They didn't take His life...

He laid it down.

The same God that rose from out of the grave (yes! this really happened)

could have taken Himself right down off of that cross

but He chose to die for those who believe and follow Him.

Bc of His love and grace He freely and without merit poured out for us...

we don't have to be perfect to get to heaven.

Does that mean we can just go on sinning so that Grace can abound? (stole that from Paul)

Well lets see what His word saids...

Matthew 16:24-26  "If anyone would come after me (Jesus speaking), he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.  What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Matthew 7:19  pay close attention this is Jesus speaking.  " Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them (talking about true followers of Jesus verses false prophets who do not teach the truth or some might teach part of the truth but not the whole truth).  Then in verse 21 and 22 he says "not everyone who says to me, ' Lord, lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven (so you can recognize Jesus as God and call him Lord he is saying and not enter into the kingdom of heaven (wow), but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 

Here is my concern...There are people who abuse the gospel of grace.  What an amazing gift we have in Jesus' death and ressurection, it was no small sacrifice.  But we can't make up our own rules.  We have to follow Him...we should be running in such a way to win the prize (1 cor. 9:24).  Whoaaa preaching to myself here! 

All I am saying is...Are you believing AND following Jesus?  If not why not?

Is it because you don't think you are that bad?
Is it bc you are not willing to give up your life to be made new (yes this may require some changes)?

This Easter what I really want myself and anyone who reads this to get is... yes it was Grace that brought Jesus to earth as a man and Grace that drove Him to the cross and Grace that he didn't stay dead but rose again!  Hallelujah Praise God!

But it is also Grace that is calling you (and me) right now to die to whatever earthly pleasures we cling to and tend to worship.  Thats calling you to humble yourself in your broken state and take up a new life IN Him (follow Him).  Thank God that we don't have to strive to be perfect anymore.  He bore the punishment for our inherit sin, He paid it all and we owe Him our lives.  Every day, every decision, every dollar, every gift, and etc...
Lets give it to Him this Easter whether it is for the first time or again. 

You have to forgive me bc I do tend to preach but I am so passionate about this and I care about your souls and I want the whole world to know His name.

Have a Happy and Glorious Easter!  I have more pictures to come of some of our festivities...here is a not very good sneak peak.