"For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Corinthians 2:2, from one of today's readings)
It is not that we just quote John 3:16 in every testimony, every teaching, every sermon. But it is that the Cross is central, foundational to not just our spoken witness, but to our very lives. Any life style, any theology or philosophy not rooted in the Cross of Jesus, in the Blood of His Cross, His nail-scarred hands, feet, sword-punctured side, thorn-crowned brow and whip-scarred back is dangerous, erroneous, and ultimately fatal.
This time in Berlin has been another reminder of the absolute evil of humanity apart from Jesus Christ. Many Germans never thought it could happen in a million years, men, women, children slaughtered in Medieval barbaric fashion. I repeat, however, what Billy Graham once said: "Given the right circumstances, the right situation, anyone of us is capable of anything." I must never, ever forget that. It is because "spiritual" people forget this truth that so many have fallen shipwrecked on the shoals of life. And many shoals are not seen--------- until it is too late. It is always sobering to remember Esau. "....He found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears."
You and I need not go the way of Esau, or Germany, or the sin of any nation or people group in general. Who we are in Jesus Christ is stated in the chapter before our text. "But of Him (Father) you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." I simply have no trace of this apart from, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified." It would be good for all to remember our "position" in Christ, Father's purpose for His Covenant People, and the work of the Holy Spirit: "....that, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord [Jesus Christ].'"
It is not that we just quote John 3:16 in every testimony, every teaching, every sermon. But it is that the Cross is central, foundational to not just our spoken witness, but to our very lives. Any life style, any theology or philosophy not rooted in the Cross of Jesus, in the Blood of His Cross, His nail-scarred hands, feet, sword-punctured side, thorn-crowned brow and whip-scarred back is dangerous, erroneous, and ultimately fatal.
This time in Berlin has been another reminder of the absolute evil of humanity apart from Jesus Christ. Many Germans never thought it could happen in a million years, men, women, children slaughtered in Medieval barbaric fashion. I repeat, however, what Billy Graham once said: "Given the right circumstances, the right situation, anyone of us is capable of anything." I must never, ever forget that. It is because "spiritual" people forget this truth that so many have fallen shipwrecked on the shoals of life. And many shoals are not seen--------- until it is too late. It is always sobering to remember Esau. "....He found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears."
You and I need not go the way of Esau, or Germany, or the sin of any nation or people group in general. Who we are in Jesus Christ is stated in the chapter before our text. "But of Him (Father) you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption." I simply have no trace of this apart from, "Jesus Christ and Him crucified." It would be good for all to remember our "position" in Christ, Father's purpose for His Covenant People, and the work of the Holy Spirit: "....that, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the Lord [Jesus Christ].'"
Father, in Jesus' Name, "....keep me near the Cross, there a precious fountain, free to all a healing stream, flows from Calvary's Mountain. In the Cross,..be my glory ever." Amen.
When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
"Looking unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
