What God Thinks Of The Cross Part 1

Flores looking to Jesus in the cross, but we glory is drawn to secondary things such as why we need to have a clear view of how important the cross really is the day will learn what God the father thinks his sons, the Moody Church in Chicago. This is with Sir Jane helps us make it across.

Esther loser come to part three in your series on Christians politics on the cross help us focus on today's teaching purpose that I have been this series of messages can be sent stated I want people to understand that the cross of Jesus Christ has been in God's heart since the beginning of time and why that is important. Well, it helps us to understand where we are in our culture and what our priorities as believers should be.

I've written a book entitled Christians politics and the cross for a gift of any amount.

It can be yours. Go to RTW offer.com that's RTW offer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337 now as we go to the pulpit of Moody church, we begin to understand so much better.

The cross in the heart of God question at hand is this what do we do when society begins to crumble.

What we do when our families are coming apart, and when there is violence and immorality and darkness and rate cruelty in a country. What do we do when our freedoms which we so often taken for granted suddenly seemed to be eroded in courts that want to make a very strong wall of separation between church and state, and when political correctness seems to close the mouths of our university students and college student, knowing that they cannot share their faith. What we do at a time like that. What I want you to know that even though things are bad, it is encouraging for us to realize that there have been other times in history when the church has been on minority, we may think that we do not have enough people to vote people into office and we would like to see there or we think that they might do a better job but Christians in a democracy might become the minority when their voting power is not that great. What then where do we turn where we turn when we have pinned our hopes on the political realities, only to discover that they might be overturned. Where do we turn want you to take your Bibles today and turn to the fourth chapter of the book of acts acts chapter 4 because it is here that we see that the church was also a great minority, but God used in the apostles mightily for the advancement of his kingdom even in circumstances that seem to be contrary to the circumstances in which they were decidedly minority.

Acts chapter 4 verse one reads and as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came upon them being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead and they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day because it was a the next day they bring them out and Peter gives the folks who had jailed him as speech and he speaking to people who are very hostile to the message of Jesus Christ and he says to them in verse 11 he that is, Christ is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the very cornerstone and there is salvation in no one else, where there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Now there's an example of keeping the main thing the main thing because the most important truth that people could ever know is that God has come to us in Christ and that he is only the only way to the father and this is our message in a day when many people seem to be discouraged because of the violence and because of what is happening in society. Now what I'd like to suggest to you today not only suggested but to imprinted upon your mind is this, that the cross and when we speak of the cross were not talking about a piece of wood on which Jesus Christ died, but rather that word cross refers to Christ's death and what was accomplished there. The cross is really the centerpiece of God's agenda and therefore it should be our centerpiece to is a matter fact, the cross is the hinge upon which the door of his returns.

The cross is actually the hall in which all of the spokes of history all come together and it is the cross that makes sense out of all of these seemingly unrelated elements that go into your history textbooks. It is the cross and what we must do that is to realize that when we as Christians talk about that old rugged Cross we are talking about the centrality of our faith or my assignment today is a big one but were going to plunge in and were going to walk through it. What were going to do is to look at the cross from the standpoint of eternity past were going to talk about the cross. Also in history.

The history that is passed, and then were going to speak about the cross in the future, but the journey will be brief. I want you to come along with me, but we need to understand is first of all the earth is like a drama that is being played out. This is the planet upon which issues such as justice and injustice, righteousness and unrighteousness. The devil and God. This is the planet upon which all those issues are going to be settled. That's what God's plan was that this would be the place where it will happen. We want to do at the beginning is to look at the person who made the script, the one who wrote the play, so to speak, and that is God himself and his relationship to the cross. And that's why I've entitled this message what God thinks of the cross or the cross we could begin by talking about it in eternity past the script writer what does he think of it what you remember the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Of course, a very familiar story what it says in Genesis 315. You need not look at it because you know it by memory.

God said to the serpent, I will put enmity between the and the woman between a vice seed and her seed and he that is the seed of the woman will crush you on the head and you will only be able to nip his heel.

Couple of observations about that person. First of all, God is saying that he is the one who's going to take the initiative in redemption man fell into sin. The ruling is great. The devastation was all over the place. What can man do the answer is nothing. God says I will then he says that that act of redemption is going to have that unit enmity.

There's going to be strife. There's going to be the seed of the woman which turns out to be Jesus Christ will crush the head of the serpent and that's what Christ did and he died on the cross. Satan was cast out grade I have a question for you.

When did this idea of redemption occur to God wasn't that after the fall of God thought to himself, you know, I had hoped for better things from Adam and Eve, but now that they've blown that I better do something. I'll send my son there is a minister in Canada preached a message entitled God the gambler. Now he's in an evangelical church in respectable denomination God the gambler what that message actually said is that when God created Adam and Eve. He hoped that they would obey him, but when they didn't and he lost the gamble. He does the very same thing that somebody does in Las Vegas ups the ante and now God says I'm willing to gamble even higher.

I'm going to gamble my son, because that this minister God had no guarantees that anyone would believe on Christ. After Christ died, but he took the gamble fact, it's hard for you to believe this but he actually quotes John 316 is saying. For God so loved the world that he gambled his only begotten son how you like that theology. I hope you dislike passionately.

It's demeaning to God. It is un-biblical. It shows you what happens when somebody begins to spin ideas in his mind that have been severed from the Scripture.

And when you begin to float into the realm of your own thinking that's what I think it shows now I've been unclear as to my opinion regarding come up to me later and I'll tell you what I really think about is unworthy of God unworthy of God. Let me give you a second view that is much better one that certainly restores sovereignty to God is and that is that somewhere between eternity past and the creation of the world.

It is then that God the father and God the son, and redemption, and the father said to God the son. I love you so much I want to give you a gift of redeemed humanity and so what were going to do is to realize now that there is going to be a creation there's going to be a fall and there's going to be redemption so that I can display my mercy and my grace and my glory. It does say after all. In Titus chapter 1 verse two in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot life promised before the world began to whom that he promises God the father promising. It to God the son, the Trinity involved. Now that is a much better view, but I would like to suggest that the answer even lies deeper in the recesses of eternity. I believe that the cross was an idea in the mind of God.

As long as God has existed, which means from eternity past was always an idea in God's mind. Always it makes no sense to ask when did the idea of the cross come to God or occur to God or when did he planet. That question makes no more sense than asking when did God arise and what is his history because the cross always existed with him. Of course, in a sense that's true of all of God's ideas in all of God's decisions known unto God are all of his works from the beginning of time across occupied that central place because it was in redemption, that God was going to be most clearly seen. This was if I may be somewhat imprecise. His finest moment. Now you say, well that makes sense logically because God is eternal.

Therefore, redemption is eternal, but can you show me of verse some of you who bring your Bibles I wish all of you did and and would you need to do is to take your Bible sometimes and put your finger on a verse in your Bible. If you're wanting to do that keep your Bible open to acts chapter 4 because were going to come back there. But let's look at second Timothy. I know that Timothy is a book that's always difficult to find, but the good news is that second Timothy follows.

First Timothy. That should help you hand just before that we had the book of Thessalonians 2nd Timothy chapter 1 verse nine. This is what the Scripture says but God has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace which was granted on us in Christ Jesus was wrong all eternity from all eternity that already then God was granting us grace. The script was written. The plan was made. In fact, in Greek. That expression says the four times eternal. I can't even get a handle on that. I can understand that I can't get my mind around. And what do you mean before times eternal. Where did God come from. We cannot we cannot even think that we can think of God as being eternal in the future. It is impossible for us to comprehend God being eternal from the past. Our minds can't grasp it, but as long as God existed, which is eternity past. That's as long as the grace of God is granted to us in Christ that was the script to realize what that means and means that you two were in God's mind from eternity past that the redeemed humanity that Jesus Christ would purchase on the cross. They were in God's mind and and you are known to God, then you are chosen by God from before the foundation of the earth and you are a part of the divine plan is a long as God -assisted. My point is simply this, that there was a cross in the heart of God long before there was a cross planted at Calvary. We look very briefly at the cross God's heart God's heart is priority is number one agenda, but look briefly at the cross God's history, God's history.

Now I hope that you kept your Bible open to acts chapter 4 because Peter here is giving a prayer, and in this prayer he gives us a tremendous amount of insight into how it all came about. The purpose of God was accomplished will pick it up in verse 27.

For truly, in this city that is in Jerusalem. There were gathered together against five holy servant Jesus, whom thou didst anoint both Herod and Jesus.

Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel to do whatever thy hand and thy purpose predestined to occur in eternity past the script was written. God knew what was going to happen. God already had us in mind way back then and now suddenly the script is going to be played out on the stage of the world and who are the players. There is a coalition of God's enemies that conspired together to have Christ put away to have them put to death. First of all, of course you have Herod other six Herod's in the Bible so don't get them confused. It is very easy to do this. This actually is Herod and to us. He was the ruler in Galilee.

This is the Herod who beheaded John the Baptist.

This is the Herod before whom Christ was brought, and Christ said nothing. Member the story about Herod said to him perform a miracle do something for me. Herod wanted Christ entertain him with something spectacular and Jesus would not say a word to him kept quiet, was there. I now suddenly this Herod is confronted by what to do with someone who, at his birth was said to be the king of the Jews, and he conspired along with some of the others, such as Pilate is listed. Pilate is a very tragic figure. I think in history because remember he preferred not to have anything to do with Jesus Christ and he knew that Jesus was innocent and his wife even warned him. She said because of a dream.

I have suffered many things don't have anything to do with this man. So I tried to bargain with the Jews and said let me discourage him and let him go because at the Passover. You always let a prisoner go anyway. Crowd shouted no not Christ give us Barabbas crucify him, crucify him, crucify him.

So what does Pilate do. He gives in the mob and he lets Jesus be crucified is interesting that Herod and Pilate were enemies. They did not get along at all.

But the Scripture says that on bad day they became friends.

They said that the man whom we ate has to be put away and we need each other in order to do it. Let's lay aside our differences to get rid of Christ, the Gentiles, it says here in verse 27 the Gentiles goes with the Romans who actually ended up crucifying Christ, and of course the nation Israel rejected him and why did they rejected was it because of theological difficulties and it's because he claimed to be God, and they couldn't handle it there. Theology could know is the reason Pilate who had his ear to the ground and was apparently a great student of human nature, and picked up the scuttlebutt. He's the one who gives us the answer. The Bible says that Pilate knew that it was because of an that they delivered him. Jesus made the religious leaders look bad and and because of that jealousy because the crowds were going with Christ and people were turning away from the scribes and the Pharisees and they saw his popularity and they were so angry they said get him out of our way and the motivation to have him crucified.

I have a question for you was a gamble, might it be that it won't happen one of Jesus came and they wouldn't crucify him and the prophecies of God could not be fulfilled after all said someone God is a gambler, hell I want you to notice what it says in verse 28 to do whatever thy hand and thy purpose predestined to occur. Don't be afraid of that word predestined. It simply means pre-determined wasn't a chance in the world that it would happen other than the way the script was written well my friend. That gives us some thought as the old question of the relationship between human will and divine providence and predestination, but there it is in the Scriptures, and we need to recognize that God's purposes are always fulfilled and we need to take hope and courage in that you know if you're blessed by the ministry of running to win. Have you ever connected with us. We would like to have you considered becoming an endurance partner endurance partners are people who stand with us, with their prayers and with her gifts on a regular basis. I have to tell you word not for you.

We could not continue but the gospel of Jesus Christ continues to go out in many countries of the world through running to win because of your support. Would you like to know more about endurance partners. Here is what you do go to RTW offer.com RTW offer.com. Click on the endurance partner button or if you wish, you can call us at 1-888-218-9337. I always like to say that those who are endurance partners they really become members of the running to win family and together we are making a difference. 1-888-218-9337 it's time again for you to ask Pastor looks her question about the Bible or the Christian life. Many to listen to us raffle with deep fears.

Today's questionnaire is no exception. Nancy from Ohio writes I've been experiencing many health issues over the last few months feel like the devil has me chained up tight.

I was a terrible sinner when I was young, but have been God's child for quite some time, but the devil is using my mind as his playground. I'm overwhelmed with fearful thoughts concerning my family. I know God is my only hope. But I cannot get free from these binding chains of fear and doubt. I feel so worthless. I really worry about my two grandchildren with never been taken to church and had to endure a lot his children. Although I am God's child. I feel as though God is not listening to the prayers.

I pray to him.

I feel defeated and know I shouldn't since I am a child of God will Nancy. I know that you have many burdens that you are bearing and God wants to help you bear them so let me give you a word of encouragement. First of all I think that your analysis is right. I do believe that the devil is using your mind is a playground, and what you need to do is to not let him do that you need to fill your mind with God's promises and you need to accept these promises, but you know Nancy, it's possible for us to get into such a predicament that we can't get out of it on our own.

I really do think that in your despair. You need people to come around you to pray with you and to pray for you. Now you know you didn't mention anything about your relationship with your husband but you spoke about grandchildren. That's another burden that you can't bear alone.

I hope that God gives you some Christian friends who can encourage you and pray with you that's really what you need what you need to do is to find then time to put your mind on the promises of God and grant grace. A further comment. I'm just rethinking about what you said about the sense of guilt that you've had over your past. God doesn't remember your past. He blots it out. The Bible says that he takes our sin and as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes it and then he dumps the sin into the depths of the sea, and he puts up a sign saying no fishing.

Nancy God is forgiven you. God loves you. God cares keep walking in your faith words of hope for Nancy and for all in her predicament. Thank you. Documents are if you'd like to hear your question answered. Go to our website have RTW offer.com and click on ask Pastor looks her or call us at 1-888-218-9337 that's 1-888-218-9337 you can write to us at running to win 1635 N. LaSalle Boulevard Chicago, IL 60614 cross of Jesus was in the mind of God from eternity past its benefits.

Since then, into eternity yet to be without a doubt its history's great intersection. The place where the love of God was expressed to fallen mankind most clearly next time I'm running to win when Luther turns again to Jeff before where we get a glimpse of God's picture view of the cross running to win is all about helping you understand God's roadmap for your race of life. Thanks for listening for Dr. Erwin certain this is Dave Alastair running to win is sponsored by the Moody Church