March 13 2011 The Word Of Assurance

/ Great Plains Community Church/

THE WORD OF ASSURANCE

(Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.")

(Luke 23:43 – Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

(Isa. 53:12 – He was numbered with the transgressors.)

1. This Promise Includes a true confession

(Verse 42 – Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom.)

(John 1:29 – Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.)

Paul – He became sin for us on the cross.

2. We see a Promise Of conversion.

(Verse 43: - Today you will be with Me in Paradise.)

(Isa. 53:12 – He bore the sin of many.)

3. The Promise sees A change.

(Verse 42 – Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.)

(Acts 26:17 & 18 – I am sending you to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God.)

4. Promise Of a hopeful conclusion.

(Verse 43 – You will be with Me in Paradise.)

John 14: 1-3 – Let not your heart be troubled, if you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions, and I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself that where I am there you may be also.

Four Important Truths:

  • It is Immediate
  • It is Certain
  • It is A relationship
  • It is A place

(Romans 10:13 – Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.)