s20081005m_Are We Trading a Stage for the Cross

Are We Trading a Stage for The Cross?

12Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. Galatians 2:12-13

How Do I Know When I am On a Stage?

6He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “ ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 7They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.’ 8You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” Mark 7:6-8

I Am Play Acting By

Fault Finding--PERFERING Appearance--Neglecting Love—CRAVING Recognition--Hiding Sin--Imposing Rules—TAKING AWAY GOOD NEWS Luke 11:37-54

I Know I Have Taken the Cross When I Am:--Luke 7:36-50

·         [Broken] Because of Him

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Luke 7:44

·           At [HIS Feet] Adoring Him

45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. Luke 7:45

·           [loving him] Because of His Grace.

46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.”Luke 7:46-47

·           [TRUSTING  Him] And Go In Peace.

48Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:48-50

Stain Glass Masquerade

By Casting Crowns

Are we happy plastic people

Under shiny plastic steeples

With walls around our weakness

And smiles to hide our pain

But if the invitation is open

To every heart that has been broken

Maybe then we close the curtain

On our stain glass masquerade