The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference

THE OLD RUGGED CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

Colossians 1:19-21

Intro: Most of us sitting in the sanctuary today are saved. We have accepted the gift of salvation and while we have all had failures for the most part I believe we try to live right. But if we could ever grasp what Jesus done for us at Calvary we would praise Him with all that is within us. Today, for just a few moments I want you to ponder on just where you were before the Lord saved you and think about where you are at today. And while I do believe that many people folks prayed for us while we were out in sin there was only thing that could make a real difference in our lives. I want to preach on this subject ‘THE OLD RUGGED CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE”

I. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR BARABBAS

A. ( Matthew 27:16) Barabbas was a notable prisoner

B. (Mark 15:7, Luke 23:19, Acts 3:14) Calls Barabbas a murderer and an insurrectionists

C. (John 18:40) Calls Barabbas a robber

D. To say the least Barabbas was wicked and he was in prison by his own actions

1. If you are living in the bondage of sin today it is by your own choice

E. Barabbas had made his own cross while he was incarcerated and had engraved his name on the patibulum (cross piece)

F. His name was covered by the blood of Jesus and Barabbas was free

G. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

II. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE DYING THIEF

A. (Luke 23:39-43) We find the conversation of the two thieves who were hanged with Jesus

B. They too like Barabbas was there because of their own actions

C. ( v 42) The repentant thief said to Jesus “Lord, remember when thou comest into they kingdom

D. ( v 43) Jesus replied “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise”

E. This is the official record of the first man saved by the shedding of the blood of Jesus

F. There were three me dying on a hill that day. The one on the left was dying in sin, the one on the right was dying out of sin and the one in the middle was dying for sin

G. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

III. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR THE CENTURION

A. (Matthew 27:54) The confession of the centurion. A centurion was a Roman officer in charge of at least 100 men. This man had probably participated in the crucifixion of Jesus

1. (v 54) Now when the centurion and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God

2. According to the scripture not only the centurion but all that was with him confessed. At least 101 men

B. (Mark 15:39) And when the centurion which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God

C. (Luke 23:27) Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man

D. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

IV. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE FOR ME AND YOU

A. (Colossians 1:20 – text verse) And having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself, by him I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven

B. (Galatians 6:14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me , and I unto the world

C. THE CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE

Close: Had it not been for the cross of Calvary we would all be lost on our way to hell. But because of the willingness of Jesus Christ to do his Father’s will “THE OLD RUGGED CROSS MADE THE DIFFERENCE”