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Take Me To The Cross
Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 16, 2020 (message contributor)
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1. From Shame To Glory
Contributed on Mar 16, 2020
Before Jesus was crucified, the cross was a symbol of suffering and shame. After Jesus’ resurrection, the Disciples and the whole world came to see and understand the cross in a whole new way. It became a symbol of hope, new life, and victory.
The great Bible commentator William Barclay described a tragic event that took place early in young Jesus’ life, when Jesus was somewhere around the age of 10 or 11. A zealot by the name of Judas the Galilean led a rebellion against Rome. He raided the Roman armory at Sepphoris, Mary’s hometown, ...read more
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2. Are You A Bystander?
Contributed on Mar 23, 2020
Some people find the cross … sometimes the cross finds you. Simon of Cyrene had a divine appointment with God that day … and sometimes God makes divine appointments with us. Like Simon, these may involve tasks we would prefer not to do, but these often lead to some of life’s greatest blessings.
His name was “Simon.” It means “God has Heard.” And today it would certainly seem that God had heard his many, many prayers. Today was the day that he and his two boys, Alexander and Rufus, would finally get to see Jerusalem, the mighty and holy city of God, with their own eyes. All of his ...read more
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3. Scapegoats And Saviors
Contributed on Mar 29, 2020
"Jesus of Nazareth: The King of the Jews” … the spotless Lamb of God … the perfect Sacrifice. His blood saved all of humanity … from Adam all the way up to you and me … and from now on, no other sacrifice is needed, amen?
Around the First Century, experts and historians estimate that at least a hundred thousand pilgrims would descend upon Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Some of them would come from as far away as Cyrene in northern Africa … Macedonia, Thrace, and Pontus along the Black Sea … Cyprus … Ephesus, ...read more
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4. Hosanna!
Contributed on Apr 8, 2020
Jesus entered this world for a purpose, and that purpose was the ultimate defeat of Darkness! Out of the darkest moment in the world’s history … the crucifixion of God’s Son … would shine the Light of Salvation and Eternal Life!
Passover was always an exciting time to be in Jerusalem. The streets were packed with pilgrims and visitors and sightseers from all over the Mediterranean region. The shops and restaurants and inns were doing a brisk business as usual. But something was different this year. There was something ...read more
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5. Worth Dying For?
Contributed on Apr 14, 2020
Easter sermon that asks "Who would you die for?" and, more importantly, in the shadow of the cross, "Who would die for you?"
Hanging on the cross … between Heaven and earth … what did Jesus see? He saw two other men … criminals … one to His left and one on His right … being crucified with Him. He saw His Roman executioners gambling over his clothing, indifferent to His suffering. He saw the religious leaders, who ...read more