Forsaken
As Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?” He revealed the full weight of bearing humanity’s sin and enduring separation from the Father. The supernatural darkness reflected God’s judgment and sorrow over sin, paralleling the plague of darkness before Passover. Jesus became our substitute, experiencing God’s wrath so we wouldn’t have to. This cry from the cross demonstrates both God’s inflexible justice and His boundless mercy. Because Jesus was forsaken, all who trust in Him are promised they will never be. The invitation to accept Him remains open—while there is still time.
Caring from the Cross
Even in agony on the cross, Jesus ensured the care of His mother, entrusting her to His disciple John. This act of compassion reveals Jesus’ deep love, fulfilling Scripture and modeling selfless care. Though His own family had rejected Him, Jesus honored His mother and anticipated the formation of a new spiritual family. His example reminds us to care for others, expect division because of faith, and pursue reconciliation through Christ. We are called to honor both our earthly families and our spiritual family in Christ.
A Deathbed Conversion
As Jesus hung on the cross, a dying thief turned to Him in faith and received the promise of paradise that very day. This moment reveals that salvation comes by grace through faith—not by good works or religious rituals. The thief admitted his guilt, recognized Jesus’ innocence, and trusted in Christ’s coming kingdom. Jesus’ response—“Today you will be with me in paradise”—confirms the immediacy of salvation, the reality of life after death, and the boundless reach of God’s mercy. No one is too far gone, and it’s never too late to turn to Christ—until it is.
"Father, Forgive Them"
In this powerful message, Stephen Davey reflects on Jesus’ first words from the cross: “Father, forgive them.” Jesus, in the midst of unimaginable suffering, prayed not for judgment but for mercy—even for His executioners. This prayer reveals His routine of communion with the Father, His request for humanity’s forgiveness, and His reasoning based on their ignorance. It fulfills prophecy, models divine love, and calls each of us to receive His grace and extend forgiveness to others. Jesus' words aren’t just historical—they’re personal: “Father, forgive [your name here].”
Hunger
This lesson from Philippians 3:10–11, titled “Aiming Higher . . . Pressing Onward – Part 3,” unpacks Paul’s deep hunger for intimacy with Christ. Paul expresses four passionate desires: to know Christ more deeply, live for Him more dynamically, suffer with Him more dependently, and look for Him more eagerly. True spiritual growth, Paul teaches, is driven by appetite—an intense longing for closeness with Christ that shapes every part of life. The lesson urges believers to identify what dulls their hunger for God and to pursue a deeper, ongoing relationship marked by obedience, intimacy, and eternal perspective.
Forget the Baloney
This lesson from Philippians 3:4–9, titled “Aiming Higher . . . Pressing Onward – Part 2,” contrasts Paul’s impressive religious résumé with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Paul recounts his heritage, achievements, and zeal—all of which once seemed like assets—but now considers them “rubbish” compared to gaining Christ. He exposes the futility of self-righteousness and emphasizes that salvation is not earned by works or pedigree but received through faith in Jesus alone. The lesson urges believers to reject spiritual pride and fully embrace the grace of God, feasting on the riches of Christ instead of clinging to the “baloney sandwiches” of personal merit.
Protected by Joy
This lesson from Philippians 3:1–3, titled “Aiming Higher . . . Pressing Onward – Part 1,” teaches that true joy and spiritual protection come from rejoicing in the Lord. Paul commands believers to rejoice—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deliberate act of focusing on Christ. Joy becomes a defense against spiritual harm, sin, and discouragement. Paul then warns against false teachers—those who spiritually harm (dogs), mislead (evil workers), and burden others with legalism (mutilators). In contrast, true believers worship by the Spirit, boast in Christ alone, and place no confidence in personal merit. The lesson urges us to safeguard our joy, avoid spiritual deception, and center our lives on Jesus alone.
666
This lesson from Revelation 13:16–18, titled “Antichrist and the Many Faces of Evil – Part IX,” examines the global control established through the mark of the beast—666. During the Tribulation, all people will be required to receive this visible mark on their right hand or forehead, signifying allegiance to the Antichrist. Without it, no one will be able to buy or sell, creating a global economic stranglehold and religious submission. The number 666 symbolizes humanity’s counterfeit attempt to mimic God’s perfection. The lesson warns believers about spiritual deception, highlights the urgency of gospel clarity in the church today, and encourages readiness for Christ’s imminent return.
666
This lesson from Revelation 13:16–18, titled “Antichrist and the Many Faces of Evil – Part IX,” examines the global control established through the mark of the beast—666. During the Tribulation, all people will be required to receive this visible mark on their right hand or forehead, signifying allegiance to the Antichrist. Without it, no one will be able to buy or sell, creating a global economic stranglehold and religious submission. The number 666 symbolizes humanity’s counterfeit attempt to mimic God’s perfection. The lesson warns believers about spiritual deception, highlights the urgency of gospel clarity in the church today, and encourages readiness for Christ’s imminent return.
Fireworks!
This lesson from Revelation 13:13–15, titled “Antichrist and the Many Faces of Evil – Part VIII,” focuses on the false prophet’s supernatural deceptions during the Tribulation. Empowered by Satan, the false prophet performs “mega signs,” including calling down fire from heaven and giving breath to a lifelike image of the Antichrist that speaks and demands worship. These miraculous feats will convince the unbelieving world that the Antichrist is divine, paving the way for global worship and persecution of those who refuse. The lesson warns believers to remain anchored in the authority of Scripture, discerning truth from false wonders, and holding fast to Christ amid growing spiritual deception.