Happy Easter!
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6). Good Friday reminds us about the gruesome death Jesus endured on our behalf. We are all full of transgressions and in need of redemption before coming to Christ. Knowing the state of our souls, Jesus died under intense scrutiny, ridicule, and torture. But the story isn’t over there. Three days later, He rose again. That Easter morning, an angel said those beautiful words,
“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).
The plan of redemption has been set and carried out. The word “redeem” literally means to “buy out of.” Jesus bought us out of slavery to sin and we can be set free when we accept this gift of grace. This has been done for us, because of God’s great love. But so many times, we negate His act of mercy and grace by narrowing it down to rules and works. Galatians 2:21 says,
“If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily” (MSG). Let us always remember that what Christ did on the cross for us and His offer of eternal life is not anything that we can earn, either before or after becoming a Christian.
Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace which was displayed perfectly on the cross and in the resurrection. We pray for those who have yet to understand and receive this perfect gift and are either still trying to earn it with rule-keeping or are keeping you at arms length due to pride. May this Easter be one in which they receive you clearly and fully and walk in newness of life and peace!
Ongoing Urgent Need. . .
We have had an unusually large request for large print Bibles this year. . .and we've only met about 5% of that need so far. Many of these are used for the homeless in our communities and may be one of their only possessions on the street. What if the transforming love and resurrection power of Jesus Christ starts a new chapter in their life this Easter--one off the streets for good? Would you help us reach more homeless with some large print Bibles this week?
New "Hire". . .
Last week, UBO Board members, Rick & Nancy Wakefield, presented three graduates of the 1-year residency program at Reconciliation Outreach with new Bibles from Urban Bible Outreach.
To the Anonymous Donor. . .
To the donor who gave a beautiful NIV study Bible to UBO, it is on it's way to a formerly homeless young woman who is now on her feet again in her own apartment. Please pray for her, that Jesus will meet her in her need and she will trust in Him for the abundant life He came and died to give!
Love Bible Receiving Days. . .
The only thing I love more than receiving Bibles that UBO has ordered for our partner organizations is the day we get to give them away! Be sure to look for details on the upcoming Pack & Pray Fellowship, and
email Leeann if you want to be on the invite list.
Last Month's Pack & Pray. . .
What a great time of packing, praying and fellowship we had last month! Thanks especially to the 3 young men who came and worked as if for the Lord (Col. 3:23).
God bless you all for your support and prayers!
In Him, Kathryn
To Get Involved. . .
