Jesus took your Shame and Guilt

 Jesus died for you to take your punishment upon himself. You no longer need to carry your shame. Don't be ashamed any more. Jesus hung stark naked on the cross to bear your shame.

But we do not believe in a deceased martyr. Jesus came back from the grave. He rose again in the flesh so that we can be sure that his promises are true and reliable.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11:25–26 NASB95

What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Have you entrusted your life to Jesus?

When Jesus died, his disciples panicked and despaired. We, too, are weak. But despite their doubts and misunderstandings, they still loved Jesus.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Jn 20:19–20 NIV

But Thomas was not there. He was traumatised and could not believe until Jesus came to him too. Despite his doubts, he still loved Jesus. When he saw Jesus, the scales fell from his eyes.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jn 20:27–28 NIV

Jesus knew their hearts and his love for them was even stronger. So it is with Jesus and you. If your heart is attached to Jesus despite everything, you must be sure that his love for you is immeasurably stronger.

If you are like Thomas, if your heart is attached to Jesus, you have eternal life. Your old life is over.

Personal Encounters with Jesus

 Many people think they are Christians, but they don't know Jesus. True Christianity means knowing God personally and voluntarily allowing him to change your life from the inside out.

For God took the sinless Christ and poured our sins into him. In exchange, he then poured God's goodness into us! 2 Corinthians 5:21 (TLB)

God wants to do all this for you and then take you on a journey through a new life that never ends.

It all begins with a supernatural personal encounter with Jesus, the Son of God. He is here with you now. He died, but he came back to life and his love now fills the universe.

Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. Re 3:20 NRSV

A Muslim woman in Iran was watching a Christian television program and heard this message. She heard a knock at her door, and when she answered it, she saw Jesus standing there, a glorious man in a brilliant white robe. She invited him in and offered him something to eat.

That night, Jesus came into her life.

Whether you see Jesus with your natural eyes or not, makes no difference to the spiritual reality of his presence and his love for you.

When Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sins, but he did not remain dead. As a real man, Jesus sacrificed his life for us, but as God he could not remain dead. God is eternal, and his supernatural life is an unquenchable fire.

When Jesus returned to life, he appeared to his disciples. Thomas was not with them and did not want to believe the story.

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Jn 20:28–29 NRSV