Melvin Newland tells a story about a little girl who proudly wore a shiny cross on a chain around her neck.
One day she was approached by a man who said to her, “Little girl, don’t you know that the cross Jesus died on wasn’t beautiful like the one you’re wearing? It was an ugly, wooden thing.” Continue reading
Filed under Cross
Michael Bird, a minister in Australia, tells about a well-known American preacher who gave some advice to an Australian congregation.
He said, “Don’t tell people about the cross, it doesn’t work. That’s why the Franklin Graham crusades are no longer effective. Just tell them that God loves them and has a plan for them.”
The crux of his advice was that “The message of a crucified Jew is ridiculous to the modern mind… So move on to something better. A crucified Messiah is stupid, but promise them prosperity, give them emotional experiences, provide them with self-esteem – then you’ll fill the pews.” Continue reading
Filed under Cross
Vernon Price tells the story about a young lady who lived a sordid, and sinful life. Drugs, alcohol and sexual immorality characterized her lifestyle.
However, one night in a church service, she was convicted of her sins and responded to the Lord’s invitation. As she grew as a Christian she became involved in ministry and teaching children’s Bible classes.
At some point, she caught the eye and the heart of the preacher’s son. As the relationship grew, they made plans to be married. That’s when some problems from her past surfaced. Continue reading
The famed Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, who died in 1950, made this request regarding his funeral and burial.
“My religious convictions and scientific views cannot at present be more specifically defined than as those of a believer in creative evolution. I desire that no public monument or work of art or inscription or sermon or ritual service commemorating me shall suggest that I accepted the tenets peculiar to any established church or denomination nor take the form of a cross or any other instrument of torture or symbol of blood sacrifice.”
Filed under Cross, Great Bible Verses
Crosses. You see them everywhere. On houses of worship. On grave markers. As ornate pieces of jewelry worn as a necklace, 
bracelet or even earrings.
We celebrate the cross. We glamorize it. We even romanticize it. We all know what it means. It’s the symbol of Christianity. It represents salvation. It reminds us of Jesus. Continue reading
Filed under Cross, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
“Why did my Savior come to earth?” asks J.G. Dailey in his famous hymn.
“Why did He choose a lowly birth?”
“Why did He drink the bitter cup of sorrow, pain and woe?”
“Why on the cross be lifted up?” Continue reading
Filed under Cross
(This post was in the top 5 in 2012, and rose to the #1 most read in 2016)
S. M. Lockridge (1913-2000) was a prominent African-American preacher known for his dynamic, passionate, and fervent sermons. His most famous sermon was “He’s my King.” Several years ago author and speaker Tony Campolo was so impressed by Lockridge’s lesson on “It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!” that he began to deliver the lesson himself and even wrote a book with that title. Continue reading
Filed under 2012 Top Posts, 2016 Top Posts, Cross, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!, Jesus
The question of Christ’s crucifixion has been debated by theologians, historians, and preachers throughout the ages. Some may think the question is irrelevant after 2000 years. “What difference does it make,” they opine.
The issue of Christ’s crucifixion, however, may have greater implications to us than we initially realized. Continue reading
Filed under Cross
I’m reading Perry Hall’s book “Grace Does That?” In it he tells the story of Charles Bradlaugh and Hugh Price Hughes.
Bradlaugh was the most prominent atheist in 19th century Britain. On one occasion he challenged the evangelist Hughes to a debate on the validity of Christianity. Continue reading
Filed under Cross, Grace, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
Legendary football Coach Lou Holtz was in his first season at Arkansas.
The #6 Razorbacks were playing the #2 Oklahoma Sooners in the 1978 Orange Bowl. Both teams were 10-1, yet Arkansas was an 18-point underdog. But then Holtz suspended three top players for violation of team rules. Now Arkansas was a 24-point underdog!
Following the suspensions, the press was livid. 12 Arkansas players threatened not to play. But Holtz didn’t back down. Continue reading
Filed under Cross, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
ThePreachersWord 