(By Bert Farias) Why did Jesus die? The most common answer from the average Christian would be: So that our sins could be forgiven. That sounds right. It even sounds biblical. But it falls so short of striking at the core of God’s heart and purpose for mankind and for His glorious church. This common response reveals just how far we’ve drifted from God’s true purpose in saving us. And I will even go out on a limb and say that it is the very reason for a weak and anemic church, and her lack

of power, character, and endurance. You may be asking, “How is this so?” Instead of going back to the cross to uncover God’s original purpose for us, let’s go further back to creation. Have you ever asked yourself what was in the mind of God when He created man? What was His original intent and purpose? You really cannot even understand the cross or the gospel until you understand that because sin was not yet an issue. At creation, the fall of man was not yet a reality.  READ MORE