We Believe: Who Is Jesus Christ?Sampl

CONCEIVED and BORN

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

The virgin birth boggles the mind. Children believe without question! But then we grow, and we learn where babies come from, and we’re at a loss to explain!It seems that Mary and Joseph felt much the same way. It had never happened before… it will never happen again. But here, at this time, in this place, for this young girl and her betrothed, it happened. God came down to live among us. And He started His life as a man, just as all men and women begin, born as a baby. Remarkable.

Have you ever wondered why? Why did God need to be born and live as a man among us? Romans 8 helps us understand. From the fall in Genesis 3, all men and women are born with a big sin problem. A problem that we cannot solve or fix, no matter how we try. And no sinner gets to be with God, for He is holy and can have no relationship with evil. Enter Jesus, the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit, yet also the Son of Man, born of the virgin Mary. He lived a perfectly obedient and sinless life. He lived the life we could not live. And in doing so, He defeated the death sentence shadowing all of us. His perfect life earned righteousness for you and me. So, it is incredibly important that we believe in both the humanity and the deity of Jesus. He is God. And He is the perfect man. And therefore, He is able to save.

Ask Yourself:

-Reflect on Philippians 2:5-11, a hymn of the early church. Imagine singing these words with fellow believers. -How do these words build your understanding and faith in Jesus Christ?

Pause to Pray: God, your plan to save the world is remarkable! I don’t always fully understand your story, but I am amazed at every detail. Jesus, you came and lived a full life, just like I am living. You know what it means to be hungry, cold, tired, and tempted. You understand me even if I don’t fully understand You… Thank you for saving me, Amen.

Weekly Challenge: Name the person/people God has laid on your heart to share the gospel with. Write their name on a post-it note and put it on your car steering wheel so you pray for them during your daily commute. Or set a daily alarm on your phone. Develop a habit of praying for them, asking God to give you words and ways to share His good news with them.