Worshippers of the Cross (Part 2)

Why is the cross hated by several in the world today? Why do they hate the worshippers of the cross (Christians)? Three basic reasons:

1. It’s because of the Power that is found there.

See the Son of God died there to save a world from sin. He took all the filth, burdens and guilt on his back so we could be free from death and destruction. Only Jesus and his Father has that kind of power. Man likes to be powerful. In control. But if you wish to belong to Christ you have to give up that power and rely on him.

Colossians 2 talks about that power:

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

2. The Commitment That Must Be Made There

Jesus committed everything. He gave His life and we must also. Scares people to give up everything, to give up self.

Recent Newsweek poll was a little surprising. Americans and religion:
92% believe there is a God.
6% do not believe there is a God
2% said they didn’t know if God existed.

Atheism is not the problem in our society. The problem is with the 92% that believe there is a God, the majority do not have a relationship with Him. They have not made a commitment to accept His teaching and commit to live a Biblical lifestyle. God is not present in their lives.

Think about commitment in our society today?

Marriage
Family
Jobs
Respect for Authority
Respect for Self

Many just don’t want to make those types of commitments that must be made in their daily lives.

1 Peter 4:12-19 talks about the price of that commitment:

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

3. Because it’s the only Hope the World Has

Hope is not found in a job. Not found in stuff. It can only be found in the Cross of our Lord and Savior.

People for the most part put their hope in themselves. They think that is what will carry them through life.

Thousands dieing each hour with no hope. Because they refuse to give up their self centered attitude and accept the cross as the only hope that man has.

I am so glad He was willing to die for us, to take our sins and nail them to the cross. I am thankful for the power and hope we have in Jesus Christ.