Crisis. We’re all in crisis: Why would a loving God allow crisis to overcome our lives? Death, broken relationships, illness, financial stress, social disappointment, amoral decision making or just a longing for something that cannot be satisfied in the natural world; these things and more manifest as crisis. They are things that are out of our control and seemingly have a life of their own. These crisis’ that cripple our self-sufficiency are in full view of an all knowing, all powerful God and yet no relief can be seen in our self directed lives. 

Crisis is a common circumstance that all the saints of the Bible once experienced. It is also a main part of every testimony of every changed life that currently enjoys the peace of God through a right relationship with Jesus Christ. You see, without crisis, we have no need for anything outside of ourselves. We would maintain control even of a limited life and in essence, we would be god of this insufficient life. There would be no need to look beyond what we could see and control.

Jesus came to reconcile man in crisis to the Holy God of creation. Scripture tells us Jesus was with God in the beginning and was himself a part of creative power. Early on, man's holiness was lost in an instant and evil grew with each passing generation; generations from which we have our own heritage. All men are self interested and incapable to naturally desire any relationship in which self interest is not a goal. For this reason natural man does not desire a relationship with God where holiness is a requirement and keeping of statutes is a minimum behavior. This is the situation into which Jesus, himself God, left an eternal, holy communion to live among man.

Jesus did live among man for thirty three years. He led the life that was originally intended for man to live. Every statute was kept by him. He lived holy before God and served God and His plan at every moment. Scripture foretold of a sacrifice that would satisfy the perfect justice of God and Jesus was found to be that sacrifice. Jesus was punished unjustly to satisfy the application of justice that man deserves. And beyond this, the perfect life that Jesus lived has been attributed to man. In essence he took our record and was punished. He gave us his record and we are blessed.

Our paid debt and new blessing are for ever. Personal crisis is just the first step in God's plan for the new life that he intends for you. Redeemer exists to proclaim this new life to those in crisis and gather new lives together for God’s glory.

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1

And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

For more good news, please come and hear for yourself at 1520 W. Pipkin Rd., Lakeland, or contact us at (863)660-5448 or kristin@redeemerlakeland.org.