The Path of the Cross

Key Life ^ | March 23, 2015 | Steve Brown

[Idaho_Cowboy]

The source of almost all spiritual problems is an inappropriate effort to avoid the cross. When we, as the church, turn away from the cross, we miss the path that God gave us—the path to freedom, joy, faithfulness and forgiveness. It’s the only way there.

We think the cross is fine and necessary for those who aren’t saved…but, once we’re saved, it’s no longer relevant to our lives. We, as Christians, forget that the cross is the very paradigm for who we are and everything we do, think, feel and believe. So if that’s true (and it is), then what does the path of the cross look like?

The cross has to do with love. “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).... ...

The fact is, as a Christian, you have to be unqualified in order to qualify. When anyone comes to Jesus and says, “I bring you my gift: I’m rich, articulate, beautiful and athletic. You’re really fortunate to have me!” Jesus then disappears out the side door with tears streaming down his face. So Christians are truly unqualified. Everybody is…we just happen to know it.

It is all a process. Something traumatic happens. We fail big time. We sin big time. We hurt big time. We’re lonely big time. Then someone cares enough to tell us about Jesus Christ, the One who will accept us, love us, forgive us and make us a part of his family. So we receive it, are saved and become a part of the family of God.

[Idaho_Cowboy]

Philippians 2:1-11 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

[HiTech RedNeck]

Be very wary of “Christian methods.” Christian living is to be united with the Savior in spirit. Which involves the Cross but is not “all Cross all the time.” What of the Resurrection, for example?