Saturday, March 19, 2005

Problem with Porn
Randy Kirk has a great post about how pornography is affecting our society and culture. This is a must read for parents and teens.

Porn and its consequences
God is very predictable. In establishing a world based on natural consequences, there is this remarkable pattern. When a society chooses to take a new path into sin, the impact is not really seen for a generation. After 25 or 30 years the culture wakes up to the toll that the sin is taking, but now it is very hard to turn people away from what they are in bondage to.

The Truth About Everything: Porn and its consequences

posted @ 05:48 AM CST [link] [Karma: -6 (+/-)]

Friday, March 18, 2005

Quote of the Day
"An affirmation is simply a positive declaration of something you believe to be true or something you expect to become true and desire to live by. Affirmations transform your thinking, your attitudes, and finally, your behavior. Their impact on attitudes and behavior help to produce the results you desire." Paul J. Meyer

from Madeleine
posted @ 02:42 PM CST [link] [Karma: 9 (+/-)]

Torture the Innocent
Here is a must read article.

March 17, 2005, 7:58 a.m.
Torturing Terri Schiavo
She'd be better off if she were a terrorist.

A few months back, I wrote an article for Commentary arguing that we ought to reconsider our anti-torture laws. The argument wasn't novel. It echoed contentions that had been made with great persuasive force by Harvard's Professor Alan Dershowitz: that under circumstances of imminent harm to thousands of moral innocents (the so-called "ticking bomb" scenario), it would be appropriate to inflict, under court-supervision, intense but non-lethal pain in an effort to wring information from a morally culpable person - a terrorist known to be complicit in the plot.

Andrew C. McCarthy on Terri Schiavo on National Review Online
posted @ 07:17 AM CST [link] [Karma: -3 (+/-)]

I AM THIRSTY: VOICE FRM THE CROSS
By Warren Coe
South Suburban Evangelical Free Church

MARCH 6, 2005
INTRODUCTION
1. We continue our discussion on last seven words Jesus spoke before he died. Standing at cross and meditating on these words is like Moses before burning bush.
● We are on holy ground. God's presence permeates sweat, blood and brutality.
● Here is pure righteousness and holy love displayed before a watching world
● Like Moses, we must take off sandals of worldliness and bow low in humility

2. Today we consider 5th utterance of Jesus'I am thirsty. At first glance this statement appears the least important of all Jesus sayings on the cross.
● It consists of three words in English but only one word in Greek.
● In contrast to My God, My God, it seems less weighted with truth.
● However, we'll discover that this word is as important as the rest of Jesus' words

What truths are discovered in this word from our Lord? Truth #1
I.'I AM THIRSTY' REVEALS THE HUMANITY OF JESUS
1. One of first tools of interpretation that Bible students learn is to look for plain meaning of the text. Don't get fancy. Look for literal meaning of a passage.
● The most literal way to interpret V28 is to see that Jesus was thirsty!
● Not surprising when you consider the last eighteen hrs of his life.
● In the garden he sweats blood. Then he was scourged, crowned and naked. He was certainly dehydrated. He asks for wine!
Fever caused parched lips, eyeballs burned in socket, excruciating headaches, swollen tongue,
2. Why does John include this detail? When John wrote this gospel a heresy called Gnosticism invaded church. It taught that the spirit was good, and physical matter was bad.
● Jesus was good not bad, so Jesus was spirit, not flesh. He walked without footprints
● This meant that Jesus sufferings on cross weren't real. He was just acting.
● Jesus' death was faked since a spirit can not die. This was Gnosticism.

3. Why was this heresy dangerous? Bible prophetically taught that the savior would be born to the human race Is7,9. Is53, It taught that the savior would be a lamb!
● For our sins to be forgiven required a perfect, sinless human sacrifice.
● If Jesus was a spirit and not flesh and blood then our sins are un-forgiven.
● And we are still under judgment of God. But the Christ was man, God man and lamb of God

1st truth we discover in Jesus' words 'I am thirsty' is his humanity which was necessary for redemption.
II.'I AM THIRSTY' REVEALS Jesus' SCRIPTURAL FOCUS IN LIFE and DEATH
1. Look carefully at V28. It says that Jesus knowing¡that the scriptures might be fulfilled said. Bible tells us Jesus' mental focus was upon fulfillment of Scripture
● John uses two important words in V28; NASB accomplished, bring to close
● To finish by adding last stroke with nothing more to be added.
● To fulfill means to bring to a goal, to reach successfully mark that was set.

2. The former refers only to last things; the latter to everything including the last, as constituting a successful accomplishment, a long great work done.
● When you pack for a long trip and the last piece of luggage is in the trunk packing is done
● When you close the lid of the trunk then all packing is done. Jesus' drink was the former.
● And this act constituted completion of earthly, redemptive ministry.

3. When it came to his ministry, his drink was last objective of a bigger goal of redemption. And as always his mind was steeped in Scripture
● I am thirsty quote from Ps69:21 'for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink'
● Throughout sufferings Jesus' mind was centered upon God's Word and its fulfillment
● Scripture was his nourishment. Mt 4:4 and Jn 13:49. If true for Jesus, it is more so true for us.

Jesus' thirsty cry reveals his humanity, his scriptural absorption and...
III.'I AM THIRSTY' REVEALS DEPTHS OF Jesus HUMILIATION
1. As Lord and Savior we can't help to marvel at depth of his humiliation. He did not shrink from pain/torture/depravation.
● Two times Jesus is given opportunity to drink wine during sufferings. Here and Mk15:23
● He accepted one but rejected other. Why? Mk15:23 wine was a sedative
● It dulled senses. It deadened the pain. It drugged the mind of the pain.

2. Jesus endured pain of cross with clear and unclouded mental alertness. He willingly and fully experienced the depths of degradation and humiliation of the cross.
● Turn to Is53 500 yrs before Christ, prophet foresaw Christ's extreme sufferings
● Be sure Jesus was no masochist. He didn't love pain. As a man pain was pain.
● What Jesus was determined to receive upon himself was full wrath of God.

3. Degradation: Jesus experience on the cross brings a sad understanding of the exceeding sinfulness of sin. In the spring '64 Kitty Genovese murdered outside apartment.
● 38 people heard and did nothing. The nation could hear please of an innocent and do nothing.
● Just so, we can't see Jesus suffer and not think differently about wickedness of sin
● That's why it's always the same when people come to Christ. Weeping over sin.

CONCLUSION
1 Once more the gravitas of our savior's death is before us. In this three word request, I am thirsty; volumes of Biblical truth are displayed.
● We see the truth of his humanity revealed in this 5th statement.
● We see the scriptural focus of Jesus' mind even while he suffered.
● We also see the extreme nature of Jesus' sufferings.

2. When Jesus asked for the wine he knew his work for others had now been completely accomplished. He had fully suffered the wrath of God for sin.
● He knew he delivered his people from it to merit for them eternal life
● This cry instructs us as to the price by which our redemption was secured.
● Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
posted @ 07:01 AM CST [link] [Karma: -8 (+/-)]

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Emergency Alert
BEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEP.
This is not a drill! This is not a test!

Warning to all drivers in Minnesota and surrounding states. There is a new hazard on the road. Our oldest son passed his driving test today! Be on the alert. He has two arms and is most likely dangerous.

If you see him driving do not confront him but call the police immediately.

This is an Emergency Alert.

******************************************************

Of course this is all in fun.
Congratulations Michael

posted @ 09:01 AM CST [link] [Karma: 7 (+/-)]

Scott Peterson is a Good Abortionist
Can anyone tell me why it is ok that Scott Peterson can be found guilty and sentenced to death for killing his unborn baby, and “abortion doctors” get away with it? Is it just because the woman has decided that she wants to kill her baby? Is the woman deciding to kill the baby the only deciding factor here?

Why would we net decide this issue based on the evidence of the “mass of cells” being a human or not. The vast majority of the thinking scientific world has come to the conclusion that the “mass of cells” is indeed a human and that humanness does indeed begin at conception.

Making abortion illegal in most if not all cases is the only reasonable alternative.

posted @ 07:20 AM CST [link] [Karma: 0 (+/-)]

Great Idea and courage

LIFE AND DEATH TUG OF WAR
Citizen's arrest attempt of Schiavo, judge
Green Beret Bo Gritz intervened in Ruby Ridge to escort family to safety

Posted: March 17, 2005
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

Former Green Beret Commander Bo Gritz is trying to conduct a citizen's arrest of the Terri Schindler Schiavo's husband and the judge presiding in the case before the handicapped Florida woman is scheduled to have her feeding tube removed so she can be legally starved to death.

The 66-year-old retired Army Lt. Colonel with his wife, Judy, arrived in Florida from their home in Nevada yesterday with the intent of arresting anyone involved in removing the woman's feeding tube that keeps her alive.

WorldNetDaily: Citizen's arrest attempt of Schiavo, judge
posted @ 07:02 AM CST [link] [Karma: -4 (+/-)]

A Man with Convictions
FAITH UNDER FIRE
Christian loses suit over 'gay' Jesus case
University tried to commit student who rallied against homosexual Christ play

Posted: March 17, 2005
1:00 a.m. Eastern

© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com

A Christian student who sued his college for trying to commit him to a mental hospital over his objections to a play depicting Jesus Christ as a homosexual has lost his battle in a Philadelphia courtroom.

A jury ruled yesterday in favor of Temple University in connection with the complaint filed by Michael Marcavage, who now heads Repent America and who recently made headlines after being arrested and later cleared for preaching against homosexuality at a public event.

WorldNetDaily: Christian loses suit over 'gay' Jesus case
posted @ 06:59 AM CST [link] [Karma: -4 (+/-)]

Memo to Abortion Advocates: Breakpoint commentary
Let's Get Along

Note: This commentary was delivered by Prison Fellowship President Mark Earley. The following also contains a graphic description of abortion.

In the aftermath of the November election, at least some pro-abortion crusaders are beginning to toy with the idea of softening their abortion-on-demand policies. Even Hillary Clinton has suggested as much.

In a recent article, syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman concedes that abortions should be "rare." That concession tacitly admits that abortion is not a good to be celebrated but, at best, a regrettable option. She calls on pro-life citizens to meet pro-abortion proponents on "common ground."

posted by @ 06:54 AM CST [more..] [Karma: 6 (+/-)]

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Some pictures for Help Sri Lanka Tsunami project
A new team is in place in Sri Lanka to continue with the building project to help recover from the tsumani damage. The photos at
Help Sri Lanka Project pictures will give you an idea of the current conditions of the homes and other properties and the work that needs to be done.

Please keep the team in your prayers.
posted @ 02:52 PM CST [link] [Karma: 9 (+/-)]

Cuba wants to "promote the noblest causes"
This is indeed laughable! Cuba wants to "promote the noblest causes" and kick us out of the UN. While I would like us out of the UN it would not be for the reasons that the Cuban Foreign Ministry states.

I can see it now in the marquee and the UN "Cuba, an icon of human rights"! What a joke.

WorldNetDaily: Cuba wants U.S. out of U.N. 'rights' panel
posted @ 06:58 AM CST [link] [Karma: -4 (+/-)]

Now for Something Completely Different
You have heard the saying, "music calms the animal within", well in that vain in my rushed and hurried world I am purposefully inserting more moments of calm and more moments of beauty.

One of the ways I am doing that is by listening to great music. I found a great list of classical music to calm the beast. Two things are happening, I am becoming more familiar with great music and I am also becoming more calm (at least for moments).

See if you can find anything interesting here.

Classical CD Guide -- Top 10 Orchestral Works to Start Your Classical Music Collection

Top 10 Essential Orchestral Works

1 Stravinsky: Rite of Spring -- Igor Stravinsky
A scandalous ballet.

2 Handel: Water Music -- Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
How to get in the good graces of a king.

3 Ravel: Bolero; Debussy: La Mer -- Herbert von Karajan
Orchestral landscapes and seascapes.

4 Tchaikovsky: Ballet Suites -- Mstislav Rostropovich
The Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairies, and much more.

5 Mozart: "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" -- Bruno Walter
The famous serenade hides a mystery.

6 Holst: The Planets -- Charles Dutoit
Music that's out of this world.

7 Copland: Applachian Spring -- Leonard Bernstein
The American master's Simple Gift to posterity.

8 Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade -- Valery Gergiev
Musical storytelling from the Arabian Nights.

9 Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra -- Fritz Reiner
Swan song for a man of many talents.

10 Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, American in Paris -- Leonard Bernstein
The fusion of Jazz and Classical.

posted @ 06:47 AM CST [link] [Karma: 0 (+/-)]

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Hunger for Freedom is breaking out....
FROM WND'S JERUSALEM BUREAU
800,000 rally in Beirut
Demanding independence in largest Lebanese protest

Posted: March 14, 2005
8:35 a.m. Eastern

By Aaron Klein
© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
JERUSALEM %u2013 An estimated 800,000 rallied this afternoon in central Beirut in the largest anti-Syrian protest in Lebanon since the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, and one of the largest protests in recent Middle East history.

WorldNetDaily: 800,000 rally in Beirut: Complete Story

posted @ 05:12 AM CST [link] [Karma: 0 (+/-)]

James Lesson 9: Faith Tested by Reaction to Injustice(5:1-11)
James:Tests of a Living Faith
Faith Tested by Reaction to Injustice (5:1-11)

Steve Budd

Section Summary
The genuiness of a person's faith is characterized by patience under persecution, no matter how severe or relentless the suffering.

Outline

I. The Sins of the Persecutors: The Cruelty and Oppression of the World. (1-6)

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure! Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived luxuriously on the earth and led a life of wanton pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and put to death the righteous man; he does not resist you.

Here, as in Chapter 4:1-11, it is important to remember James’ intended audience. In 4:7-11, we saw James’ Ten Commandments, which were intended to solicit a response from professing Christians in the assembly (cf. Matthew 7:21-23). This was an evangelistic passage describing the characteristics of a true believer, paralleling Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. True believers would be reassured as they saw these characteristics in their lives, while false believers would hopefully turn to Christ and be truly converted.

In 5:1-6, James employs a rhetorical devise called an apostrophe, which is when a speaker seems to turn from his intended audience (professing believers in this case) to address an imaginary group with the idea of having the intended audience “overhear”. This is like the father who, with his disobedient child within earshot, turns from him and shouts into the air, “What am I going to do with this kid?” There is no call to repentance in these verses, but rather a scathing indictment of judgement. James is “addressing” an absent audience, most likely wealthy Jewish landowners of large estates in communities where the readers lived, with the intention of acknowledging before believers that God is not unaware of their unjust treatment. It was a reminder to believers that a final judgement awaits those who don’t repent and believe, and that they should not be discouraged by God’s delayed justice.

A. Their wealth was uselessly hoarded (2-3). James is describing those who had more than they needed, yet were consumed by uncontrolled greed. While gold or silver cannot rust, the terms used here could refer to alloys of the day that could actually rust, or more likely, the word “rust” could be taken to mean tarnish. In either case the idea is clear; Obsession with wealth and the acquisition of it can literally consume one’s flesh, and the consumption of their flesh is the testimony against them.

B. Their wealth was unjustly gained (4). Through his apostrophe, James reminds his readers that God will vindicate them.

C. Their wealth was self-indulgently spent (5). The verbs here describe the lifestyle of these unjust persecutors:

1. Lived luxuriously: A soft life led at the expense of others. Used only here in the NT.
2. Led a life of wanton pleasure: Plunging headlong into dissipation in an attempt to satisfy insatiable desires.
3. Fattened your hearts: Self-indulgent robbers who have satiated themselves on plunder taken form their victims.

D. Their wealth was ruthlessly acquired (6). James describes the final progression in the downward spiral of human depravity; the murder of the righteous.

There is a fascinating irony when one observes the brutal treatment of these believers by wealthy Jews in view of how the Nazis treated the Jews in the 1930s and 1940s.

"His (James’) primary concern is to dissuade hesitant Christians from falling into a foolish attitude of envy towards the powers and privileges which wealth seems to confer on those who possess it." -C. Leslie Mitton

II. The Perspective of the Persecuted: A Godly Reaction to Injustices. (7-11)

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

“Therefore” connects this next section with the previous, as James now turns back to directly addressing his audience of professing believers. The following quote captures the transition:

"Christianity is strongly opposed to all forms of social injustice, but it also urges believers to maintain a proper attitude and perspective amid such injustices." -D. Edmond Hiebert

There are six things a Christian should do

A. Anticipate the Lord’s Coming (7-8). Christ’s Second Coming (parousia = arrival) is as certain to the believer as climatological realities are to a farmer, thus it is because of such certainties we should be patient, yet expectant. Both the believer and the farmer depend on circumstances beyond their control. Their job is to wait patiently and expectantly, for the Lord’s coming is near (eggizo = to come close). Any eschatological view that eliminates or minimizes the imminency of Christ’s Second Coming conflicts with the many passages that provide hope to the believer about His imminent return.
B. Recognize the Lord’s Judgement (9). This statement is connected to the previous one because while hope provides comfort through trials, Christ’s judgement (of believers, according to their works) provides a sobering caution to those tempted to complain in their trials.
C. Follow the Lord’s Servants (10). Believers should remember that they are in good company. If the world hated the Prophets (and Christ), they will hate believers.
D. Understand the Lord’s Blessings (11a). Note that blessings come to those who endure, not to those who do great things. True believers will endure to the end. Some say Christians have “Eternal Security”, which is true, but those two words do not state the doctrine in a way that acknowledges the process of sanctification. Reformed theologians correctly call the doctrine the “Perseverance of the Saints”. Saints (all true believers are saints according to Ephesians 1:1a and other passages) are not only eternally secure, God’s grace gives them endurance, which proves their authenticity as His own.
E. Realize the Lord’s Purpose (11b). We are blessed to know “the outcome of the Lord’s dealings” with Job; he didn’t have the same opportunity, being unaware of the behind-the-scenes drama. What are the purposes of job’s sufferings?
1. To test his faith and prove it genuine.
2. To thwart Satan’s attempt to destroy his faith.
3. To strengthen his faith and help him see God more clearly.
4. To increase is blessedness.
F. Consider the Lord’s Character (11c). We can patiently endure any suffering because of who God is. It is not our ‘faith in faith” that counts, but our faith in the One who is faithful and true.

Next Lesson: James 5:12- Faith Tested by Reaction to Self-Serving Oaths
posted @ 04:56 AM CST [link] [Karma: 1 (+/-)]

Monday, March 14, 2005

Art of Deborah Woodall
I have recently found the art work of Deborah Woodall. I have never before in my life connected with modern art. Now, I must say my mind has opened a bit.

Go explore some of her work!

deborahwoodall.com

Amazing Love

the baby Jesus

THE WORD BECOMES FLESH

This painting of a new born child was first inspired by Galatians 4:4
"But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman,.."

Additional Scriptures which speak of His Amazing love:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
posted @ 06:26 AM CST [link] [Karma: 8 (+/-)]

MY GOD! MY GOD!: VOICE FROM THE CROSS
By Warren Coe
South Suburban Evangelical Free Church

FEB. 27, 2005
INTRODUCTION
1. This past week was 25th anniversary of U.S. Olympic hockey team’s triumph over Russians. Those who watched 1980 game still hear Al Michaels call.
● “6, 5, 4, do you believe in miracles?”—then roar of U.S. fans at Lake Placid.
● It was a David & Goliath type story. College kids defeating professionals.
● No names with slightly above average hockey skills playing with heart & unity.

2. In Tuesday’s edition of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the sports writer interviewed not players of this historic event but sons of players, to view Miracle on Ice thru eyes of next generation
● One young man knew of dad’s accomplishment but had few details.
● It wasn’t until he saw a documentary he grasped significance
● That American democracy won out over communism & the cold war.

3. As Chris Harrington & Ryan Suter whose dads played on 80’s Olympic team described that amazing game, my memory & emotions were stirred up.
● Memories of watching the game on TV & jumping up & down when game ended.
● Memories of my friend Randy Sampson standing in the living room at medal ceremony.
● Through the eyes of someone else I lived in the glory of that historic win.

4. World-wide church of Jesus Christ is preparing to celebrate the greatest wk in human history—Passion Wk. To capture sobriety of event, the ancient church established Lent.
● For 40 days from Ash Wed to Resurrection Sun Christians are/were encouraged to fast & repent
● Lent is a time of serious spiritual reflection upon Christ’s great sacrifice.
● How can we capture & sustain marvel & wonder of Christ’s sufferings & death?

EXPLANATION
1. Like capturing glory of 1980 U.S. hockey game, we look at it thru the eyes of someone else. This morning I invite you to revisit Golgotha & Christ’s sufferings.
● But not through the eyes of Peter or John or the other disciples.
● I invite U to look upon the wonder of the cross thru the eyes of Jesus Christ!
● Enter into his heart & soul to rediscover the greatness & wonder of Calvary.

2. Our study centers upon the 4th word of our Lord when he spoke during his crucifixion in Matthew 27:46 —My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?
● Seven times Jesus spoke from the cross. Father, forgive them..., Today, thou shall be with me in paradise, Woman, behold your son…, My God, My God, I am thirsty, It is finish, Into thy hand
● Each time the character, the purity & the soul of Jesus is on display.
3. As we approach the 4th statement, we’ll resist the temptation of self-centeredness; asking what does it mean to me. A reason church is so weak is the inordinate self-focus
● Pastors are nagged by experts to preach felt needs & be upbeat & relevant
● Unfortunately, it flattens out the shape & contours of God & his glory.
● Felt needs preaching trivializes our Lord, His Cross and the Word.

4. But even if we were tempted to ask What does this mean to me today? We can’t! For Jesus suffers alone. His cry is an agony no human can share.
● Charles Spurgeon, the great English preacher in 19th century said, I do not think that the records of time or even of eternity, contain a sentence more full of anguish
● Calvin 200 yrs earlier considered words of Jesus as an expression of grief beyond any torture Jesus had ever known. Words can’t be applied to you & me.
● To make shine what has become lackluster & boringly repetitive, we see Calvary through the words Jesus cried out.

I. JESUS’ WORDS REVEAL HIS DESPERATION V46
1. Notice that his desperation is real. His cry is audible. It is loud. It is filled with consternation & vexation. Never in his life had Jesus felt so desperate.
● In the garden Jesus wrestled with God’s will, but obediently submitted to that will.
● At his trial, before Pilate & at the crucifixion Jesus did not show dismay or agitation.
● Now w/raised voice he cries out, My God! My God! Jesus’ Desperation is real.

2. His desperation coincides with a strange phenomenon of nature. V45 the sky darkened. 2 facts stand out. #1 the darkness is supernatural; at noon, the zenith of sun. #2 The event darkened all land. Greek word gyn could mean Judah or Palestine or earth
● The gathering darkness announces something horrific & terrible.
● What is happening is unclear to the human mind but Jesus knows.

3. In His desperation he pleads with God & He does not blaspheme God. Here is 1st time Jesus addresses deity as God not Father. This is a prayer of one who is utterly helpless.
● His predicament has no earthly solution. Jesus appeals to the only one who can help
● It is common to hear people say Oh, my God or My God. While the 3rd Commandment warns not to take the Name of the Lord in vane.…
● Usage of this phrase in this manner belittles, even mocks the desperate cry of Jesus.

4. So shocking is Jesus’ desperate cry that even the non-Christians have a sense that something is dreadfully wrong; that a crisis of epic size is confronting Jesus Christ.
● Its like parents reaction when child cries out in pain, we focus all attention
● Or being in a crowd & someone is injured & cries out. We look for the person in need
● Jesus is desperate. His cry holds attention. All eyes are upon figure on cross

II.THESE WORDS ARE SPOKEN BY A FORSAKEN PERSON V46
1. As 6th hour approached & the sky darkened, Jesus cries to God, Why have You forsaken me? Jesus’ anguish plunges to its greatest depths.
● What is happening? Most people believe Jesus was the victim of perverted justice
● Romans crucified 30 thousand men in Palestine—Jesus is one of them. Yet history remembers this one.
● Why? Answer, God’s Word.

2. The sin of Adam & Eve caused their fall & ours. Ro5:12
● After the fall God gave veiled promise Ge3:15. Bruised - Crushed! Prophet Isaiah predicted a human lamb as a sacrifice for sin in Is53.
● These prophecies pointed to one person! Only one man could wipe sin away
● Only one of the 30 thousand crucified by Romans died for sins of World. Jesus Christ!
● Jesus’ despair is connected to his sacrificial work because of sin & righteousness.

3. What was this work? Ga3:13. 1st Christ was made a curse. . 2nd, He was made sin.
2nd Corinthians 5:21. A judicial transaction was made. Sinless Christ was judged or punished in our place
● Darkness announced div judgment. Darkness is symbolic for judgment.
● Is5:30; Amos 5:20; Zeph 1:14-15 Day of Lord; a day of darkness
● The Cross is a place of divine judgment, where sins of world were vicariously poured out on Chrsit

4. But Jesus says he is forsaken. Why? McArthur calls the cross a place of sovereign departure. Hab 1:13 God turns away. He strikes down his son.
● What is it like to be forsaken by God? Envision Hell & wrath! This is what hell is like.
● Christ is separated from his Father. He Knows it. He cries out.
● A Divine & judicial transaction is taking place. Jesus is a sin offering. Forsaken by God.

APPLICATION
What are the lessons of this 4th & painful word Jesus speaks from the cross? Let me share four lessons.
1st Jesus shows how to face life when we think God has forsaken us
● Jesus wields the Word and prayer. Mt 27:46 is a prayer based on scripture.
● The two most powerful weapons against crushing defeats of life is Word, prayer
● In face of spiritual battles, victory is assured if these two weapons are used.

2nd lesson is this; sin is real & deadly! On account of sin Christ was put to death. So wicked & vile is our sin condition that only the death of God could save.
● Most people don’t believe this is true. We are convinced we are just a little bad
● We are products of our environments. With a little more education or social service we can change.
● The death of the infinite, sinless son of God is the only payment for our sin tells of our badness

3rd lesson, that Christ would let himself be submerged into the boiling pot of divine judgment must evoke our reverent obedience.
● Bodey, In the cry of Jesus is a powerful motivation to righteousness. 2P2:24
● Isaac Watts, Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.
● Obedience isn’t feigned or forced but willing surrender to our Savior

4th lesson, for Jesus to be forsaken of God on our account is such a stupendous event that we must rejoice with every fiber of our being!
● 1st Peter 1:18 & 1st Peter 4:13 and in great consummation we will rejoice Re19:7
● At Christ’s death & resurrection the flood gates of joy were opened & joy spilled out.
● And this joy should characterize every believer; Coming together with the body of believer should be joy-fests!

We have probed the infinite with a surface treatment; for who can understand fully the anguish of Jesus’ soul when he became our sin-bearer
● It is said Martin Luther spend days fasting & contemplating this topic. His conclusion? Who can understand? It is a mystery
● But conscious requires we warn non-Christians of the fate for those who reject this truth.
● Jesus words from the cross strike a solemn warning. Bodey, If God would forsake his perfect son on account of our sins, what will happen to unrighteous who have forsaken so great a salvation.

posted @ 05:32 AM CST [link] [Karma: 3 (+/-)]

Sunday, March 13, 2005

To Love...
We all have a God sized whole in our hearts. We are looking for true love. Most of us are "looking for love in all the wrong places".
I urge you...

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. ...
Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1st John 4:7-8 and 16b-18

Have a great Lord's Day!
posted @ 05:25 PM CST [link] [Karma: 2 (+/-)]

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