The Power of the Cross – what does it mean to you? I believe that this is the most powerful message from the Bible. I listened to the song “In Christ Alone – My Hope is Found” this morning as I was working on a Bible study. I meditated on the words “‘Til on the cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied. For ev’ry sin on Him was laid; here in the death of Christ I live”.
Christ took on my sin in order for me to be reconciled to God and I am able to approach the throne of Grace through prayer. How awesome is that! Yes, the crucifixion was gory, but without it, how would we even understand the wages of sin – death? I have seen several movies about the life and the crucifixion of Christ, but for me the most powerful is still “The Passion of the Christ” by Mel Gibson. Yes, it might be offensive to some, but you know what – that was Mel Gibson’s point; to clearly show us what Christ went through.
So, what does the Cross mean to you?
New & Exciting
Yes – it is finally finished – my first on-line forum to host Bible studies. If you are interested, we start our first discussion on “The Passion of Christ” (based on Mel Gibson’s movie) on September 18th. Just click on the banner in the side bar titled “Living In Christ Forum” and it will take you to the forum hosted by Invisionfree.com You do have to register on the site, but it would be fun to have you there and discuss why Christ died for all of us. So long…
Up for Irish Music?
As I am writing this post, I am listing to Clannad‘s album ‘Landmarks‘ (from 1997). Can’t understand most of the words, because most of the vocals are in Celtic, but the music is great. If you have a minute check them out; they are sure worth listing to. Haven’t heard this kind of great, non-christian music in a LONG time.
Are You A Good Person?
Are you a good person? Be honest with yourself! The other day as I was driving home, this passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans popped into my mind: “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate …And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway”. (R omans 7:15, 18-19 NLT). Ouch – that hurts! Really, nothing good lives in me? – Well, I have to admit – NO, nothing good lives in me – especially driving home from work, after a long day. I have mean thoughts about the people I share the road with (and I call myself a Christian – ha); but I do have those thoughts. Paul said it is “our sinful nature” and how true those words are. I really want to be good (and do good), but I just can’t.
Do I have to depend on my own ‘goodness’ to spend Eternity in heaven? Not if I put my trust and faith in Christ and believe that He died for my past sins and the sins I will still commit in the future. WOW – that is cool (I really can’t stand the thought of spending Eternity in hell, but than again AZ in the summer is not too much different – just kidding).
God promises in John 3:16 (NLT): “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (now you know what those signs at sports events mean).
So – don’t try to be ‘good’, because you just can’t; but you can be nice to others.