On a Hill Far Away

Jeff Hopson

Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

1 Corinthians 1:17–18

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On a Hill Far Away

1 Corinthians 1:17-18

Intro:

After spending a week dealing with the news reports, facebook experts, and others, I battled with preparing a message for today. I know that many pastors will deal with subjects such as: hope, future, despair, worry, and many other subjects. But I was led by the Holy Ghost to preach about the source of: hope, help, strength, cleansing, forgiveness, salvation.

I was led to preach about Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross so that you and I could know what REAL Hope is!!!

We are living in a day when the message of the church is changing. Churches, and even whole denominations, are moving away from the old message of salvation through the blood of Jesus, and are moving toward a message of salvation through social activism and good works. The old blood bought message of the cross is quickly being replaced by a bloodless message that lacks power and that lacks hope.

Instead of hearing the devastating news that men are sinners, people hear a message that tells them, “I’m OK and you’re OK!”

Tim Christoson writes in: “The Journey Through the New Testament” the following:

It appears that some Christians think they can follow God while walking in lock-step with the culture of this world. But it’s impossible—an exercise in futility. We need discernment.

ohn said, “Believe not every spirit…many false prophets are gone out into the world” (4:1). How true John’s words are today! The voices of numerous spirits speak into our lives through the internet, television, the music industry, university classrooms, social media, and more. • The spirit of materialism (the pursuit of stuff) • The spirit of sexual immorality (forget God’s rules of moral purity) • The spirit of narcissism (it’s all about me) • The spirit of secularism (man’s mind rules supreme)

The aged apostle John said, in

1 John 4:1 KJV 1900

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1 KJV 1900

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

How true John’s words are today! The voices of numerous spirits speak into our lives through the internet, television, the music industry, university classrooms, social media, and more.

• The spirit of materialism (the pursuit of stuff)

How true John’s words are today! The voices of numerous spirits speak into our lives through the internet, television, the music industry, university classrooms, social media, and more. • The spirit of materialism (the pursuit of stuff) • The spirit of sexual immorality (forget God’s rules of moral purity) • The spirit of narcissism (it’s all about me) • The spirit of secularism (man’s mind rules supreme)

• The spirit of sexual immorality (forget God’s rules of moral purity)

• The spirit of narcissism (it’s all about me)

• The spirit of secularism (man’s mind rules supreme)

• The spirit of plurality and polytheism (all faiths are the same)

• The spirit of relativism (there’s no fixed right and wrong)

• The spirit of skepticism (God is not real)

All of these offer false and destructive philosophies, and gullible Christians must stop swallowing the lies preached by the prophets of this world. They’re false. They’re empty, and following them leads to tragedy. Why follow a broken system that’s piloted by misguided people and bound for destruction?

Christoson, Tim. Journey through the New Testament: 90-Day Devotional (p. 165). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

Christoson, Tim. Journey through the New Testament: 90-Day Devotional (p. 164). Striving Together Publications. Kindle Edition.

This morning, I would like to restate the old, old message. I would like to remind everyone in this building and through the internet about what happened that day when the Lord Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. Because, it was that event, which took place on a hill far away, that altered the future for every person who places their faith in the One Who died there that day.

Because, it was that event, which took place on a hill far away, that altered the future for every person who places their faith in the One Who died there that day.

I would like to take the same stand that the Apostle Paul took all those years ago. When he wrote to the church in Corinth, Paul reminded them that he had been called for one purpose and that purpose was to preach the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That message was to be his focus and that message was to be his ministry.

Please join me as we revisit the old, old story one more time. I would like to take you back to A Hill Far Away, where we will encounter an event that purchased and provided salvation for every person who receives that event as their very own.

Let’s return together to the cross of Calvary, and try to grasp the message of the cross! As we do, please let the Lord speak to your heart and if you have never been saved, I invite you to come to Jesus today for salvation through His precious blood.

I. THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS

A. A Strange Message -

(That there should be life out of death. Ill. The Jews were looking for a Messiah Who would throw off the Roman yoke and give them liberty from their captors. They totally missed the fact that their Messiah would be One Who would suffer for the sins of the people, .)

Isaiah 53:1–3 KJV 1900

Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not.

(Ill. The message of the bloody cross of Jesus is still a strange message to those who have never experienced its life changing power. To them it is “foolishness”. )

() For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

() He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

(Ill. The message of the bloody cross of Jesus is still a strange message to those who have never experienced its life changing power. To them it is “foolishness”. )

B. A Startling Message -

(A brutal, awful death was experienced there on that cross.)The death Christ died on the cross was one of absolute torture. You and I cannot even begin to imagine all the pain that Jesus was forced to endure for our sakes. Allow me to refresh your mind this morning about the terrible price Jesus paid for you as He suffered for sin that day.

1. Scourged -

Matthew 27:26 KJV 1900

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

2. Beaten -

Luke 22:63–64 KJV 1900

And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?

luke 22.63-64

3. Spit upon -

Matthew 27:30 KJV 1900

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

matt

4. Beard Plucked from His Face -

Isaiah 50:6 KJV 1900

I gave my back to the smiters, And my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

5. Mocked -

Matthew 27:26–29 KJV 1900

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

6. Stripped Naked -

Matthew 27:35 KJV 1900

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

7. Nailed to the Cross - ;

Matthew 27:38 KJV 1900

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

John 20:25 KJV 1900

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

(Ill. The ancient Assyrians were the first to “crucify” their victims. However, they did not nail them to cross, they merely impaled them on sharpened stakes and left them to die a horrible death that often took several days. When the Romans came along, they streamlined the method and added the little touch of actually nailing their victims to the cross. This method of death usually took several days as well.)

8. These truths don’t even begin to scratch the surface of Jesus suffered for you and me, . His was a bitter cup, but one that He drank of willingly so that we might be saved, .

(Ill. To hear the details of Christ’s death on the cross is disturbing! But, it is a necessary truth that must be proclaimed and must be heard before there can be salvation. Friend, there is only one way for you to get to God and that is by the way of the cross. There is no salvation apart from faith in the work of Jesus on Calvary!)

C. A Simple Message

Simple=single, consisting of one thing, uncompounded, unmingled, uncombined with anything else; not complex, or complicated.

(Ill. Not clouded by demands and details, but delivered in simplicity and clarity.)

One of the problems with the modern church is that we have tried to attach too many conditions to salvation. However, the Bible is clear when it tells us that the way to be saved is for the sinner to accept by faith what the Bible teaches about Jesus and His atoning death on the cross, .

Romans 10:9–10 KJV 1900

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

This is what the preaching of the cross is all about! It is not about you quitting your sins! It is about you coming to Jesus by faith! It’s not about turning over a new leaf, it’s about placing your faith in Jesus and Him alone for salvation!

() For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

I. The Preaching Of The Cross

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE CROSS

Why did God send His Own Son to give His life a sacrifice on the Cross?

It seems a little to much for God to do this…couldn’t He have done it a different way?

What was the purpose of God in doing this?

A. About Making A Statement

The statement that the Cross of Jesus makes is: “dear __________ I love YOU”!

Since way back in the Old Testament, the Lord has been telling me of His love for them, ;

Deuteronomy 7:7–8 KJV 1900

The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Jeremiah 31:3 KJV 1900

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: Therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Christ’s death on the cross, God was able to declare boldly, for all to see, His boundless, matchless love for the lost of this world.()

(Deu 7:8) But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Romans 5:5–6 KJV 1900

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

() The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

However, in Christ’s death on the cross, God was able to declare boldly, for all to see, His boundless, matchless love for the lost of this world.()

The cross is God’s statement of love to the world - !

() For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

John 15:13 KJV 1900

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

() For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

() But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

B. About Providing Salvation -

The cross is God’s statement of love to the world - !

() Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The Bible, tells us that there is no other way to cleanse sin, but through the sacrifice of an innocent one in the place of the guilty one, .

Hebrews 9:22 KJV 1900

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

B. About Providing Salvation - The Bible, tells us that there is no other way to cleanse sin, but through the sacrifice of an innocent one in the place of the guilty one, . This is seen all the way back in the beginning when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, . This same line of thought continues all the way through the days of the Tabernacle and the Temple.

This is seen all the way back in the beginning when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, .

Genesis 3:21 KJV 1900

Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

This same line of thought continues all the way through the days of the Tabernacle and the Temple.

There, sin was atoned for by the blood of sheep, bulls and goats, but it was never taken away, ; .

Hebrews 10:4 KJV 1900

For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:10–11 KJV 1900

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

However, the Lord Jesus went to the cross and died for the sins of ALL humanity.

When He did, His death on the cross forever settled the sin debt of man, ; ! It is clear yet? If not, then listen to these two precious passages of Scripture,

Hebrews 10:12–14 KJV 1900

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 9:24–28 KJV 1900

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Revelation 1:5 KJV 1900

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

(Ill. By the way, the word “saved” in this verse means, “to keep safe and sound, to rescue from all harm and danger; from destruction and from perishing!” Sounds to me like when a person comes to Jesus by faith and gets saved, it’s a done deal! That person does not need to fear losing his salvation, !)

() And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

() Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

() But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

C. About Defeating Satan -

Ever since the Lucifer sinned and became the devil, he has been in the business of trying to hinder the work of God. He loves nothing better than keeping souls in bondage and seeing them condemned to Hell, .

Ephesians 2:1–3 KJV 1900

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But, when Jesus went to the cross, I am of the opinion that the devil thought he had won the victory that day. I am sure he rejoiced when Jesus cried out, “It is finished!”

But, what the devil did not know that day was that the Lord Jesus wasn’t planning to stay dead! Maybe the devil should have listened closer and he would have understood that Jesus did not say, “I am finished!” He said “It is finished!”

You see, when Jesus died on the cross, He did not die to stay dead, but He rose from the dead three days later and sealed the devil’s fate for eternity! The Bible tells us that the victory over the devil is found in the blood of the Lamb, .

Revelation 12:11 KJV 1900

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

(Ill. Satan is defeated! He may roar like a ferocious lion and he may try to keep you from God, , but he has been defeated by the power of God and you do not have to remain his prisoner this morning! There is power in the blood of Jesus to set you free!)

I. The Preaching Of The Cross

II. The Purpose Of The Cross

III. THE POWER OF THE CROSS

(Ill. When the power of the cross is appropriated, three great and wonderful things take place. Notice what they are:)

A. Sin Dies -

When a person places his/her faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, that person is forever changed! The chains of sin are broken, ,

() For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

And they are made into a new creature, .

() Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Now, the new born believer does not have to live his life in bondage to sin, ! (Ill. The blood has the power the change every life touched by it! There really is wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb!)

B. Hell Is Defeated -

No blood washed, blood bought individual will ever experience the flames and fires of Hell! One of the most precious verses in the Bible pertaining to this subject is found in .

John 5:24 KJV 1900

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

There, the Bible tells us that we will never come into condemnation!

C. Heaven Is Delivered -

The blood is the key that unlocks the gates of glory! When the blood is applied, the child of God becomes instantly destined for an eternity in Heaven with the Lord!

That is His promise to every believer,

John 14:1–3 KJV 1900

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

And, there is only one way to get to that glorious place, ; .

John 3:3 KJV 1900

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

John 3:7 KJV 1900

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Conclusion

When evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature. As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, "Stop! I have something more to give you." The surprised robber paused. "My friend," said Wesley, "you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here's something to remember: 'The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!'" The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit.

Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! "I owe it all to you," said the transformed man. "Oh no, my friend," Wesley exclaimed, "not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!"

Has the blood been applied to your life? Is your name written down in Heaven?

Is your faith in Jesus and in Him alone?

If you need to come to Jesus for salvation this morning, this altar is open!

If you need to come and get you walk with God straightened out, this altar is open.

The same blood that saves us also cleanses us from sin!!!

You come while the Lord is dealing with your heart today!

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