By Faith & Freedom News Staff | April 18, 2025
As darkness fell over Calvary nearly two thousand years ago, our Lord uttered the words that would forever mark the greatest act of sacrificial love in human history: “It is finished.” Today, Christians across America and around the world pause to commemorate Good Friday—the solemn day when Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life for the redemption of humanity.
A Message from Michael D. Butler, CEO of Beyond Publishing and Faith & Freedom News
Dear Friends and Fellow Believers,
On this sacred Good Friday, I am reminded of the immeasurable price paid for our salvation. The cross of Christ stands as history’s pivotal moment—where divine justice and mercy met, where heaven touched earth, and where our eternal redemption was secured through unimaginable sacrifice.
At Faith & Freedom News, we believe the message of the cross remains as powerful and relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. In a world increasingly hostile to Christian values, the example of Jesus—who endured suffering with unwavering commitment to truth—inspires us to stand firm in our convictions.
Today, as we remember our Lord’s passion, I invite you to join me in reflecting deeply on what Christ accomplished for us and in praying earnestly for our brothers and sisters worldwide who face persecution for bearing His name. Their courage in the face of oppression testifies to the transformative power of the gospel.
May this Good Friday strengthen your faith, deepen your gratitude, and renew your commitment to being a light in these challenging times.
In His service,
Michael D. Butler CEO, Beyond Publishing and Faith & Freedom News
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Good Friday stands as the pinnacle moment in God’s redemptive plan. The cross, once a symbol of Roman brutality and shame, has been transformed into the universal emblem of divine love and forgiveness. As the prophet Isaiah foretold centuries before: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
This sacrifice transcends mere historical remembrance—it remains the foundation of our faith and the source of our salvation. The cross reveals both the grave reality of sin and the immeasurable depth of God’s love. On this day, we recall that Christ, who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Pastor James Wilson of Grace Community Fellowship reminds us: “Good Friday isn’t called ‘good’ because the suffering of Jesus was good—it’s ‘good’ because of what His suffering accomplished. Through His death, we find life. Through His wounds, we find healing. Through His sacrifice, we find redemption.”
A Call to Reflection and Prayer
Good Friday invites us to reflection, repentance, and renewed gratitude. In our fast-paced society, we must intentionally slow down to contemplate the weight of Christ’s sacrifice. When we truly grasp what transpired at Calvary, our response can only be one of profound worship and thanksgiving.
“Too often, we rush past Good Friday in anticipation of Easter Sunday’s celebration,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Chambers, Christian historian and author. “But without fully engaging with the cross, we cannot fully appreciate the empty tomb. The darkness of Friday gives Sunday’s dawn its transformative power.”
As we observe this holy day, let us set aside time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation on Christ’s passion. Many churches will hold special services tonight, creating sacred space for believers to gather at the foot of the cross in reverent remembrance.
Remembering Our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters
While we freely observe Good Friday in America, we must remember that countless Christians around the world risk their lives to follow Christ. In over 50 countries, believers face severe persecution, including imprisonment, torture, and death because of their faith in Jesus.
Recent reports from Open Doors USA indicate that more than 360 million Christians live under high levels of persecution. In places like North Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Nigeria, simply possessing a Bible or gathering for worship can lead to arrest or worse.
“The persecution of Christians has reached unprecedented levels globally,” explains Jonathan Ramirez, director of International Christian Concern. “Many believers are literally living out the reality of taking up their cross daily to follow Christ.”
On this Good Friday, we urge our readers to intentionally pray for persecuted Christians worldwide—that God would strengthen their faith, provide for their needs, and bring about justice and religious freedom in their nations. Consider also supporting organizations that provide practical assistance to these courageous believers who stand firm despite severe opposition.
Standing Firm in Faith
As we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and remember our persecuted family members in faith, let us also reaffirm our own commitment to stand for biblical truth in an increasingly hostile culture. Though our challenges in America pale in comparison to what many face overseas, we are nonetheless called to be faithful witnesses who hold fast to God’s Word without compromise.
The message of the cross has always been “foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). We need not be ashamed of this gospel—it remains the only hope for our broken world.
This Good Friday, may we each find renewed courage at the foot of the cross, remembering that the One who conquered sin and death now intercedes for us at the Father’s right hand. His sacrifice grants us not only forgiveness but also the power to live victoriously amid life’s challenges.
As we await the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, let us carry the solemn weight of Good Friday in our hearts—grateful for the price that was paid, mindful of those who suffer for their faith, and committed to living lives worthy of such amazing grace.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Faith & Freedom News (FFN) is dedicated to bringing you news and commentary from a Christian perspective, defending religious liberty, and promoting biblical values in the public square.
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