Why We Believe

Galatians 6:14, May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

The cross is the heart of what we believe. It holds a preeminent position in the New Testament. The Gospels are theological treaties. The message of the Gospels is to identify who Jesus Christ is and His death at calvary and His impact on our life. They head in the same direction: the cross. They all deal with events around the cross.

Matthew 16:21, From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

Mark 10:45, For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Jesus satisfied God's req for the shedding of blood for sin from someone who did not commit sin.

Luke 2:33-35, The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.

John 1:28-29, This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing. The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Jesus Christ, in the mind of God, was already a slain lamb before the creation of the world. God's plan for salvation was preordained. He did not wait until after Adam and Eve's disobedience to devise the plan of salvation.

Acts 2:22-23, "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

1 Corinthians 1:17-19, For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

The Apostle Paul was committed to the message of the cross. He said that that was his reason for his preaching and teaching.

Romans 5:6-10, You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

All this centers around the cross and the death of Jesus. The death of His son brought us back into relationship with God.

Hebrews 9:27-28, Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Christ bore the sins of many. This message is throughout the bible. This was the message of Jesus. That's why Jesus came. Jesus knew that he came to die. To pay for out sins, Jesus had to suffer the consequences of sin.

1 Peter 2:24-25, He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Jesus bore our sin. When He died at the cross, He was our substitute. He was seperated from God the Father. This was his penalty fopr our sin.

The cross is a symbol of God's love. The cross is the sign of true liberty. Without the cross, there is no hope. What will you do on your deathbed without the hope of the cross? The cross brings hope, certainty, security. You may be ethical but what about your sinful nature? There is no hope of salvation without the death of Jesus on the cross. That is the testimony and the witness of the word of God.



Why do we make the cross the central focus of our faith? This is how we experience spiritual liberty in our life. It's the heart of of what we believe. It is the liberating power in our life. This is the core of the bible. It's the key to walking in liberty from the power of sin.

Human effort is of no value. Our works are like filthy rags in the eyes of God.

This is God's truth. The basis for our salvation is not what WE did but what HE did on the cross at Calvary. The shedding of Hid blood is what delivered us. We are clensed, redeemed by His blood. We are forgiven through His blood. The cross is the only way to be saved. This is because this is the heart of God. It is His plan.

If forgiveness before God is not through the cross and Jesus' death, then with is it through? What is the basis of what I expect God will let me into heaven. The only other logical explanation is my deeds. God makes it clear that works will not save us. The only way to salvation is through the cross.

The cross permeates scriputure. The cross liberates us.

When we come to the cross and we are saved, the blood of Jesus helps us walk in victory,freedom every day. God will provide everything I need. God will provide every desire of my heart. Every good thing that comes my way comes by the grace of God.

Jesus' death satisfied God's demand for death for sin.

Paul said the world, sin lost its appeal. It's not the driving force. Our personal relationship with Jesus is our driving force. We will begin to blossom because we will becoming what God wanted us to be in the beginning.

The cross is a like a mirror. The cross mirrors our unworthiness. The cross mirrors God's love, mercy, grace, kindness, might, power, etc.

The cross is the means of our salvation.

The cross is like a magnet. When Jesus be lifted up from the earth, He will draw all men unto Him.

The cross is like a model. It is the model of sacrificial love.

Have you ever applied the message of the cross to your life? Have you accepted God's forgiveness given to us through Jesus' death on the cross at Calvary.


Are You On Thin Ice With God?

Some people hear the gospel over and over but never repent. Others are saved but living with willful sin. Deep down inside we don't think that we can get away with sin. Doesn't forget. God doesn't overlook. Is there a limit to God’s patience?

Patience is God's willingness to wait. It's the goodness of God that allows Him to withold punish from those who deserve it.

Exodus 34:4-6, So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD , the LORD , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

God proclaims Himself as a merciful God.

Psalms, David proclaimed over and over the loving-kindness of God.

2 Peter 3:3-9, First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

This was written to those who wondered how to answer skeptics. It explains how God’s “slowness” in bringing ultimate judgment on sinners demonstrates His patience.

God doesn’t let people get away with sin. The penalty of their sin begins to affect them physically, mentally, or emotionally. There is no such thing as God forgetting it or over looking it. Examples in Scripture:

Adam and Eve were immediately punished for their sin. Therefore, some people think they are getting away with sin. Just because we are not punished immediatel after we sin does not mean we are getting away with it. There is no such thing as getting away with sin.

God took the Israelites from bondage, and brought them to the Promised Land. When they sinned, He made them wander 40 years in the dessert.

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and the prophets were ignored (about Israel's idolatry). The Israelites figured they had special status with God and were immune to punishment. However, Jerusalem was eventually conquered by Babylon and taken captive. When God's judgement comes, when it's time to pay for our sin, be sure that our sin will find us out.

There is a limit to God's patience. Just as God ran out of patience with the nation of Israel, God runs out of patience with individuals. His chastising hand comes upon His children. Be sure your sin will find you out.

1 Timothy 1:12-16, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.

What’s God’s purpose in being patient?

Romans 2:4-5, Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.

1. He’s giving rebellious people time to think about it, time to be saved.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

It's dangerous to live in rebellion to God and God's word, yoiu are going down a dangerous path. Some say, to justify their lifestyle, that there is no God. That is foolish.

2. He knows we have a fallen nature. We are disobedient by nature. We have to learn obedience.

3. He knows we are sometimes ignorant of His Word. Too frequently believers are not encouraged to read God's word. That's where we learn about HS.

4. He knows we all have weaknesses.

E. What is the application to our lives?

God is willing for people—even Christians—to suffer so that He gets their attention. He wants to put us in a position so He can show us how to live our lives. We abuse His goodness and love and mercy by rejecting what He desires for us. It’s time for God’s people to stand up and live godly lives, or God will judge this nation, just as He did the nations in the Bible.

Ecclesiastes 8:11, When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong.
“Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil”

If you aren’t saved, you don’t know if you’ll have another chance to repent and accept Christ as your Savior. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

God is a patient God. But His patience is finite. Trust Jesus Christ as your Savior and Master so you don't wear thin God's patience.

Our Trustworthy Guide

Life is an traveled trail that each of us travels. Is there anyone guiding me? All of us need a guide. God wants to be your trustworthy guide.

Psalm 32:8-9: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

God will instruct, teach, guide us on our path. Is there anyone giving me instruction, guidance in my life or am I doing it on my own? God is available to be my guide.

Psalm 31:3--Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

Psalm 48:14--For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end. God will guide us until death.

Psalm 73:23-24--Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. God promises to be my guide. Am I seeking genuine guidance from anybody? We all need a guide. God did not equip us to live our lives on our own understanding. We are inadequate.

Life is a journey. We go up difficult mountains and through valleys. We pass through the desert. We have conflict with other people and times of wonderful relationship. Life is hard because we live in a fallen world. Oftentimes, when people get in trouble, it’s because they ignored God. God is motivated by love. Why would we not want to follow His plan for us? We are inadequate to live without divine guidance.
People who don’t know God may seem to do well in life, but one day they will give an account of themselves

Luke 12:16-21--And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

Many people want to be like this guy. They want to acquire much and "eat drink and be merry." When you choose to live life without God, God says you are living the life of a fool. It is essential to have a guide; a spiritual guide.

Reasons to follow God
1. God knows us perfectly. He knows our strengths, weaknesses, endurance, personality, desires, relationships, etc. He knows everything about us.
2. He’s available to guide us. Are we available to follow him?
3. He has set the best path for us. He already knows our path. He knows the dangers, what we should avoid.

When things become difficult, the wise thing to do is to respond by trusting God to protect you, provide for you, and guide you in every decision. God is our guide, not the world. God will never mislead us. This doesn't mean that I'll never have trials or hardships. But God promises to counsel us with His eye on us.

There are certain things God wants you to accomplish in life. Don’t try to figure it out; leave it up to God. Trust God, guide, supply at every turn. H will never leave, fail you. God will never tell me to give up. He will tell us to surrender. Giving up means defeat. Surrendering means awesome victory.

Psalm 32:8-9--I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

God warns us not to be like an unbroken horse or a mule that won’t obey.

It's OK to ask friends for advice but it should be "what do you think God would have me to do?" God is trustworthy. He will always tell us the truth.

Sometimes we disobey because we want to choose an exciting and colorful route for ourselves. God knows what we want better than we do. When you hit stormy times, remember that Jesus will guide you through them.

Don’t you think it’d be wise to link your life to the Master Guide? He’s a trustworthy, dependable, unfailing, intimate and personal guide. It begins by asking the Lord Jesus to forgive you of being rebellious and of trying to have your own way.

A Good Conscience

God gave us a conscience for a specific reason.


1 Timothy 1:18--Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.


Paul prayed that God would discipline these people so they would repent. When you preach false doctrine, that means you're not listening to your conscience. We make decisions that involve our conscience. The
Your conscience is a gift of God. We are uniquely made. Believers and non believers have them.
Genesis 3:7--Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Adam and Eve ignored their conscience, they disobeyed God.
1Samuel 24:5
David's conscience bothered him after he cut off a piece of Solomon's garment in the cave.
Everyone has a conscience.
Romans 1:18--The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
Even lost people know the truth because God made it evident inside them. For instance, every believes assault/murder is wrong. The only explanation is that God put these morals inside of us. We understand that there is a penalty for our wrongdoings. Man's conscience lets us know that these things are wrong.
Once you begin to violate your conscience it, something begins to erode inside of you, your heart is darkened, your conscience is dulled. God gave the rebellious people over to their sins.
Romans 2:14-(Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
God has written in unbelievers what is right or wrong. Their conscience bears witness to this. There is no escape from obedience to God. Every person has one and we all have to deal with it. It's a monitor. It monitors what we think, everything we do. It's a gift from God. The word of God sharpens your conscience. It's our moral capacity placed within us to distinguish between right and wrong. It's not there to guide us. People have an advantage to have a conscience.
HS is our helper. HS is equipped to do things for us that we are unable to do for ourselves.
You cannot violate your conscience without consequences.