Friday, April 10, 2009

The Power of the Cross with Charles Stanley

The Power of the Cross

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Mark 15:26-32
(New American Standard Bible)

26The inscription of the charge against Him read, "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.

28[And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with transgressors."]

29Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,

30save Yourself, and come down from the cross!"

31In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself.

32"Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!" Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.

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Some people jeered at Jesus as He hung on the cross. The Son of God should be able to save Himself, they taunted. These men and women thought that Christ’s death proved Him weak. But in fact, the opposite was true. The Lord’s power was so great that Jesus died with the world’s sin on His shoulders, and He arose three days later. Furthermore, anyone who believes in Him doesn’t have to pay his or her own death penalty. God’s awesome power sets captives free.

I treasure a letter from a former addict who described God’s power in his life. One night, just before drugs stole his consciousness, he heard through an open window a single sentence from a radio preacher: “No matter who you are, God loves you and cares about you.” Weeks later, while searching for a program on his own radio, he came across a familiar voice. Intrigued, He listened to that entire In Touch broadcast. What happened, in short, is that he got the message, received Christ, cleaned up his life, and reconciled with his family.

The cross’s power is life-changing. God used a phrase heard in a drug-induced
haze to prepare a man’s heart. Then, once the Lord had his attention, He yanked that fellow out of a deep pit of despair!

Human strength is insufficient to rid ourselves of sin. The truth is that we are all in need of a Savior. Jesus Christ humbled Himself to die in our place, which was not a show of weakness. On the contrary, He made the most powerful sacrifice He could—and He did it for you and me (John 15:13).

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We read this at supper devotions last night. What Jesus did for us on the cross was so incredibly awesome. Dieing for the very people that were mocking him.

When I read this my heart jumped!!! I don't know why but it is just an amazing statement.

"Jesus Christ humbled Himself to die in our place, which was not a show of weakness. On the contrary, He made the most powerful sacrifice He could—and He did it for you and me"

Thank you Jesus!!!

~K


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