1 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
The Cross In History Takes Many Shapes
It Was Once A Heathen Sign
1. Egyptians priest
2. Building at Nineveh
3. Roman monuments
4. Phoenician god Jupiter
For The Christian The Cross Is An Instrument Of Death
An Emblem
· After the conversion, so called, of Constantine the great (b.c 313),the cross first came into use as a universal emblem of Christianity. He pretended at a critical moment that he saw a flaming cross in the heavens bearing the inscription [By this sign thou shalt conquer], and that on the following night Christ himself appeared and ordered him to take for his standard the sign of this cross. In this form a new standard, called the labarum, was accordingly made, and borne by the roman armies. It remained the standard of the roman army till the downfall of the western empire.
It Was Recognized By Christians Before The Constantine Period
· It is found on the Tombstones of the early Christians, as an emblem of victory, and hope
· the first use of the cross as an emblem is unknown
· Many used the cross-as a signature
· The cross had the value of an oath therefore it became the custom in the diplomatic documents as early as 5th century used crosses.
· In the 6th century three crosses were placed near the signature of important documents
· Priests and bishops placed the cross before their signatures as a sign of the dignity of their office
· by tradition those unable to write now used cross as a signature.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
· Is our society trivializing the cross?
· Are we preaching a watered down gospel?
· Is it now considered only a piece of jewelry?
· Has it been lowered to the status of only a good luck charm like the religious statues once found in many automobiles?
a) A young woman went into a jewelry store to buy a cross. She asked for one with that little man on it.
b) Now any and every body, regardless of their lifestyle wears a cross from prostitutes, to rock stars, movie stars, priests, homosexuals, etc. They are manufactured in all different sizes shape and forms.
c) The communion table, water baptism, as well as the cross have lost their meaning. Many people consider them something religious but are not sure what is sacred about it.
d) Wearing a cross I assume, makes some sort of statement, and perhaps there is a comfort in a shallow effort at honoring God but it’s only superficial there is no substance. In reality this is only a form of righteousness, there is no life changing power.
e) In America in our lifetime a hangman noose, the gas chamber, or the electric chair a firing squad were used to execute law breakers: yet we only see people adoring themselves only tithe cross. Why not wear a replica of an electric chair or a silver hangman’s noose?
f) The Cross is an ugly symbol of injustice that lies at the heart of the Christian message. If you happen to see a man with a cross on his back, know that dude has problems, He can no longer buy life insurance.
g) The cross is as important maybe more so as water baptism or the communion table. Without the cross there would be no need for the latter two.
The Cross Is An Important Emblem Of Christianity
· Crucifying the flesh the total of the life’s suffering of our Lord
· An emblem of execution it speaks of death
· The cross speaks of what is painful and mortifying to the flesh
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
· It speaks as representative of the total suffering our Lord; from his birth to his death.
Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV)
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
· It speaks as a representation of the whole doctrines of the gospel
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
· Those who opposes the gospel are spoken of as enemies of the cross
Philippians 3:18 (NKJV)
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
· It speaks of “the cross of Christ” representing salvation for all mankind.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
The Cross Represents The Day We Became A Free People
· What a different message the bread and wine of communion! No long is fresh blood (from innocent animals) required. Jesus has died
Hebrews 10:12 (NKJV)
12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
· We are now fully cleansed and forgiven; a sin offering is no longer needed.
Hebrews 10:18 (NKJV)
18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
· The preaching of the cross is foolishness to some, the us the power of God that saves us.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 (NKJV)
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
· It is a stumbling block to the Jew
Galatians 5:11 (NKJV)
11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
· Some will try to change you thinking because they do not want the persecution of the cross
Galatians 6:12 (NKJV)
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
· We can boast only in the cross
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV)
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
· The cross reconciled us to God
Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV)
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
· There is joy set before us when we endure the cross
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
There Are Not Several Crosses!
· Each one of us have the same Cross!
Matthew 10:38 (NKJV)
38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 8:34 (NKJV)
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 10:21 (NKJV)
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 8:34 (NKJV)
34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 10:21 (NKJV)
21 Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
· It’s not sickness, trials and test etc. it‘s when you deny yourself; it’s allowing Jesus to be the Lord of your Life.
· Jesus said it in Luke, it’s not what I want but what you want Lord.
Luke 22:42 (NKJV)
42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
What Is My Cross?
· It’s allowing Jesus to be the Lord of your life
· It’s when you deny yourself
· You must Die
The Cross Represents:
Shame
Weakness
Death
Matthew 27:26-31 (NKJV)
26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him.
28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.
31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him.
28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.
29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"
30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.
31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.
The Shame That Jesus Endured:
· The crucifixion itself
· Portrayed as a law breaker
· Seen as a threat to humanity
· Having a character void of anything that is right and proper
· A disgrace to mankind
· The abandonment of disciples
· The whipping
· Ridiculed
· Being mocked
· Being spat upon
· The crown of thorns
· The humiliation of being stripped naked
· Being paraded through the street to the place of execution
· Forced to carry his own cross,
· The pain of being nailed to the cross
Psalms 22:17 (NKJV)
17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.
John 19:17 (NKJV)
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Philippians 2:8 (NKJV)
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.
John 19:17 (NKJV)
17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
Galatians 5:17 (NKJV)
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
Philippians 2:8 (NKJV)
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
· The weakness that is associated with carrying the cross.
Psalms 22:14-15 (NKJV)
14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.
· The cross is designed to bring us to the end of our own resources
· When we become weak we can receive the strength in God’s Power
2 Corinthians 13:3-4 (NKJV)
3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
The death that comes with the cross.
· Many just want to do spring cleaning in their lives: they want to brighten up their lives to become a little more acceptable to our creator
· Taking up your cross not just carrying something for show; it’s not something that is heavy so we cannot move as fast
· It’s not an obstacle placed in our way to make getting through life more difficult
· Jesus was not just talking about a game of let us pretends when he spoke of bearing the cross.
· Look at the picture of Jesus was a man with an ashen colored face, struggling down the street carrying a cross on is shoulders, he was goaded and kicked by the roman soldiers he was a man with a sentence of death
· We die because of it.
Your Cross Is Designed To Terminate Your Life
2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NKJV)
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
16 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Romans 6:11 (NKJV)
11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:4-12 (NKJV)
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.
Question:
Since Jesus set us free Why Die? After God has set is free why would one want to take this path of Death giving up what God has given us?
The Lordship Of Jesus Causes Us To Examine Our Propose In Life
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Who for the joy set before him endured the cross
Psalms 40:8 (NKJV)
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart."
8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart."
Hebrews 10:7 (NKJV)
7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will, O God.' "
Hebrews 10:9 (NKJV)
9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Matthew 12:50 (NKJV)
50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
John 5:30 (NKJV)
30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
John 6:39-40 (NKJV)
39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come-- In the volume of the book it is written of Me-- To do Your will, O God.' "
Hebrews 10:9 (NKJV)
9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
Matthew 7:21 (NKJV)
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
Matthew 12:50 (NKJV)
50 For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
John 5:30 (NKJV)
30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
John 6:39-40 (NKJV)
39 This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.
40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day."
The Joy Set Before You
· You can know the joy of actually doing he will of God
· Of having his outlook on the world
· Of having his heart for people
· You can began acting much as Jesus acted instead of just reading about it
· Your communion with god will be sweet, and intimate
· You will be able to actually hear his voice god’s plan for you will become your life
· You will have your eyes off yourself and on God he is the author and finisher of our faith
· God will be able to actually perfect you; It will not just be a intriguing concept that what you hope will happen someday
· Just as Jesus could see beyond the present you also can see what is beyond the cross and experience the joy.
How will I know when I fully embrace the cross? Four thing will tell you when.
1. Victory over Sin
2. Power of God out of weakness
3. Fruitfulness
4. Walking in Glory -- We will no longer fall continually into sin, having to ask God for forgiveness repeatedly for a particular sin
Romans 6:1-8 (NKJV)
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,
As Jesus submitted to the weakness of crucifixion, he experienced the power of the resurrection.
2 Corinthians 13:4 (NKJV)
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
4 For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
· Do not waste your trials. Embrace and permit God’s work in our live to make us weak – such a thorn was given to keep Paul weak.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV)
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
You Will Experience Fruitfulness
· We try to be fruitful in many ways except God’s way. A seed will not grow unless it first dies you are a seed; unless you die on your cross you will not grow and produce fruit.
John 12:24 (NKJV)
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
Some Greek bothers wanted to talk with Jesus probably about becoming a Jewish proselyte. His answer (about the seed having to die) was intended to point them toward his death and resurrection which was the new day of grace. They were only aware of the law whey could see in action by watching the Jews.
John 12:20-25 (NKJV)
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
20 Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.
21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus."
22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
23 But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.
24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.
25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
· Jesus pointed out he was as a kernel of wheat
Isaiah 53:10 (NKJV)
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
· Unless he was willing to die, he would have remained a single seed.
Revelation 7:9 (NKJV)
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
· Actually, it is not the seed but the husks that are the outer part of the seeds that dies which is a good name for our flesh that dominates us so much.
2 Corinthians 4:10 (NKJV)
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
· It’s by the spirit we must learn to put to death the works of the body
Romans 8:13 (NKJV)
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
· As death works in us, Life is working in others
2 Corinthians 4:12 (NKJV)
12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
12 So then death is working in us, but life in you.
What Is The Glory Of God?
· The Glory of God is somewhat difficult to define since it encompasses God himself and all that he has created including the earth, nature, solar system and mankind.
· We all can see his presence in outdoors or nature, as well as his handiwork the sky, clouds etc. Who had not experienced the peace and contentment and relaxation as you observed the out of doors, the trees, fields, mountains, birds. Etc.?
· When we can sense, see, feel, and experience these attribute; His presence is manifested.
· In the human race we describe his presence as our peace, joy, righteousness, contentment, integrity, honesty, self control, quietness, gentleness, long suffering, patient, meekness, faith, considerate, helpful, loving, etc.
· What better example of God’s Glory than to watch the change of countenance, behavior, and character, in a soul who had just reached out to Jesus and become born again?
Perhaps Jesus’ greatest trial was rejecting Satan’s offer and choosing the cross.
Matthew 26:39 (NKJV)
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Luke 4:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
7 Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."
You Can Not Take A Path To God’s Glory Bypassing The Cross.
· What Satan promised; Jesus knew that they would be his but He must die. He didn’t bypass it, neither can you.
You Will Experience Walking In the Glory of God
1 Peter 4:14 (NKJV)
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
We must follow the example Jesus gave us:
· He died on his glory [cross] and his Father brought life to the world because of it. You must die on your cross allowing Jesus to bring life to others through your death. This doesn’t mean your death would bring redemption like Jesus’ but the glory of God manifested in you would cause others want what you have.
John 12:32 (NKJV)
32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
Luke 24:26 (NKJV)
26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"
26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?"
· Because of his obedience to death, God has exalted him. The same thing can happen to us. God does not want us to fail, he wants to do what ew ask but cannot because we are not dead.
Philippians 2:9 (NKJV)
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
· There was no sort cut for Jesus and neither for you or I.
2 Timothy 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
11 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
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