I trust you had a Happy Easter. Mine was fantastic. It started with a Sunrise service at Church. Due to wind, and chilly temps, at least by our standards, we had our service indoors. Some people were a little disappointed, but several years ago in Cincinnati, we had a sunrise service under similar conditions. Three of my older people caught pneumonia. I want to try to be sensitive to people’s needs. The decision to stay inside was totally mine and was made with the best intentions. Next year Easter is later, so the chances are better that we’ll be outside for the service.
After the sunrise service we had a fellowship breakfast. Breakfast has always been my favorite meal of the day, and yesterday’s was delicious. Thanks to all who prepared it. It was a job well done!
Sunday School was good, and the morning service was very uplifting. I had planned to preach part two of the four part series, “Coming With His Coming,” but the LORD had other plans. I preached a message titled “Three Crosses On A Hill.” The message came from a track I saw. I used their three main points, then added my own sub-points. The notes are below, and the video will be ready by Tuesday morning. You can view it at www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you wish to view. We are currently working on posting the messages on facebook. We will keep you informed.
Three Crosses On A Hill
Luke 23:32-43
By Victor Cooper
Main points plus A‘s & B’s
copied from a tract.
C’s and other sub-points are mine.
I. The cross of rejection
A. One man died in sin - he was a dying sinner.
1. Sinner. Heb.> Hatta’> one devoted to sin
Gk.> hamartolos> erring one
a. “Sin” literally means missing the mark.
Q. What mark?
A. God’s mark of sinless perfection.
b. Is there anyone here this morning sinlessly perfect?
c. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
i.e. all have missed God’s mark.
2. Remember, in Scriptures, death means separation, not cessation. Cessation would be too easy.
a. He was about to be eternally separated from God.
b. Salvation and forgiveness would become eternally impossible.
B. He died with sin in him.
1. Sin is more deadly than any poison.
Illustration: 11613. The Judas-Tree’s Fatal Appeal
There is a curious tree known as the Judas-tree. Long before its leaves appear, gorgeous blossoms would ornament the branches. Looking like scarlet sunbeams caught among the boughs, and held prisoners by their interlacings, the brilliant beauty of the crimson flowers attracts thousands of tiny insects. The wild bees also seek to draw honey from their exquisitely shaped cups.
But every insect—bee or butterfly—that ventures to rest upon the edge of its blossom is overcome by a fatal, curious sort of opiate, or sleeping-draught, which the flower-juice contains, and drops dead upon the ground beneath!
Thus, walking around Judas-trees, one sees the soft grass strewn with dead and dying bright-winged insects!
The Judas-tree reminds us of sin. Sin may look bright, pleasant and attractive to our eyes; it may appear harmless to indulge in it. But lurking behind “the pleasures of sin” is a fatal poison.
Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations
a. Sin destroys body, soul and spirit
b. Sin brings condemnation.
John 3:18b …he that believeth not is condemned already…
C. The cross for him would not be the end, but simply the doorway to damnation and eternal Hell!
II. The cross of redemption
A. One man died for sin - He was a dying Saviour.
1. He ”…knew no sin…” (2 Cor. 5:21b)
yet
B. He died with sin upon Him. He was covered with it -
yours, mine, and everyone else’s. 2 Cor. 5:21a For he hath made him to be sin for us…
1. God had to turn His back upon the sight of it.
But remember,
you will only ask for salvation from a Saviour; i.e. one who actually can save.
2. Sin covered does not mean sin filled.
a. The only way God could forgive my sin was for Jesus to take my sin.
C. The cross for him would not be the end, but simply the doorway to His resurrection and Satan’s eventual downfall!
III. The cross of reception
A. One man died to sin - he was a dying saint.
1. He too was separated; not from God but to God!
2. Theologians call this, glorification.
B. He died with sin taken from him.
1. God erases them! Isaiah 43:25a I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake…
2. God throws sin away. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
3. He changes sin’s color. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
4. God forgets about sin. Hebrews 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
C. The cross for him would not be the end but simply the doorway to eternal life!
Conclusion: Isaiah 55:6-7/1 John 1:9 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: [7] Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [1:9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I hope you have a good, safe, and healthy week. If you’re traveling, please be careful. Some of our winter visitors have already gone back north, while others will be leaving soon. We miss our winter friends when they are gone. They help to make Friendship Harmony the special place it is. Remember: you can experience at least the preaching portion of our Church by going to www.youtube.com. From their home page, type in Friendship Harmony Baptist Church, then scroll to the message you wish to view. By the way, as an added bonus, the Sunrise Message is also on youtube. It too will be posted on Tuesday. I’ll meet you on the video, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
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