Monthly Archives: April 2013

Apr 24

It Is Finished…

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When people find themselves nearing the end of their lives, they sometimes say things that are deemed important and remembered for years to come. Sometimes the things remembered are of great importance, while other times they are more sad or even funny.

I find the last sayings of people to be interesting because they can give us insight into what the person was like. For example, Charles Darwin is quoted as having said, “I am not the least afraid to die” (April 19, 1882). Former President of the United States, James K. Polk said, “I love you Sarah. For all eternity, I love you” (spoken to his wife in 1849).

Perhaps some of the most remembered last words come from Jesus, although they aren’t really His last words since He rose from the dead and talked with others again. While Jesus was hanging on the cross He cried for all to hear, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). At first these words seem sad, they sound like words of defeat. It appeared the enemies of Jesus had won. Jesus was hanging on a cross with no means of coming down. His enemies were standing around the cross mocking Him. By all accounts it seemed His cry of “It is finished” was out of defeat.

But praise be to God this was not the case. When Jesus cried out, “It is finished” it was NOT a cry of defeat, but a SHOUT of victory. The words “It is finished” mean, “It stands finished,” “It will always be finished.” These words specify not the end of Jesus’s life, but the completion of His task. Jesus shouted in victory because His mission on earth was done. Consider what these words mean for us today.

1) We no longer live under the Old Law (Col. 2:14).
2) We no longer have to remain separated from God (Rom. 5:8-10).
3) We no longer have to live in fear of death (I Cor. 15:55-57).
4) We no longer have to wonder about our eternal destiny (Jn. 3:16).

When Jesus cried out “It is finished” He was crying out in triumph not defeat. He was the victor. And thanks to Jesus dying on the cross and completing His mission, you and I can overcome our enemy and gain the victory. Praise the Lord, “It is finished.”

Apr 02

A Needed Habit

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Habits Series

Click to read part 1 and part 2 of the habits series.

If you were to describe your life in one word right now, what word would you use? Hectic? Fast? Busy? Crazy? Uncontrollable? These words, or words very similar, would probably be the most likely words we would use when describing our lives. But what if when asked, we could respond, “My life is simple.” Can you imagine how nice it would be to live a simple life?

We live in a society that values things. People think to be the best you must have the most, be the highest paid, get all the awards and be the most popular. Yet, what does that do for you in the long run? Nothing! The only thing it produces is stress and busyness. Consider how much of our time is spent on doing things to impress others or to serve our own desires. Doesn’t this complicate our lives much more? Doesn’t this cause our lives to be everything but simple?

The key to having a simple life is not getting caught up in having the best of everything and working ourselves to death in order to gain more. Jesus made it clear the path to heaven was far more difficult for the rich than the poor (Mark 10:17-25). Why is this? Because having “things” can cloud our judgment to the point we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life. When we have a greater love for possessions than eternal life, we’re willing to do anything to obtain more, even live lives that are crazy, hectic and totally out of control.

It’s important for us to incorporate the needed habit of simplicity into our lives. By doing this we will keep things in perspective because we’re not so caught up in the next “big thing” and more caught up in Jesus.

Think about it this way: when our lives on this earth pass, will those “things” get us anywhere? Certainly not! So why not stop trying to keep up with everyone else, and just allow yourself to live a simple life. After all, Jesus never meant for your life to be so crazy. He simply wants us to follow Him (Matt. 4:20, 22).

QUESTION: How can people make their lives less hectic and more simple? What are the benefits of living a simple life?

Apr 01

Southeast Leadership Camp

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Turning the World Upside Down copy

There is still time for you to register for this amazing week of leadership training.

What: Southeast Leadership Camp
When: June 2-9, 2013
Where: Karns Church of Christ, Knoxville, TN
Who: Ages 12-18
Why: We believe training effective leaders is one of the most dynamic ways of impacting the Church and the world for good.

The Southeast Leadership Camp is sponsored by the Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies and the Karns Church of Christ located in Knoxville, TN.

This camp is FREE to all students who have a desire to participate and learn how to be a leader in the Lord’s Church. Meals and housing are provided by members of the Karns Church of Christ.

For more information contact the Southeast Institute of Biblical Studies at (865) 691-7444 or visit the website at www.seibs.org/leadershipcamp.