He pulled away from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed, "Father, remove this cup from me. But please, not what I want. What do you want?" At once an angel from heaven was at his side, strengthening him. He prayed on all the harder. Sweat, wrung from him like drops of blood, poured off his face. (Luke 22:42-44 The Message). He didn't want the Cross and He had the power to save Himself from it...Yet He went ahead in obedience as the Perfect lamb for the slaughter. He died the death I deserve to give me the eternal life only He could buy.
STEP 1 in Evangelism entails BECOMING TRULY CONVERTED ourselves. This is a work of God, not just a decision of your will. The gospel is uncomfortably simple: The only innocent man ever (Jesus) dying for the Guilty (you, me and the rest of humanity). The fad today is to say that Jesus was not innocent and we are not guilty...both lies. Get this straight: There is NO Forgiveness from God without something, and that something is Blood, the matchless perfect sin-free blood of Jesus. Have you said "God you're right and I'm wrong...Sorry" or have you simply drifted into Christian company, learnt a few buzz words and enjoyed the acceptance and love? COMMENTS PLEASE.
3 comments:
HI ANT. Love the challenge. All i would add to say is, Its not that Jesus didnt want the Cross its rather He was troubled about drinking the cup of Gods righteous wrath! He knew had to drink the cup of wrath and if there was any other way to accomplish Forgiveness bring it on, but not my will but yours. the devil tempted him with fame and things of the world i.e (glory with out the cross) but He chose the cross.He set HIs face like flynt towards jerusalem. ought not the Christ to have suffered and enter into GLORY. YOu are so right, without the blood there is no forgiveness. preach on my evangelistic friend~T
HI TOM. well put. When I ask people on the street the all revealing question "Why did Jesus die on the cross?" many answer that He wanted to die to prove HIs love. While there is some truth in this answer it misses the point that it was to Satisfy the Justice of Holy Creator God for our redemption. Jesus didn't "Desire" the cross in the morbid way many religious people think he did...but of course He acted in obedience to the Father..for this I am eternally grateful! Ant
WELL said my friend. I love you ANT! ~T for an amazing read on the cross check out John Stott the Cross of Christ. Im reading it now AMAZING love you~
Post a Comment