“I could never myself believe in God, if it were not for the cross. The only God I believe in is the One Nietzsche ridiculed as 'God on the cross.' In the real world of pain, how could one worship a God who was immune to it? I have entered many Buddhist temples in different Asian countries and stood respectfully before the statue of the Buddha, his legs crossed, arms folded, eyes closed, the ghost of a smile playing round his mouth, a remote look on his face, detached from the agonies of the world. But each time after a while I have had to turn away. And in imagination I have turned instead to that lonely, twisted, tortured figure on the cross, nails through hands and feet, back lacerated, limbs wrenched, brow bleeding from thorn-pricks, mouth dry and intolerably thirsty, plunged in Godforsaken darkness. That is the God for me! He laid aside his immunity to pain. He entered our world of flesh and blood, tears and death. He suffered for us. Our sufferings become more manageable in the light of his. There is still a question mark against human suffering, but over it we boldly stamp another mark, the cross that symbolizes divine suffering. 'The cross of Christ ... is God’s only self-justification in such a world” as ours....' 'The other gods were strong; but thou wast weak; they rode, but thou didst stumble to a throne; But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak, And not a god has wounds, but thou alone.”
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you for being so honest, very comforting sermon
H Hudson (8/3/2015)
from Deerfield Beach, Florida
“ Comforting Sermon! ” This message gives a different and deep meaning to understanding suffering and pain. It takes a "new" direction in looking at suffering and pain mainly in the life of a Christian and not a "worldly" explanation in that underlying it is sin. It's a message that can give you comfort in your situation.
As founding pastor, Ricky is the Preaching & Teaching Pastor, and protector of gospel centered living. Ricky was ordained by Covenant Presbytery in February of 1996. Ricky’s education includes, BS Vanderbilt, 91 History/ Secondary Ed MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary, 95. Past...
