For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
– 1 Peter 1:18, 19 NIV
The Passover, still celebrated in the Jewish religion today, marks the time when God “passed over” the firstborn of the Hebrews and killed the firstborn of the Egyptians, because Pharaoh had refused to free God’s people. The Israelites were directed by Moses to kill a lamb and prepare it for eating without breaking a bone of its body. They were then to sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the doorposts of their homes so the Death Angel would pass by when he saw the blood sacrifice. (See Exodus 12.)
When Jesus came as the fulfillment of the Passover, most Jews did not recognize Him as the Lamb of God. But for those who believed in Him as the Messiah, His shed blood was placed on the doorposts of their hearts, protecting and cleansing them forever.
Many people today still do not comprehend the power in Jesus’ blood. Scripture states that life itself is in the blood. (See Leviticus 17:14.) Many believe this to be a medical fact, but it is also a spiritual reality. The only way man can truly have eternal life is through the shed blood of Jesus.
Perhaps it has been some time since you actually thought about the price that was paid for your life. Maybe it is time to find someone this week and tell them about the One who loved them so much that He gave His life – shed His blood – for them. After all, it is your mission!
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb” (Rev. 22:1).
Excerpt permission granted by Albury Publishing
Carman Domenic Licciardello is an enigma in Christian music, often described as part evangelist, part Vegas Showman. His concerts were more like a rock and roll Billy Graham Crusade than a Christian music event. After all the singing, dancing, clapping, and preaching, crowds of people would stream down to the counseling area to accept Christ-many times as many as 5,000 in an evening.
Admission was usually free; a simple offering was taken, similar to 30,000 churches on Sunday mornings. And he filled the largest stadiums the world over. Carman held the record for the largest Christian concert ever in Dallas, Texas. But it even goes beyond that. Take the Mega Stadium acts that played the famed landmark such as Pink Floyd, U 2, Madonna, The Jackson Five, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and even Metallic. As the newspapers noted, you'll see that the one-act that drew the highest attendance in Texas Stadium was Carman, with 71,132.
Carman (1956-2021) was a popular contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Born Carman Licciardello, he began recording under his first name and released his debut album in 1980. Carman began charting contemporary Christian hits in 1984 with "Sunday's on the Way," reaching No. 1 with "The Champion" (1986) and "Radically Saved" (1988). His other hit songs include "Lord of All," "Jesus Is the Light," and "Satan, Bite the Dust!" Carman reportedly holds the world record for the largest audience at a Christian concert. His popularity was at its height in the 1980s and early '90s, but he continued releasing albums for years, including his most recent release, 2014's "No Plan B." In 2018, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
