SIX HOURS ON THE CROSS

"IT WAS NINE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING WHEN THEY CRUCIFIED HIM....AT NOON, DARKNESS FELL ACROSS THE WHOLE LAND UNTIL THREE O'CLOCK."  (Mark 15:25 & 33, NLT)

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

THE GREATEST "FRIDAY" EVER

"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."  (Galatians 6:14)

"When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss, 

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast save in the death of Christ, my God!

All the vain thing that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His Blood.

See from His Head, His Hands, His Feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all."

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....ACCORDING TO CHRIST"

""Beware lest anyone take you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."  (Colossians 2:8)

"....according to Christ."  This is how we test everything!

The independent, evangelical, and charismatic churches have developed just as much "tradition" as the mainline denominational churches which they tend to vilify.  All have their, "....and not according to Christ", practices.  Beware!

"....according to Christ", is the way we, "test the spirits."  This is the way of life itself.  "....according to Christ", keeps us focused in the Godhead, the Blessed Trinity, the very, "....path of life...," of which the Bible speaks.

Father, in Jesus' Name, keep me ever in, "....according to Christ." Amen. 

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There will be three hours of Scripture reading, Good Friday, from 12:00 to 15:00 in the CCE Building

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"....I AM...CONTENT"

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."  (Philippians 4:11)

"....in whatever state I am...."  This is a challenge for all.

Some "states" we have been in were not conducive to, "....I am...content."  What does one then do?  Well, contentment is a result of, "....I have learned...."  Time.

Paul once wrote, "At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me.  May it not be charged against them."  This was no, "Woe is me," response, no bitterness with having been "done wrong."  He was there in Jesus Christ.  Jesus was his sufficiency, his, "....I am...content.

Father, in Jesus' Name, by Your mercy may, "....I have learned...."  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"HE HIMSELF WILL BAPTIZE YOU...."

John the Baptist said, "I baptize you in water for repentance, but the One Who is coming after me is more powerful than I....He Himself will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire."  

(Matthew 3:11)

There are many church leaders who once received and taught the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, but in recent years have denied the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  This glorious "means of grace" has kept me going since Jesus Baptized me in the Holy Spirit on a shooting range in June of 1966.

"The Words of God," aka the Bible, along with the prayer language which I receive at my Holy Spirit Baptism, have kept me alive, "through many dangers, toils and snares."  If ever in a time in human history the Followers of Jesus Christ need to pray in, as my Grandfather Barnette used to call it, "The Heavenly Language," it is in these turbulent days. 

I encourage you to hear the Words of our King and Savior Jesus Christ, the Words which He spoke to his disciples after His Resurrection, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost."

Father, in Jesus' Name, Thank You, thank You, thank You.  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.'"

Hebrews 12:2

"LET THIS MIND BE IN YOU...."

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but emptied Himself of His privileges, taking the form of a bondservant...."  (Philippians 2:5-6c)

Jesus, "emptied Himself of His privileges, taking the form of a bondservant...."  This made Him no less King and Savior, no less God revealed in human flesh.

 

You and I, then, should not be hesitant to embrace, "Let this mind be in you...."  We are still, "heirs of God," and we can still sing, "I am a friend of God."  We are just "emptied" heirs and friends.

Father, in Jesus' Name, by Your grace, help me to walk in, "emptied himself."  Amen.

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*Psalm Nugget, OT Lesson, NT Lesson on Face Book

* Crow Mission:  August 1-15, 2023

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.'"

Hebrews 12:2