Introduction
I am continuously drawn back to the basics. There are many interesting topics to discuss within Christendom but many hold no power. Within the churches you hear sermons about financing, healing, God’s provision, God’s grace, God’s love and much more. Most of these are pointed toward a “feel good” self image. Also, during these latter days there seems to be more and more teaching about the “End Times” and what is to come of the Church, Israel, and the rest of the world. The politics of the globe is taking the forefront of much Christian teaching. All of these things are good and we must prepare ourselves as a people and a Nation. However, it seems as though, with all these topics, we have forgotten the single most powerful teaching of all, the Cross of Jesus Christ. There is more power in the Cross than in all the other things combined. Why? Because without the Cross nothing else would be possible.
All of these things that have happened in the past to Israel and, those same things that have and are happening to the Church, will happen again. The words of the Preacher, the son of David, echo in my head as I study, meditate, and read on this topic.
“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after.” (Ecclesiastes 1: 9 – 11) ESV
Using both the Old Testament and the New Testament we find that there is a physical Israel. We read about it every day in the News. We also find that there is a Spiritual Israel. We call it the Church. Both are intertwined in ways we can hardly imagine. From the book of Genesis to the book of Malachi in the Old Testament we read about God’s dealings with the physical Israel. But hidden within those passages we also find the foundation of the spiritual Israel. All of history points to Israel. The entire Bible is about Israel. All history itself is about Israel. There is no existence outside of Israel. All that has happened to the physical Israel has and is happening to Spiritual Israel. There is no separating the two. We are grafted into this vine called Israel. And all this surrounds one fundamental historical event, the Cross. In the Old Testament, the Cross is spoken of as a future event. In the New Testament, the Cross is the event. Today we see it as a past event, even though it is forever present with us. Regardless of our perspective, this event is the single greatest source of power in the universe. We cannot forget it. We must return our focus in the Church to the cross. It is the only power that will see us through the end of this age at which time everything stops. Christ will have come again.
The Basics
The story of how all this happened was written by Paul in the Book of Romans. Because of its importance, I am quoting the entire scripture from Romans 11:11 to 24 (TPT), below in italics with my commentary for easier reading. It is the outline for this paper.
“So, am I saying that Israel stumbled so badly that they will never get back up? Certainly not! Rather, it was because of their stumble that salvation now extends to all the non-Jewish people, to make Israel jealous and desire the very things that God has freely given them.”
Isn’t this what happened to Israel throughout the entire Old Testament (OT)? When I read the OT I often get so frustrated at their hardheadedness, stupidity, and inability to see what is right in front of them. Yet, I am the same way. The Church today is in the same predicament as Israel was then. But, we too will get back up as they are getting back up at this very moment. This is clearly reflected in today’s news media. The physical Israel should be using us, the Spiritual Israel for guidance but, we need to get our act together first before they become “jealous” for what we have.
“So if all the world is being greatly enriched through their failure, and through their fall great spiritual wealth is given to the non-Jewish people, imagine how much more will Israel’s awakening bring to us all! Now, I speak to you who are not Jewish, since I am an apostle to reach the non-Jewish people. And I draw attention to this ministry as much as I can when I am among the Jews, hoping to make them jealous of what God has given to those who are not Jews, winning some of my people to salvation.”
Through our failures and the failures of physical Israel the world has proof that there is a God in Heaven who cares. The World has bag over its head and currently can not see this. How else can such a small country raise such a strong standard against the powers of nations that despise them? The physical Israel has done and is doing the impossible and we are right along side of them. And, along with all the worldly things that are happening, salvation is coming to the Jews.
“For if their temporary rejection released the reconciling power of grace into the world, what will happen when Israel is reinstated and reconciled to God? It will unleash resurrection power throughout the whole earth! Since Abraham and the patriarchs are consecrated and set apart for God, so also will their descendants be set apart. If the roots of a tree are holy and set apart for God, so too will be the branches. However, some of the branches have been pruned away. And you, who were once nothing more than a wild olive branch in the desert, God has grafted in—inserting you (The Church) among the remaining branches as a joint partner to share in the wonderful richness of the cultivated olive stem.”
Now this is the grand finally. The entire World is watching the Christians and Israel. Christians, who are not true to their God but only think they are, are being cut away. The world is seeing this too and the world criticizes the entire Church for the few elect who have fallen. However, the true Church will stand and become even stronger. When we read the New Testament we will note that even when this veil is removed from the eyes of the World some will still reject the truth. This is the work of pure evil which we read in the book of Revelation. However watch, what happens to us and Israel will affect the all the nations of the world. Israel and its branch having been grafted in, will be leading the way to world-wide salvation.
“So don’t be so arrogant as to believe that you are superior to the natural branches. There’s no reason to boast, for the new branches don’t support the root, but you owe your life to the root that supports you! You might begin to think that some branches were pruned or broken off just to make room for you. Yes, that’s true. They were removed because of their unbelief. But remember this: you are only attached by your faith. So don’t be presumptuous, but stand in awe and reverence. Since God didn’t spare the natural branches that fell into unbelief (Israel), perhaps he won’t spare you either (The Church)!So fix your gaze on the simultaneous kindness and strict justice of God. How severely he treated those who fell into unbelief! Yet how tender and kind is his relationship with you. So keep on trusting in his kindness; otherwise, you also will be cut off. God is more than ready to graft back in the natural branches when they turn from clinging to their unbelief to embracing faith. For if God grafted you in, even though you were taken from what is by nature a wild olive tree, how much more can he reconnect the natural branches by inserting them back into their own cultivated olive tree! “
Jesus, in His great wisdom, has shown us the way to salvation first, through our acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. But, because we are the first to see this, through the power of the Cross, we need not be proud. Jesus did this in order to make Israel jealous, as stated above. We are one-in-he-same however, salvation came through the Jews. We owe our salvation to them.
Getting Back to the Basics
We, the Church, must reevaluate our priorities and take another look at the path we are on. The easy road is seldom the right road. There is a beautiful side to evil and we have fallen into this trap. (to read this paper click here). It sounds good, it is easy and often brings us joy. But our focus on joy, healing, prosperity, grace, the promises of God, and all these things are good but they are only the result of our source of real power and that is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
Conclusion
I’m sitting at my desk. It’s early in the morning. This is my altar. It is where I have my quiet time, where I worship, pray, praise, write and, sometimes even sing. I look up on the wall in front of me and gaze upon a crucifix. Not a cross with no body signifying the resurrected Christ, but a crucifix upon which hangs the body of my Savior. It seems good to preach on resurrection power. Easter along with Christmas are among my greatest times of the year. But after birth and before the resurrection came death. Is seems odd that all the power of the Church lies in death. This is seldom preached because is sounds morbid, sad and, no one wants to hear that.
“The feebleness of the church is being criticized today, and the criticism is justified. One reason for the feebleness is that there has not been this focus on the true center of spiritual power. We have not dwelt enough on the tragedy of Calvary or on the meaning of redemption….We are to preach Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2) Oswald Chambers
Enough said
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16) ESV
1 thought on “Back to the Cross”
I so enjoyed Back To The Cross. All of your messages are always deep and on point. But you are correct to say, We must get back to The Cross.
That’s where the resurrection power took place and it’s that power that will see us over the finish line. We are living in an exciting time. That is if you are a believer, and follow with your whole heart. If you are lukewarm, or are more in the world, you should be fearful.
Fear is the absence of faith, and you must have faith to please God. God is preparing his Bride for The Marriage Supper of The Lamb. If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, God said in his word that he would finish the good work he started in us. That’s the kind of love God has for those who believe. If you are in doubt, go back to the Cross and rededicate your life to The Lord. We’re almost home. Just a few more weary days and then we will see Jesus. Stay strong, stay in God’s word, meditate on it.
Gather with other believers,
Worship and praise God for what he has done. Stay in prayer and pray without ceasing. That equals a strong relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen