Behold, the Cross!

Introduction:

Crucifixion in antiquity

Persian Origin

Carthaginian and Roman adoption

The Cross in the Bible

Deut 21:22-23 It was punishment

Mark 8:34 It is a way of life Matt 11:28-30

Luke 23:26 It is to be bore with others. Gal 6:2

1 Corinthians 1:23 It is what we preach 1 Cor 15:12

Galatians 6:14-15 It is what we boast in, not of ourselves. 1 Cor 11:30, 1 Cor 12:9

Christ’s Cross

John 19:17 Christ had to bear His own cross

John 19:19 Pilate labeled Him on His cross

John 19:25 Standing by, not nailed to, were those closest to Him

John 19:31 He was not to remain on His cross

What The Cross of Christ is to Us!

I. The Cross of Christ Compels Us!

A. It did to the Ethiopian Eunuch Acts 8:36

B. It did to Paul on road to Damascus Acts 9:6

C. It did to Agrippa II Acts 26:28

II. The Cross of Christ Convicts Us!

A. As those at Pentecost Acts 2:37

B. As the Sanhedrin Acts 5:33

C. As Sergius Paulus Acts 13:12

III. The Cross of Christ Converts Us!

A. Like those at Pentecost Acts 2:41

B. Like Simon the Sorcerer Acts 8:12

C. Like Paul’s personal account Acts 22:16

IV. The Cross of Christ Converges Us!

A. Into one body and spirit 1 Cor 12: 13

B. Into one accord Acts 4:36

C. Into the Kingdom of God John 3:5

V. The Cross of Christ Concerns Us!

A. With our family Acts 10:48 & Acts 16:33

B. With our friends John 4:39

C. With those familiar with Jesus Acts 18:26

VI. The Cross of Christ Commands Us!

A. Remember what took place there 1 Cor 11:24

B. Remember the words of Christ Acts 20:35

C. Remember to love one another John 15:10-16

The Way of the Cross Leads H.O.M.E.

That wonderful hymn is one that always touches my soul. This past week I was humming it while the quadrupeds took me for a walk, and it got me thinking about home as an acrostic. The way of the cross leads to humility (Jas 4:10). For Christ Himself was the epitome of this concept, and He did so as a servant to the cross. (Phil 2:7-8). We must always remember God shows favor to those who humble themselves (1 Peter 5:5).

Next, we find that it leads to the observation of what took place on that cross. We find in the gospels that Christ instituted that memorial which we partake of every Lord’s day, with the simple command of “do this in remembrance of me.” ( Matt 26:26-28, Mk 14:22-25, & Luke 22:19-20). Paul had to reiterate this to the Corinthians as he reminded them that their assembling on the Lord’s day was not a social gathering (1 Cor 11:17-34). Every Lord’s day we observe His death, burial, and resurrection. Which in turn fuels our humility throughout the week.

Doing these will lead us to a mindset of others before ourselves (Phil 2:3-4). When we have this mindset, we become concerned with the welfare of others. Jesus had this mindset, for He told us He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). He would even leave the ninety-nine to find one that was wayward.

Finally, it leads us to eternity. Our eternal home where Jesus had gone to prepare for us (John 14:2-3). We long to go to our heavenly home (2 Cor 5:2). We will be with the Lord forever there (Revelation 21:3), and we know the way (John 14:4). So, sing that song and know it is the cross that leads us to humble observation, which in turn gives us the mindset to lead others along to our eternal home. May God bless you and keep you always-BW