The “wonderful” Cross?
One of the worship songs that we do at Suncrest uses the phrase “The wonderful cross”. It’s always perplexing for me to sing.
I think that’s OK because I know my faith deepens when I wrestle through issues. The same song reminds me that the cross “bids me come and die” so it’s not exactly a feel good song.
The cross is a wonder-filled thing for me and tonight/tomorrow at suncrest our Passion Experiences (7pm) will focus us there. Here are the scriptures I’m reading to prepare (for maximum impact…read them slowly and reflectively):
(Mat 16:24 NIV) Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
(2 Cor 5:21 NIV) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
(Phil 2:8 NIV) And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!
(1 Cor 1:17-18 NIV) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel–not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
(Heb 12:2-3 NIV) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
And looking forward to Easter…
(Acts 2:23-24 NIV) This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
.Real.Greg.Lee. 
This may be a strange request…I was searching for an image for our church theme for 2012, and I came across the picture of the cross on your blog. Could I ask if you could tell me where that image came from. Is it yours or from a stock photo site? We would love to use it if you could help us. Thank you in advance.