EC Week 16-Believing in Jesus as Life

Ever Closer Episode 91: The Grand Exchange

God has given us his written word, the Bible, and Jesus, his nature fully expressed as a human so that we may believe Jesus is the Christ and find life in his name (John 20:31). This week’s songs celebrate the grand exchange of God becoming human so we can become one with him. They remind us of our infinite worth in God’s eyes, and call us to humble heroism like Jesus demonstrated. Apply these truths by sharing the gospel message through both words and actions, writing personal notes of encouragement to friends, and finding joy in Christ that transcends circumstances while helping others discover their value and purpose in God’s plan.

Here is today’s song:

The Grand Exchange
Though it meant unfathomable suffering and sacrifice God was pleased for Jesus to become like one of us in order for us to become one with him (Hebrews 2:9-11).

(Verse 1)
From heaven’s throne to earth below
The Son of God, his love to show
Broke death’s chains, set captives free.
From sin’s grip, he holds the key.

(Verse 2)
Our faithful priest, merciful and kind
With our weaknesses, he’s intertwined.
In temptation’s hour, he stands near.
Our struggles and pain, he holds dear.

(Verse 3)
Victor of salvation, author of faith
Perfecting our journey, by his grace
At God’s right hand, he takes his seat.
For us he pleads, our advocate sweet.

(Chorus)
Jesus, God’s Son, Creator of all
Exchanged His glory for our fall.
He became like us, took on our sin
So by faith, we might become like him.

(Bridge)
In his sacrifice, we find our peace
His righteousness, our soul’s release.
Let us approach his throne with boldness
For mercy and grace in times of need.

(Verse 4)
From dust to glory, he draws us nigh
Sons and daughters of God, most high
In his family, we take our place.
Basking in the light of his face.

(Chorus)
Jesus, God’s Son, Creator of all
Exchanged His glory for our fall.
He became like us, took on our sin
So by faith, we might become like him.

Ever Closer Episode 92: Your Life Matters

You are priceless, special, and loved by God for he created you. Confess any wrongdoing and trust Jesus to save you. Then follow him to discover the glorious plan God has for you.

(Verse 1)
You, my child, so precious and true,
Are fashioned by God, with a purpose in view.
Knit in the womb, before time began,
Fearfully and wonderfully, a part of his plan.

(Verse 2)
Through sacrifice, Jesus paid the price,
Conquering death, he offers new life.
Bow before him in trust, stand redeemed,
You can be forgiven, ’cause love intervened.

(Chorus)
Your life matters, a treasure to behold,
Out of love, God’s story for you unfolds.
In Christ, the Savior, you find your true worth,
Growing in him, is the best pursuit on earth.

(Bridge)
Beyond mere survival, your purpose shines bright,
To love and serve others, walk in God’s light.
Draw near to the Father, do what is right,
Pursue what’s good, empowered by his might.

(Verse 3)
Let your heart sing, let your soul find its rest,
In the One who loves you, who knows you best.
Find your deepest delight in pleasing him,
As he heals and transforms you from within.

(Chorus)
Your life matters, a treasure to behold,
Out of love, God’s story for you unfolds.
In Christ, the Savior, you find your true worth,
Growing in him, is the best pursuit on earth.

(Outro)
So bask in God’s blessing, share it freely.
Your life matters, ’cause God loves you dearly.

Ever Closer Episode 93: Bended Knee

A hero is not someone who lifts themselves up, but rather someone who bends low to lift others up. Jesus is the greatest hero, for he humbly saved the world. Trust in him and become a hero, too.

(Verse 1)
There’s a hero in our midst,
But not the one with fame and rizz.
It’s the one who bends to lift the weak,
And lends a hand to those in need.

(Verse 2)
The nurse who holds a patient’s hand,
And takes the time to understand.
The teacher who inspires the youth,
To act with wisdom and discover truth.

(Chorus)
A hero’s not the one on high,
But the one who hears the cry.
They risk to venture into the night,
To save and serve the ones in plight.

(Verse 3)
The neighbor who lends a helping hand,
To fix a fence or till some land.
The one who gives without thought of cost,
To feed the hungry, and save the lost.

(Chorus)
A hero’s not the one on high,
But the one who hears the cry.
They risk to venture into the night,
To save and serve the ones in plight.

(Bridge)
If you want to be a hero true,
Forget about the fame for you.
Instead, reach out to those in need.
Let giving to others, be your creed.

(Verse 4)
The single parent who rarely rests,
To build a future for their child’s best
The volunteer who invests their days,
To help the hurting, without praise.

(Chorus)
A hero’s not the one on high,
But the one who hears the cry.
They risk to venture into the night,
To save and serve the ones in plight.

Ever Closer Episode 94: Paper Bridges

In our modern, fast-paced world of information technology it is special to receive a hand-written letter from a friend. Look for ways like this to connect with people. Build on that connection to share with them the love and hope you have found in Jesus.

(Verse 1)
A letter in the mail, written by you
I curl up by the fire, to read of your news.
Your words are a warm embrace, a sweet surprise
Like our talks on the roof under starry skies.

(Verse 2)
Watercolor stationery, a vibrant hue
I picture you writing, by window’s view.
Your cheerful script dances across the page
Bringing light to my world, a needed change.

(Chorus)
Oh, the joy of ink on paper
Good news from a friend so dear.
A blessing in an envelope
Your presence feels so near.

(Verse 3)
Though struggles surround me, like stormy seas
Your letter’s a lifeline, a gentle breeze.
Miles may separate, but you’re in my heart.
Your words bridge the distance that keeps us apart.

(Bridge)
Memories flood back, of laughter and tears
Cherry blossoms in rain, throughout the years.
Let’s meet again soon, and walk side by side.
True friendship endures, a bond that abides.

(Chorus)
Oh, the joy of ink on paper
Good news from a friend so dear.
A blessing in an envelope
Your presence feels so near.

(Outro)
I’m writing you back, with hope in my pen
That my words bring you joy, again and again.
For a hand-written letter, crafted on a page
Is a treasure to cherish, in this digital age.

Ever Closer Episode 95: Wellspring of Joy

With Jesus you can experience a joy that outlasts happiness and transcends circumstances. By his grace and power let his joy overflow from you to others.

(Verse 1)
In the quiet heart, a wellspring deep and pure,
Where happiness, a surface stream, flows brief and insecure.
It’s not in chasing what we want, but in embracing what is given,
That joy, like rivers deep and calm, reflects the light of heaven.

(Verse 2)
Happiness may dance upon the waves of our days,
A fleeting smile, a moment’s grace, in sunlight’s golden rays.
But joy, oh joy, it flows beneath, where calming waters roam,
An anchor in the storms of life, a light to guide us home.

(Chorus)
In God, we find a joy that’s firm, a beacon in the night,
A steady flame that never dims, but burns forever bright.
For joy is more than what we feel, it’s knowing we belong,
To a future greater than our own, God’s love both full and strong.

(Verse 3)
God imparts his joy for our best, to shape us in His mold,
To turn our hearts to mirror Christ’s, a fresh work never old.
In letting go, we find our peace, in yielding, gain control,
For joy is found in sweet release, in surrender of the soul.

(Bridge)
It’s not the sun that dictates joy, but God’s Son who reigns above,
In Him, we find redeeming grace, a sacrificial love.
So let us walk this path He’s laid, with hearts in heaven sown,
For joy is grand, fear unrobed, when God is on the throne.

(Chorus)
In God, we find a joy that’s firm, a beacon in the night,
A steady flame that never dims, but burns forever bright.
For joy is more than what we feel, it’s knowing we belong,
To a future greater than our own, God’s love both full and strong.

(Outro)
So take heart, dear soul, and lift your gaze, beyond the here and now,
To Jesus, who with joy endured, before whom every knee shall bow.
His promises are sure and true, His way is just and right,
In Him, our joy is ever new, our burdens ever light.

Ever Closer Episode 96: Reflection for Week 16

The wonderful gift of Jesus as our life is thoughtfully wrapped in the name God gave him. In his perfect timing, two thousand years ago, God announced through the angel, Gabriel, that the virgin, Mary, would miraculously give birth to a son and his name would be, “Jesus” which means “Yahweh saves.” “Christ” in Greek (or “Messiah” in Hebrew) means anointed one or chosen one. Numerous times throughout history God foretold that he would set apart someone special, his chosen one, to accomplish his purpose of saving broken people who had turned from him and were destined to die apart from him. God fulfilled this promise in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who became a man to save all who trust him.

Our scripture focus this week is John 20:31 where the apostle John gives the reason why he and others were inspired by God’s Holy Spirit to write about Jesus life, mission, and message. “But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.”

Here are three questions to consider:

1. The song “The Grand Exchange” speaks of Jesus becoming like us so we could become one with Him. How has understanding this profound exchange changed your life?

2. “Your Life Matters” affirms that you are “priceless, special, and loved by God.” How has this truth transformed your sense of identity and purpose, and how might sharing it encourage someone struggling with feelings of worthlessness?

3. “Bended Knee” defines a hero as “someone who bends low to lift others up,” with Jesus as the ultimate example. What truths about Jesus’ humble service could you share that might inspire others to find true greatness through serving rather than self-promotion?