You May Feel Unworthy, But God

 

 “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Have you ever looked at your past and thought, “There’s no way God could love someone like me”? Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s love? Maybe the guilt of past decisions still lingers. Maybe you’ve walked away from God before—or perhaps you’ve never felt close to Him at all. At times, feelings of unworthiness can grip us so tightly that they silence our prayers, isolate us from Christian community, and convince us that we are beyond redemption. If so, you’re not alone. But the heart of the gospel is this: God didn’t wait for you to become lovable before He loved you.

But God. These two words in Romans 5:8 mark a turning point, not just in Scripture, but in the story of every believer. Paul writes that we were weak, ungodly, sinners, and even enemies of God. That’s a sobering diagnosis of the human heart—and not one we like to admit. But the Scripture doesn’t stop there. It doesn’t leave us in our brokenness. Instead, it lifts our eyes to the cross, where the most powerful demonstration of love took place.

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus didn’t die for perfect people. He didn’t come for the already-cleaned-up or spiritually polished. He came for the broken, the outcast, the ashamed, the guilty—He came for us in our *worst* condition. His sacrifice wasn’t a response to our goodness; it was a response to our need. His love wasn’t earned; it was given.

The truth is none of us are worthy of God’s love on our own. That’s why grace is so amazing. The cross didn’t happen because we were lovable—but because God is love. The weight of our sin was so great that only the death of God’s Son could pay for it. But even more powerful than the reality of our sin is the reality of God’s mercy.

This love transforms us. It frees us from shame. It gives us a new identity—not based on what we’ve done, but on what Christ has done for us. It gives us boldness to approach God, not as strangers or failures, but as forgiven sons and daughters.

So today, if you’re feeling unworthy—remember this truth: remember the gospel. Remember the cross. Remember that God loved you at your worst, and nothing can separate you from that love. You don’t need to earn His affection. Your salvation is not based on your performance but on the cross, where love, justice, and mercy meet. You are forgiven, welcomed, and eternally secure—not because you are good, but because God is. You simply need to receive it.

Take a moment to think about the areas of your life where shame still speaks loudly. Then speak this truth over yourself: “But God loved me there. Even there.”

Prayer:

Lord, thank You that Your love doesn’t wait for me to get it right. Thank You that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. Help me to trust in that love today, to let go of shame, and to live in the freedom Your grace provides. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Way to the Cross

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:31-34

Clear and concise communication is often a challenge for us. When we use the wrong word, the wrong verb, or the words are cut, often the results are funny or disastrous. Even Jesus' disciples themselves often had problems understanding what Jesus wanted to communicate to them. In this passage today, Jesus is speaking clearly. He's not using a parable. If we can paraphrase this passage, Jesus is telling his disciples; "Read my lips, I'm going to Jerusalem to die." And yet the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant. I am inviting you to walk with Jesus on this road and reflect on four key spiritual principles that shape our faith and discipleship.

 1. The Way to the Cross Was Foretold by the Prophets

Jesus declares that everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. This includes over 300 Old Testament prophecies, many of which detail the events surrounding His suffering and death. Let me give you ten specific prophecies—ranging from Jesus’ betrayal by a friend, being sold for thirty pieces of silver, remaining silent under accusation, being spat on and beaten, crucified with pierced hands and feet, mocked and insulted, having lots cast for His clothing, not having His bones broken, being buried in a rich man’s tomb, and ultimately, rising from the dead. These prophecies, written centuries before Jesus' birth, were fulfilled with remarkable precision. Their fulfillment confirms not only the divine inspiration of Scripture but also that Jesus’ suffering was not accidental—it was part of God’s redemptive plan from the very beginning.

2. The Way to the Cross Promises Rejection and Pain

Jesus knew that the road ahead would be filled with suffering and rejection. Although the Jewish people expected a victorious, kingly Messiah like David, they overlooked the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53. Jesus wasn’t surprised by what awaited Him—betrayal, denial, public humiliation, and excruciating physical pain. Yet, He still moved forward with unwavering purpose. Scripture reminds us that Jesus chose the path of suffering out of love for humanity. The same crowd that praised Him would later shout for His crucifixion. Still, Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, determined to complete His mission.

3. The Way to the Cross Leads to Resurrection

Jesus’ death, while deeply significant, is not the end of the story. Resurrection is what gives the cross its meaning and power. Without the resurrection, the story of Jesus would be no different from any other religious leader. But Jesus did what no one else could—He rose from the grave. The sermon explains that Christmas and the cross only have significance because of Easter. Through the resurrection, Jesus validated everything He said and did. His victory over death assures us that He is alive today and offers hope, salvation, and eternal life to all who believe.

4. The Way to the Cross Is the Pattern for Every Disciple

Finally, The Way to the Cross Is the Pattern for Every Disciple. Just as Jesus walked the road to the cross, every follower of Christ must also take up their cross daily. This is not just about historical remembrance but a present-day calling. Luke 9:23 says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” and Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”  These two verses highlight that being a disciple means dying to self and living by faith in Christ. It’s not easy—it means surrendering our desires and enduring hardships for the sake of the Gospel. But it is through this path that we experience the power of resurrection in our own lives.

5. Conclusion

In closing, the passage urges all of us to reflect on our relationship with the risen Christ. The evidence of Jesus’ death and resurrection is overwhelming, but more importantly, it reveals God’s immense love. By putting your faith in Jesus, you receive forgiveness and the greatest gift of all—eternal life. The road to the cross is not just Jesus’ story; it is the journey we’re all invited to walk as His followers. The road to the cross is the road to life. Will you walk it with Jesus?

May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may the Lord use these words to renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas

Christ Is Our Light

 Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and gross darkness the nations; but the LORD will rise upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2)

In my Hispanic tradition, today, we celebrate Three Kings Day. This day brings back beautiful memories of my childhood, as my siblings and I prepared little boxes with grass and water for the camels, placing them under the bed in anticipation of the morning to see what the kings had brought us.

However, this day has another very important meaning; it is also known as the Day of the Epiphany. What is Epiphany, many will ask? The simple definition is manifestation or revelation. Today we celebrate the manifestation or revelation of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to some wise men who came from the East to worship him.

In the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-2, we read: "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.'" The revelation of God to these wise men represents the revelation of God to the Gentiles (any person who was not Jewish was considered a Gentile).

When we read the words of the prophet Isaiah, we can conclude that the meaning of this day of celebration is that Christ manifested His Light to a world that lives spiritually in darkness. The birth of Jesus represents a bright sunrise in a very dark place. When the sun rises in the morning, its light dispels the darkness. When the Son of God enters the heart of a person, He dispels the darkness of sin, and that life shines before God.

We all need an Epiphany. We are all sinners, and like these wise men who came from the East, we all need to come and see the glory of God that is revealed through the light of the Spirit and the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the sun rises every morning in every nation, in every person, regardless of nationality or skin color, in the same way, Jesus Christ reveals Himself and illuminates our lives. His grace, His forgiveness, and His salvation rise and illuminate the life of every person on this earth.

Every person is invited to believe in Jesus, to worship and glorify His name, and to seek salvation in Him. It does not matter who you are; He can take you out of the darkness and lead you to the light. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may these words help you renew your spirit.

Pastor Dimas