Tag Archives: Cross

Mark 15- The Cross of Christ

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And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. Mark 15:21-24

When we look at the crucifixion of Christ, there are so many details that have symbolic meanings. First we see a man named Simon who helped Jesus carry the cross with him to Calvary. This is symbolic of ourselves as Jesus commanded us “ To deny ourselves, carry our cross, and follow him” (Matthew 16:24) Remember Jesus took our place on that cross, we deserve that punishment on the cross, but Jesus took our place

All the details were prophesied hundreds of years ago in Psalm 22, the offering of a drink, the crucifixion, and dividing of garments, all the details were foretold by God before this even ever happened. 

And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. Mark 15:25-28

Again more prophecy is fulfilled which was foretold in Isaiah 53, Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God was killed with the sinners. Jesus became our curse,  so we can be redeemed for our sins! One thief mocked Christ even to his death, while the other thief confess Christ and received amazing grace, salvation that could only be earned by Jesus

And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. Mark 15:29-32

The religious leaders of Israel taunted and mocked as they crucified their own Messiah. The blindness of their eyes and hardness of their hearts was fully displayed, as Jesus told them “These people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from him” (Matthew 15:8) If the religious leaders truly knew God, they would have known Jesus is their Messiah

All this took place to give us eternal life, to reconcile us back to our Heavenly Father. Jesus took our place on the cross, Hallelujah to the Lamb of God, Amen!

John 19- It Is Finished

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After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost John 19:28-30

The darkest day in human history also became the greatest day in human history. As Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, the debt has been paid in full. It’s hard for us to comprehend how and why Jesus did this, but when you understand the state of our depravity and the Passover Lamb, it makes perfect sense

While Jesus was on the cross, he proclaimed probably one of the most powerful statements in human history “It Is Finished” meaning the debt for our sin has been paid, meaning we through Christ are now reconciled back to the Father, meaning the Veil has now been torn and we can now be in the presence of God because of Christ. A proclamation and affirmation that defeated sin and death forever!

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: John 19:31-33

Its “Church Tradition” that Jesus died on Friday, now known as “Good or Holy Friday”. The scriptures support this, notice it says it was “Preparation Day” meaning Friday. The day of preparation before the Sabbath (Saturday). Church tradition is correct, Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday morning. 

Also notice not one bone was broken on Christ, just as fulfilled in prophecy (Psalm 34:20)

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. John 19:34-36

What happened here was not only another fulfilment of prophecy but also a symbolic representation of who Jesus is and what his fulfillment on the cross meant. The blood and the water, symbolic of the Triunity of God (1 John 5:7) also a clear fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 “The One they have pierced , God will pour out his grace and mercy on them”

The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world, Thank you Jesus Amen!

Exodus 26- The Veil Is Torn

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And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver. And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. Exodus 26:30-33

In this reading we see Gods instructions for creating the Veil. What was the purpose of the Veil? Notice at the end it states “The Veil is to divide between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place” Meaning the Veil was too separate God from the sinful man. Nobody was to enter behind the Veil unless they have been cleansed.

Again this is a foreshadow of Christ and the New Covenant to come. Why? Because when Jesus said on the Cross “It Is Finished” The Veil was torn, the division between God and Man has become reconciled because Christ has paid the debt for our sins. We have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ

And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side. Exodus 26:34-35

The Mercy Seat again is symbolic and a foreshadow of Christ. What was the purpose of the Mercy Seat? Exactly what it says to obtain mercy. The highpriest on the day of Atonement would sprinkle the sacrificial blood on the Mercy Seat to be atoned for their sins.

Jesus is our Mercy Seat, He is the only atonement for our sins. The Veil has been torn and you can now enter the Holy of Holies and obtain mercy by the blood of Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation

 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:30

Jesus said on the cross “It Is Finished” meaning the debt has been paid. The atonement for our sins has been completed. Jesus is the Lamb of God, the only acceptable sacrifice for us, Jesus paid it all Amen!

Deny Yourself

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Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Most of us think of Christianity as Jesus death and resurrection, but there another part which is our part. In order to truly be a Christian we must deny ourselves and become true disciples of Christ. Jesus is a relationship with God, just like any relationship it’s a two-way street. Jesus did his part for us now it’s up to us to do our part for him.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

Like Jesus said if you truly want to be reborn you have to let your old self die. That means giving up your worldly lusts for your own pleasure, if you don’t you will just keep falling back into the same traps Satan has planned for you. Become transformed by the renewing of your mind

What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? Matthew 16:26

You need to make a choice, is there any sin worth dying for? Is the temporary pleasure you feel today worth death for eternity? Sin leads to death, make no mistake about it so you need to choose.Jesus is not a permanent “Get out of Jail Free” card, God is willing to forgive thru Jesus sacrifice only if you are being honest.

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done. Matthew 16:27

God doesn’t have a welfare system, everyone is rewarded by the works they have performed for him. What are you doing today for Gods Kingdom? Are you being the Light of the World and The Salt of The Earth? Are you making disciples of all the nations?

“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Matthew 16:28

Thru Jesus we will have eternal life just as he promised, but we must deny ourselves first , carry your cross, and follow him. Are you willing to do this today, your reward is great in Heaven in Jesus Name Amen

 

The Message of The Cross

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For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

The resurrection of Jesus is the line that divides those who will live and those who will perish. The wicked with mock and laugh at this event because they don’t want it to be true. Because the fact that there is an eternity means there is accountability for your actions. There will be a tomorrow, and a next day, and a next day, I guarantee that, the choice is how do you want to live it?

For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:19-20

Atheist dedicate there lives to trying to disprove God thru science.  What they fail to understand is God is science, without God there would be no science, there would be nothing. When can man have the humility to admit there are things in the world beyond our comprehension? When can the clay be more intelligent than the potter?

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles 1 Corinthians 1:21-23

Many people reject Jesus because he doesn’t fit into to our idea of what the Messiah should be. Even though Jesus performed many miracles, including defeating death, its still not enough for many. What will you say to him face to face on your judgment day? What will be your excuse?

But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, he came to save the world. And he didn’t come just to save the Jews he came to save everyone. We are one thru Jesus Christ.

Accept The Message of the Cross and receive eternal life, the gift from God thru our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

By Our Fruits

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Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16

 

Many people claim to be a Christian but how do you know the false from the real followers? Check the fruit there bearing. What does that mean to check there fruit? Simple someone who is supposed to be following God should be living a Godly life. How is there family life? Blessed or a mess? How about there finances? You can tell a lot about a person buy there lifestyle, remember actions speak louder than words.

(Luke 6:43) “For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”

 

What a true statement in this scripture, if you truly are a Christian then you won’t be living a life or corruption and chaos. Yes we are all sinners but we hold ourselves to a higher standard. As a Christian you do the right thing even when it’s hard. Christians who continually live in sin cannot truly be a Christian. You are either following Christ or not.

(Psalm 92:12) “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.”

 

Many fools believe the only way to flourish in this world is to follow the world, but God is our provider. However some peoples idea of flourishing may be different. If you only wish to obtain wealth and possessions then follow the world. But if you want to flourish with Peace and Life follow God.

Think about the Palm tree in this scripture, nobody how harsh or rough the storm is the Palm Tree will bend but never break.  Think about the roots of the tree also, the deeper our faith the deeper our roots will be.

(Matthew 7:19) “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

 

Make no mistake we will be held accountable for our actions or fruit we bear. If we live a life of sin or bear bad fruit, we are then following the ways of Satan and not God. Sin does not come from God nor is it part of his plan. When we decide to bear bad fruit then you decided not to follow God.

Are You Ready?

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For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

 1 Thessalonians 5:2

Are you ready for the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ? Are you ready to see him face to face and stand before him in judgment?  He will come like a thief in the night; nobody will know the day or hour.

(Mark 13:32)” “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father”

Many false prophets and religions will declare they know when Jesus will return but not even the Angels in heaven know. Don’t believe any false prophecy only the promise from God. Jesus return is good news as he will restore the Heavens and Earth and restore Gods Kingdom.

(Matthew 24:37-38) “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;

Just like the days before Noahs flood, people were in denial. Nobody believed Noah that the Great Flood was coming. Just like today people are in denial about the return of Jesus, some even deny he’s the Messiah.  Be ready for the Lord for he will come like a thief in the night

(Revelations 21:4) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Jesus will come to restore Gods Kingdom, as creation was originally intended with no sin, no sorrow, and no death.  Are you ready? As John the Baptist was a messenger for Jesus, we need to be messengers for the return of Jesus.  “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matthew 3:2)

(Revelations 1:7)Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

There will be no mistake when Jesus returns, as every eye on the Earth will see him, even the ones who deny or doubt him will know he is the Messiah.  Prepare yourself for the coming of Jesus. Repent your sins and confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior Amen

Acknowledge Jesus

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“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32
Are you a “Closet Christian” or a “Light of this world”? If you told your peers that you were a Christian would they have even known? It’s important that we share our faith with others, if you’re a Christian Jesus is living thru you. Share the good news of the Gospel, show love and kindness to others. Most importantly if you’re not willing to acknowledge Jesus why should he acknowledge you?
(Matthew 5:14)” “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
The love of Christ is contagious, when people see your inner strength and compassion they become drawn to you. This will also draw enemies also, you won’t be able to avoid this. Many people will mock and discriminate against you. But this is to be expected as Jesus told us this would happen.
(Matthew 10:22) “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
The world hates Jesus because he has conquered the world thru the resurrection. Satan knows his time is limited and will try to tempt you thru the sins of this world. He will also try to blasphemy the name of Jesus, creating false religions and doctrine. But we know the truth and endure till the end because we know we have victory thru Jesus Christ.
(Mark 8:38) “”For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
Don’t be ashamed of being a Christian, the world will tell you it’s foolishness. But the cross is only foolishness to those who will perish (1 Corinthians 1:18) Where are your other Gods? There are dead in the grave, Jesus Christ is the true Messiah the only one who can save us from death.
(John 3:17)” For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
We are saved through the blood of Jesus Christ, why wouldn’t you want that? Why wouldn’t you want eternal life with love and peace? Is the pleasures of sin worth your life? Give your life to Christ, follow him, and don’t be ashamed in Jesus name Amen

Made to Love

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The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

Some people try or believe they should be loners.  Wandering this world alone, picking up useless hobbies to fill their time. But as God said it’s not good for us to be alone. We were made to love and be loved.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

No matter who you are or how strong you are, we all need to be encouraged from time to time. Satan is constantly trying to bring us down, having a loved one to give you a word of encouragement or hug recharges your faith.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Jesus has called us the light of the world, how can we spread the light if were alone in the darkness? When we withhold our love and talents from others were doing a disservice to God.  You have been blessed with these attributes to share with others

Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

The greatest blessing from God is a family, don’t isolate yourself and miss out on a opportunity to receive Gods ultimate blessing. If you already have a family, make sure you appreciate and cherish that blessing and don’t take it for granted.

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. Proverbs 18:1

Loneliness many times can be a result of our own selfishness. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in ourselves and our life, we don’t acknowledge others. This is not only damaging to your personal life but unchristian. Jesus wants us to love and serve one another, when you make yourself the center of your own world.

There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless– a miserable business! Ecclesiastes 4:8

We learn in the scripture Money can’t buy happiness nor fulfill your loneliness. Be careful how you devout your time, make time for others. Be grateful for your family and friends. If you are lonely, you need to start opening up to people. Show them your love and you will receive it back. God doesn’t want us to go thru life alone. I pray that everyone finds there soul mate sent from God and let’s there light shine for the world. In Jesus Name Amen

Power of the Cross

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For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:18

The cross originally designed by the Romans to be a torture device was transformed into the symbol of hope, love, and most importantly victory over death

As it says in the scripture above anyone who doesn’t understand the “Power of the Cross” is not only a fool but will perish. As Jesus said (John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the only way to heaven and that way was paved by his sacrifice on the cross. Many false religions will try to downplay the crucifixion, but that’s because they know the importance of this event. The war was won on this day. As Jesus said “It is Finished! (John 19:30)

This also provided an example of how we should live our Christian lives as Jesus said in (Matthew 16:24) “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

What did Jesus me by taking up your cross? Think of what the cross entailed, the ultimate sacrifice committed by Jesus. He was willing to lay down his life for everyone even though he knew many wouldn’t ever love him back. What about the humility he displayed? He has the power to wipe out the entire Roman army with one command, but chose to lay down his life to save ours.

Satan wants you to live in fear and feel hopeless, but by Jesus Christ and the “Power of the Cross” you are and always will be victorious. Remember what Jesus said in Matthews 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Thru Jesus Christ and the Power of the Cross, you have defeated death, no matter what Satan throws your way. Carry your cross and follow him, don’t be a fool and perish. In Jesus name Amen