“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

That's the Great Exchange. 

You can have this for free. Experience His righteousness, not that lame self-righteousness. 

"I AM NOT THE MAN I OUGHT TO BE, I AM NOT THE MAN I WISH TO BE. I AM NOT THE MAN I HOPE TO BE. BUT BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I AM NOT THE MAN I USED TO BE." ~ John Newton

A simple turn from such worthless to Jesus. A simple prayer breathed, of repentance. I admitted it, and quit it -- with those pet-sins. I believed in Jesus God's only way in for me out of that  dark inferior worldly existence that I had long created for myself. Generation the free gift if God that keeps on giving -- A generous God who keeps giving. ! I immediately noticed a big difference.. an excellent and sublime change.. that was pretty much beyond me explaining.

I try to.. just the same. I love the Lord and feel so grateful to Him. I needed a completely different new nature inside. The one I got born with the first time was shoddy and not at all desirable!

Remember that Bronze Serpent In The OT: It was a picture of Sin, of Judgment, and of Salvation by Faith

Bronze is that uniquely colored medal of judgment. Remember the 12 bronze bowls under the basin at the Jew's temple?

At first glance, it might seem kind of strange—even unsettling—that God would command Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole to do His work for the perishing. 

Why would the very image of the thing that was killing the people become the means through which God healed and rescued them?

The answer is profoundly beautiful and points directly to Jesus Christ and the gospel.

The Wilderness: God’s Classroom

The wilderness was not wasted time. It was God's training ground.

After the Israelites witnessed the miracles of The Exodus and heard God speak at Mount Sinai, they still struggled to trust Him. When ten spies brought back a fearful report about the giants in Canaan, the people concluded that God was not strong enough to keep His promise.

“As surely as I live... your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness.” — Numbers 14:28–29

Their unbelief sentenced them to forty years of wandering until that generation died (Numbers 14:28–34).

“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” ~ A.W. Tozer 

The wilderness was God's school of faith, where He taught His people both His holiness and their desperate need for Him.

When Grumbling Becomes Deadly

Years later, in Numbers 21, the people once again complained against God and Moses:

“Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” — Numbers 21:5

They despised God's provision and resented His leadership.

In judgment, God sent venomous serpents into the camp. Many were bitten, and many died (Numbers 21:6).

The snakes were not random. They were visible reminders that sin always carries poison.

“Sin is a dragon with deadly breath.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

The serpent represented the very curse their rebellion had brought upon them.

The Cure Looked Like the Curse

When the people confessed their sin, God did not remove the serpents immediately.

Instead, He prescribed a viable remedy that required humble faith:

“Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” — Numbers 21:8

Moses obeyed, and anyone who looked at the bronze serpent lived (Numbers 21:9).

There was no magic in the bronze. No healing power in the metal. The cure was entirely from God.

The act of looking was an act of believing.

The dying Israelite was saying:

“I agree with God. My sin has brought this judgment. I cannot save myself. Lord, I trust Your provision.”

But Why a Serpent?

Let's all agree with God's Word. In Scripture, serpents often symbolize sin, evil, and judgment. So why would God use one as a means of healing?

Because God was teaching a unique, breathtaking truth:

We believers now point back in time by faith to the Cross at Calvary, where our sins were judged on the tree. Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe!  They/we don't want our sins judged at the Great White Throne Judgment as some people seem to insist upon having that. People's sin will be judged in only one of two places.. on the cross at Calvary or at that judgment bar and we have time now to choose while we still have breath. ~ @kurtwVs - please KnowGog.org

The symbol of the curse was lifted up so the cursed could live. Those who walked in faith were pointing ahead in time to the Cross at Calvary.

That is exactly what happened at the cross.

Jesus Explained the Meaning

Speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus said:

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:14–15

The bronze serpent was a prophetic picture of Christ crucified.

Christ Became Our Curse. The Father sent Him here, and He willingly became our curse due to love. 

You know Jesus Christ was sinless, yet He willingly bore our guilt.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” — Galatians 3:13

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21

The bronze serpent had the likeness of the curse but contained no venom.

Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh (Romans 8:3), yet He had no sin of His own.

“The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.” ~ John Stott 

Look and Live. Repent and believe in Jesus.

The Israelites did not need to perform heroic deeds. They did not need to earn healing.

They simply had to look in faith at God's appointed provision.

So it is with salvation today.

“Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.” — Isaiah 45:22

“Look and live, my brother, live;

Look to Jesus now and live.” ~ hymn by William A. Ogden 

The Christian life begins not by self-improvement, but by fixing our eyes on Christ crucified and risen.

Beware of Turning Blessings into Idols

Centuries later, the bronze serpent itself became an idol. The people burned incense to it until Hezekiah destroyed it and called it “Nehushtan,” meaning “a mere piece of bronze” (2 Kings 18:4).

Even sacred symbols can become substitutes for God.

We must worship the Savior, not the instrument He uses.

The Gospel in One Picture

The bronze serpent proclaims the heart of the gospel:

Sin is deadly.

Judgment is deserved.

God provides the remedy.

Salvation is received by faith alone.

Christ became our curse so we might receive His righteousness.

“God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’" ~ Billy Graham

Imagine a man getting bitten by a deadly snake. The antidote is provided free of charge, but he refuses to look because the remedy seems too simple. His pride kills him.

Others, with failing strength and blurred vision, turn their eyes toward God's provision and live.

So it is with the gospel.

Many stumble over the simplicity of faith in Christ. Yet everyone who looks to Him with repentant trust is saved.

The Most Important Look of Your Life

Jesus Christ was lifted up on the cross, raised from the grave, ascended to heaven, and exalted above all.

The question is not whether Christ has been lifted up.

The question is whether you have looked to Him.

“Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

One believing look at the crucified Savior brings forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.

The Israelites looked and lived.

Will you?

The Great Exchange: Christ Took Our Sin, and We Received His Righteousness

It really happened! “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:21

That single verse has been called the heart of the gospel in one sentence. The Cross of Christ by John Stott described it as “the essence of the gospel.” 

Martin Luther called it “the glorious exchange.” 

His Holy Father did not hide His face from His Son Jesus at Calvay -- He heard His Son.

Meditate upon the Word. Here is the suffering of the Messiah.

"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning?

2 O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; And in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.

4 Our fathers trusted in You; They trusted, and You delivered them.

5 They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.

6But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.

7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,

8 “He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

9 But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.

10 I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.

11 Be not far from Me, For trouble is near; For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded Me; Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me.

13 They gape at Me with their mouths, Like a raging and roaring lion.

14 I am poured out like water, And all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It has melted within Me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me.

18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

19 But You, O LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me!

20 Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.

21 Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.

22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel!

24 For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; But when He cried to Him, He heard." Ps. 22

“Our sin was laid on Christ, and His righteousness was laid on us. This is the very marrow of the gospel.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

In these few words, God reveals the most astonishing transaction in human history: the sinless Son of God was treated as though He had lived our sinful lives, so that sinful people who trust in Him might be treated as though they had lived His perfect life.

Because of the sinless life and death of Jesus the God-man, and cuz of His physical resurrection, you can know God the Father through Him. You can now his righteousness for free. He's the only way you've got onto His Kingdom.. that anyone willing has.

That is the gospel. That is free grace given for you and me. That is love beyond comprehension. Come to Him as you are -- no excuses at all lame or otherwise. Hang a U-turn from your wrongdoings. Approach Him by faith.  

"You and I believed the gospel, not because we were wiser or more righteous than anyone else but because God graciously intervened, opening our hearts to heed His Word and believe." ~ John MacArthur

Generation inside -- so beyond fantastic! A spiritual rebirth that only Jesus can pull off in a sinner like me. HOW CAN I DESCRIBE IT HOW CAN I DESCRIBE HOW WONDERFUL HE IS!?

Suffering is a gift ..that won't last forever. The ultimate experience at the end for us is JOY, believer, when we see His face. But we can inJOY fellowship with Christ all the way through.

Suffering is a gift.. of sorts that doesn't feel like one. Yup, a real gift just the same.  So Praise the Lord  I N  all circumstances!

I didn't say for all circumstances.  Let's take a minute to look at God the servant -- I mean the Servant Jesus, who suffered a lot for us.

If we as believers suffer with Him, we will also reign with Him.  

Yes, Isaiah 52:13 through chapter 53 describes Christ with clarity -- God’s perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world (Acts 8:26-40). The prophet Isaiah tells us how Christ the Servant suffered for doing God’s will without any spiritual compromise, and then was highly exalted by the Father. That’s His order.  Humiliation and then exaltation, suffering and then glory. Let’s go through this passage verse by verse. Here below are the key themes of this prophecy.

To

·        It’s time to wake up (v.1, 51:9, 17, Rom 13:11-14, Lam 3:22-23)

·        It’s time to dress up (v. 1)

·        It’s time to speak up (v. 7-10)

·        It’s time to clean up (vv. 11-12)

Christ voluntarily went to the Cross for you. And remember this, the ultimate experience at the end for this righteous adventure for you and me.. is joy in fellowship with Him. He is the reason for the joy we experience along the way.. even through some trials, some heart-aches, some physical pains, some good ministry times both upwards and outwards. He alone is the reason. We work hard with Him leading as Lord and enjoy some clean healthy fun too. I say let your hurting, or loss, or pain, or trials, or suffering.. be not in vain. Let nothing of your life be in vain, believer. Give it all to Jesus -- let all you think and do be as pure whole-hearted worship unto Him!  

Personally, I DON'T DESIRE SUFFERING. I never SEEK IT OUT or intentionally “bring it on” trying to earn favor with God. WHY act religious and DO THAT? Are you saved?.. IT IS INDEED GIVEN TO SUFFER. that’s TRUE! Accept it with grace.

IT'S A GIFT -- SUFFERING IS, BUT JESUS IS THE BEST GIFT GIVEN. SUFFERING FOR ME? REALLY? YUP, FOR YOU TOO. ACCEPT IT. PAUL SAID, "FOR TO YOU IT HAS BEEN GRANTED ON BEHALF OF CHRIST, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO SUFFER FOR HIS SAKE…" PHILIPPIANS 1:29 NKJV

Suffering a whole lot or a little bit.. what is it exactly? Simple. It's in having what you don't want, it's in wanting what you don't have.

When God gives suffering, along with that He gives us.. Himself.

Do you have cancer? Sorry. You don’t want it. Did you lose your husband? Want him back? Paul, Silas and Peter all had some bars in prison. They didn’t want em. They wanted liberty to serve God by preaching. God used them there. They didn’t choose those bars. That’s not really a good situation for all, but it was the will of God for them during those times they were locked up. Suffering, it’s a great mystery. Where did Paul pen most of the New Testament.. that has strengthened and comforted so many people? Think ‘bout it. Let go of the reigns into God’s hands. Let go of what you can’t control anyways.

IF IT WASN’T FOR SUFFERING, MILLIONS OF HUMANS WOULDN’T DEVELOP AN ATOM OF AFFECTION. THAT’S WHAT GEORGE MCDONALD TAUGHT US OVER AND OVER AGAIN. EVERY MOTHER KNOWS OF THE JOY THAT FOLLOWS right AFTER THE SUFFERING OF CHILDBIRTH. IT’S A GIFT OF SUFFERING (easy for me to say huh). JESUS WAS GIVEN A CUP FROM THE FaTHER, AND that cup WAS FILLED WITH SUFFERING.  

It pleased to the Father what Jesus accomplished, but not that His son felt the pain. Listen, suffering is a megaphone-gift from God Himself. Sin has entered into this earthly situation. Wasn’t God’s fault at all. We now live in a sin-cursed fallen world here.

Listen, God whispers to us while we are having a really good time, but He shouts to us in our pain. Mr. C.S. Lewis tells us this. We can’t evade God when we are in pain. Some try for a while. We will think of Him and we can call out to Him while suffering. You and I can see His face so to speak, in the darkest valleys. It is required of us to suffer. The Bible says, “Unto you it is given to suffer” – that’s an utter foreign to my nature. This concept is an outrage; it’s anathema to our nature.

But none the less.. suffering is a gift. In it, God reveals His will to me. 

The handicaps, the earthquakes, the trials, the testings, the loses, the famines bring such pain.. but I trust Him. By His grace we go on with Him. For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son here to suffer in our place..even unto death. Jesus’ real hands were nailed to real wood by real wicked men.. for us! Some say it was the Jew’s fault. It was our fault. Yup, He was nailed by people like you and me. By sinners like me.   

Have you tasted the bitter without the sweet? Sorry. You know the darkness comes before the light, and the rain falls before the flower blooms.

Suffering, have you met singles who SO want to be married.. and married people who SO want to be single again? I think we all have. Look unto Jesus your first-love. The Bible says…

"FOR YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN NOT ONLY THE PRIVILEGE OF TRUSTING IN CHRIST BUT ALSO THE PRIVILEGE OF SUFFERING FOR HIM." NLT #EMPH-MINE

PERSONALLY, I DON'T CAUSE MYSELF SUFFERING ON PURPOSE AT ALL.. LIKE I’VE SEEN MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE DO.. WHIPPING THEIR BACKS 'TIL BLOODY.. OR WALKIN’ WITH BEADS ON BLOODY KNEES, TRYING TO earn point with the Lord. DOESN’T WORk like that. LISTEN, ALL THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THIS WORLD STUDIOUSLY AVOID SUFFERING. THEY HARDLY TOUCH ON SUFFERING -- ALL OF EM STUDIOUSLY try to evade THIS TOPIC.. EXCEPT CHRISTIANITY.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, The Apostle Paul says, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me.” He could have become conceited inside, but God loves Him so much!

Where is your peace? "IN ACCEPTANCE LIETH PEACE." ~ AMY CARMICHAEL

Weeping may endure and seem to go on for a whole night at times.. yes, with long piercing, stabbing pain, or a poignant tear-filled night, but joy comes in the morning. See Psalm 30:5. 

Jesus was given a cup... and in that cup was suffering. The Father allowed it. We leave the whys with him. Sometimes He tells us why.

"I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne

And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.

I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart

I cried, 'But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.

This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me.'

He said, 'My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee.'

I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,

As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.

I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,

He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face." ~ Martha Snell Nicholson

What does it do? PAIN PLACES ALL OF US ON THE SAME PLANE.

When my little sister Kathy was murdered at age 29, it hurt a lot of people. Had to do the funeral. Then later on.. I also had to do that for her 24 year old son Dutch (who had actually witnessed that ordeal of his mom years before) burying him in the same location. It hurt a lot of us. Why did God allow it? It's none of my business. I am to leave the whys with Him.

Yes, sometimes God tells us why this or that happened, but why should we demand to know. He owes me nothing and I still trust Him. When John the baptizer landed in prison for doing the will of God... He heard almost a cryptic message from his dear Leader, Jesus.  

"..and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." ~ Jesus

Not sure what you’ve been going through. The Lord asks you.. Will you still love me? Will you trust me? Will you follow me?

Some of the pain people go through isn't really needful, but some is for some people. Does God allow suffering? Yes He does. Today we want everything in America to always be really fun, really exciting and really comfortable too. Very VERY comfortable and luxurious, but think ’bout this, believer: Trouble and perplexity drive us to prayer, and prayer drives away trouble and perplexity. 

“What a friend we have in Jesus all our sins and grieves to bear
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer
Oh what peace we often forfeit of what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer
Have we trials and temptations is there trouble anywhere
If we have don't be discouraged take it to the Lord in prayer.” by Charles Crozat Converse with Joseph Scriven

 “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

O what needless pain we sometimes bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

God can use suffering to help for godly character. Ask yourself.. Who are the lives that have been profoundly a bright beacon to you.. who have been a huge blessing to you? Ask. Thus far.. what lives have impacted me for eternity the most? Every one of them, yes, every single one of those people.. have suffered. 

Paul was GIVEN a thorn. Given! He had a wonderful spiritual experience.. was caught up into the third heaven. That was a gift too. We'd love to see all he saw up there so we could write a book and get on TV right? He didn’t dig the thorn, but God didn't take it away either. It was literally a messenger of Satan. That’s what the Word says. Did Paul have a demon inside him? NO, but he had the Holy Spirit inside! The thorn was permitted and not only that.. it was ordained by God in order to keep Paul from getting absurdly puffed up or conceited. He could have been tempted to become prideful, but humility is far better for us. Want more grace? Humble yourself before circumstances do that.

SUFFERING IS A NECESSITY. ACCEPT THis GIFT AND EMBRACE THE CROSS. Follow Christ’s example in Suffering. Forgive. Love people. Pray for your enemies.  

"THERE ARE WORLDS TO BE REDEEMED FROM PAIN IN THE END, BUT THEY CAN ONLY BE REDEEMED THROUGH PAIN. SUFFERING IS PART OF THE PLOT OF A LOVE STORY, THE LOVE STORY OF JESUS CHRIST WHO LOVED US AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR US. THAT SELF-GIVING MEANT SUFFERING. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.” ~ ELISABETH ELLIOT 

Think of the Cross and Christ’s experience on it entails – he obeyed the Father. Choose to take up your cross and follow God. The suffering precedes the satisfaction. God and Heaven are there for you, so make your reservations in advance. Only one way in – Jesus Christ.

Walking by faith in the Lord means it won’t always be peaches and fragrant roses here. We must give up our right.. to ourselves. Sure, He works in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure, but still I must give up myself, my own choices and preferences if He is to be Lord of my life. Amy Charmichael taught us this. More importantly, The Bible teaches this. How did Jesus our great example live -- what did he experience here? The Bible says...

"He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted" Isaiah 53:2-4

Follow Jesus and perhaps click LIKE at Facebook.com/shareJesus

So many people today say “Don’t live in denial, Dude.” but I say do! Live in self-denial obey Jesus. Self DENIAL CAN BE A GOOD THING -- IT'S A CHRISTIAN CONCEPT. SAY NO TO SIN AND FEELINGS AND MR. LU-CIFER OR HIS BUDS THAT TELL YOU TO GO DO WRONG. SUBMIT TO GOD AND RESIST ALL DEVILS (FALLEN ANGEL-LOSERS). DIE TO YOUR OWN WILL, TO THE WILL OF THIS WORLD, AND TO SELF -- TO YOUR OLD FLESHLY NATURE. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS. NOW IS GOOD FOR THAT. DIE TO SELF. 

THINK ABOUT IT. THE CROSS BEFORE THE CROWN. IF WE SUFFER WITH HIM (JESUS) WE WILL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM. SUFFERING PRECEDES SATISFACTION. SURE.. EVEN GOD HIMSELF DIDN'T TAKE A SHORTCUT ROUTE TO THIS. BEEN READING ISAIAH 53. THE ROOT OF DEPRESSION IN MOST CASES IS BITTERNESS. DO YOU FEEL THAT GOD OR SOMEONE ELSE DOWN HERE HAS DONE SOMETHING UNFORGIVABLE? PLEASE COME TO CHRIST WHO SUFFERED FOR YOU, WHO PRAYS FOR YOU.. OR COME BACK TO HIM. ARE YOU SUFFERING? HE CAN FORGIVE, YOU CAN FORGIVE OTHERS. HE CAN SAVE AND COMFORT YOU. DO THE NEXT INDICATED (BY THE HOLY SPIRIT) THING. THE LORD REQUIRES THAT WE BELIEVERS.. SUFFER SOME HERE. 

I COMMEND TO YOU JESUS CHRIST WHO FELT THE LASH, HE MIGHT NOT HERE TAKE AWAY ALL YOUR SUFFERING AND ADVERSITY. REDEMPTION WAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH THE AGONY AND DEATH OF THE SON OF GOD. THAT WE MIGHT LIVE IN COMPANY WITH HIM AS SAVIOR AND LORD. HE COULD NOT HAVE SAVED YOU IF HE SPARED HIMSELF THE PAIN.

CHRIST HEARD THE TAUNTS FROM THE CROSS, SARCASTICALLY ONLOOKERS SAYING, “AND THOSE WHO PASSED BY HEAPED ABUSE ON HIM, SHAKING THEIR HEADS, AND SAYING, ‘YOU WHO ARE GOING TO DESTROY THE TEMPLE AND REBUILD IT IN THREE DAYS, SAVE YOURSELF! IF YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD, COME DOWN FROM THE CROSS!’ LIKEWISE, THE CHIEF PRIESTS, SCRIBES, AND ELDERS MOCKED HIM..” MATTHEW 27:40

Be encouraged. God promises you, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2  Facebook.com/shareJesus

Be it, live it -- demonstrate it and say it. Mr. or Mrs. Agape, like Jesus lived it out.

http://kurtwvs.tumblr.com/post/160159524313/sayin-it-is-the-easy-part-so-many-are-quick-to

"And He (Jesus) said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned..'" Mark 16:15

“Christ died for our sins... He was buried, and... He rose again the third day” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). 

Shouldn't those people back in the day.. have known that this thing with the cross would happen? Sure, they were told. 

Christ has promised that He is preparing a place for us (Jn. 14:1-4), and He's promised us that He will someday return. One day soon we will be together with our risen Savior. The Rapture of the Church will happen very soon. We must be ready, and help our friends get ready. 

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said" (Matt. 28:6).

But why should every believer go tell? Why should there be a sense of urgency with this? Cuz look around.. we are living in the last days. Cuz hell-bound lost people need to turn around a.s.a.p. and simply get found.. by God.  

Why preach the Word? Cuz the Word doesn't return void without accomplishing it's purpose. Why share the Gospel; the message that we find in the Bible? Here's why.. we have no other message of power that transforms lives. Cuz more people are alive on this planet now, and the need is greater that it's ever been before. Cuz we were told to do this by our highest Authority, God. 

Sure, Easter is all about dead dreams and dead people being quickened into life. It's about our living hope ..in this hope-lacking world. It's all about our once dead Christ living again so that He can raise people who are dead inside.  

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." ~ Paul, (2 Tim. 4:3-5)

Our politics fail, but the Cross will not!

Christ on His Cross did far more than politics has ever done.  The Cross if you will, can do more positive today and in the future than all politicians put together can do.  Systems, companies, Gov and people you really trust can fail you.  You know that's true.  It's painful at times, but Christ won't fail you.  He can literally save you for all eternity.

Ultimately it's Your deal, God, this whole salvation thing.. but we do want to be a part of what You're doing here. Yes Lord, let that daily be my motto for life. What a joy and huge privilege we have! But our friends and family members are on our hearts, so please help us continue to share Your Word with power as we preach the Cross. I can't change people and with Your help won't try. But You can by the Cross. That's where the power is. Thanks for being alive again. Our leaders have let us down, we've let ourselves down.. but You never have. We trust You to use us as part of the Solution, when too many vote-ignorant, exist that way, and opt to be part of the problem. In Christ's Name. Amen.  

"It is not before us, but before the Cross that the world trembles." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Rescued: By Jesus' love;

Rescued: For life above;

Rescued: To serve my King;

Rescued: My praise to bring. ~ Verway

Today, we live in a Land of fear, but the Bible tells us to fear not. 

NEW POLL: 64% of Americans Believe that America is 'Out of Control'. #YaThink http://t.co/Q6p7HG8ueq 33/1-25two.chro.
— Kurt von Schleicher (@kurtwvs) October 20, 2014

We have Isis, lack, a lame economy with this great recession, joblessness, Ebola, wide open boarders and uber-zealous Muslims and Mexican gangs entering at will.. with up to 34 MILLION blank green cards and work permits being ordered ahead of our leader's imperial edict of forced illegal immigrant 'amnesty.' How is it there in your nation, family and personal life? 

"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob." 114/7ps

"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion." 28/1pro 

"By this we know love, because [Jesus] laid down His life for us." 3/16one.jn.

I love the Cross cuz I love the Lord. When people were stuck with their prob, drowning in our sin, the Father gave His best. Jesus Christ was sent. He came and gave His life just to come to our aid. You and me and our friends were the ones that He came to rescue. From dead inside to life.. He made us. He came down from heaven above and pulled us to safety. He did this by vicariously taking our place.. by taking the punishment at Calvary for all of our wrongdoings as He died on the Cross (1 Peter 2:24). And three days later He emerged; He was resurrected so we can enjoy life everlasting. The Bible says, "By this we know love, because [Jesus] laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16). Jesus' sacrificial love for us now motivates us, compels us, sends and inspires us.. to go show genuine love like He did.. "in deed and in truth" (v.18), yes, to others with whom we have relationships.

As we read through the Bible we see glimpses of the Cross in past history.. all through it. History is His story. In this current time I see white crosses on churches all over this city I live in, this city with so many streets and avenues named after Bible places and people.

Will we as the Lord's church, see glimpses of His Cross in the future that'll remind us of the high price that Jesus paid for us with His blood? Yes, I think we will.

The Bible speaks of our future saying, "And one of the elders said to me, 'Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.' And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain.." 5/6-7rom.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel because it is the power of God for salvation to those who believe, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." 1/16rom.

"Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise." —Smith

Fear not.. knowing Jesus and spreading His Good News is thrilling! The need is urgent. The time is now. God and His purpose hasn't changed. Billions of people across the globe are still waiting to hear the lifesaving Gospel message. The Church is God's Plan A for getting it to them and He basically doesn't have a Plan B. facebook.com/shareJesus

Preach the Cross like Paul did.. cuz the Cross head-on addresses man’s pride, self-righteousness, and rebellion against Authority.

                   Pray, invite, and bring some people with you! 

Yes, bring people to Christ, then to a church where they actually preach the Gospel and cast a net.. yes, bring them to heaven with you. You can't bring your money or stuff there, but you can bring people. How should we do that, Kurt? Simple. Do it confidently in Christ. Let's do it by faith and in His love..without being ashamed or embarrassed about Him. Do it by exalting Jesus. simply tell people of the Good after you explain the bad new of sin and judgement for those outside of Christ. Why do this? Well cuz, "The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed." ~ Hudson Taylor

Let's all know and exalt the Christ of the Cross. Let's make Him known both here and to the ends of the earth as He told us go to do! Let's elevate this priority of all priorities. And today is a good day for this. Are you praying that God harvests America and beyond? More than ever, we need Him to do this. So go tell, adequately explain, tactfully proclaim, make clear ..and even sing new and old songs about the essentially of Christ and His Cross!

Paul said, "For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:22-24

My old fleshly nature tells me, Hey Kurt, you don't need to take up the cross to follow the Lord. Pride, says you only need a boost-up from below when we all really need God's darling Son and Savior ..from above. It says you only need elocution, reform, energy from within, education, religion, self-will, or etiquette.

Say bye bye to boasting about yourself. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

The Cross is about the truth of God's love for us, but it also tells us the truth about ourselves—yes, we're sinners in need of a Savior. Not a popular term, that "S"-word.       

On the Cross God opened His arms wide and said I LOVE YOU! Preach the Word of the Cross and about Calvary's blood shed. That's where the power is, and the Word doesn't return void. 

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 nkjv

"I argue that the cross be raised again at the center of the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the church... that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on the town garbage heap; at a crossroads so cosmopolitan that they had to write his title in Hebrew and Latin and in Greek; at the kind of place where cynics talk smut, and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble. Because that is where he died. And that is what he died about... that is where churchmen should be and what churchmen should be about." ~ George MacLeod

Tell em about the Resurrection of Jesus too!!! Over 500 eyewitnesses saw Christ after He came out of that hole in the ground.  

Experience the power of the Cross and of the resurrection. Paul did saying, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2:20 kjv). If he can, why can't we deny ourselves and die to our own way? Some Christians today and other religious people as well.. like to wear a Cross (nothin' wrong with that..), but many don't live the Message of the Cross. The later is far more important. Choose not to be like them. Listen, Jesus can fill you with His Spirit and help us live the life!  

"Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.." 2 Corinthians 4:1

The Church exists primarily to worship and glorify the Lord. We are here to fellowship with God, to win people to faith in His Son, and then of course to biblically disciple em. On the horizontal plane.. the Church is here to be used in sharing the Gospel.. drawin' people unto Christ, and helping each one mature to become more like Christ. You know the truth, but do our friends? Liney and I have been on the phone today inviting people to join us tonight at www.DFW.harvestamerica.com (do get friends to watch online Oct 5 5:30p CT..if you live far away).

"The Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ, to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy, missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became Man for no other purpose." ~ C.S. Lewis

Why tell em about the Cross? Here's why.."The wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Meditation. The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9:17

“Just a tiny little boy stood in tears, on a busy street corner, what was he doing here? As he tried to explain, all he knew was his name, but it was late and beginning to rain, so I asked him 'bout the place where he lived. He remembered the old church where the big cross was lit; then his eyes opened wide and he said with a smile, 'If you can get me to the Cross, I can find my way home.'" ~ Terry and Barbi Franklin (lyrics)

We all need to come to the Cross. More than in any other generation gone by, people these days are feeling down. Many have given up. In my Land many have lost their jobs and have quit looking for jobs. Did you know that one in ten Americans are now taking anti-depressant medications, and 1 in 4 women are taking anti-depressant medications? When I come home and watch the news I really don’t blame them. And it’s not at all wrong for some people. Illicit drug use and sales, sure! It’s wrong.

But I’m not saying that anti-depressant medications are wrong for all because I am simply not a doctor. Sometimes medications are absolutely called for. It’s true.

But I say that there is something even more called for than medication ..it’s meditation (upon the truth of the Bible). Yes, this is really called for!

The Bible says, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.” Proverbs 12:25 nkjv

“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

Today we Ebola here. We see Islamic Isis beheading and crucifying Christians. Erwin Lutzer says, "Right now [by choice for the most part, sadly] we see America in submission to Islam." We see Islamic Isis taking over towns by force in the name of their war-loving Allah. Listen friend, in a world where an estimated 170,000 plus Christians are being martyred for their faith each year, you and I need to hear and apply the truth of God’s word regardless of what happens. We are in the end times.. “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Luke 21:28

“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. “ 1 John 3:3

Everyone believes in someone or in something. In our day people will worship themselves, another person, money, meth, the waves they surf on, the nature they camp in, a non-existent deity not found in the Bible called Allah, their company they work for, they government that over taxes em, or even tech thinking that will meet all their needs. But Jesus says to all of us, "BELIEVE IN ME.”

It’s really not as hard as people make it. Just have just one clear map, not a bunch of maps if ya will—it's meant to remain simple, never confusing or over complicated. Yes, God the Father has given us a map to Heaven and it’s THE BIBLE. And there is only one way into Heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. By His Cross and resurrection He alone was uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful people.. like you and me. You are not your own, you have been bought at a price. So how will you respond to Him? Will you accept Christ, put it off and/or reject Him?