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Jesus Knows, Pt. 2

After several weeks of various activity, we were finally back on track with our “Jesus Knows” series at Crosstrainers.

It amazes me to see Jesus in the events surrounding the crucifixion, how He humbly submitted to the Father’s will on our behalf. What an amazing Savior He is, what amazing love He has toward us!

Text: Matthew 27:15-23

“Just like the criminal Barabbas was released instead of Jesus, we can be forgiven of our sin because the Son of God took our place.”

Have you thought about all that occurred from the arrest of Jesus up to the point Barabbas was released. In a 9 hour period:

  • Annas questions Jesus
  • Peter denies Christ (3x)
  • Jesus before the Sanhedrin
    • Jesus appears before Caiaphas
    • Jesus is mocked and beaten
    • The Sanhedrin condemn Jesus
  • Judas commits suicide
  • Pilate and Herod question Jesus
    • Pilate questions Jesus the first time
    • Jesus appears before Herod Antipas
    • Pilate answers the religious leaders a second time
    • Jesus is flogged
  • The crowd calls for crucifixion
  • Pilate questions Jesus again
  • Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified

Jesus went from being a free man to being convicted and heading to the cross. I can’t imagine that! But this is another way Jesus humbled Himself to take our place.

You and I deserved the spit, the mockery, the beatings, and the trial. We are the guilty ones. We are the rebels. Our sin has separated us from God. But the message in all of this is because of love. He did it for us. He became sin for us.

Reflections:

  • Are you a child of God? Have you put your faith in Him alone?
  • Christians: Who do you consider a friend that needs to know Jesus. Who do you know that may think they are too far gone; have you shared with them the love of Jesus in the Gospel?

Praying for you all,
Pastor Josh

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Nepal Crumbles, Baltimore Burns (Meaningless, Pt. 3)

This past Sunday was part 3 of the series on Ecclesiastes. Before I started the message we spent time in prayer for the people of Nepal and the surrounding region. Little did we know what would unfold in Baltimore less than 24 hours later. Not to mention volcanoes, war, and countless injustices occurring worldwide.

Today feels overwhelming as you look at a world spiraling out of control, so it seems. But this post is not about injustice, war, or government. It is about our God, and King Solomon pointed out some facts of life (Ecclesiastes. 8:14-17):

  • There are righteous that are treated as wicked
  • There are wicked who are treated as righteous
  • Enjoy what God has given you
  • You can try to figure out every detail of what God is doing, but it will be done in vain, because man cannot fully understand the ways of God

So are we left with an, “all is vain” rhetoric with no hope? Absolutely not! “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Live for God and yield too God for nothing else in this life will amount to anything apart from God.

In our world of social media and an over-saturation of news our world is even smaller and our opinions seem even greater. The question that we must ask ourselves, as a Church is, what are we living for? Where are our ‘Christian’ efforts heading?

We like to think we are above the social norm. I find myself quick to judge and excuse myself from reaching those who are truly needy. Am I better than them? NO!

Ecclesiastes 7:20-22

  1. No one is perfect!
  2. People will attack you (to your face and behind you back)
  3. Remember your own heart

“No one is perfect, but we have a God who is
and He gives us the opportunity and power to show Christ.”

As a church, are we plastic people under plastic steeples just ‘playing’ church? We will not be able to win every war, correct every act of violence or change the politics but we can reach the needy in our community with love, be open and honest with one another in building each other up and share the gospel with an ever-so-rapidly dying world.

My Challenge: Love God, Serve Others, Share the Gospel

Praying for you all!
Pastor Josh

“Stained Glass Masquerade”
https://open.spotify.com/track/0VYDTgzNqIwwze0GiulsUH