{"id":1346,"date":"2011-10-15T10:35:26","date_gmt":"2011-10-15T10:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/?p=1346"},"modified":"2011-10-15T10:35:26","modified_gmt":"2011-10-15T10:35:26","slug":"bulletin-articles-issue-92-october-2011","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/?p=1346","title":{"rendered":"Bulletin Articles Issue #92 October 2011"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Mystery of the Cross<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why was it a necessity for the LORD to lay on Christ the iniquity of His people before bruising Him? All our hope, brethren, is that the judge of all the earth shall do right! The whole purpose for which the Lord Jesus laid down His life was to declare the righteousness of God. But if iniquity itself had not been laid upon Christ, it had been injustice for the Lord to have bruised him. The mystery of the cross is not that God punished one who was innocent, though Christ knew no sin of himself.<\/p>\n

The mystery of the cross is that the Just One willingly submitted himself to the LORD who took the iniquity off his children and laid it upon Christ making him sin so that God was just to pour out wrath upon Christ (I Pet. 2:24; Is. 53:6, 11-12; 2 Cor. 5:21). Then in perfect harmony with holy justice \u201che was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities.\u201d This amazing faithful act of God\u2019s Servant was both the complete active fulfillment of the law (and the fulfillment of the penalty of the law for the elect of God. Those born of the Spirit of Christ are made partakers of the divine nature so that we believe on Christ in whom we have established the law and by the constraint of his love for us by which Christ has made us complete in him we walk with him daily.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Clay Curtis.<\/p>\n

The Offense of the Cross<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased.\u201d Galatians 5:11<\/p>\n

The preaching of the cross of Jesus Christ is offensive to the natural man. We that believe look at the cross and we see grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and hope; but this world sees a \u201cstumbling stone and a rock of offence.\u201d I want to look at this by asking one question:<\/p>\n

What is the offence of the cross of Christ?<\/p>\n

First, it offends the wisdom of men. This world and its religion believe that man can by wisdom know God. That by sincere and heart felt study, man can know His creator in such a way as to bring him to heaven. They think the preaching of the cross is foolishness and that they by wisdom understand that there are better ways to save sinners. But the preaching of the cross tells us that this message, and means, was ordained of God for the salvation of His People apart from the wisdom of this world. (1Cor 1: 17-31)<\/p>\n

Second, it is offensive to man\u2019s ability. This world believes that all men have a \u201cfree will\u201d in this matter of salvation. That man is the sovereign of his destiny, and he will come to Christ if all the right circumstances exist. But the preaching of the cross of Christ, tells us that no man can come to Christ unless the Father draw him. (John 6:44) This is because all men are born dead in trespasses and sins, which make men both unable and unwilling to come to God by Jesus Christ. The only hope for sinners is that God the Holy Spirit quickens their dead souls to life and faith in Christ. This too is offensive to the natural man.<\/p>\n

Third, it offends the merit of men. All men by nature believe that they can by their will, works, and self, by righteousness, merit the favor of God. But the Psalmist asks, \u201cWho shall ascend to the hill of the LORD . . .? He that hath clean hands and a pure heart\u2026\u201d (Ps. 24: 2-3). But the gospel of the cross teaches us that \u201cthere is none righteous, no not one.\u201d (Rom.3:11-20) The gospel teaches that the only way for man to approach unto God, is to have the \u201crighteousness of God which is by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to all them that believe.\u201d (Rom 3:21-22) This is offensive to the natural man.<\/p>\n

Therefore, how foolish is it for men to oppose the only hope for their salvation. It is like a drowning man despising the rope that is his only life line. Though Satan, devils, and all men oppose this gospel, it shall prevail to save all of God\u2019s elect. It will save all those who believe on Jesus Christ, and see His cross as their only glory. (Gal 6:14) Believers let us not ever be ashamed of this gospel, but rather proclaim it to all and mind not their offense of it.<\/p>\n

Don Fortner.<\/p>\n

“The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need!” Psalm 23:1 <\/strong><\/p>\n

The shepherd <\/em>is a favorite Scriptural picture of the divine love and care. In the Old Testament, the twenty-third Psalm<\/em> gathers the whole wonderful truth in exquisite lines, which are dear to young and old wherever the Bible is known. Then in the New Testament, when our Lord would give His friends the sweetest revealings of His heart toward them, and tell them what they are to Him, and what He would be to them\u2014He says, “I am the Good Shepherd.”<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hebrew shepherd lives <\/strong>with his sheep. If they are out in the storm\u2014he is with them. If they are exposed to danger\u2014so is he. Just so, Christ lives with His people. He enters into closest relations with them.<\/p>\n

The shepherd knows <\/strong>his sheep. He has a name <\/em>for each one and calls them all by their names. Just so, Christ knows each one of His friends, has intimate personal knowledge of each one. He knows the best in us\u2014and also the worst\u2014our faults, our sins, our wanderings. Yet, knowing us as we are\u2014He loves us still and never wearies of us!<\/p>\n

The shepherd is most gentle <\/strong>with his sheep. He does not drive <\/em>them\u2014but goes before them and leads <\/em>them. When they need rest on the way\u2014he makes them lie down, and chooses for their resting-place, not the dusty road\u2014but green pastures<\/em>. He is especially kind to the lambs<\/em>, gathers them in his arms and carries them in his bosom. All this is an exquisite picture of the gentleness of our Good Shepherd in His care of His sheep. <\/em>He is thoughtful toward the weak. He loves the lambs <\/em>and makes room for them on His bosom. Whatever the need is, there is something in the heart of Christ which meets its craving and supplies its lack!<\/p>\n

The shepherd defends <\/strong>his flock in all danger. Often he had to risk his own safety, even his life, in protecting<\/em> his sheep. Just so, the Good Shepherd gives His life<\/em>\u2014for His sheep!<\/p>\n

Christ’s sheep are absolutely safe <\/strong>in His keeping. “I give unto them eternal life,” He said; “and they will never perish\u2014ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” Then at last, He will bring His own all safely home<\/em>, “and they shall become one flock\u2014with one Shepherd!”\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0J.R. Miller, 1905.<\/p>\n

Can this be-for a vile wretch like me? <\/strong>(James Smith’s autobiography, “Marvelous Mercy!”<\/em> 1862) <\/strong>
\n“By the grace of God I am what I am!” <\/em>1 Corinthians 15:10<\/p>\n

Lord, You have said, “I will cast all your sins into the depths of the sea!” They shall be carried into a land of everlasting forgetfulness<\/em>. And to confirm all, You have added, “I will never leave you nor forsake you!” Is this, can this be \u2014 for such a vile wretch like me?<\/strong> O wondrous mercy! O boundless sovereign, everlasting, unchangeable, love! Yes, it suits me, because it is all of grace, free grace<\/em>, from first to last \u2014 without works, and without boasting.<\/p>\n

O how shall I sufficiently admire, bless, praise, and adore the grace <\/em>“that buries all my sins” and rejoice in that glorious righteousness <\/em>in which I stand perfect before a holy God! I feel ready to cry out, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed vile, polluted, Hell-deserving me<\/em> \u2014 with the garments of salvation! He has covered me with the robe of righteousness!”<\/p>\n

Why is this? O Lord, why is this \u2014 that I<\/em> am made to hear your pardoning voice \u2014 while thousands are left to perish in their sins, who are much better <\/em>than I am? It is even so, Father \u2014 for so it seems good in Your sight.<\/p>\n

O wondrous depth <\/em>of sovereign grace, without either a shore or a bottom! Lord, lead me into it, and there let me bathe to all eternity!<\/em> May I know the wondrous love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge! I now feel as if I was lost in an endless subject<\/em> \u2014 the astonishing love of Christ \u2014 the sovereign, boundless, bottomless, free, and eternal love of Christ! O how wonderful that such a poor, vile, wretched, nothing creature, as I am<\/em> \u2014 should be interested in it! Surely none but Jesus could<\/em>, and none but Jesus would<\/em> \u2014 so love one so vile as me; but He has done it!<\/p>\n

What shall I render unto the Lord, my covenant God \u2014 for His boundless mercy to such a guilty, Hell-deserving, sinner as I am? O Lord, may I gaze, admire, and adore!<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

The kingship of Christ<\/strong>
\n
\n<\/strong>(J. C. Philpot, “Meditations on the Blessed Redeemer”)<\/p>\n

“King of kings and Lord of lords!<\/strong>” Revelation 19:16<\/p>\n

The kingship of Christ<\/strong> is full of sweet consolation to
\nthe tried family of God. As Zion’s enthroned King, He
\nsupplies His people out of His own inexhaustible fullness!<\/p>\n

To Him, as our enthroned King, we give the allegiance
\nof our hearts. Before His feet, as our rightful Sovereign,
\nwe humbly lie. And we beg of Him, as possessed of all
\npower, to subdue our iniquities and rebellious lusts, and
\nsway His peaceful scepter over every faculty of our soul.<\/p>\n

The kingship of Christ <\/strong>is a blessed subject of meditation,
\nwhen we consider its bearing upon our helpless, defenseless
\ncondition. We stand surrounded by foes . . .<\/strong>
\ninternal,
\nexternal,
\ninfernal,
\nall armed against us with deadly enmity!<\/p>\n

Every child of God is surrounded by a multitude of enemies
\nwithout and within, who, unless they are overcome–will
\nmost certainly overcome him. And to be overcome is to be
\nlost, forever lost, and to perish under the wrath of God!<\/p>\n

What hope or help can we have, but in . . .
\nthat all-seeing eye<\/strong>, which sees our condition;
\nthat all-sympathizing heart<\/strong>, which feels for us;
\nthat all-powerful hand<\/strong>, which delivers the objects of
\nHis love from all the snares and traps–and defeats all
\nthe plans and projects of these mighty, implacable foes?<\/p>\n

We daily and hourly feel the workings of our . . .<\/strong>
\nmighty sins,
\nraging lusts,
\npowerful temptations,
\nbesetting evils,
\nagainst the least and feeblest of which, we have no strength!<\/p>\n

But as the eye of faith views our enthroned King,
\nwe are led by the power of His grace to . . .
\nlook unto Him,
\nhang upon Him, and
\nseek help from Him.<\/p>\n

Trials in providence,
\nafflictions in the family,
\nsickness and infirmities in the body,
\nopposition and persecution from the world,
\na vile, unbelieving heart, which we can neither sanctify nor subdue,
\na rough and rugged path, increasing in difficulty as we journey onward,
\ndoubts, fears, and misgivings in our own bosom,
\ninward slips and falls,
\nwanderings,
\nstartings aside,
\nhourly backslidings from the strait and narrow path,
\njealous enemies ever watching for our halting,
\nwith no eye to pity, nor arm to help–but the Lord’s!<\/strong><\/p>\n

How all these foes and fears make us feel our need
\nof an enthroned King, Head and Husband . . .
\nwhose tender heart<\/strong> is soft to pity,
\nwhose mighty arm <\/strong>is strong to relieve!<\/p>\n

We should be ever looking up to our enthroned King,
\nnot only that He might sway His scepter over our hearts,
\ncontrolling our rebellious wills, and subduing us to His
\ngentle might; but as King over all our enemies–of which
\nour internal<\/strong> foes are much more numerous and mighty
\nthan any external <\/strong>enemies!<\/p>\n

<\/strong>When we feel the power of sin, the tyranny of our vile
\nlusts and passions, and what our nature is capable of
\nif left to its own will and way–how sweet and suitable
\nis the promise, “You will again have compassion on us;
\nYou will subdue our iniquities<\/strong> and hurl all our sins into
\nthe depths of the sea!” Micah 7:19<\/p>\n

“We are powerless against this mighty army that is
\nattacking us! We do not know what to do, but we
\nare looking to You for help.” 2 Chronicles 20:12
\n“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save!”
\nZephaniah 3:17<\/p>\n

The sacrifice of<\/strong> Himself!<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Ruth Bryan, “The Marvelous Riches of Savoring Christ!”)<\/p>\n

“But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, to remove sin by the sacrifice of Himself!<\/strong>” Hebrews 9:26<\/p>\n

These rich words still amaze me.<\/p>\n

That word “sin<\/strong>” feels weighty to a sensible sinner.<\/p>\n

But oh! that word “Himself!<\/strong>” seems a million times more weighty!<\/p>\n

“Himself!” the mighty God, the precious Man Christ Jesus!<\/p>\n

“Himself!” by whom all things were created, and for whom they exist!<\/p>\n

“Himself!” whose smile is heaven, whose frown is hell!<\/p>\n

“Himself!” whom all angels worship, and all devils obey!<\/p>\n

“Himself!” the sacrifice!<\/em><\/p>\n

Another such sacrifice could not be found! Sins as deep as hell and as high as heaven cannot overmatch it \u2014 for it is infinite! Sins of scarlet and crimson dye cannot resist its power \u2014 for it makes them whiter than snow!<\/p>\n

See as much as you can of the vileness of self<\/em>, and the demerit of sin<\/em> \u2014 yet “Himself” a bleeding sacrifice, exceeds it all! Here is the sweet-smelling savor, both to the Lawgiver and the lawbreaker. The Lawgiver is honored \u2014 the lawbreaker is saved!<\/p>\n

See how He stands most lovingly, as with open arms, saying to every laboring, weary, heavy-laden sinner, “Come! Come unto Me, and I will give you rest! I still receive sinners, to the uttermost I save them, and never am weary of healing their backslidings, forgiving all their iniquities, and multiplying pardons \u2014 as they multiply transgressions against Me. I blot all out with My blood, and love them freely and forever!”<\/p>\n

Sinner, will not this suffice? It will, if the Spirit applies it \u2014 and opens in a little measure, Himself and His<\/em> sacrifice<\/em> \u2014 in contrast to yourself and your sins. It will take eternity to know it fully; but that your heart may find rest and refreshing in it now, is my affectionate prayer.<\/p>\n

“But now He has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, to remove sin by the sacrifice of Himself!<\/strong>“<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Mystery of the Cross Why was it a necessity for the LORD to lay on Christ the iniquity of His people before bruising Him? All our hope, brethren, is that the judge of all the earth shall do right! The whole purpose for which the Lord Jesus laid down His life was to declare […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bulletin-editions"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1346"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1347,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1346\/revisions\/1347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.shoalhavengospelchurch.org.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}