While these are true for me, I also grew up with the Bible. I enjoyed hearing the accounts in Scripture over and over again. I enjoyed listening to my dad’s sermon illustrations long before I understood the depth of his preaching. I grew up in church, singing songs before I could carry a tune and serving people before I knew what that meant. One of my dad’s favorites (which became one of mine since we sang it often) is “Victory in Jesus.”

In June of 2002, at my grandfather’s memorial service, I learned that my dad’s love for this song may have come from his dad, who was also a preacher. He had a favorite sermon that he took everywhere, “just in case” he was asked to preach, titled “Victory in Jesus.”

God made the plan for redemption before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:3–10). The cross was not a backup plan because of our sin. The cross was THE plan to reconcile us!

When we are confronted with our sin, our belief in Jesus leads us to godly sorrow, which leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance then leads us to obedience. When we are baptized into Christ, we are forgiven. When we come out of the water, we walk in a new life (Romans 6:3–4).

I don’t know the details of my Grandpa’s sermon, but I have the benefit of the lessons he taught my dad. I now strive to continue that legacy so my children also claim Victory in Jesus!