New Life Church of Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Sermon - "The Other Side of the Cross"
The preaching of the cross forces a decision. Some will come near. Others will likely walk away. The same happened to Jesus - some walked away, while others came closer. What will you do with the preaching of the cross?
Locations & Times
New Life Church
1611 Cheri Whitlock Dr, Siloam Springs, AR 72761, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Two Sides of the Same Cross:
The actions in our world and the assassination of Charlie Kirk has made very plain the line between good and evil. I would like to differentiate this ideology with two sides of the cross.
If we were to buy a new cross during Jesus time, both sides would look the same. Both new, wood grain exposed, both sides clean. But in short time this would change. When a criminal died on the cross, the cross became stained and ugly.
It is likely the soldiers of the Roman Guard kept one side clean...to allow them to handle the cross without getting filthy with blood and other bodily fluids that spilled from the dying victim.
On one side 'this side' of the cross - there is suffering...there is pain...there is agony...and there is salvation.
On the 'other side of the cross' - it is clean, no blood, more convenient, more appealing, does not touch the Master, it is without tears or groans.
The 'other side of the cross' is marketable...safe...has the sign of Christianity without any power...safe but powerless...only a peer among the other world religions.
The actions in our world and the assassination of Charlie Kirk has made very plain the line between good and evil. I would like to differentiate this ideology with two sides of the cross.
If we were to buy a new cross during Jesus time, both sides would look the same. Both new, wood grain exposed, both sides clean. But in short time this would change. When a criminal died on the cross, the cross became stained and ugly.
It is likely the soldiers of the Roman Guard kept one side clean...to allow them to handle the cross without getting filthy with blood and other bodily fluids that spilled from the dying victim.
On one side 'this side' of the cross - there is suffering...there is pain...there is agony...and there is salvation.
On the 'other side of the cross' - it is clean, no blood, more convenient, more appealing, does not touch the Master, it is without tears or groans.
The 'other side of the cross' is marketable...safe...has the sign of Christianity without any power...safe but powerless...only a peer among the other world religions.
This Side of the Cross
A theological expression of the time of grace. We do not have to live under the rudiments of Mosaic Law.
Once a month we come to the Lord's Table to remember - broken body - blood.
A theological expression of the time of grace. We do not have to live under the rudiments of Mosaic Law.
Once a month we come to the Lord's Table to remember - broken body - blood.
Talking Blood:
Abel's blood vs. Jesus blood
Abel's blood cries condemnation and guilt.
Abel's blood vs. Jesus blood
Abel's blood cries condemnation and guilt.
Jesus blood: It speaks of better things - forgiveness, cleansing.
Charlie Kirk is gone...but his blood continues to speak!
He was not an evil man...he was not the things he is accused of being. He embraced Christ, the bible, God's definition of marriage, protection of life, supporting law enforcement, value of the church, value of the founding fathers and their documents.
He was not an evil man...he was not the things he is accused of being. He embraced Christ, the bible, God's definition of marriage, protection of life, supporting law enforcement, value of the church, value of the founding fathers and their documents.
Awakening!
There is a revival happening amidst the violence in America. Where sin abounds...grace much more.
There is a revival happening amidst the violence in America. Where sin abounds...grace much more.
The Other Side of the Cross
Pastors feel the pressure for church to be like an amusement park. Pay a small fee and get huge amounts of thrills and fun. We have created a consumer mentality in the church at-large.
Mocking is from the Other Side of the Cross:
I've never seen such hideous mocking of the murder of a man! But this is not new.
1. Mt 27 - While Jesus was dying...the chief priests were mocking.
2. Rev 11:10 - the two marytrs (Elijah / Moses) who will be slain and lay in the streets...will be mocked and people will exchange gifts with one another like it is Christmas.
Pastors feel the pressure for church to be like an amusement park. Pay a small fee and get huge amounts of thrills and fun. We have created a consumer mentality in the church at-large.
Mocking is from the Other Side of the Cross:
I've never seen such hideous mocking of the murder of a man! But this is not new.
1. Mt 27 - While Jesus was dying...the chief priests were mocking.
2. Rev 11:10 - the two marytrs (Elijah / Moses) who will be slain and lay in the streets...will be mocked and people will exchange gifts with one another like it is Christmas.
The Cross is the Crossroad:
This is where your life and the Gospel intersect. What will you do with Jesus?
This side of the Gospel - is Repentance.
This side of the Gospel - is Obedience.
This side of the Gospel - is Salvation.
This is where your life and the Gospel intersect. What will you do with Jesus?
This side of the Gospel - is Repentance.
This side of the Gospel - is Obedience.
This side of the Gospel - is Salvation.
The Opportunity of the Cross:
There is no greater message!
Come to Christ. He is the only way to the Father - to heaven.
There is no greater message!
Come to Christ. He is the only way to the Father - to heaven.
Which Side of the Cross are You on?
The bloodless cross? - I'll stay on this side - the bloody side.
The commercial cross? - I'll stay on this side - the rugged side.
The 'religion lite' cross? - I'll stay on this side - the heavy side.
One day we will trade the cross for a crown!
The bloodless cross? - I'll stay on this side - the bloody side.
The commercial cross? - I'll stay on this side - the rugged side.
The 'religion lite' cross? - I'll stay on this side - the heavy side.
One day we will trade the cross for a crown!