This past week I received a note from a hospital for a medical bill from almost three years ago.  Dumbfounded, I called them back and asked them why I was just now three years later receiving a bill in the mail?  I talked to the most polite woman named Wanda.  She said, “can you hold on for a minute?”  After about 4 minutes of waiting, she came back on the line and said.  “We failed to send you the bill in a timely manner and it has passed the statute of limitations, Therefore your DEBT IS CANCELLED!”  That was a great feeling and a great moment!  Thank you Wanda!

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:12

Here is the good news… You have a zero balance!  No interest is accruing, no worry needs to own your thoughts, Jesus has removed the sin, cancelled the debt and you now can have the gift of eternal life.  But let me ask you a question. Are you still living like the sin owns you?

Three Essentials of Easter

• Built on Forgiveness – What Jesus came to establish was not an earthly kingdom, but one that would be built on humble principles, a way of living that redefines culture and sets a new standard for the way that we love God and love others. Are you willing to extend the same grace to others that you desire for yourself?  We didn’t deserve forgiveness but Jesus extends it anyway.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”  Matthew 18:35

Question – Who do you need to forgive today?

• Understood Through Preparation – Life is hard but remember, you have been purchased with a price so persevere with power.  Jesus prepared his whole life to die on the cross.  Our life will be full of pain and suffering, but the Holy Spirit and the church walk with us in our pain.  You are not alone.  God is preparing you for something great and he is preparing a place in heaven for you.

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” John 14:2

Question – What do you need to persevere through today?  How can I pray?

• Advanced Through Serving – What Jesus did was incredibly upside down.  Jesus came into the world as the son of God and made himself a man and became obedient to death.  It was his ultimate act of service to die for us and take on the sin of the whole world.  But from the grave emerged greatness as he defeated death and conquered sin once and for all.  It’s not about what you can get but what you can give.

“…So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”   Matthew 20:16

Question – Who do you need to serve today?

I trust this Easter you join your local church in worship and live in victory!

Josh

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  Join us for Good Friday Service Friday March 30th at 6:30 PM and Easter Sunday Services at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.