5.13 Acts - Jesus the “Preacher” became the “Preached”
What was it about Jesus’ life in the Gospels that brought us salvation? Was it His teaching? Or His preaching? Or His miracles? Or His anointing? Or His perfect life? Important as these were, it was really His death on the cross that purchased our redemption.
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22). The life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev 17:11). The cross made all the difference for us. Without the cross, mankind could not be reconciled to God.
John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The lamb is the animal used for sacrifice. Jesus the Lamb came for one purpose – to die for us. And when He had completed that task, He cried, “It is finished.”
In the book of Acts, the disciples did not preach Jesus’ messages. They preached the person of Jesus, and His death on the cross. They knew that redemption is wrapped up in the finished work of the cross. Therefore, the “Preacher” became the “Preached”.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the crowd that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). And as a result, there is remission of sins through Him (Acts 2:38). Paul, the greatest of the apostles, the man chosen by God to bring the gospel to the Gentiles declared:
(1 Cor 2:2, NKJV)
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified”
What a powerful declaration that brings us to the heart of God’s redemption plan. This would be a powerful motto for every Christian, every church and minister of the gospel.
In contemporary Christianity, when we lose sight of Christ and the cross, Christianity is reduced to a lifeless and powerless religion. This is when believers and churches become backslidden. So often do we find church messages focusing on many things except Jesus and the cross. Like Paul, we should desire to know Christ and Him crucified. The Church has to keep its eyes on Jesus and the cross. When Martin Luther pointed the Church back to the cross, it resulted in the Reformation revival.
Today, when you read the Bible, keep your eyes on the cross. Read the Bible in the context of the finished work on the cross and you will get the right answers. When you put your faith in Christ and His finished work, you will experience the power to salvation that flows from the cross. You will be able to receive the fullness of all that Christ has purchased for you on the cross.
Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Heb 9:22). The life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev 17:11). The cross made all the difference for us. Without the cross, mankind could not be reconciled to God.
John the Baptist saw Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The lamb is the animal used for sacrifice. Jesus the Lamb came for one purpose – to die for us. And when He had completed that task, He cried, “It is finished.”
In the book of Acts, the disciples did not preach Jesus’ messages. They preached the person of Jesus, and His death on the cross. They knew that redemption is wrapped up in the finished work of the cross. Therefore, the “Preacher” became the “Preached”.
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to the crowd that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). And as a result, there is remission of sins through Him (Acts 2:38). Paul, the greatest of the apostles, the man chosen by God to bring the gospel to the Gentiles declared:
(1 Cor 2:2, NKJV)
For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified”
What a powerful declaration that brings us to the heart of God’s redemption plan. This would be a powerful motto for every Christian, every church and minister of the gospel.
In contemporary Christianity, when we lose sight of Christ and the cross, Christianity is reduced to a lifeless and powerless religion. This is when believers and churches become backslidden. So often do we find church messages focusing on many things except Jesus and the cross. Like Paul, we should desire to know Christ and Him crucified. The Church has to keep its eyes on Jesus and the cross. When Martin Luther pointed the Church back to the cross, it resulted in the Reformation revival.
Today, when you read the Bible, keep your eyes on the cross. Read the Bible in the context of the finished work on the cross and you will get the right answers. When you put your faith in Christ and His finished work, you will experience the power to salvation that flows from the cross. You will be able to receive the fullness of all that Christ has purchased for you on the cross.
posted by Joshua Lye @ 9:46 AM
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