TuesdayReflection
25th July 2023
Carl Brettle offers
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A devotional about an old favourite hymn
(Copyright www.faithlift.org by Carl Brettle.)
"The Old Rugged Cross" was written by American Evangelist George Bennard in 1912. The hymn beautifully tells the crucifixion story. The cross symbolises suffering, shame, and sacrifice, yet it also exudes redemption through hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Galatians 6:14 captures the essence of the song's inspiration:
'But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.' (NKJV)
This highlights the centrality of the cross in the Christian faith and underscores the importance of finding our ultimate confidence in the sacrifice of Jesus. It serves as a reminder of God's love, mercy, and redemption found in the sacrifice of Jesus.
As we sing this hymn, we are transported to the scene of Calvary, where the old rugged cross symbolises hope, salvation, and the ultimate triumph over sin and death.
Dr. Charles Stanley writes
Remember the Cross
Heavenly Father, you are the way, the truth, and the light.
It is by your sacrifice that we are made whole in spirit.
Let us never forget the significance of the cross. Amen.
"'He himself bore our sins' in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; 'by his wounds you have been healed.'" - 1 Peter 2:14
What does the cross mean to you?
Many people in the world today view it as a symbol of Christianity, but stop and think about what it represented in Christ's day.
Nobody wore a miniature cross around the neck or displayed one in a place of worship.
The cross was a torturous means of execution, and the mere thought of it was repulsive.
Yet believers throughout the ages have chosen this as the sign of their faith.
In fact, to remove the cross from our teaching and theology would leave nothing but an empty, powerless religion.
The subjects of death, blood, and sacrifice have become unpopular in many churches because they're unpleasant and uncomfortable topics.
We'd prefer to hear about the love of God, not the suffering of Jesus.
But let me ask you this:
How could anyone be saved if Jesus had not been crucified?
Some people think all you have to do to receive God's forgiveness is ask Him for it.
But a sinner's request can never be the basis for His forgiveness.
He would cease to be holy and just if no penalty was imposed for sin.
According to Scripture, there can be no forgiveness without the shedding of blood.
Jesus had to bear the punishment for our sin in order for God to grant us forgiveness.
Every time you see a cross, remember what it really was -- an instrument of execution.
Then thank Jesus that He was willing to be crucified so the Father could forgive you of sin.
Though the scene of your redemption was horrendous,
Jesus turned the cross into a place of great triumph.
Bible references avaiable, on request
Carl Brettle
My main activities in 2013 is being the CEO for Neighbourhood Prayer Network, which has 10,000 Christian members taking spiritual responsibility for the street they live on. I'm also on the core team of The National Day of Prayer and Worship which in 2012 hired Wembley Stadium for a day of prayer, which 32,500 came to pray and more recently have started writing a daily devotional to build people in their faith as they believe God for an outpouring of His grace in their communities.
In Touch Ministries is the teaching ministry of Dr. Charles Stanley and is dedicated to leading people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and strengthening the local church.
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