The Lord's Day by Pastor Marcelene Murdock

John 3:16
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ our Savior, born that he may die for the sake of mankind. Jesus knew why He was born, and he told this to Pilate before He was taken away to be crucified.

John 18: 37
37. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Jesus also knew what would befall Him, and He prophesied it beforehand to His disciples.

Luke 18: 31- 33
31. Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.
32. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on:
33. And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Giving His life as a living sacrifice, no one took it from Him; He gave it up willingly

John 10: 17 & 18
17. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Being betrayed, they came and took Him. Just as the prophets spoke ages ago, just as Jesus told the twelve; they mocked Him, beat Him, spit on Him, whipped Him and then they crowned Him with a crown of thorns. And through it all, He kept silent; not a cry fell from His lips.
Then the people took Him and hung Him on the cross, and they watched Him slowly die, still mocking Him in His suffering. And yet He prayed asking the Lord Father to forgive them. Lastly asking for a drink, then crying out to the Father; He gave up His ghost.

Willingly Christ died for us, why, because of Love. A love so deep and true no man can fully comprehend, no mind can fathom it.

And upon His death as prophesied by King David and Christ Himself, Jesus went to hell to set the captives free
Psalm 16: 10
10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Matthew 12: 40
40. For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

And before His crucifixion, Christ spoke of His victory over satan.

John 12: 31
31. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.


And of His completion of redemption through His resurrection

John 12: 32
32. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

What a wonderful scripture. Imagine drawing all men to Christ, showing them the gift of salvation by the shedding of His blood and the power of His resurrection.
Jesus Christ born to die and rise again, that we may live by the grace of God eternally.

And it happened just as Jesus had said, and as the prophets had foretold.
He was lifted up from the earth, His glory to behold, Jesus was resurrected.
Christ is risen, AMEN

Matthew 28: 5 & 6; Mark 16: 6; Luke 24: 2 - 7; John 20: 5 - 7

Seen first by Mary Magdalene, then appearing to His disciples, and was seen by many people.
Jesus then again appeared to His disciples giving them command, giving them instructions, and promises.
Rising up to His seat beside the right hand of God, preparing a place for us, mediating and interceding for us.

Jesus Christ our King
Victorious Lord
Rising upon the third day
His day, The Lords Day
Giving rest to those who come
Giving life to those who believe
The Light of the world
Darkness now gone, fleeing at His name
Death and sin defeated
By the blood of the Lamb
Praise Him, Thank Him, Glorify Him and Honor Him
For by His sacrifice we are now set free
And why
Because He first loved us
with a love so deep, A love so true
A love He died for, and rose again
Now we are reconciled
Now we are redeemed
Now we have been forgiven
Therefore let us stand by Him
Let us walk beside of Him
Undeterred, forsaking all sin
Remaining righteous and Holy
Just as He had done

Pastor Marcelene Murdock 2/2008