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Glory in Nothing but the Cross
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. 1Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Like the apostle Paul, I can say that I desire to know nothing but the fact that the great God of heaven, condescended into the form of a man and hung on a cruel cross to purchase my eternal salvation (I Timothy 3:16). He was wounded for my transgression, bruised for my iniquities and my healing and peace of mind was purchased by His stripes (Isaiah 53). When I believed and obeyed the gospel, I became a new creature, that is, a new creation. Since that time, things just haven’t been the same. I am not the person I used to be (II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:18). I have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13). I am seated in heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 2:6) and I am an heir of God and a joint heir with Christ (Romans 8:17). Giving that up for the things of this world would be like Esau selling His birthright for a bowl of beans (Hebrews 12:16). As the old song says, “This World is not my home, I’m just a passing through.” My primary citizenship (conversation, Philippians 3:20) is now in heaven, not on this earth. It is from heaven that I eagerly await the return of the Lord Jesus. When I believed the gospel, my slate was wiped clean by the blood of Christ. I was given the right and privilege to become a son of God (John 1:12). Jesus took up residence in my heart and His thoughts have become my thoughts. His desires are my desires. Yet there is so much more available. Paul had been caught up to heaven and had seen Jesus face to face. Yet He stated in effect, “I really don’t know Him. There are deeper depths and higher heights to obtain, all because of His cross (Philippians 3:8-10). I exchanged what ever righteousness I may have had for the righteousness of Christ. This is the only righteousness acceptable to God. All else is as filthy rags in His sight (Isaiah 64:6). Because I am in Christ, when God looks at me, He looks though the filter of the blood of Jesus (Exodus 12:13). I have been accepted in the beloved, thus God graciously sealed me until the day of redemption with His Spirit (Ephesians 1:6-14). Like Paul, I do not glory in my religious background or my denomination. Nor do I glory in my educational and work achievements. My desire is to be conformed to the image of the Lord Jesus who is Himself the express image of God. I do not glory in possessions, knowing that they could vanish overnight. I do not glory in status because if I desire to be elevated in the kingdom of God, I must humble my self and be a servant to my fellow man (Luke 14:11). Doctrine and theology are important, but it is possible to get so wrapped up in these that we forget the simply crux of the gospel, the cross. Some focus on their creed to such an extent that they forget that God loves others who may have a different viewpoint. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son on the cross (John 3:16). This wasn’t just for folks who see everything just as I do, it was for the whole wide world. By the cross “whosoever” believes on Him will have eternal life. That goes beyond the narrow confines of my understanding. Anybody in this whole wide world can live forever, simply by accepting what Jesus did on the cross. I grieve when I see the message of the cross being overshadowed by the message of self enhancement, esteem and financial gain. I can’t think of anything greater to glory in except the cross of my Lord. I desire to be crucified with Him that He might live His life through me. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. In About-Him
Online Sermons http://about-him.com/sermonlink.htmlOur Bible Studies http://about-him.com/bslinkpage.html Our Music: http://about-him.com/audio.html Flash Theater http://about-him.com/player.html Scripture list on 30 subjects http://about-him.com/wordarc.html Scripture Postcards http://about-him.com/postcards/postcard.html Humor
Two roaches were munching on garbage in an alley when one engages a discussion about a new restaurant.
"I was in that new restaurant across the street," said one. "It's so clean! The kitchen is spotless, and the floors are gleaming white. There is no dirt anywhere--it's so sanitary that the whole place shines."
"Please," said the other roach frowning. "Not while I'm eating!"
Somebody Has Said
"This is the mystery of the riches of divine grace for sinners; for by a wonderful exchange our sins are now not ours but Christ’s, and Christ’s righteousness is not Christ’s but ours." -
Martin Luther
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