The Cross of Christ has a way of exposing men to their true nature. n Paul spoke of the difference between those who are “committed” to the cross and those

The Cross of Christ has a way of exposing The Cross of Christ has a way of exposing men to their true nature.men to their true nature.

Paul spoke of the difference between those Paul spoke of the difference between those who are “committed” to the cross and those who are “committed” to the cross and those who are occasionally “contributors”. who are occasionally “contributors”. (Gal 5:11; 6:12,14)(Gal 5:11; 6:12,14)


(Galatians 5:11 NKJV)(Galatians 5:11 NKJV) “And I, brethren, “And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.”cross has ceased.”


(Galatians 6:12 NKJV)(Galatians 6:12 NKJV) “As many as “As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these these would would compel you to be circumcised, compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”for the cross of Christ.”


(Galatians 6:14 NKJV)(Galatians 6:14 NKJV) “But God forbid “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”been crucified to me, and I to the world.”


The cross of Christ by its nature demands a The cross of Christ by its nature demands a complete change in men. complete change in men. (Lk 9:23-24)(Lk 9:23-24)


(Luke 9:23-24 NKJV)(Luke 9:23-24 NKJV) “Then He said to “Then He said to them them all, “If anyone desires to come after all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.cross daily, and follow Me. {24} {24} “For “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”save it.”


Christianity by its very nature is “radical”, Christianity by its very nature is “radical”, anything less falls short.anything less falls short.



Those who side with the Lord only when Those who side with the Lord only when they agree are “ashamed of the cross of they agree are “ashamed of the cross of Christ”.Christ”.



Those who side with the Lord only when they Those who side with the Lord only when they agree are “ashamed of the cross of Christ”.agree are “ashamed of the cross of Christ”.

The events surrounding the cross show us The events surrounding the cross show us certain men and women who learned the certain men and women who learned the difference between who they thought they difference between who they thought they were and who they really are.were and who they really are.


Those who are exposed to the word of God Those who are exposed to the word of God with a tender heart will “know themselves”. with a tender heart will “know themselves”. (Heb 4:12-13)(Heb 4:12-13)


(Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV)(Hebrews 4:12-13 NKJV) “For the word of God “For the word of God is is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. {13} {13} And there is no creature hidden from His And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things sight, but all things are are naked and open to the eyes naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we of Him to whom we must give must give account.”account.”


Sadly, it is common for men to think they Sadly, it is common for men to think they have this service but inwardly they have have this service but inwardly they have “disconnected” themselves from a honest “disconnected” themselves from a honest look at themselves. look at themselves. (2 Cor 13:5)(2 Cor 13:5)


(2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV)(2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV) “Examine “Examine yourselves yourselves as to as to whether you are in the whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified.”unless indeed you are disqualified.”


The events of the cross brought several face The events of the cross brought several face to face with themselves.to face with themselves.

The Betrayal of JudasThe Betrayal of Judas

I doubt Judas ever truly saw himself. He I doubt Judas ever truly saw himself. He may have thought like others: “I am may have thought like others: “I am just weak, but I love God”just weak, but I love God”



There are several things he had done for the There are several things he had done for the Lord.Lord.



There are several things he had done for the There are several things he had done for the Lord.Lord.

He had left home as a believer in Christ. He had left home as a believer in Christ. (Lk 6:13,16)(Lk 6:13,16)


(Luke 6:13 NKJV)(Luke 6:13 NKJV) “And when it was day, “And when it was day, He called His disciples to He called His disciples to Himself; Himself; and and from them He chose twelve whom He also from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:”named apostles:”


(Luke 6:16 NKJV)(Luke 6:16 NKJV) “Judas “Judas the son the son of of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.”a traitor.”


He suffered the same things the disciples He suffered the same things the disciples did.did.


He heard Jesus teachings and taught many He heard Jesus teachings and taught many himself. himself. (Matt 10:4-8)(Matt 10:4-8)


(Matthew 10:4-8 NKJV)(Matthew 10:4-8 NKJV) “Simon the “Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.betrayed Him. {5} {5} These twelve Jesus sent out These twelve Jesus sent out and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into and commanded them, saying: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans.of the Samaritans. {6} {6} “But go rather to the lost “But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.sheep of the house of Israel. {7} {7} “And as you “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’at hand.’


{8} {8} “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”received, freely give.”


Judas had compromised his life while doing Judas had compromised his life while doing these good things.these good things.


Judas had compromised his life while doing Judas had compromised his life while doing these good things.these good things.

He was a thief. He was a thief. (Jn 12:6)(Jn 12:6)


(John 12:6 NKJV)(John 12:6 NKJV) “This he said, not that “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, thief, and had the money box; and he used and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.”to take what was put in it.”


No doubt he rationalized this sin. Sadly this No doubt he rationalized this sin. Sadly this sin left uncorrected would lead to much sin left uncorrected would lead to much bigger things. bigger things. (Mk 14:10-11, Gal 6:7-8)(Mk 14:10-11, Gal 6:7-8)


(Mark 14:10-11 NKJV)(Mark 14:10-11 NKJV) “Then Judas “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them.priests to betray Him to them. {11} {11} And And when they heard when they heard it, it, they were glad, and they were glad, and promised to give him money. So he sought promised to give him money. So he sought how he might conveniently betray Him.”how he might conveniently betray Him.”


(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV)(Galatians 6:7-8 NKJV) “Do not be “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.a man sows, that he will also reap. {8} {8} For For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”life.”


He likely held a false view of the kingdom He likely held a false view of the kingdom as the apostles did at this time.as the apostles did at this time.


Judas betrayed Jesus for money. It was not Judas betrayed Jesus for money. It was not until Judas saw that Jesus was going to the until Judas saw that Jesus was going to the cross that his overwhelming guilt caused cross that his overwhelming guilt caused him to commit suicide. him to commit suicide. (Matt 27:3-4)(Matt 27:3-4)


(Matthew 27:3-4 NKJV)(Matthew 27:3-4 NKJV) “Then Judas, His “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,priests and elders, {4} {4} saying, “I have saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What they said, “What is that is that to us? You see to us? You see to to it!””it!””


Why did he commit suicide? Did he not Why did he commit suicide? Did he not know the Lord would forgive? In the know the Lord would forgive? In the practice of his sin he had so weakened his practice of his sin he had so weakened his faith that he could not see.faith that he could not see.



Modern day Judas’Modern day Judas’



Modern day Judas’Modern day Judas’ Those who put physical things over Those who put physical things over

spiritual spiritual (Matt 6:33; Col 3:5-6)(Matt 6:33; Col 3:5-6)


(Matthew 6:33 NKJV)(Matthew 6:33 NKJV) “”But seek first the “”But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”all these things shall be added to you.”


Colossians 3:5-6 (NKJV)Colossians 3:5-6 (NKJV) - Therefore put - Therefore put to death your members which are on the to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,is coming upon the sons of disobedience,


Those who have a practice of personal sin Those who have a practice of personal sin with no responsibility. with no responsibility. (Acts 24:16; 1 Jn 3:9)(Acts 24:16; 1 Jn 3:9)


(Acts 24:16 NKJV)(Acts 24:16 NKJV) “”This “”This being being so, I so, I myself always strive to have a conscience myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.”without offense toward God and men.”


(1 John 3:9 NKJV)(1 John 3:9 NKJV) “Whoever has been “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”he has been born of God.”

The Denial of PeterThe Denial of Peter

Peter was overconfident in that he never Peter was overconfident in that he never thought he would have to face this thought he would have to face this occasion. occasion. (Matt 26:31-35)(Matt 26:31-35)


(Matthew 26:31-35 NKJV)(Matthew 26:31-35 NKJV) “Then Jesus “Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ {32} {32} “But after I have been raised, I will go “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”before you to Galilee.”


{33} {33} Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”never be made to stumble.” {34} {34} Jesus said to Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”three times.” {35} {35} Peter said to Him, “Even if Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.”And so said all the disciples.”


He had showed this same reaction earlier. He had showed this same reaction earlier. (Matt 16:21-23)(Matt 16:21-23)


(Matthew 16:21-23 NKJV)(Matthew 16:21-23 NKJV) “From that time “From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.and be killed, and be raised the third day. {22} {22} Then Peter took Him aside and began to Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!”Lord; this shall not happen to You!”


{23} {23} But He turned and said to Peter, “Get But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.””God, but the things of men.””


Perhaps his wrong view of the kingdom Perhaps his wrong view of the kingdom encouraged this view.encouraged this view.


Perhaps his wrong view of the kingdom Perhaps his wrong view of the kingdom encouraged this view.encouraged this view.

His overconfidence left him unprepared. His overconfidence left him unprepared. (Matt 26:40-41)(Matt 26:40-41)


(Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV)(Matthew 26:40-41 NKJV) “Then He “Then He came to the disciples and found them came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you asleep, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour?not watch with Me one hour? {41} {41} “Watch “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed spirit indeed is is willing, but the flesh willing, but the flesh is is weak.””weak.””


Even though the Lord specifically warned Even though the Lord specifically warned him, he did the very thing he denied he him, he did the very thing he denied he would ever do. would ever do. (Matt 26:56,58,69-75)(Matt 26:56,58,69-75)


(Matthew 26:56 NKJV)(Matthew 26:56 NKJV) “”But all this was “”But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled.”forsook Him and fled.”


((Matthew 26:58 NKJV)Matthew 26:58 NKJV) “But Peter “But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.”with the servants to see the end.”


(Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV)(Matthew 26:69-75 NKJV) “Now Peter “Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.”with Jesus of Galilee.” {70} {70} But he denied it But he denied it before before them them all, saying, “I do not know all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.”what you are saying.”


{71} {71} And when he had gone out to the And when he had gone out to the gateway, another gateway, another girl girl saw him and said to saw him and said to those those who were who were there, “This there, “This fellow fellow also was also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”with Jesus of Nazareth.” {72} {72} But again he But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!”denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” {73} {73} And a little later those who stood by And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are are one one of them, for your speech betrays you.”of them, for your speech betrays you.”


{74} {74} Then he began to curse and swear, Then he began to curse and swear, saying, saying, “I do not know the Man!” “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed.Immediately a rooster crowed. {75} {75} And And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.”out and wept bitterly.”


Overconfident Peter’s of our day. Overconfident Peter’s of our day. (1 Cor 10:12)(1 Cor 10:12)


(1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV) “Therefore “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”he fall.”


Those who take it easy in Bible classes. (Or Those who take it easy in Bible classes. (Or miss altogether)miss altogether)



Those who are not striving to grow and take Those who are not striving to grow and take on responsibility.on responsibility.



Those who are not striving to grow and take Those who are not striving to grow and take on responsibility.on responsibility.

Those who ignore clear warnings of Those who ignore clear warnings of scripture. scripture. (1 Cor 15:33)(1 Cor 15:33)


(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV) “Do not be “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.””habits.””

The Cowardice of PilateThe Cowardice of Pilate

Pilate probably thought of himself as a man Pilate probably thought of himself as a man of courage!of courage!


Pilate probably thought of himself as a man Pilate probably thought of himself as a man of courage!of courage!

After all he had tried to free Christ. After all he had tried to free Christ. (Jn 18:38, 39-40; 19:1-6)(Jn 18:38, 39-40; 19:1-6)


(John 18:38-40 NKJV)(John 18:38-40 NKJV) “Pilate said to “Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. {39} {39} “But you have a custom that I should “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”King of the Jews?”


{40} {40} Then they all cried again, saying, “Not Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.”was a robber.”


(John 19:1-6 NKJV)(John 19:1-6 NKJV) “So then Pilate took “So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Jesus and scourged Him. {2} Him. {2} And the And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it it on His head, and they put on Him a purple on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.robe. {3} {3} Then they said, “Hail, King of the Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.hands.


{4} {4} Pilate then went out again, and said to Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”in Him.” {5} {5} Then Jesus came out, wearing Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And And Pilate Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”said to them, “Behold the Man!”


{6} {6} Therefore, when the chief priests and Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify “Crucify Him, Him, crucify crucify Him!” Him!” Pilate said to Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify them, “You take Him and crucify Him, Him, for I for I find no fault in Him.””find no fault in Him.””


Pilate, like other cowards announced the Pilate, like other cowards announced the truth but wanted others to take a stand first. truth but wanted others to take a stand first. He would not pay the price.He would not pay the price.


He thought he could wash his hands after He thought he could wash his hands after just saying what was right. just saying what was right. (Matt 27:24)(Matt 27:24)


(Matthew 27:24 NKJV)(Matthew 27:24 NKJV) “When Pilate saw “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that he could not prevail at all, but rather that that a tumult was rising, he took water and a tumult was rising, he took water and washed washed his his hands before the multitude, hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see just Person. You see to it.””to it.””


What was the truth about Pilate? What was the truth about Pilate? (Acts 4:24-27)(Acts 4:24-27)


(Acts 4:24-27 NKJV)(Acts 4:24-27 NKJV) “So when they “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You with one accord and said: “Lord, You are are God, who made heaven and earth and the God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,sea, and all that is in them, {25} {25} “who by “who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?plot vain things?


{26} {26} The kings of the earth took their stand, The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.’Against the LORD and against His Christ.’ {27} {27} “For truly against Your holy Servant “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together”people of Israel, were gathered together”


Who are the Pilates of today?Who are the Pilates of today?


Those who compromise out of peer Those who compromise out of peer pressure. (Ex. Modest dress, church pressure. (Ex. Modest dress, church attendance and family visits, stopping attendance and family visits, stopping gossip)gossip)


Those who compromise out of peer Those who compromise out of peer pressure. (Ex. Modest dress, church pressure. (Ex. Modest dress, church attendance and family visits, stopping attendance and family visits, stopping gossip)gossip)

Those who will fellowship those in sin. Those who will fellowship those in sin. (2 (2 Jn 9-11) Jn 9-11) (Ex. These will not rebuke error (Ex. These will not rebuke error and even will praise them in their religious and even will praise them in their religious sin.)sin.)


(2 John 9-11 NKJV)(2 John 9-11 NKJV) “Whoever transgresses “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.Son. {10} {10} If anyone comes to you and does If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;your house nor greet him; {11} {11} for he who for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

The Perplexity of the CenturionThe Perplexity of the Centurion

The Centurion honestly saw the events and The Centurion honestly saw the events and was troubled.was troubled.


The Centurion honestly saw the events and The Centurion honestly saw the events and was troubled.was troubled.

He knew Jesus was an innocent man. How? He knew Jesus was an innocent man. How? By the actions of His accusers and the signs By the actions of His accusers and the signs done. done. (Matt 27:39-43, 51-54)(Matt 27:39-43, 51-54)


(Matthew 27:39-43 NKJV)(Matthew 27:39-43 NKJV) “And those “And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their headstheir heads {40} {40} and saying, “You who and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build destroy the temple and build it it in three in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”God, come down from the cross.” {41} {41} Likewise the chief priests also, mocking Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said,with the scribes and elders, said,


{42} {42} “He saved others; Himself He cannot “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.believe Him. {43} {43} “He trusted in God; let “He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’””for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’””


(Matthew 27:51-54 NKJV)(Matthew 27:51-54 NKJV) “Then, behold, “Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split,were split, {52} {52} and the graves were opened; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;asleep were raised; {53} {53} and coming out of the and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.the holy city and appeared to many.


{54} {54} So when the centurion and those with So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!””“Truly this was the Son of God!””


Even though he did not have the Even though he did not have the background of many there, he could see background of many there, he could see while many others could not. Why? while many others could not. Why?


We need to find and present the modern day We need to find and present the modern day centurions with the powerful evidence of centurions with the powerful evidence of the gospel of Christ. the gospel of Christ. (Rom 1:16) (Rom 1:16) (Ex. (Ex. Cornelius) Cornelius)


(Romans 1:16 NKJV)(Romans 1:16 NKJV) “For I am not “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”Greek.”

The Steadfastness of MaryThe Steadfastness of Mary

Mary never left her place and was with the Mary never left her place and was with the Lord until the end. Lord until the end. (Mt 27:55-56)(Mt 27:55-56)


(Matthew 27:55-56 NKJV)(Matthew 27:55-56 NKJV) “And many “And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar,from afar, {56} {56} among whom were Mary among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.”


We need the steadfast Mary's of today who We need the steadfast Mary's of today who will stay at their posts no matter what. will stay at their posts no matter what. (1 Cor 15:58)(1 Cor 15:58)


(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV) “Therefore, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”in vain in the Lord.”


(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)(1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV) “Therefore, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”in vain in the Lord.”

Were you there?Were you there?


In many ways we show the same heart of In many ways we show the same heart of the people we have studied.the people we have studied.


In many ways we show the same heart of In many ways we show the same heart of the people we have studied.the people we have studied.

Will you help crucify the Lord? Will you help crucify the Lord? (Heb 6:4-(Heb 6:4-6)6)


(Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV)(Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV) “For “For it is it is impossible for impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,the Holy Spirit, {5} {5} and have tasted the good word and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,of God and the powers of the age to come, {6} {6} if if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put God, and put Him Him to an open shame.”to an open shame.”


Will you stand with the Lord as thus show Will you stand with the Lord as thus show the glory of the cross of Christ. the glory of the cross of Christ. (Acts 5:41-42)(Acts 5:41-42)


(Acts 5:41-42 NKJV)(Acts 5:41-42 NKJV) “So they departed “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.shame for His name. {42} {42} And daily in the And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus cease teaching and preaching Jesus as as the the Christ.”Christ.”


What will your answer be?What will your answer be?

Documents

The Cross of Christ has a way of exposing men to their true nature. n Paul spoke of the difference between those who are “committed” to the cross and those