Augsburg Church

Our church is a place for your spirit to find rest and inner peace...

Augsburg Church

Faith as a permanent presence

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews"

April 2011

The Price of Victory

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).

“Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.” These are the inspiring words of British Prime Minister, Winston Church. Known for his bold leadership in the United Kingdom during World War II, soldiers and citizens alike were undoubtedly moved and motivated by Churchill’s powerful and yet sobering reminder that victory only comes at the highest of prices. That price is most commonly satisfied in the shedding of blood, and much blood has been spilled on the battlefield throughout the history of humankind. Blood, that most precious of human commodities, shed by the bravest of our brave, and not for selfish gain, but rather to ensure the survival of others. While Churchill’s moving statement brings to mind those bold warriors who fought so valiantly to preserve their land’s liberty, those powerful words could just as easily be applied to the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who battled the forces of evil upon that hill called Calvary in order to preserve our eternal liberty. Consider…

Victory at all costs… Indeed! What greater cost could there ever be than the shed blood of God’s only begotten Jesus Christ, poured out upon the cross in payment of your sins?

Victory in spite of all terror… Indeed! Who would face greater terror than Jesus, who alone endured the unimaginable pain and humiliation of being riveted to a cross and raised up from the earth in full view of those whom He had come to save? Who alone endured the fiery wrath of God so that you might escape the righteous wrath that you had deserved because of your sins?

However long and hard the road may be… Indeed! Who had traveled a longer and harder road than Jesus Christ as He alone carried the heavy burden of our sin all the way from the waters of the Jordan River to the desolation of Calvary?

Without victory there is no survival… Indeed! The wages of sin is death! And because of this, we are all appointed once to die, and then the judgment. Who among us could ever hope to stand before the Judge’s seat, had not Jesus emerged victorious over sin, death and the grave?

Jesus alone pays the price of victory; He paid that price JUST FOR YOU. You shall live eternally because Jesus died for you. “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54b). Because Jesus overcame at the cross, you can boldly declare, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:55). Jesus has removed the sting from death, and Jesus gives to you the victory.

During this season of Lent, make ready your hearts for your crucified & risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Travel that desolate road to Calvary in the company of Your Redeemer. As Jesus selflessly gave His life for you, give yourselves fully to Him during this most holy season. Make a holy habit of gathering in His presence at every opportunity. By sharing in His suffering, you will be fully prepared to share in His glory on Easter morning. As you await the Day of Resurrection, remember the high price of your salvation; it is paid in full by the love of God in Christ Jesus. Your survival rests securely in His pierced hands. Thanks be to God, who gives you the victory through your Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bruce