The Cross of Christ Chapter 1

Some thoughts from John Stott's book "The Cross of Christ" stuck out to me this morning. These are powerful words which enforce the concept of the centrality of the Cross of Christ.

"So Then, although he knew he must die, it was not because he was the helpless victim either of evil forces arrayed against him or of any inflexible fate decreed for him, but because he freely embraces the purpose of his Father for the salvation of sinners, as it had been revealed in Scripture...Despite the great importance of his teaching, his example, and his works of compassion and power, none of these was central to his missions. What dominated his mind was not the living but the giving of his life."

Verse for Thought -- January 25

1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)

11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Verse For Thought -- January 14

These are interesting verses, something to ponder if you don't think that the Bible is serious about separation of some form. This passage is tough and challenging, something I am looking forward to digging into this semester!

2 Peter 2:13-16 (New International Version)


13 They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. 14 With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! 15 They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. 16 But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

Verse For Thought

2 Peter 1:5-9 (New International Version)

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.