The power of The Cross

[wayseer]

Dont think I will? The Scriptures speak for themselves to those who will hear them!

Actually the scriptures are not easy to interpret as you suggest. While we might think the Bible is an 'easy' read it is far deeper than the words on the page. The other aspect is that the text was written nearly two millennia ago and the social and cultural aspect of living has changed somewhat during those years. So one cannot just simply transpose the biblical text on to today's society. After all, we don't go around stoning people - except perhaps for those that find educating girls something to oppose.

 

[Mitspa]

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

 

[Mitspa]

Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Be sure that The Cross is the staff of the Shepherd, Here is where all things will be divided!


Php 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Php 3:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

[Mitspa]

1Co 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.


There are many types and pictures in the Old Testament of Christ crucified, Moses with his rod raised, the bronzed serpent lifted up for the sins of the people etc..

Here is one that may help some to understand why so few seem to be able to enter into Gods promises?


Num 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.


Here we see the "type" of Christ on the Cross between two men?
For He said I am the "True vine"

Num 13:30

And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.
Num 13:31

But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.



We see it is today as it was then? The Cross declares that all the promises of God are yes and amen.
But the naysayers and doubters will not hear the truth, they will attempt to stone any who dare to believe!



Act 7:58

And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

Act 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.


But we see God is Greater!

 

[wayseer]

If you are going to follow every bit of scripture you are going to have follow the bad bits too - which you have conveniently avoided.

 

[Mitspa]

If you are going to follow every bit of scripture you are going to have follow the bad bits too - which you have conveniently avoided.

There is no "bad parts" for those of us who have died with Christ! Only bad for those who are still seeking to justify themselves by their own efforts and works!

 

[Mitspa]

Gen 3:4

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

1Co 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The "Christain" that refuses to "reckon" themselves dead with Christ and alive to God in the "Spirit" Can never understand the things of God!

The natural mind can receive doctrine, religious activity, emotions of the flesh, but can never know the Truth of Christ in us, and the power that brings to live a life of victory!

What does mean that God Himself came in a body and suffered for our sins? Why did He do this? He declares it was because of His Love for us? But how can He love me?

We ask God for a sign? Prove your love for us Lord?
He says to us; here is the proof!
Until we accept the proof of the Cross and forgiveness we have from His Work their, we will never be sure of His Love for us!

"TO HIM WHO IS FORGIVEN MUCH, THE SAME WILL LOVE MUCH"

 

[Mitspa]

Joh 9:1

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
Joh 9:2

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

Joh 9:1Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

Sickness and blindness came upon all men at the fall, the Law declared that because of sin, men where cursed with sickness.
Here The Lord would have us to know that He Himself bore or sickness and disease, and all our sin. It was all judged together on His Cross. See that it has been judged and like the brass (judged) serpent that was lifted up, behold the work of His Cross!



2Co 5:21

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.



Isa 53:4

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
Isa 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isa 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

If only we could understand, that the same God that will judge all men, came and suffered death for those same men! How one honors His sacrifice on the Cross will determine how one will be judged!

Does the very Blood of God have power to make a man, that same God made, clean forever?

Does the very Flesh of God have the power to heal the people that same God made?

Why do demons flee from His Blood?
Why can they not say He has come in the flesh?

Dont be deceived, our very salvation was won on that Cross and it was a complete victory for those who BELIEVE!

 

[wayseer]

There is no "bad parts" for those of us who have died with Christ! Only bad for those who are still seeking to justify themselves by their own efforts and works!

Then you place yourself in the position of having to follow all of the Bible and not the bits you like.

For instance, when did you last stone someone to death? Do you run the local slave market?

These are activities we are told to follow. I know why I avoid such behaviour but I wondering what is your excuse given your ideology.

 

[Mitspa]

Now! i believe the Cross of Christ Jesus works according to scripture!
Do you have a scripture you would like to discuss? Or are you one who allows their own flesh decide things that are not revealed in scripture?

1Co 4:6






And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Rom 15:3


For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Rom 15:4


For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.



2Jn 1:9



Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2Jn 1:10



If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:



We have the example of the two sinners, who where next to the Lord on His Cross. One turned to Him and was saved, the other was lost for he continued in his pride even unto death. Dont be deceived the Gospel uses simple examples to reveal simple truth.

The term "Gospel" means good news! actually it means more than that in the Greek? Too good to believe! is a good understanding of the term "gospel".

It is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. He who spared not His Own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not WITH HIM FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?

Apart from faith IN CHRIST no man can see or believe the gospel. It is just foolishness to them! But to us who are humble of heart, and know our need for Christ, The Father will give us all things through our Beloved Jesus! amenl

 

[Mitspa]

1Co 2:1


And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.
1Co 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

The Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, has true spiritual power, it is a place of death for the "natural" mind. It is the place of victory for the "spiritual" mind.
For those who have reckoned at its purpose, it has become the power over satan and his kingdom.

Col 2:14

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Col 2:15

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Maybe others can attest to its work in their lives?

There is a great lie that lives in the flesh of ever man?
The flesh wants to live on, it deceives us into dead religious works.
Selfishness and pride say that we need not die with Christ at His Cross but we can earn our own salvaton!

"Ye shall not surely die" lives on in the flesh until it is brought to the Cross!

I have died with Him, that I might live with Him!

 

[Mitspa]

There is a great lie that lives in the flesh of ever man?
The flesh wants to live on, it deceives us into dead religious works.
Selfishness and pride say that we need not die with Christ at His Cross but we can earn our own salvaton!

"Ye shall not surely die" lives on in the flesh until it is brought to the Cross!

I have died with Him, that I might live with Him!

Why do some of you seem to struggle so much with the truth in scripture? Why is the double mind so evident? One moment you are righteous by faith, the next you are a sinner according to the law?

One moment you speak blessings upon your brothers and sisters in Christ, the next moment you curse them and put them in bondage to their sins?

Do not think that your flesh and natural mind can ever find truth! You are commanded to go to His Cross! You who do not die there with Him, cannot continue on with Him!

Oh justify yourself if you think you can? But God has died and suffered on the Tree! You are nothing apart from Him, and you cannot live with Him unless you suffer with Him, at His Cross!

What will happen there? You will stop trusting in your religion and in your own works! You will see His Love for you and others and start to love as loves.

You will know that you have been made a fool, and will learn to depend on Gods wisdom, not your own! You will rejoice in tha fact that you cannot keep the law of moses? But by His Grace you will see how in weakness you are made strong!

Do not be deceived by your enemy! he would tell you "ye shall not surely die" your flesh and natural mind can please God, just try a little harder!

Religious nonsense!

We all must die to our natural mind and ability, at His Cross!

NOT BY POWER, NOR BY MIGHT, BUT BY MY SPIRIT. SAITH THE LORD!

 

[Mitspa]

Gen 3:4

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5

For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

1Co 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The "Christain" that refuses to "reckon" themselves dead with Christ and alive to God in the "Spirit" Can never understand the things of God!

The natural mind can receive doctrine, religious activity, emotions of the flesh, but can never know the Truth of Christ in us, and the power that brings to live a life of victory!

He became sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him.

Think the reason so many struggle with the gospel is because they do not see that the flesh and sin of all was judged in the Body of our Lord!

The bronze serpent was a type of this indwelling sin, being judged on the Cross! He bore our sins in His own body!

Some would say if He took it. why do I still have it?
Because, the Cross and its power to slay the flesh, works by faith! One must go there for themselves, by faith.

The reason communion does not heal the "church" is because we do not understand by faith, that with our sins, He took our sickness and disease!

Paul said the reason many in the Chruch are sick and weak is because they do not decern the Lords Body, which was broken for us.

 

[Mitspa]

He became sin that we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him.

Think the reason so many struggle with the gospel is because they do not see that the flesh and sin of all was judged in the Body of our Lord!

The bronze serpent was a type of this indwelling sin, being judged on the Cross! He bore our sins in His own body!

Some would say if He took it. why do I still have it?
Because, the Cross and its power to slay the flesh, works by faith! One must go there for themselves, by faith.

The reason communion does not heal the "church" is because we do not understand by faith, that with our sins, He took our sickness and disease!

Paul said the reason many in the Chruch are sick and weak is because they do not decern the Lords Body, which was broken for us.

To suffer with Christ?
Religion has really twisted this one! Christ is not in any mans flesh, we cannot by the flesh suffer with Christ!

Christ is in our hearts, Paul suffered because Christ was in his heart! Paul loved as Jesus loved Him, and for that reason he suffered that others might be saved!

Christ, when He went to His Cross, was full of love for all of us, and for loves sake, He did suffer!

Paul likewise says that we can give our bodies to be burned, but without love it profits us nothing!

In the Epistle of Col. It is written that neglect of the body is of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Many fast and such things, and they are just more religious than before, only now they have some extra pride to add to their religions works!

Ye fast for strife and debate, that ye might piont the finger (Isa 58) No go share your bread with the hungry, this is what pleases God!

Many religious things are done, but they are not done from the motives of love and compassion for those who are weak!

If any man thinks he suffers with Christ, and does not have His Love? He is suffering for his own religious ego!

And seeing how your ego is satisfied? you have your reward!

Christ Jesus loved and for sake of love He suffered at the hands of those he loved, What a Savior!

 

[savedbygrace57]

The power of The Cross

People talk about the Power of the Cross, but yet they teach that the Cross is powerless unless man first does something to release or activate its power, until then, it does nothing ! What thats called is stated by Paul here !

2 Tim 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Timothy+3:4-6&version=KJV

 

[Mitspa]

People talk about the Power of the Cross, but yet they teach that the Cross is powerless unless man first does something to release or activate its power, until then, it does nothing ! What thats called is stated by Paul here !

2 Tim 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Timothy+3:4-6&version=KJV

Look SBG, one post you confess that by faith we take hold of Gods Promises, then you say that faith itself is a work?

I believe in real faith! I have seen the real power of the Cross!
These crucified hands have raised the dead! so please do not pretend you understand the power of God!

Pick a positon and have enough courage and FAITH to defend what you believe!

 

[savedbygrace57]

Look SBG, one post you confess that by faith we take hold of Gods Promises, then you say that faith itself is a work?

I believe in real faith! I have seen the real power of the Cross!
These crucified hands have raised the dead! so please do not pretend you understand the power of God!

Pick a positon and have enough courage and FAITH to defend what you believe!

People talk about the Power of the Cross, but yet they teach that the Cross is powerless unless man first does something to release or activate its power, until then, it does nothing ! What thats called is stated by Paul here !

2 Tim 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

 

[Mitspa]

I believe this;

1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

That the Cross may be made of none effect. Also that those who do not find its wisdom perish and can know its power!


I believe some more about His Cross, but i think i will see what point you are trying to make?

Do we have to do this again?

The Power of God is described very well in scripture!
signs and wonders, healing the sick etc...

Power is not the ability to twist some scripture and deny other scripture!

These signs will follow them that believe, the Works That I do you shall do also and greater works! This is the power of God!

 

[childeye]

I think that Faith comes from that measure of God that is inside us, the Word that acknowledges the Love of God in pondering the cross.

 

[savedbygrace57]

Do we have to do this again?

The Power of God is described very well in scripture!
signs and wonders, healing the sick etc...

Power is not the ability to twist some scripture and deny other scripture!

These signs will follow them that believe, the Works That I do you shall do also and greater works! This is the power of God!

People talk about the Power of the Cross, but yet they teach that the Cross is powerless unless man first does something to release or activate its power, until then, it does nothing ! What thats called is stated by Paul here !

2 Tim 3:5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.