From the Pastors Pen
The following article is a summary of a sermon delivered recently by Pastor Gary at Bethany Pentecostal Chapel, Manitouwadge, Ontario. You can hear Pastor Gary in person by attending Sunday morninig Worhip weekly, at 10:30am.
Christianity has some unalterable truths. One of those truths is that there is power in the Cross of Jesus Christ.
There is power in the Cross:
— The Power of the Cross is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
( see Hebrews 9:22b ; John 1:29 ; Exodus 12:21-23 ; Hebrews 12:24 )
“ . . . Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” * Hebrews 9:22b
John the Baptist declared of Jesus “. . . “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” * John 1:29b
“The question is not whether you have come to a knowledge of doctrine, or an observance of ceremonies, or to a certain form of experience, but have you come to the blood of Jesus?” Charles Spurgeon
There is power in the Cross:
— The Power of the Cross is in our crucified and RISEN Lord
( see Mark 16:1-6 ; Hebrews 7:24-25 ; Romans 8:34 )
* Mark 16:1-6.
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. * Mark 16:1-6
* Hebrews 7:24-25 — 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
The way to God is through our crucified and risen Lord, Jesus Christ. He declared quite clearly of Himself, “. . . “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
The Apostle Paul, writing to followers of Jesus Christ, declared as recorded in * Romans 8:34 “. . . Christ Jesus, who died — more than that, who was raised to life — is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
There is power in the Cross:
— The Power of the Cross is in SUBMISSION to the Christ of the Cross { Die to Self and Do His Will }
( see Matthew 10:37-39 ; 16:24-26 ; Matthew 7:21 ; 12:50 ; Hebrews 10:36 ; 1 John 2:17 )
* Matthew 10:37-39 ( Jesus speaking here )
“Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
* Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.
* Matthew 7:21 ( Jesus again )
— “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
There is power in the Cross:
— The Power of the Cross is in LIVING a LIFE for the Christ of the Cross . Declaring Him to the world.
( see Matthew 10:32-33 ; Matthew 5:14-16 ; 1 Peter 2:9-10 )
* Matthew 10:32-33 — “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
To live a life for Christ is to acknowledge Him in word, actions, lifestyle, decisions. At home, at work, at play, at church. In the community. Living a life for Christ is to care for the broken-hearted. Lift up the fallen. Search for the prodigal. Go the second, third and fourth mile. And more. Reach out a helping hand. Sacrifice time, energy, finances.
* Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
It’s time the Church of Jesus Christ, stood, lived and walked, in the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ! We know there is power in the Cross.
Power in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The question Christians need to ask of themselves is this, “Am I living in that power? 1 Corinthians 4:20 — For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
CONCLUSION
The Power of the Cross calls for:
- laying down ones life
- setting aside ones will
- setting aside family
- setting aside worry
- setting aside the cares of this world
- seeking FIRST the kingdom of God
a determination to be all that Christ has called us to be
How will we see, and experience, the power of the Cross evident in our life?
- By spending time alone with God. In prayer and the Word of God. The Holy Bible.
- By repenting our sins. Sins of commission and omission.
- By crying out to God in desperation for a move of the power of God in our life.
- By cleaning up our lives
- By getting rid of the junk
- By seeking FIRST the Kingdom of God. Placing Him as priority one
There is power in the Cross.
- The Power of the Cross is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
- The Power of the Cross is in our crucified and RISEN Lord
- The Power of the Cross is in SUBMISSION to the Christ of the Cross
- { Die to Self and Do His Will }
- The Power of the Cross is in LIVING a LIFE for the Christ of the Cross . Declaring Him to the world.
The Cross of Jesus Christ is not merely some piece of jewelry. Not some amulet to be worn against evil. Not some good-luck charm or just an ornament to be hung in your home.
No — the message of the Cross of Jesus Christ has power to change the world!
* All Bible quotations are taken from the New International Version of the Bible
