The Gospel of John begins with the words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later in the same chapter, John writes that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” The Word John is referring to is Jesus Christ. Born of the Virgin Mary, Jesus took on human flesh and entered the world to save humanity from sin and death. Throughout the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the authors record Jesus’ earthly ministry, providing example after example that He is the Son of God. During His three-year ministry, Jesus traveled throughout Judea, preaching to the crowds, performing miracles, making disciples, and proclaiming the good news of the Gospel.

Who else would put aside their heavenly glory and come to save humanity from sin? Jesus alone. In John 3:17, John writes, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to redeem it. On the cross, He bore the weight of humanity’s sin and paid the penalty that we deserved through His sacrificial death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for all who place their faith in Him to receive the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life.

At first, this story may seem bleak. The Savior of the world had just died on a cross. He was beaten, bruised, and pierced as nails were driven through His hands and feet to crucify Him. Yet in humanity's darkest moment, Jesus secured the greatest victory. Ever since humanity's fall into sin in Genesis 3, God's plan of redemption was to send His Son as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus was laid in a tomb, but three days later He rose from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. Through His resurrection, He made a way for humanity to be forgiven, reconciled to God, and rescued from eternal separation from Him.

After rising from the dead, Jesus spent forty days on earth in His resurrected body, continuing to minister and preparing His disciples for the mission ahead. In Matthew 28, just before ascending into heaven, Jesus gave His followers their final commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This Great Commission is the calling of every believer and the reason we are planting CrossWay Church: so that people in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, and beyond may hear the Gospel, become disciples of Jesus Christ, and experience the transforming power of His salvation.

One of the greatest hopes we have as Christians is the promise that Jesus is coming again. Although no one knows the day or the hour of His return, we can be certain that He will come back. As we wait for that day, each of us must answer a simple but important question: Are you ready for His return? Being ready means placing your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, knowing that your sins have been forgiven and that you have a personal relationship with Him. If you are not ready, there is still time to respond to the Gospel. In Romans, Paul writes, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This invitation is available to everyone who believes in Christ.