Elder Laine Wilder comes to you personally to provide several good reasons for the hypostatic union of Jesus. According to Laine, "Only Jesus poured out His soul unto death so that all who believe in Him will never die. Only Jesus endured the worst so that we would, forevermore, enjoy the best - HIMSELF! Oh, what a Savior!" Only One could satisfy God's righteous judgment for cosmic treason. There was no other who could save us - Only Jesus!

Elder Laine Wilder asks this week, "Why do people gravitate to sentimental pictures of Jesus?" Do we actually know who the REAL JESUS is? "The REAL Jesus requires repentance from the lifestyle of sin. The REAL Jesus seeks those who would deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. The REAL Jesus offers forgiveness and everlasting life if you will believe in Him! The REAL Jesus is ready to wade through pain, death, and hell itself to find us, grasp our hand, and bring us safely through." Have you turned your heart to the REAL Jesus? If not today, when?

The Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison for his faith in Jesus Christ. Not knowing how long he had to live, he wrote the following words to the church at Philippi, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Philippians 1:21-23 (ESV).

Beloved, Paul wanted to depart. He was ready. He couldn’t wait to be face-to-face with Jesus! How about YOU? Are you ready to shout, “Anchors Away!” and set sail into Jesus’ arms?

Elder Laine Wilder asks, “What great and mighty things do you want God to do for you?” and reminds us that with God, there is nothing that is impossible if we ask and believe. Is there a great and mighty thing that you would ask the Lord for? Today, be encouraged to “lay your burdens at the foot of the cross and see what great and mighty things the Lord will do for you!”

In this week's Insights From an Elder, Laine Wilder challenges the believer to "seriously consider who it is you are really talking to" when you pray. To whom do you lift your voice in prayer? The Creator of the universe wants to hear from you. He is listening, and ready to answer, if you will call to Him!