1. Created – We are made in love, for love
So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
(Genesis 1:27)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.
(Jeremiah 1:5)

I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
(John 10:10)

→ God’s original plan is that we are created good, with dignity, destined for communion with Him. Do I see myself and others as created in God’s image and loved by Him?

2. Captured – Sin and separation from God
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
(Romans 3:23)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 6:23)

Rather, your iniquities have been barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.
(Isaiah 59:2)

→ Humanity turned from God, becoming enslaved to sin and unable to save itself. In what ways do I experience the effects of sin in my own life and in the world around me?

3. Rescued – Jesus Christ saves us
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
(John 3:16)

But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.
(Romans 5:8)

Christ suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God.
(1 Peter 3:18)

→ In His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death and reconciled us to the Father. How has Jesus’ saving work become real in my own life?

4. Response – Our free ‘yes’ to God’s gift
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.
(Mark 1:15)

“The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
(Romans 10:8-9)

Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:38)

→ We must respond personally: turning from sin, trusting in Jesus, and living as His disciple within His Church. How is God calling me to respond more fully to His love today?

How can we be mini-mediators, and what can we do to ensure that what Jesus did for us does not go to waste?

Receive the gift of salvation.
Acknowledge that Jesus alone is the Mediator and Savior. Before sharing Him with others, you must first personally receive His mercy and grace. Go to confession regularly.

Intercede for others.
Like Paul urges in 1 Timothy 2, pray on behalf of all people: family, leaders, even enemies. Prayer is so important.

Witness to the faith.
Share, by word and example, what Christ has done for you. Live in such a way that your life points others toward Him.

Steward God’s grace well.
As in Luke 16, be intentional and responsible with the gifts you’ve been entrusted, using them to advance God’s kingdom and help others encounter His love.