There is Power in the Cross

There is Power in the Cross

1 Corinthians 1:18 & 21 NKJV

18 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.

21 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.

1 Corinthians 1:18 & 21 Complete Jewish Bible

18 For the message about the execution-stake is nonsense to those in the process of being destroyed, but to us in the process of being saved it is the power of God.

21 For God's wisdom ordained that the world, using its own wisdom, would not come to know Him. Therefore God decided to use the "nonsense" of what we proclaim as his means of saving those who come to trust in it.

When my mother and grandmother would take me to the Sunday night services at the Full Gospel church, we would sing many “camp meeting” type songs. Among them, almost without exception, would be two songs; “There is Power in the Blood” and “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood.” The Bible says a lot about the Blood of Jesus – it is mentioned, if I counted correctly, 40 times in 13 books of the KJV of the New Testament. So it makes me wonder why so many pastors don't ever mention the Blood of Christ when they preach. To hear some of them, you'd think that Christ had a pleasant day that day and must have died of natural causes in His sleep. As much as I wish it were so, it just isn't. The details are a lot rougher, and the result was that He shed a lot of blood that day.

Roman Senator Marcus Tullius Cicero called crucifixion “the most cruel and hideous of tortures.” Flavius Josephus, historian, called death by crucifixion, “the most wretched death.”

A criminal condemned to be crucified was first scourged. The condemned was tied to a post where a whip, called a “flagrum,” was used. The flagrum had a sturdy handle attached to several leather thongs. Sharp pieces of bone and lead were tied to them at various lengths. And for those of you who believe Jesus was beaten with the Jewish “40 lashes minus 1,” according to Jewish oral law, that's just not true either. Jesus was scourged by the Romans, not the Jews. The Romans had NO limitations on the number of blows that a Roman torturer could strike. Only when the Centurion in charge determined that the condemned might die from the whipping was it stopped. The Centurion’s only criteria was that the condemned man die on the cross, not under the lash.

The pieces of bone cut deeply into the skin and flesh, and chunks of flesh would typically be cut out of the condemned victim's back. The pieces of lead produced deep bruises and knocked the breath out of the condemned with each blow. After Jesus was beaten, literally, to within an inch of His life, the Roman soldiers were allowed to batter and mistreat Him, as they did to most of the condemned they tortured, as an outlet for their anger and frustration at being on occupation duty in a hostile area. In the process of mistreating Jesus, they placed a crown of thorns on His head, beat Him over the head with a stout reed, plucked out His beard and spit on Him. Then He had to carry the crossbeam to the crucifixion site. This crossbeam, called a “patibulum,” was used for barring gates and might weigh up to 110 lbs. It was strapped onto the arms so the condemned could not drop it. Upon reaching the execution site, He was cut loose then forced to lay on the crossbeam and His arms were stretched out and tied to the beam. Then nails were driven through His wrists between the radial and ulna bones, which would damage the radial nerve bundle. The crossbeam was hoisted onto the upright stake and attached and Jesus would have been hanging by his wrists. Secured this way, death would come quickly; but to prolong the torture, His feet were nailed also. When a condemned person was fixed to the cross in this way, they could not breathe very well hanging by their arms. To be able to gulp air, they had to painfully pull themselves up by their arms or push with their feet. The arms wouldn't help after awhile because of spasms caused by the nails driven thru the nerves in the wrists, so the condemned would have to put their full weight onto their feet, which were nailed to the rough wood of the upright.

Eventually, the person would become so weak from lack of oxygen and loss of blood that they would hang by their arms no longer able to lift themselves up to get air. Death was then caused by either asphyxiation or circulatory collapse.

Why go through all this? Because we really don't have any idea, in our insulated world, what Jesus went through on that cross. But I assure you, from my studies on this subject, that He lost a lot of blood in the process.

God places a lot of importance on how we react to Jesus and His death. All this was done to provide a way for the lost, already condemned men and women of the world to come to God and be forgiven. I try to never forget what my salvation cost God, and I marvel at how lightly many “Christians” take His death! How dare a pastor, charged with the spiritual well-being of a congregation, ignore this vital subject! How dare a congregation ignore the consequences of letting a pastor do this!

The unsaved don't understand what's behind the story and the talk of Jesus' blood makes many uncomfortable. I'm sure that's the reason so many Christians don't talk much about it. But the blood of Jesus is the reason we stand before God forgiven. What we know but the world can't understand is that Jesus had to die and had to shed blood to redeem us. Truly, there is power in the blood of Jesus.

Stephen Cram April 24, 2011 Colossians 2:8

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Total Eclipse of the Heart

2 Corinthians 4:8&9
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—

    No, I am not going to start singing Bonnie Tyler's hit song of the same name.  But, at times, I suffer from a condition I call a spiritual "Total Eclipse of the Heart."  It is the condition where my heart simply is overwhelmed by the tidal wave of bad news, lies, evil, and hopelessness that we see and hear everyday in the world.  I hear or see some new atrocity happening or new disaster strike or new insanity being endorsed by one of our leaders and my heart just can't absorb it.  (Did you hear that school kids are being taught that Easter eggs are now "Spring Spheres?)  The news comes at me so fast and so bad I just can't take any more in.  The shadow of the darkness of this world falls over my heart so thickly it's in a total eclipse.  It becomes hard to see Jesus in the world with so much darkness here.
   And we can't expect things to get better.  The New Testament tells us things will get worse and worse.  Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Jude all agree that this world will sink further and further into the cesspool of evil and that in the church there will be a falling away and many will be decieved.  Look around you.  Those misguided souls who think things will get better and better are so wrong they would have to leave the earth to get farther from the truth.
   So what to do?  What about us?  Well, if you read through the epistles, you'll see written there warnings to us to get our act together and to build ourselves up in the faith.  There's a fight ahead of us and we need to be prepared for it.
   And as for the eclipse of the heart, we need to address this.  This is a serious condition, and we can't be effective Christians if we're numb from all the bad news we have to absorb.  When I get an attack of this condition, I have to react to it.
   First I pray that God will give me grace to know that Christ is still in charge and nothing is happening without God's consent.  As hard as it is to believe, this is all working as God has planned and He will bring us through if we place our trust in Him.
   Second I worship Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever and ever, amen.  He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.  Jesus laid down His life for me and redeemed me from sin and overcame the grave and death and lives forever.  I owe Him my allegience.  When I worship Him my mind focuses on Him and off the problems around me.  The answer to what's wrong in America and the world is not the Democrats, the Republicans, Barack Obama, the deficit, or the new upsurge in bedbugs.  It's Jesus.  The problems we face today are not flesh and blood ones, they are spiritual ones.  Worship focuses our minds and our faith is strengthened.
   And then I get ready for battle.  When I'm overwhelmed, I'm most vulnerable to attack.  When I'm feeling like this, its a good time to review the verses about the full armor of God.
Ephesians 6: 10-18 NKJV
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
   I believe it not a sin to become discouraged.  I believe it is not a sin to be overwhelmed by all that we see and hear.  I believe it is not a sin to want to hide my face and quit.  However, I believe it is a sin to actually quit.  I believe it is a sin to give up trying.  I believe it is a sin to spread doom and gloom.
   Shake it off, O Christian!  Pray and worship and let Jesus lift your head and encourage your heart.  Gird your loins and draw your sword, the battle is raging and you're needed.

Stephen Cram                     April 17, 2011                    Colossians 2:8


Colossians 2:8 NKJV
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.



 

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice In The Lord

Philippians 3:1

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

Paul says "finally," like he thinks that he is finishing up the letter with a last point. But in reality, the letter is only half finished. After writing on for a while, he will say, "Finally," again. I think this characteristic of preachers is a common one.

Paul is repeating his admonition in this verse for a reason. He is repeating his exhortation to us to remember to rejoice because we so often forget to rejoice. He has talked about joy and rejoicing eight times in the first half of this book. He commanded them in verse 2:18 to rejoice and to share their joy with him. He encourages them again because they, and we, need to hear it more than once because we don't seem to get it the first time: Rejoice in the Lord, not in your circumstances.
“Ah yes, Steve, That's easy to say but hard to do. What do I have to rejoice about? I'm broke, my kids are sick, my neighbor hates me, my boss is mean, and my car won't start!" Ok, OK, OK. I know the world stinks and things are never what we think it should be. But if you're looking for reasons to rejoice on this earth, you're going to be really disappointed a lot. But Paul says to rejoice in the Lord, not in your life. When we rejoice in the Lord, we will find a lot to rejoice about. The New Testament lists many reasons to rejoice in the Lord for many things. Remember that old church hymn, “Count Your Blessings?” Verse 3 goes like this:

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings money can not buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So rejoice already! Count some of the things you have to be rejoicing over.

Acts 13:48 – do you rejoice that you have received salvation?

Acts 8:39 – did you rejoice when you followed the Lord's example in water baptism?

Romans 12:12 – do you rejoice that you have a blessed hope?

Matthew 5:12 – do you rejoice that you have a reward waiting in heaven?

If you have a problem with rejoicing, like I do, we need to pray one of David's prayers. Psalms 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
I pray that I may be able to look at the high price of gas and rejoice in the Lord that He has given me so much for free.

I pray that when a pet runs away, I know that I have been found by Christ, being the sheep that the shepherd left the flock to find.

I pray that when I am overlooked by bosses, friends, or whoever and feel forgotten, I know that God knows my name.

I pray that if I can't pay my bills and debt collectors are queuing up on my phone, that I know I have treasures and a mansion waiting in heaven.

I pray that when I am ill and lose all hope of getting better, I know that Jesus will greet me with open arms in heaven and I will never suffer again.

So I say again, rejoice in the Lord!

Its all in how you approach life. Is this world the most important thing or is your relationship with Christ? Are circumstances going to dictate your attitude and control your emotions and feelings, or will you choose to rejoice in what the Lord has done for you.

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.

Stephen Cram April 10, 2011 Colossians 2:8

Count Your Blessings, by Johnson Oatman, Jr. 1897

Copyright: Public Domain

When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain:
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings―wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Opposites

Opposites

John 3:1-3

1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 4:7, 19-24

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”

19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet.

20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”

21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.

22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.

24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

   John chapter 3 and chapter 4 contain two of the best one-on-one stories of Jesus in the Gospels.  Chapter 3 is the famous meeting at night with a member of the Jewish ruling council, Nicodemus.  Chapter 4 is the meeting with the Samaritan woman who has had multiple marriages and now is shacking up with a man she isn’t married to, kind like a soap opera, huh?  Yet the two stories are similar, in an opposite way.  Nicodemus was too correct and the woman was too wrong.  He was a good Jew and she was Samaritan, who are traditionally hostile to the Jews.  He worshipped in Jerusalem, the traditional site of worship to God; she worshipped at Mount Gerizim, where the Samaritans could worship without going to Jerusalem and facing the hostile attitude of the Jews.  They worshipped at Mount Gerizim because when the Jews entered the Promised Land, God commanded that the Law be read to all the people.  The blessings were read from Mount Gerizim and the curses from Mount Ebal.  (Deuteronomy 27:4–8, 12-13.)

   Nicodemus couldn’t believe because he was too familiar with the Law.  The woman could not believe because she was too ignorant of the Law.  Nicodemus is a little too caught up in his position as a Jew, a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, and a renowned teacher of the Old Testament law.  She wanted nothing to do with the Jewish Law. 

   Nicodemus is willing to acknowledge that Jesus is “a teacher who has come from God” (3:2); yet he falls a little short of actually saying that Jesus is a prophet.  When Jesus tells him that he will not make it into the kingdom of God as he is, without being reborn from above, he seems to try to get Jesus to change His requirements rather than to change his own beliefs.  Nicodemus does ask questions, but there seems to be little progress toward genuine faith, at least at first.  His questions do not convey a willingness to change his thinking, but rather a resistance to what Jesus is saying.

   The woman at the well is a Samaritan, and Samaritans have their own distinct religion, a corruption of the Jewish faith.  If the woman at the well is to come to a saving faith, she must change her beliefs as well.  She is as far from Christ as Nicodemus was, just as I, a life-long Sunday school student who had never asked Jesus into his heart was just as lost as my friends who had never been to church in their lives. 

   Both Nicodemus and the woman at the well must decide what to do with what Jesus has told them.  They need to both come to grips with Who Jesus is and need to believe in what He is saying to them.  The more Jesus tells Nicodemus about Himself and His teaching, the more Nicodemus’ questions and comments become shorter and shorter, until he simply disappears from the text.  The conversation with the Samaritan woman is different.  The conversation moves from literal drinking water to the spiritual “water” of salvation.  Her grasp of who Jesus is grows with each issue He talks about until she eventually trusts in Him as the Messiah and goes to tell her town about Him.  While Nicodemus comes to faith very slowly and somewhat reluctantly, the woman at the well seems to quickly grasp Who Jesus is and trust in Him as Savior.  While Nicodemus, an influential leader among the Jews, is not recorded to have brought a single person to Christ, the woman at the well brings the whole town out to hear Jesus because of her testimony. 

   Both life-long church-goers and those-who-never-darken-the-door-of-a-church types need to come to terms with the salvation message.  Both types need Jesus.  A young pastor recognized that even though I had been in church since infancy, I was still unsaved and lost.  But I would still have ended up in eternal separation from God just like all those sinners who’ve never heard the Gospel preached.  Had Nicodemus turned away from Jesus’ words, he would have been lost for eternity.  Had the woman not stopped to respond to Jesus’ request for water, she would have been lost for eternity.  The Gospel needs to be preached to everyone.  Do your Christian friends profess Jesus as Lord?  Have your non-Christian friends heard any of your testimony?   

Stephen Cram                            April 3, 2011                   Colossians 2:8