Looking to the Cross

Message Summary: Looking to the Cross
2014.04.13
Scripture: Luke23:33-43
Introduction: Christians are comforted when they see “the cross”
because it is the cross of Jesus,(Luke6:14)
it is the sign of redemption(points to the truth),
it is the sign of the light of grace (points to the way),
it is the evidence of everlasting life (points to life). (John14:6)
Christ Jesus’ cross is a banner that proclaims,
“For God so loved the world”.
(John3:16, Romans8:32,Galations2:20)
Holding “God’s justice” high.(Isaiah53:11, Acts3:14,
1 Corinthians1:30). “May I never boast except
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world.” (Galatians6:14)
The Christian Church must explain the Bible to lift Christ
and Christ’s Cross (God’s Salvation).
(1Corinthians2:2, 2 Timothy2:15)
I.The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed the world by dying on the Cross
for you and I, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
(1 Corinthians15:3-4, Acts3:15)
 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross,
so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness;
“by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter2:24)
Before “Christ’s Cross”, the governor said,
“I find no basis for a charge against this man.”
(Luke23:4, John18:38, John19:4,6)
The Lord Jesus Christ has taken the burden of our sins
through the Cross. (Isaiah53:4, 1 Peter2:24)
After Christ took our place on the Cross,
believers will no longer be condemned
and God will call us righteous. (Romans8:30,33)
II.There were three crosses on Mount Golgotha.
(Luke 23:32-33, 39-43)
One of them was the Cross of Jesus. (John 19:17). For us,
“Christ Jesus” was listed as one of the criminals. (Isaiah 53:12)
“When they came to the place called the Skull,
they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right,
the other on his left.” (Luke23:33)
[Crucifixion was form of punishment used by the Roman Empire
for slaves, foreigners, non-Roman citizens, robbers and serious crimes,
like treason. (Matthew27:38).] Only one of the men crucified
with Jesus, on his left and right, received salvation.
One of them was “stubborn until the end”.
Those who look to “Jesus’ Cross”,
willing to commit and believe in Jesus,
His Cross will becoming the Cross of Salvation.
The other man recognized God and reprimanded the other
saying, “You are under the same sentence.
Don’t you fear God?” He repented from his sin. (1 John1:9)
“We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds
deserve… .” He believed Jesus Christ is Lord:
“This man has done nothing wrong.”
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
Jesus replied “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”
(Luke 23:39-43).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us
our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. “
III. When the children of God face the Cross
(the belief of Salvation) and the world (non-followers of Christ).
The Word gives comfort, strength, and is a guide for us.
(Psalms 119:52,92,105, Matthew16:24, Luke 9:23,14:27)
Philippians 3:12,13, Psalms119:10-11)
Ask for peace and the protection of God the Father
until the time comes for his Glory to be upon us.
(1 Thessalonians5:23-24, Philippians3:20)
We should do put our efforts into spreading the Word
(God’s salvation) to those who do not believe
or heard the Truth. (Romans1:11-12)
The righteous are saved because they believe. (Romans1:16)
When “Jesus’ Cross”, “the world”, and “I” are juxtaposed…
Paul trusted Jesus. Paul the Apostle made that decision.
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the word.”
(Galatians 6:14, Psalms 119:30, Philippians 3:13-14)
“Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
(Romans 7:25)
Conclusion: That year, on Mount Golgotha were three crosses
(Luke23:33, John19:18) that represented: God’s Grace,
the acceptance of God’s Grace, and the refusal of God’s grace.
Look, God’s salvation (the Bible’s Word) is revealed through the cross.
Believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. (John1:12,3:16)
I invite you to participate in next Sunday’s worship
because the Lord has risen and the cross has been fulfilled.
(Acts 2:32,36)
By susanchou
Translator, Ms. Bianca Ho