Matthew 16:24 Paths to the Cross
1. Today I wear my uniform to recognize the first responders who have taken up their cross
• I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
• This an oath that is said before every board meeting at station 106 and then prayer is offered .
2. Twenty three years ago on September 11, 2001, terrorists took control of four passenger airliners. Two were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third was crashed into the Pentagon. And the fourth was heading toward Washington, D.C., but crashed in a Pennsylvania field when passengers bravely overwhelmed the terrorists. Almost 3,000 people died, 25,000 were injured, and many others suffered long-term health problems.
• 498 first responders, firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel perished in the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.
• Results of extreme bravery many others survived who knows where the plane was headed when the folks of flight 93 over whelmed the terrorists. If they had not taken up the cross who knows how many more would have perished,
3. All through history, people have denied themselves, taken up their cross, and followed a cause some have even did it for Jesus.
• Some have offered courageous service to others, with some even losing their lives in the process.
• There were and are “missionaries who have left home and country to bring the gospel to remote parts of the world.”
• Men and women risk their lives to rescue Jews in Nazi Germany,” Virginia Hall Americas spy. She was the most feared spy of the Germans who wanted her captured, tortured, and executed.
• Men and women have given themselves over for civil rights,
• First responders, police officers, and people risk their own life’s to save others during 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001
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4. Paths to taking up ones cross Henry Britton theologian said this about taking up the cross
• When we give up status to help another person, we are taking up our cross.
• When we sacrifice money to make a charitable contribution, we are taking up our cross. Look in your bulletins at the contributions given last Sunday
• When we turn down a position of power to serve our family, our church, or our community, we are taking up our cross.
• Any loss of status or wealth or power can feel like a step on the path to the cross.
5. Consider some paths to the cross Jesus asks us to take up. Fire Fighters have some mottos that are similar to taking up the cross
• “When the world is running away from danger, firefighters run towards it.” Many times do we try to avoid conflict, struggles of others or do we run to help. David runs towards the fire (Goliath) Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, David’s path to the Cross was run toward the fire.
• “Firefighters are the flame extinguishers and the hope igniters”. Paul extinguishes a fire of doubt and offers hope to the Philippians he says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
• Paul In his letter to the Thessalonians, he writes, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. Paul’s path to the cross was to offer hope in the midst of to people in fear.
• Moses he too is a flame extinguisher and a hope igniter. To Joshua he shares, Yes Joshua it’s a massive job Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
6. Consider some other Paths to our Cross here is another motto of the fire fighter
• “Firefighters don’t just save buildings, they save lives and dreams”. When we offer others Christ we save lives and dreams.
• Kenneth Wyatt painted a painting called Offer Them Christ. In the painting is a depiction of an elderly John Wesley bidding farewell to Thomas Coke as Coke is departing for America. Coke asked Wesley what do I tell them, Wesley responded by saying, "offer them Christ".
• Kenneth Wyatts path to the cross was painting, John organized ministers to share the Gospel was his path to the cross
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7. Paths to our cross like the fire fighters motto
• “Brave and unyielding, firefighters are the guardians of our communities.”
• Are we guardians of our communities seeking the community to be saved John Wesley once said “The world is my parish”
8. Finally, Paths to our Cross are
• Run towards the flames like David did against Goliath
• Be a person that is a hope igniter like Moses was to Joshua
• Our path to the cross is to save lives save dreams by offering them Christ like Wesley
• Our path to the cross is to be guardians of our community The world is my parish and I am taking care of it Amen
