Sermon: The Cross
The Cross • Sermon • Submitted
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· 36 viewsDifferences between the old cross and the new cross
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Scripture
20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Introduction
Introduction
We are familiar of biblical history of Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of mankind. The love of God was so great that Jesus came into this sinful world to save all that come to believe in Him - John 3:16.
The Word, who was with God, and was and is God, became flesh for the specific purpose to redeem the lost sheep of His pasture. That’s a humbling perspective when you stop and reflect on God’s purposeful plan.
The unfortunate aspect that touches the vast majority of the Christian faithful community is the misunderstanding that they have on the cross.
Have you ever heard a Christian state something of the following: “When I was in the world I danced in the club, and since I met Jesus, I haven’t stopped dancing but I just have a different dancing partner now.”?
At the core of that statement, I think we clearly understand what’s trying to be said. But I believe there is an unsaid undertone in the mix of that very statement.
I believe what is being communicated through that statement is that you don’t have to stop being you, you’re still you, but you’re you with a different partner.
Much like that statement, there is an equally concerning message about the cross being preached in these times that is disturbing.
Across pulpits, you can hear a new philosophical message about the cross of Christ being being preached.
There is a fundamental difference between the biblical cross and this new cross philosophical teaching.
Many of us Christians have a unique view of what the cross means to us personally, and we should because it is a personal walk in Christ Jesus.
We glorify the cross and make the cross to be some beautiful thing in the form of redemption. This is a dangerous theological perspective of the cross.
Representation of The New Cross
Representation of The New Cross
What does the new cross that’s being preached at some churches represent?
This new teaching of the cross does not want to offend and cut the hears, but rather it seeks to appease and rationalize sinful behavior. It does not tell the haughty to be humble, but rather redirects the haughty to be more spiritual. This new cross does not renouncement of sin, but rather it preaches “God understands why you act the way you.” This new cross is a vehicle that enables immoral behavior as long as the tithes check continues to clear the bank.
This new cross represents a superficial application of God’s word in one’s life, but it’s dressed up to seem authentic and unadulterated.
This new cross is a replica of the Pharisee’s prayer, or what can be described as a “self-righteous prayer.”
Scripture: Luke 18:10-12
10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.
12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
The new cross is a dangerous philosophical teaching that promotes who we are or who we are not in God’s presence. Listen, God see what you really are.
New cross Christians thank God for what they are not and how they are not like other sinners.
Representation of The Old Cross
Representation of The Old Cross
What does the old cross (the biblical cross) represent?
Let me remind us all that the cross was not an element of beauty, but that of death. The cross was an instrument used for execution in the worst way. It was a form of torture and execution, and our Lord died upon a cross.
Scripture: Jesus said in Matthew 16:24
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
To take up your cross means that you are submissive to and under the will of the person that has authority and rule over you. So when Jesus mention that one must “deny himself and take up his cross” is not a storyline starting with glory, but that of transformation.
The biblical cross is a replica of the sinner’s prayer in Luke 18:13.
Scripture: Luke 18:13
13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
Many of us Christians recognize that sin is always present in us or around, or sometimes both.
There is a constant conflict of spiritual vs unspiritual, and moral vs immoral within us at all times.
Scripture: Romans 7:18-19
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.
19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Do you understand that the old you must die at the cross of Christ, and not be amplified? Your old life and your old ways will not be glorified and magnified on the cross of Christ.
Many Christians may ask the question: “Didn’t God choose Paul because he was bold?”
My answer that question is no. God is God and He could have chosen anyone he pleases, but he chose Paul to show Paul who He is!
Saul (aka Paul) was boastful, prideful, a killer, and a threat breather, but God reverse his course and humbled him to the lowest point in life. Pride died when he lost his eye sight. The killer could no longer see when he lost his sight for three days. The threat breather was at the mercy of one of the ones he desired to kill.
The biblical cross represents self-denial.