The name
for the explosive ‘dynamite’ comes from the Greek word ‘dunamis.’ That’s some
indication of how the writers of the New Testament viewed God’s power. The word
is used to describe the works of Christ in healing people, neutralising Satan’s
control of people and in rising from the dead.
Is that
relevant to people in this century far removed from Christ’s day? As He is the unchanging
Lord and His word is alive and active too, it has exciting implications. In
writing to the Corinthian church the Apostle Paul explained how Christ’s power
is inherent in the Cross. In what way? In the impact the message of the death,
entombment and resurrection of Jesus has on people. Some stumble over it! Many
think it stupid! However, for others it has a life transforming, destiny
changing, relationship enriching explosive effect.
That and
much, much more is wrapped up in the word salvation. When the Gospel is shared
and believed it become the power of God within the believer’s life. Those
things which pollute our memory, offend our conscience, cripple our
self-esteem, make us fearful of death and facing God and a myriad of other
things are exploded. God has dealt with them at the cross of Christ. When a
person accepts that fact, personally, then the Lord’s power does an eternal
make-over. The past is done away in His sight. He opens up a new era for you (2
Corinthians 5:17).
Does it
last? Without a doubt. Countless the testimonies to that fact. From the New
Testament the one I stand amazed at is found in 1 Timothy 1:11-17. He was a murderer,
blasphemer, outwardly religious, violently arrogant. He called himself the
chief of sinners. However, the grace of the Lord Jesus and the power of the
cross changed him. He became the greatest of all missionaries. His testimony is
that if the explosive power of the cross of Christ did that for him, it will change
anyone. The condition which lights the ‘fuse.’ Hearing the message of Christ
and the cross then believing it!
In his
final letter before being martyred under Nero’s decree Paul wrote, he had
finished the race, kept the faith and looked forward to meeting the Lord. One
of his final instructions to Timothy was ‘Preach the Word!’ What word? The word
of the cross is foolish to those who perish, but to those who believe it is the
dynamite of God for salvation.
1.The power of the cross 3.The
power of the cross,
Is the Word of Calvary! The message from Calvary.
Promised through prophesy, Forgiveness now offered.
Fulfilled in history. Heaven now opened.
Unveiled, the mystery Sin’s penalty now paid
Of His majesty Wrath
now pacified,
As By
Emmanuel, Taking
our condemnation,
Son of God, Suffering
our judgement,
Redeemer, Purging
our defilement,
Who was called, Jesus! When they crucified Jesus!
2.The power of the cross 4.The power of the cross
The purpose of Calvary Cancelled the shame of
Calvary
Planned before creation Transformed into glory
To secure our salvation, That resurrection morning
Birthed in Bethlehem When the angel declared,
Fulfilled in Jerusalem “He is not here. He has
risen”
As Now
The promised One, He
is Saviour and Lord,
Suffering Servant, With
a Name above all names,
Passover ‘Lamb,’ Before
whom all creation bows.
To be Messiah Jesus! The Word of Calvary’s
cross –
Jesus!
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