

Life Application

What is God saying to me?

Something I want to remember from this is....

How does this change my life and what are my next steps?