The Cross As The Way
Mac shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the joy of worshiping alongside children and the importance of understanding the cross in relation to God's love. He emphasized the significance of Ephesians 1:18-19, which speaks of enlightenment and the hope of God's calling. Throughout the week, the theme of Jubilee was explored, revealing its vastness and the interconnectedness of God's love and the cross. Mac highlighted that the cross is not merely about death but also about the resurrection and the life it brings. He cautioned against a misunderstanding of the cross, urging believers to see it through the lens of God's love. The message underscored the necessity of denying oneself and taking up the cross daily, as this is essential for true discipleship. Mac also addressed the dangers of a crossless Christianity, where the focus is solely on salvation without the call to follow Christ as Lord. He concluded by encouraging a deeper understanding of God's love, which motivates believers to embrace the cross and live out their faith authentically, ultimately leading to a greater experience of Jubilee in their lives.
Outline of Main Points
- Introduction: Joy of worshiping with children
- Significance of Ephesians 1:18-19
- Exploration of Jubilee and its vastness
- Understanding the cross: death and resurrection
- Misunderstanding of the cross and its relation to God's love
- Importance of denying oneself and taking up the cross
- Dangers of crossless Christianity
- Encouragement to embrace God's love and the cross
- Conclusion: Living out faith authentically and experiencing Jubilee
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, 2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
