By Jannie Linney
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” [1 Cor. 1:18]. How sad that so many are perishing today. I have lived a long time and never seen so much pressure put on Christians.
There are many Church organizations doing such stupid things to weaken the Gospel. Some are taking the precious blood out of song books, some removing the crosses from their premises, because they offend some people. This past week I was informed that the upper government of one Denomination has passed down information for pastors to suppress any move of the Holy Spirit, because the move of the Holy Spirit makes some feel uncomfortable. The message of the cross has become foolish to even to those who call themselves Christian.
But to us who are being saved, the cross is the power of God. The Cross represents the horrible suffering Jesus endured for you and me. That is putting it lightly. It represents the Blood He shed that our sins could be forgiven. Then there is His broken body, broken for us, that we could have our body mended. The crown pushed down on His head so we could have a right mind. Nails were driven in His hands, representing our work, a price that we might serve Him. Nails were driven in His feet, as a symbol of a walk of purity here on earth. His back was ripped open with a whip, called, a cat of nine tails. A spear was driven in His side, so we might walk beside him. “And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with then and confirming the word through accompanying signs” [Mark 16:20]. Also the cross is a reminder to all those being saved, that we must constantly die to our self, that He might live through us. That is why the Bible tells us to take up our cross daily and follow Him.
Now all these things mentioned in the past paragraph are not automatic. God never takes away our free choice. We choose to appropriate the things Jesus paid for or resist them. A true Christian is so thankful for all Jesus did. We are so blessed to be forgiven for all the sins we have ever committed. “For God so loved the world that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life” [John 3:16]. Some say it’s too hard to live a Christian life. You might ask someone who is addicted to the devils drugs. The devil is a hard task master. Jesus is Love! You might be interested to know, there are only two forces, the force of the devil and the force of God. The force of good and the force of evil. We are all under the power of one or the other. There is no middle ground. Serving God we go to heaven, serving the devil is sure hell. Accepting what Jesus did is the only way to Heaven. A person cannot ever do anything good enough to earn the privilege of going heaven. Jesus is “The Way.” That is why Jesus came.
You might be ready to change sides or repent and get back to God. He is waiting with outstretched arms. He loves you so much. Just ask Him to forgive you. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Lord and Savior. Thank Him for all He went through for you. If you had been the only person in the world, He would have suffered it all just for you. That is how much He loves you. Now if you really believed, really wanted Him, He looks on your heart and He will let you feel His presence. You have joined those of us “Who are Being Saved.” Now I know some of you are freaking out over the statement “being saved.” Now don’t go off telling tells before you have seen the message! The Bible said it, not me. Tune in Next week, I’ll explain.
