Galatians 1:3-5
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father—to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Paul wrote that you gave yourself in our place to rescue us from this present evil age. We pray that you save us because our age seems evil: temptations come at us from all sorts of media. There are pressures from those around us who want us to do what they do. People are suffering from all kinds of addictions: drugs, alcohol, gambling, porn, work, and the list goes on. With everything coming at us and the world telling us, “go ahead, express yourself, and enjoy your freedom.” It tempts us with freedom as a license to sin. But the truth is that the world’s ways do not bring freedom; instead, they cause guilt and shame when we give in to those desires; but you give true freedom.
The world cannot give us peace, but you do, and it is by your grace. When we get all twisted up in our sins, you have removed them. And you patiently wait for us to turn to you, and when we do, you tell us, “My grace is sufficient for you.” Meaning you won forgiveness for all our sins; when you went to the cross and suffered our punishment for everything we have ever done. You died on that cross for the world’s sins, which includes all my sins, my guilt, and all my shame; this is your grace—the love and forgiveness we do not deserve. Our heavenly Father sent you to rescue us from this age, but more importantly, from my sinful self. Lord, forgive me and save me!
Lord Jesus, may we bring glory back to you by living a new life that your Holy Spirit creates in us—that life of faith. May we glorify you for what you have done for us and share this good news of your grace and mercy—the forgiveness of sins—with everyone we meet. Why? Because you rescued us from this life and, more importantly, gave us our eternal life. Through your suffering and death, the promise of heaven is not a fleeting wish but is a certainty for all who believe in you. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
This age might be evil, but God’s grace and mercy are far superior. Check out the facts: Jesus suffered and died for your every sin, and he rose from the dead so that by faith in him, you have eternal life.