Thursday, February 13, 2014

Capitol Bible Study: "When the Innocent is Condemned..."

25 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit.

  


That’s what happened to Michael Morton of Williamson County, Texas. In 1986 his wife Christine was brutally murdered in front of their three year old son. Even though he was at work at the time, authorities still suspected him and he was arrested, tried, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. Many years later it was discovered that the prosecutor had suppressed evidence that may have shown his innocence. After the evidence was tested for DNA it proved Morton was not guilty and soon another violent criminal was convicted of his wife’s murder. In 2011, after nearly 25 years in prison, Morton was released from prison.

Whenever we hear an account such as this, we are saddened and angered. However this is just a small illustration that might help us understand the message of the gospel. Jesus Christ, who was completely innocent, was convicted and paid the ultimate sentence for crimes He did not commit. He suffered and died and bore the wrath and punishment for OUR crimes – for our sin against a Holy God. Rather than being saddened or angered that the Innocent One was so brutally punished for crimes He did not commit, we rejoice in grace and mercy that God has shown to us through Christ!

Right after His baptism, Jesus passed a test that proved His innocence and sinlessness. This was His temptation by Satan in the wilderness. Jesus proved His innocence and worthiness to become the perfect sacrifice for our sin. This is the subject of this week’s study at the West Virginia capitol as we consider “When the Innocent is Condemned…
  • Pray that the legislators, elected officials, lobbyists, and staff who attend the study or who read the notes as they are distributed throughout the statehouse might understand the enormity of what Christ did for us.
  • Pray that each of might grow in our love and worship for Christ as consider the Innocent who was condemned in our place.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Capitol Bible Study: "Inauguration Day"

Inauguration and swearing in ceremonies are a big deal in the West Virginia capitol. At these events our leaders are formally recognized and approved to perform the duties of their offices. We see that the higher the office, the more dignified and elaborate are these ceremonies.

At Jesus' baptism by John we see Jesus' "Inauguration Day" as He is approved by the Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit to begin the work God had given Him to do. This was the work of living a life of perfect obedience, suffering and dying on the cross, and rising again. All this done on our behalf so that our sin might be laid upon Him and His obedience credited to us.

This is the topic of this week's Bible study at the West Virginia capitol. You can download the notes for our Bible study here.