Random Thoughts from a Random Mind

I found this ministry on the web. I realize there are a lot of them out there but this one seemed right to me.

If you could find it in your heart to donate , even a one time gift, I know it will help a little child out there somewhere. If not please consider some of the other charities. I'll try to put together a list on this blog of reputable groups who are out there making a difference.

JonRod


http://www.foodfororphans.org/index.php

Why do I wear a cross? Over the years I’ve had a number of people say that they don’t understand why someone would want to wear one. They are quick to remind me that the cross is what the Romans used to kill the Savior. So why would I want to wear one?

The quick answer would be for me to say, “If Jesus hadn’t died on the cross He wouldn’t be the Savior, would he? But I realize that sounds a bit to snappy.

So now I would like to explain why I wear one.

The Romans did crucify Jesus on a cross. Right on schedule and according to God’s plan. In the book of Isaiah, Chapters 52 & 53, (written about 800 years before Jesus was even born), God, through Isaiah, spoke about Christ’s death. Here are a few of the verses:

“He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” v.5

“...and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” v.6

“Yet it is the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.” v.10

“by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be counted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.” v.11

“...he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.” v.12

Jesus Himself said, talking about His impending death, “And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? But for this purpose I come to this hour.” John 12:27

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show but what kind of death he was going to die.” John 12:32,33

There are many other verses as well. But I’ll let these few do for now. It’s clear that it was God’s plan for Jesus to be crucified. Old Testament prophets prophesied it. Jesus prophesied it.

Does that all explain why I would chose to wear a cross? No. I wear a cross because He, Christ, chose to die for me. He loved me enough to go to that rugged old cross and die a horrible death so I might be forgiven of my sin. On the cross, He bore my sin and exchanged (imputed) it with His righteousness. (That should be another post. There’s a lot to this one.)

Jesus is not just the Savior. He is my Savior. I’ve noticed over the years how many people never refer to Christ as their Savior or Lord. They almost always use the word the before Savior or Lord. Yes, He is the Savior of the world. But not everybody will be saved. Again a few verses:

“...that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:15

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:18

I like what the Apostle Paul says in the book of Romans (which I really wish people would take the time to read). In Chapter 10 of the book of Romans Paul writes,
“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart’ (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 10:8-11 And again in verse 13: “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Salvation and Eternal life are a gift from God. Not to be earned ,but freely given to those who will believe in Christ. Note: the word believe can be misunderstood. It’s not just believing the story here. As the Bible says, Even the demons believe. But what it means is trusting in Christ. Trusting that His sacrifice on the cross was good enough to save me and that His death was satisfaction for my sin.

I need to stop here because I’m getting into other things that I’d like to talk about in future posts.

So. Why do I wear a cross? Because Jesus Christ died for me. The cross represents what He did.
Yes, the cross was a horrible device for killing people. But it has long since become a symbol of hope. Hope of Eternal life with Christ, forever. That’s why I wear a cross!

May the grace of the Lord with with you,
J. Rod