So people always ask how do you keep intimacy with Christ. Many believers long to have intimacy with Christ and long to keep it when they have it. One way I have found to do that is to keep your heart at the foot of the cross. This is where it begins and ends. The cross was the plan from the beginning of man's creation. When God made us He knew that He would Suffer this tremendous pain. His love for us is so immeasurable. Daily I have to give myself a heart check. Time after time I have to re-evaluate my heart. My daily strength is not in myself or my will-power. As believers we must never forget the Cross. I usually take time out this week before Easter to focus on the cross. The gift of the Cross means everything to me. For the believer it keeps us close to God's Heart. This Easter take some time out to relish in the love of the Cross. What a wonderful Lord and Savior. (1 Cor. 1:18-31)
Consider how illogical Jesus' crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.
Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character. First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.
In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.
One last benefit of God's remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.
Though the cross seems absurd to those who don't understand, God's children know it is the Father's wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope. Charles Stanley
Consider how illogical Jesus' crucifixion looked to first-century observers. The Romans, who were concerned with power, probably wondered how a mighty God could allow enemies to kill Him. The Greeks valued wisdom and no doubt thought, There must surely have been a better way than the cross! And the Jews, who longed for victory over oppressors, probably felt bewildered to see Jesus humbly let Himself be brutally killed.
Yet, what seemed foolish was actually a brilliant plan. Through the cross, the Lord powerfully revealed His character. First, we see His unconditional love in dying for those who sinned against Him (John 3:16). Second, His righteousness is apparent—only the perfect sacrifice of His own blood could satisfy the penalty for sin. Third, He shows His faithfulness by redeeming us at so great a cost. And fourth, Jesus demonstrates power by conquering sin and death.
In addition to all this, the cross exposed and disarmed Satan (Col. 2:15), who no longer has authority over Christians. Though he can tempt and try followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit is there to strengthen and guide believers to victory.
One last benefit of God's remarkable plan is that we are eternally secure because of the price Jesus paid. That gives us hope and confidence about our future.
Though the cross seems absurd to those who don't understand, God's children know it is the Father's wise design. We have assurance for today and security for tomorrow only because of this amazing event that occurred over 2000 years ago. We have no need to fear, but every reason to hope. Charles Stanley
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yes, very good blog. everything gets so much clearer when you understand that what God says is just true. wish i had know all that i know now when i was younger. thanks for your words.