Symbols and Reality

First Baptist Church of Cottondale - 2019
 

An empty cross is a symbol used by Christians to remind us of our Lord's death and resurrection. As you can see, as our sanctuary was being remodeled the cross over the baptistry was finished early in the process. It certainly isn't the real cross, but it reflects our doctrinal belief that Jesus was crucified, as the Bible says

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; (Matthew 27:35-36 KJV) 

As prophesied:

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. (Psalms 22:16-18 KJV)

Southland Christian Ministries, led by Mike Herbster, visited our church last Sunday and sang "It's Still the Cross," which brings us to reality through the lyrics (visit the full lyrics here):

It's still the cross,

It's still the blood of Calvary;

That cleanses sins,

And sets the captives free.

It's still the name,

The name of Jesus,

That has power to save the lost;

It's still the cross.

You will find references throughout the New Testament to the blood spilled at Calvary. Paul mentions it often:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:23-25 KJV)

The reality is that the Bible tells us Judaism was looking for the Messiah from their beginning - and Christians have been worshipping the Messiah since His resurrection:

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. (Matthew 28:6-8 KJV)

Paul told this over and over again, writing about it, too, in his own letters to churches:

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. (Acts 17:1-3 KJV)

Paul's witness to Agrippa in Acts 26 tells of his conversion experience as well as the good news he preached:

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. (Acts 26:22-23 KJV)

We are looking forward to Easter, this year April 17, with a sense of sadness for what our Lord experienced and with a sense of joy beyond expression for what He did for mankind.

It may be difficult for some to believe, but I hope they will continue to question because the answers are available. Jeremiah prophesied for the nation of Israel, but the reality is this continues to apply:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV)

Take time to read the 11th chapter of Hebrews (I know, I've mentioned that one often) and you'll find:

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

Seek the Lord:

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

That's my prayer for those who read here - that have found God to be near and dear to them, ready for what comes next in our lives. That's reality.