The Cross
What did you think about the last time you looked at a cross? What Scriptures came to mind? What images did you think about?
If you are like me, you are so used to looking at crosses. They have become mere decoration on our walls and have lost their true meaning.
We have a wall of crosses hanging in the living room. A wall of crosses…clean, artful, aligned just right and nicely displayed for all. Someone recently commented that we had more crosses than they did. We collect them?
People in Jesus’ day new exactly what the cross meant. It wasn’t a nice wall decoration? It was the cruelest type of torture that you can imagine….suffocating to death as you pushed up on your legs for a breath only to eventually have your legs give out. And you can’t forget the beating that was given before someone was put up on the cross. It was a death for the worst of people.
That’s what Jesus experienced…pain, humiliation, suffering, death
Where is all that in today’s Christianity?
That stuff doesn’t sell! We want the good stuff of Christianity…the blessings, the fellowship of Christ, the peace, forgiveness, joy and eternal life. But the minute we start feeling a little bit of pressure….a little bit of discomfort….we want to cut and run or give up or take a break. I don’t see that in the disciples. I don’t see Peter giving up for a while or Paul taking some time off because the shipwrecks, stonings and floggings are starting to take their toll on him.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
I’m not saying that if we aren’t suffering we aren’t living for God. But when Jesus said, “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me,” (Matt. 10:38) He wasn’t painting a picture of good ol’ American ease. He was implying that the Christian life was going to have its challenges.
Have you been challenged lately? Really challenged?
Family Day – November 14, 2010
This is a Family Day you don’t want to miss. We will have a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin’s….
Basic
You have to check out this video featuring Francis Chan called Follow Jesus. It is part of the Basic video series. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/basic
Free Christian Audiobook Download – Don’t Waste Your Life – John Piper
If you are not taking advantage of Christian Audio’s free audio book every month, you are missing out. This month (Nov.), you can download John Piper’s book, Don’t Waste Your Life. You can also download the study guide in pdf. http://goo.gl/eqRgs
Small Group Questions* – Acts 6:8 – 8:1
Stephen could not keep the Good News of salvation a secret. He spoke of it to anyone who would listen. Some listened intently, while others took offense. Finally he was dragged before the Jewish religious leaders. Even while on trial, he did not shrink from proclaiming the exciting news that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus is alive, interceding before the Father for all who believe in him. It was Stephen’s courage to proclaim this truth that finally led to his death as a martyr for his faith in Christ.
OPEN
1. Why do people feel the need to defend themselves when they are falsely accused?
EXPLORE
2. In what ways did God bless Stephen? (6:8, 10, 15, 55-56)
3. Why did some Jewish people oppose Stephen? (6:8-14)
4. How did Stephen defend himself against their accusations? (7:2-53)
5. What price did Stephen pay for preaching the gospel? (7:54-60)
GET IT
6. What does this passage reveal about Stephen’s character?
7. In what ways would you like to be more like Stephen?
8. When have you been tempted to hide the truth about your faith in Jesus? Why?
9. How can you demonstrate that you care more about pleasing God than impressing people?
APPLY
10. How can you depend on God to help you speak the truth this week?
*taken from Ilumina Bible Software
Sunday Sharing
Do you want to read Acts 6 in a different version? You can go here - http://www.biblegateway.com/ If you want to look at Greek and Hebrew words, you can go here - http://www.studylight.org/
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