Embracing the Cross of Christ
The cross is the symbol of Christianity, representing death and separation, and the first step for a Christian seeking spiritual power is to accept their unique position as a son of heaven.
Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34754 preaches on the concept of 'spare' (pheidomai), which means to treat leniently, to forbear, to save someone from trouble, loss, or discomfort. The term is used in the Bible to prevent trouble from happening to someone and is a tangible demonstration of showing pity, as seen in various Old Testament passages. Paul emphasizes the importance of sparing others from unnecessary trouble, such as in the context of marriage conflicts, and highlights God's ultimate act of not sparing His own Son for our sake.
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Let us plant ourselves on the hill of Zion and invite the world to come over to us, but never under any circumstances will we go over to them. The cross is the symbol of Christianity, and the cross speaks of death and separation, never of compromise. No one ever compromised with a cross. The cross-separated between the dead and the living. The timid and the fearful will cry Extreme! and they will be right. The cross is the essence of all that is extreme and final. The message of Christ is a call across a gulf from death to life, from sin to righteousness and from Satan to God.
The first step for any Christian who is seeking spiritual power is to accept his unique position as a son of heaven temporarily detained on the earth, and to begin to live as becometh a saint.
The sharp line of demarcation between him and the world will appear at once--and the world will never quite forgive him. And the sons of earth will make him pay well for separation, but it is a price he will gladly pay for the privilege of walking in fruitfulness and power.
Sermon Outline
- The Symbol of Christianity
- The Message of Christ
- The Christian's Position
- The Consequences of Separation
- The world will never forgive the Christian
- The Christian will gladly pay the price for separation
Key Quotes
“The cross-separated between the dead and the living.” — A.W. Tozer
“The cross is the essence of all that is extreme and final.” — A.W. Tozer
“The first step for any Christian who is seeking spiritual power is to accept his unique position as a son of heaven temporarily detained on the earth, and to begin to live as becometh a saint.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, I must be willing to separate from the world and live as becometh a saint.
- I must accept my unique position as a son of heaven and live accordingly.
- The price of separation from the world may be high, but it is worth it for the privilege of walking in fruitfulness and power.