EC Week 15-Believing in Jesus as Life

Ever Closer Episode 85: Wounded Hands

Jesus declares himself as the resurrection and the life, promising that those who believe in him will live forever, even beyond physical death (John 11:25-26). The musical themes emphasize recognizing the sacrifice Jesus made so we could live, choosing Jesus above all others, lifting your eyes to him in every circumstance, and building meaningful connections through intentional conversation. As Jesus pours his life into you, pour it out to others by actively sharing what he is teaching you with others, developing skills in meaningful dialogue, and consistently pointing people toward the hope and eternal life found only in Christ.

Here is today’s song:

Wounded Hands
God’s love for you is seen in Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming return. In grateful reverence, receive his love which cost him everything.

(Verse 1)
From heaven’s throne to a livestock stall,
The Word made flesh came down to dwell with us,
To walk among the broken and the small,
That we might live as children of his trust.

(Verse 2)
He lived the perfect life we could not lead,
Revealing God’s own heart in human frame,
Then bore our sins upon the cursed tree,
While we were enemies, he bore our shame.

(Chorus)
Jesus knows the depths of every longing soul,
He’s carried every burden, felt each tear,
His wounded hands can make the broken whole,
Filling every longing, calming every fear.

(Verse 3)
Death could not hold the Author of all life,
He burst the grave and conquered sin’s dark reign,
Now we can rise above our daily strife,
And find his strength to carry us through pain.

(Verse 4)
He rose to heaven’s courts to prepare
A dwelling place where sorrow cannot reach,
Yet sends his Spirit, present everywhere,
To comfort, guide, empower us, and teach.

(Bridge)
Receive by faith his gift of grace divine,
Let Jesus shape your heart to be like his,
Pour out the love that made your darkness shine,
And share with all, the hope that’s truly his.

(Chorus)
Jesus knows the depths of every longing soul,
He’s carried every burden, felt each tear,
His wounded hands can make the broken whole,
Filling every longing, calming every fear.

(Outro)
Look to the day when Christ returns in might,
To wipe away tears and make all things new,
We live as bearers of his holy light,
Transformed by his love as he sees us through.

Ever Closer Episode 86: Why I Choose Jesus

Jesus is the most interesting, most powerful, and most loving person I have ever met. He is God, the Son, who became a man to save anyone who turns to him.

(Verse 1)
In a world of darkness, Jesus shines life’s light.
His love knows no bounds, he can cure our blight.
He gave His life willingly, for every lost soul.
Through His resurrection, the broken become whole.

(Verse 2)
No one can compare, to Jesus’ might and grace.
Preeminent in all things, yet to us he relates.
His character holy, His wisdom divine.
True life, only in him will we find.

(Chorus)
By faith in Jesus, I’m forgiven and restored.
His grace, a gift, I could never afford.
Chosen by His love, I’m given a new start.
His power in my life, His love in my heart.
I choose Jesus, because he first chose me.
He’s my savior, my friend, my living victory.

(Verse 3)
Jesus has the answers, to life’s mysteries.
He knows us before birth, on through our destiny.
He imparts purpose, and defines what’s right.
With Him as our guide, we’ll find delight.

(Verse 4)
When Jesus comes again, to claim His rightful throne.
Evil will be crushed, what’s hidden will be known.
His followers rewarded, in His eternal grace.
Forever in His presence, secure in his embrace.

(Chorus)
By faith in Jesus, I’m forgiven and restored.
His grace, a gift, I could never afford.
Chosen by His love, I’m given a new start.
His power in my life, His love in my heart.
I choose Jesus, because he first chose me.
He’s my savior, my friend, my living victory.

Ever Closer Episode 87: Lift Up Your Eyes

In bad times and good times you can lift your eyes to Jesus for he saves and sets free fully and forever.

(Verse 1)
When sickness plagues your weary frame
And pain daily calls your name.
When health slips through aging hands
And youth’s vigor no longer stands.

(Verse 2)
When guilt weighs heavy on your soul
And wrong doing takes its toll.
When life tightens like a vice
Or enemies encroach to fight.

(Chorus)
Lift up your eyes, see Jesus there.
He saves and frees from all despair.
Trust and obey, He’ll make a way.
God is with you by faith each day.

(Verse 3)
When loneliness wraps you in its shroud
Misunderstood among the crowd
When anxious thoughts invade your mind
And fear leaves peace far behind.

(Chorus)
Lift up your eyes, see Jesus there.
He saves and frees from all despair.
Trust and obey, He’ll make a way.
God is with you by faith each day.

(Bridge)
In joyful times, also recall
God’s blessings, both great and small.
For every good and perfect gift
Comes from above, your soul to lift.
When love surrounds you, makes you strong
Grace and wisdom guide you along.
When hope leads to a future true
Lift your eyes, praise God anew.

(Verse 4)
Through highs and lows, in Christ be strong
In Him rejoice, the whole day long.
Nothing’s impossible with him. Take heart.
His Spirit in you will never part.

(Outro)
Lift up your eyes, see Jesus reign.
He heals all wounds, breaks every chain.
Fully and forever, you are free.
Lift up your eyes and truly see.

Ever Closer Episode 88: Now and Forever

Praise God for the unimaginable blessings people can have now and into eternity if they trust in Jesus to save them.

(Verse 1)
From the dawn of time, before all was made
The Son stood eternal, in glory arrayed.
Image of God, yet veiled from our sight
Creator of all, with wisdom and might.

(Verse 2)
He came to our world, a gift from above
To show us the Father’s unending love.
Redemption through blood, forgiveness so free
Grace upon grace, for you and for me.

(Chorus)
Oh praise to the Lord, our Savior divine.
Those who trust him receive blessings sublime.
His love never fails, His mercies abound.
In Jesus our hope and our future are found.

(Verse 3)
Now seated in heaven, yet close to our hearts.
His Spirit within us, new life He imparts.
We’re heirs to a kingdom, that’s yet to unfold
With riches untold, more precious than gold.

(Verse 4)
What eye has not seen, what ear has not heard
The glories prepared, beyond every word.
For those who will trust Him, and walk in His way
A future so bright, an eternal day.

(Bridge)
From broken to whole, from darkness to light
From death into life, from weakness to might.
He’s making all new, in heaven and earth
Uniting all things, fulfilling his word.

(Chorus)
Oh praise to the Lord, our Savior divine.
Those who trust him receive blessings sublime.
His love never fails, His mercies abound.
In Jesus our hope and our future are found.

(Outro)
So lift up your voice, let gratitude ring
For all He has done, for all He will bring.
Our God and our King, forever adored
All glory and honor to Christ our Lord.

Ever Closer Episode 89: Bridge the Gap

Jesus used questions to reveal truth and to draw people into a closer relationship with himself. Develop the skill and discover the joy of asking questions and deeply connecting with people through meaningful conversation. Build on that connection to serve them, love them, and point them to Jesus.

(Verse 1)
Firelight flickers on weathered faces.
Stories unfold in familiar places.
Laughter echoes through the night.
No phones in sight, just pure delight.

(Chorus)
We used to talk, we used to share
Now we’re lost in screens everywhere.
But it’s not too late to reconnect.
Engage and listen, to bridge the gap.

(Verse 2)
Porch swings creaking, ice tea sweating
Neighbors chatting, sun’s just setting.
Kids play tag as twilight falls
No urgent texts, no hurried calls.

(Chorus)
We used to talk, we used to share
Now we’re lost in screens everywhere.
But it’s not too late to reconnect.
Engage and listen, to bridge the gap.

(Bridge)
In every heart, there’s a story waiting
A treasure trove well worth mining.
Face to face let’s re-employ
Deep conversation with wonder and joy.

(Verse 3)
Dinner tables, can thrive with chatter
Don’t scroll past what really matters.
For inside us all stirs a yearning strong
To be known and loved, to truly belong.

(Chorus)
We used to talk, we used to share
Now we’re lost in screens everywhere.
But it’s not too late to reconnect.
Engage and listen, to bridge the gap.

Ever Closer Episode 90: Reflection for Week 15

We are created by God in his image and to bear his likeness. He has given us a three-part nature of body, spirit, and soul (which is our mind, will, emotions, and personality). When our physical body dies, our soul and spirit still exist, but they cannot be united with God unless they are restored from their fallen, self-centered state. By living a righteous life, dying on our behalf, and rising to life again, Jesus conquered sin and death and its terminal grip on us. He is the resurrection and the life that we so desperately need to bridge the chasm that separates us from a holy God. Jesus restores anyone who trusts him as their savior. They can live with God forever as God originally intended, even when their physical body dies.

Our scripture focus this week is another unique declaration from Jesus in John 11:25-26. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” No other religion can answer our heartfelt need for true life, now and throughout eternity. Other religions are people’s vain attempt to reach God or some state of bliss through personal discipline and striving, but no one has been successful to save themselves. Only Jesus Christ offers life after death, as proven by his empty tomb and multiple eyewitness accounts. Christianity is God reaching down to us through Jesus and lovingly lifting us to abundant life with him by grace.

Here are three questions for reflection:

1. How has this profound truth about Jesus being the resurrection and the life changed your perspective on sharing your faith with others who face mortality without hope?

2. “Lift Up Your Eyes” reminds us that in both bad and good times, we can look to Jesus who “saves and sets free fully and forever.” What testimony of Jesus’ saving work in your life could lift someone else’s eyes to Him during their difficult season?

3. The song “Bridge the Gap” encourages developing the skill of asking questions and connecting deeply with people through meaningful conversation. What specific questions have helped you engage others in spiritual conversations that go beyond surface-level interactions?