Today I will answer the final question about Jesus death on the cross—why did Jesus die? Jesus died so that He could represent us voluntarily. Jesus death on the cross was:

1. Substitutionary. He took our place and our punishment. Our sins required us to be crucified on the cross; however, Jesus took our place. His blood and once for all sacrifice replaced us from dying for our sins.

2. Voluntary. Jesus wanted to die for us. “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

Always remember that Jesus voluntarily died in your place! To see Jesus’ death on the cross in a different light, read the words to the second song written for the Come, Celebrate the Cross series.

Walk Worthy of the Cross
O Jesus man of sorrows, Son of God the King.
What language shall I borrow thy famous love to sing?
No mortal words can measure the burdens You did take.
Accepting pain as pleasure all for my sinful sake.

May I walk worthy of the cross, Worthy of the cross.
May I glory in the sacrifice You made.
Lord may I never be ashamed of the cross that bears your name.
My richest gain I count it all as lost, walk worthy of the cross.

Had ever love such proving? Was ever loved so priced?
What is all my loving compared with Yours O Christ?
‘Tis scarcely worth the gaining this failing heart of mine.
And yet for its obtaining, You paid the price divine.

By family neglected, by trusted ones denied.
By bitter foes rejected, thorn crowned, crucified.
Earth’s hatred and affliction in patience You did bear.
Returning benediction for cross and nail and spear.

May I walk worthy of the cross, Worthy of the cross.
May I glory in the sacrifice You made.
Lord may I never be ashamed of the cross that bears your name.
My richest gain I count it all as lost, walk worthy of the cross.

It is vital that each of us understand the significance of Jesus death on the cross for our lives. His death was brutal, but vital for each and every one of us. We need to understand what happened to Jesus, how Jesus died, and why Jesus died.

I want to answer these questions, but do so by giving to you three facts about Jesus and His death. I will answer the first two questions today, and the third tomorrow. Jesus:

1. Was regarded as a criminal. Crucifixion was not for the people within the Roman government who were in good standing. Crucifixion was reserved and practiced for those who were criminals. Jesus was accused of blasphemy and treason.

2. Was cruelly crucified. The Romans were not the originators or designers of crucifixion, but became the masters of it. Crucifixion was designed to create horror, fear, and intimidation. Jesus did not receive a “softer” crucifixion. He received the full weight and pain of the Roman crucifixion including:

a. Scourging. Strips of leather tied with pieces of bone, metal and lead weights were whipped against Christ, causing flesh and the muscles to rip away from the back.

b. Walking. After the scourging, Jesus had to carry a 100 pound crossbeam for a mile.

c. Crucifixion. Five to seven inch iron spikes were driven into Christ’s wrists and feet. The hands being nailed would result in a fiery sensation through the arms, resulting in excruciating pain. Christ’s body became dehydrated, his heart rate raced, he could barely breath. This type of suffering led to death.

Jesus crucifixion was cruel, and harsh, and very real. Think of the pain of his death today. Tomorrow we will look at why Jesus died on the cross.

Today I want to review our progress so far in the Come, Celebrate the Cross series. This is a dynamic series that looks at the power of the cross in the life of every Christian. Every week features outstanding worship music, written and provided for us by our own Josh Stanbery and Kim Noblitt, along with their associates, Jonathan Walker and Chris Emert. We are so very privileged to have this kind of opportunity as a church.

This series began on March 23, Easter Sunday with the message, Plan. It’s vital for us to remember two things about the Plan of the cross:

1. The cross is the center of God’s plan for the world that was predetermined, purposeful and powerful. God had planned to send Christ to the cross since before time began so that He might die and rise again to save us.

2. The cross gives you a plan for your life that is Personal, Lasting, All-inclusive and Necessary. God’s plan for you was made especially for you, for eternity, to address all areas of your life through the cross.

Remember, God has a plan for you through the cross! Be reminded of His plan through some of the lyrics of the theme song for this series, Come, Celebrate the Cross.

Come, Celebrate the Cross

Jesus, Your cross is wonderful to me.
Cause Jesus, Your death has given life to me.
So I thank You Lord and I praise You Lord.

Come celebrate the cross.
His blood has bought our freedom
all at heaven’s cost.
That we might have salvation,
an open door to heaven.
Jesus, Lamb of Glory,
hope of all the lost.
So I come and celebrate the cross.
So I come and celebrate the cross.

Jesus, Your cross is powerful to me.
Cause Jesus, Your suffering brings healing to me.
So I thank You Lord
and I praise You Lord.

Come celebrate the cross.
His blood has bought our freedom
all at heaven’s cost.
That we might have salvation,
an open door to heaven.
Jesus, Lamb of Glory,
hope of all the lost.
So I come and celebrate the cross.
So I come and celebrate the cross.

As God is orchestrating a strategic process called, “Invent The Future”, we are working toward an exciting future. Many of our staff members are working through this process, and all will be involved eventually. As we move forward, we will bring the church along in communication, leadership, and partnership.

This is a strategic process from the inside-out. It is not simply a dreaming process that leads to nothing. We will have many points of action as a result of this process. However, to get to those, we have to work through many things. Nothing happens in isolation. Many matters have to be considered, talked through, and prayed over.

What I do know is that we are trying to remove the obstacles that stand in the way of spiritual health, growth, and the future. After proper identification of these issues, we have to discern how God wants us to address them. As we move to action, we will see God bring breakthroughs. Last fall, much of our church joined us in a week of prayer and fasting. One of the things we agreed upon in prayer that week was a Strategic Breakthrough: a breakthrough to a defined future. I believe we are going to see this prayer answered. Amen!

I have been very intentional to pray and fast through this process. Dreaming and vision are both needed, but must be under the Spirit’s leadership and strategically guided by the Word of God. Following God’s leadership has been my heart in this entire process.

What can you do about our future?

*Pray daily.
*Serve weekly.
*Give faithfully.
*Invite others consistently.
*Trust God completely.

Yes my friend, these will help usher us in an exciting future. Our greatest days are ahead of us.

There is a joy in study. I realize that some may not believe that, but there really can be a personal joy. Why?

There is a joy in discovery. I am discovering so many things through the power of study. My mornings on Sunday through Thursday begin at 3:30 a.m. I stay in my study (with the exception of exercise for 45 minutes) until about 10:30 a.m. My study is in my home. At times, I get so wrapped up even after hours of study that my morning feels rushed. What keeps me going? The joy of discovery. It is a joy to mine the Bible and all connecting disciplines like history, archeology, the languages, and so much more.

There is a joy in deliberating. You see, I deliberate with myself about what I believe. At this stage of life, I am constantly discovering, but also ever-deliberating. As I carry on this conversation in my mind and sometimes verbally as I work through matters, I have discovered there is a joy in deliberating about what I believe.

There is a joy in delivering. To walk into a public setting after study has consumed you and you have worked through what you believe, and then get to deliver God’s Word, brings great joy. When I deliver truth and see the lights come on, it is a great joy to me as a pastor-leader. What a privilege and a joy to deliver God’s Word.

My friend, study. Go through the discipline of study daily. You stay in it long enough, I promise
you the . . .

Joy will come.

Last Tuesday morning, Nick and Meredith were in NWA because their Campus Pastor was here looking at both of our campuses and talking with our staff team. So, I determined that I wanted to take all of my grandchildren to “Build a Bear!” After an early morning of study, I met them at “Build a Bear” at 11 a.m. It was quite a distinct and unique culture. Below, you can see the end product. Gigi and Poppy with Peyton, Parker, and Reese. I was in the flow as the sales lady told us to jump up and down for the purpose of insuring that the children would “feel our love.” Oh my . . . it was a moment.

Thanks, Lord, for grandchildren!

How about Peyton and Parker on Easter Sunday morning?

What about Reese, Peyton, and Parker together one night?

What do you think of beautiful Reese Caroline on her Easter Sunday morning?

And yes, more of Reese Caroline!

Oh my dear friends, we are blessed. Thanks Lord for grandchildren!