The Cross Centered Church (Part 3)
Notes
Transcript
Introduction:
January 16, 2016 started like any other Saturday in the small rural town of Elkmont, Alabama.
Elkmont's Trackless Train Trek Half Marathon - aptly renamed to Elkmont's Hound Dog Half Marathon
The Elkmont Half Marathon was taking place, but other than that, it was a typical winter weekend. As she often does on Saturdays, April let Ludivine out onto their beautiful 40-acre farm so the two-and-a-half year old could explore a little.
Bloodhounds like Ludivine (affectionately called “Lu” by family) are often natural “roamers.” After discovering that Lu possessed this Bloodhound trait in boatloads, April and her family made efforts to satisfy this natural curiosity by taking her on long walks, and limiting her “roaming time” to once a week. Nearly all of Elkmont’s 400 residents are accustomed to seeing Lu out and about on her weekly adventures. Smart and loyal, she always comes home, and helpful neighbors keep an eye out for her, too.
On this particular Saturday, Lu bounded out the door, and April didn’t think anything of it. Until, that is, she got this text from a co-worker:
While April thought the race medal was pretty fun, she assumed that people-lover Lu had wandered down to the post-race celebrations, or perhaps she’d jogged the last hundred feet of the course and the organizers gave her the medal for fun.
But then, another friend called, bubbling with excitement: the pal told April to come downtown right now, because people were going crazy for Lu! April rushed to the finish line where she discovered people posing for photos Lu, and hugging and congratulating the pup.
Only then did April learn that Lu had run — start to finish — an entire half-marathon. 13.1 miles of good old-fashioned Bloodhound roaming.
April was surprised. Despite Lu’s tendency to roam, she’s a pretty lazy dog overall. She’s much more likely to be caught doing this…
Elkmont's Trackless Train Trek Half Marathon - aptly renamed to Elkmont's Hound Dog Half Marathon after local hound dog, Ludivine steals the show by wandering to the starting line in time to join the runners and finish 7th overall in our inaugural event to raise funds for the track and cross country programs at Elkmont High School.
Not only did Lu run the half marathon, she kicked butt. She finished in an impressive 1:32:56, good for seventh place overall — out of 165 runners. And that time includes drifting off to sniff interesting smells on the roadside, saying hello to grazing cows, and answering the constant call of nature.
It is easy to loose focuse when we are running the race we are called to. When those that are over us might not be living under the rule of God.
Focuse Factor
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Being a cross centered Christian means focusing on Christ
Being a cross centered Christian means focusing on Christ
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
ὑπογραμμός example - a pattern for copying letters in a handwriting book. Remember back in pre-school when you learned the alphabet. Your teacher gave you a pattern to copy.
That’s what Jesus is he is our pattern.
What type of example did Christ establish?
Christ suffered vicariously.
Christ suffered vicariously.
Vicarious is acting for another.
21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
He suffered in our place
Christ suffered righteously.
Christ suffered righteously.
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.
Christ suffered silently.
Christ suffered silently.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Christ suffered passively.
Christ suffered passively.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Christ suffered faithfully.
Christ suffered faithfully.
23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.
Christ suffered redemptively.
Christ suffered redemptively.
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.
25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Because of the cross the ruined can become right.
Because of the cross the ruined can become right.
Because of the cross the broken can be healed.
Because of the cross the broken can be healed.
Because of the cross the prodigal can come home.
Because of the cross the prodigal can come home.