Luke 23:26-43
When we look at the cross we should not pity Jesus. Instead the cross should be symmetrical to our lives. (Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis; showing symmetry.) The cross has direct implications upon us.
The Cross condemns our efforts to please God… our attempt to even the scales of justice by having more good in our life then bad. Jesus prayed “Father, if there be any way, let this cup pass from me.” The Cross was necessary for eradicating our sin.
The Cross reveals God’s motif of bringing life from death… joy out of suffering… healing through pain. God’s pattern is to place suffering on the path and bring us through.
Psalm 23:4 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
The Cross reveals the Love of God for you.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You and I should meditate on the cross and sense the unending waves of God’s love.
The Cross should be our defense from condemnation. Sin was dealt with at the Cross. Jesus said “It is finished”. When the devil attempts to condemn you by reminding you of your sin, you can point to the cross and say with confidence “It is finished.”
The Cross should be our confidence in prayer. The sin that stood in the way of our friendship with God has been taken away. Let the great conversation begin.
Hebrews 10:19–22 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Luke 22:66-23:25
Luke 22:54-65
In this sermon we zero in on Peter remembering the Word of the Lord after the rooster crows. He is filled with regret.
This lead us to consider how we can learn from his mistake by listening to God’s word rather then ignoring it’s warnings.
Pastor Josh gave us four (plus a fifth) way to hear God’s voice:
God speaks to us through the Bible
The Holy Spirit highlighter
Recall of scripture… “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
God speaks to us through Prayer
Prayer is a conversation… yet we place so much emphasis on our side of the conversation. Listen quietly and then pray. Engage in a conversation with questions and fewer requests.
God speaks to us through Circumstances… Open and closed doors
A job offer
A lack of finances
God speaks through other Christians around us