I love the story of the cross and how Jesus laid down His life for us.  When you truly understand that He died to give us life it make the message even more powerful.  2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says it best.  Paul said, “Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own” (The Message).
            Everyone was included in His death so we could also be included in His life.  Christ died for everyone so everyone could experience new life.  What an amazing story.  What a powerful message.  The gospel is not a message of guilt and condemnation, but of powerful love.  Love that so strongly desired us to really be alive that He was willing to lay down His life for all.
            We have all heard it preached that if you were the only person alive on this earth that Jesus would have died just for you.  Which is a great illustration to the vast love of God, but the truth of the matter is that Jesus did not die for one person.  No where in scripture will you find it that Jesus laid down His life for you alone.  Yet so many of us have taken this statement all too literally.  We make the death of Christ all about ourselves.
            We come to church expecting God to touch us.  We show up with our arms open ready for God to bless us.  We say things like, “I just need a touch from God today.”  We all go through times when we need a special touch from God.  But when we regularly come to church needing God to touch us, “Something ain’t right.” (Said in my best southern drawl.)
            Let me challenge your thinking today by saying this, God did not die for you.  Romans 5:6 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”  Christ did not die so he could cater to your needs the rest of your life.  He died for the ungodly.  For all those who are far from Christ so that they could be brought into His presence and be made alive.
            We are the redeemed of the Lord.  We have been purchased with His blood.  No longer are we in need of His death, but we should be sharing His death with everyone who is in need.  That is why we bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord.  That is why we put others needs before our own.  Because we have experienced the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and we are commanded to share it with everyone else.  Christ did not die for you, He died for everyone.  It is time to let them know!