If The Cross Could Speak

Associate Pastor Ryan Crawford brought us the message, "If The Cross Could Speak " Sunday morning.

And as always, we stood for the reading of God's holy word. His text was from I Cor 1:13-18, KJV, with his primary focus on verse 18. "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius. Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

Bro. Ryan went on to teach, "People like good preaching. They like a good message. But people, for the most part, do not like the preaching of the cross, because of what its message is."

Bro. Ryan provided two Old Testament pictures of the cross that would one day explode onto the world scene. The first was regarding Abraham's interrupted sacrifice of Issac. Though God intervened this particular time; one day a spotless lamb (ram), God's first born Son, would be sacrificed for the entire world. The second being Moses with a brazen serpent on his staff, lifted up, for all Israel to see. They only had to lift up their eyes and see the cross (the intersection of his staff and the serpent) and they would be saved from the deadly snake bite that was just inflicted upon them. But some didn't and they died.

The message of the cross is salvation. The Gospels teach all about the Person of the Cross. The book of Acts teaches about the cross and its power. The Pauline letters speak about preaching the cross.

There are many songs about the cross and its message for the world including "Something about the Cross," "At the Cross," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "In The Cross, "Kneel At The Cross" and "The Old Rugged Cross." They all were written for a reason, not just for a season.

"The Cross, during the Christmas season; should be on you mind, and in your heart."

The preaching of the cross prioritizes Jesus first. "You are saved before baptism, communion, joining a church. The message of the cross always changes your priorities. Sometimes very quickly, sometimes over time. Your priorities are no longer your family, or your kids, or your sport, or your hobby. Your priority is now the Christ."

The preaching of the cross shows the power of God. No one has ever been saved by their own power. "You don't get saved by your own power!" The centurion at the foot of the cross said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" And this seasoned soldier, in charge of other men...he sure didn't go to that particular execution expecting that to come out of his mouth. He got saved right then and there. It wasn't any of his power, but as Matthew 28:18 says: all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

The Bible saves. Only the cross of the Bible saves. Religions send good meaning people to hell everyday.

Verse 19, from the same primary chapter goes on to say, "The power of God confounds the intellectuals." Bro. Ryan spoke of how a recent survey was taken and how Seattle, Wash., was the most intellectual city in America. It also scored lowest as the city of believers. No surprise. For as in Revelation, like the church at Laodicea, they think they are rich, but Jesus knows they are poor, blind and wretched.

Verse 23 goes on to say, "We preach Christ Crucified for one reason, Jesus didn't stay dead. We are redeemed only by our faith in the cross. Payments for our sins was made one time, for all time, on the cross. And, that is the power of the cross. Christians, often time just visit the cross, but I say, dwell there!"

As the song goes, "Jesus saves, He still does. He'll make of you someone new...cleanse the sin that was...The Holy Spirit whispers, 'No more must you be enslaved.' Just believe it. Jesus saves!"

"Jesus the person was on the cross for you. Don't reject Him. Today is the day to remember the cross. Not just two pieces of wood, but who was on it."

We are so blessed to have Associate Pastor Ryan, especially when Dr. Larry Crawford is ill. Many were the prayers for Dr. Crawford, that he be back soon, in the pulpit.

We were all reminded of the needs in the nurseries. A list is on the table in the lobby and also posted on the bulletin board. Need more information? Contact Jessica Cole.

Our church pantry appreciates donations any time, but especially for the next few weeks until after Christmas. Any questions? See Kenny and/or Bobbi Bowers.

The Christmas card exchange box is up in the foyer now, please remember to check for your cards.

AWANA will have Store Night this Wednesday evening, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; transportation provided. Next two Wednesdays there will be no AWANA. Would you like to help out with all these precious children (three years through sixth grade) God has trusted us with? Listeners and volunteers are always needed. Contact the AWANA commander.

We had 64 Angel Tree requests up on the Angel Tree in the sanctuary this year. All have been taken care of.

Don't miss one of the Crawford's radio broadcast message starting at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning on KURM 100.3FM.

We would love for you to join us whenever you can off the northeast corner of Pineville square, just behind U.S. Bank.