How can we get near enough to the cross for its sparks to fall on us?
"The cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough to it for it's sparks to fall on us."
-John Stott
How can I grow in my understanding and appreciation of the cross?
How can I cultivate a passion for the cross?
How can I keep the main thing the main thing?
Preach the gospel to yourself daily.
C.J. Mahaney's recommendations:
(from his sermon: The Main Thing Part 2)
1. Practice Strategic Scripture Memory
(dealing the the cross)
examples:
Isaiah 53
Romans 3:21-26
Romans 5:6-11
Romans 8:28-39
1 Corinthians 15:1-8
2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 2:15-21
2. Read and reflect upon the Gospels
It would be well if professing Christians in modern days studied the four Gospels3. Study the seven sayings of the Savior on the cross
more than they do. No doubt all Scripture is profitable. It is not wise to exalt one
part of the Bible at the expense of another. But I think it would be good for some who
are very familiar with the Epistles, if they knew a little more about Matthew, Mark,
Luke and John.
Now, why do I say this? I say it because I want professing Christians to know more
about Christ. It is well to be acquainted with all the doctrines and principles of
Christianity. It is better to be acquainted with Christ Himself. It is well to be
familiar with faith and grace and justification and sanctification. They are all
matters 'pertaining to the King'. But it is far better to be familiar with Jesus Himself,
to see the King's own face, and to behold His beauty. This is one secret of eminent
holiness. He that would be conformed to Christ's image, and become a Christ-like
man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself.
Now the Gospels were written to make us acquainted with Christ. The Holy Ghost
has told us the story of His life and death, His sayings and His doings, four times
over. Four different inspired hands have drawn the picture of the Saviour. His ways,
His manners, His feelings, His wisdom, His grace, His patience, His love, His power
are graciously unfolded to us by four different witnesses. Ought not the patient to be
familiar with the Physician? Ought not the bride to be familiar with the Bridegroom?
Ought not the sinner to be familiar with Saviour? Beyond doubt it ought to be so.
The Gospels were written to make men familiar with Christ, and therefore I wish men
to study the Gospels......Surely we cannot know this Christ too well! Surely there is
not a word, nor a deed, nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought in the record of His life,
which ought not to be precious to us. We should labour to be familiar with every line
that is written about Jesus.
-J. C. Ryle
4. Study the effects of the cross: atonement, substitution, propitiation, justification, redemption, reconciliation, salvation
5. Study Galatians and Romans accompanied by a good commentary.
(C.J. recommends John Stott's commentaries for both.)
6. Read a new book on the Cross each year.
7. Reread a good book on the Cross each year.
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
The Atonement by Leon Morris
The Power of the Cross of Christ by Charles Spurgeon
The Apostles Doctrine of the Atonement by George Smeaton
The Glory of Christ by Peter Lewis
Experiencing God's Forgiveness by John Ensor
The Cross and Christian Ministry by Don Carson
[Joey recommends]
[A Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent]
[The Truth Of The Cross by R.C. Sproul]
[The Gospel For Real Life by Jerry Bridges]
[Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chappell]
and of course [Living The Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney]
8. Read Charles Spurgeon
It was said of Spurgeon: No matter where he began in Scripture he always took the
shortcut to the Cross.
9. Whatever verse you are reading or studying ask yourself, What is the relation of this
verse to the Cross.
In it's context every passage possesses one or more of four redemptive foci. Every
text is predictive of the work of Christ, preparatory for the work of Christ, reflective
of the work of Christ, and/or resultant of the work of Christ.
- Bryan Chapell
10. Do not study the Old Testament apart from the Cross.
Recommend the following book:
The Gospel and Kingdom; A Christian Interpretation of the Old Testament by
Graeme Goldsworthy
11. Study the holiness of God and the doctrine of sin.
How God deals with sin throughout scripture.
Remember the doctrine of sin is a means not an end. The doctrine of sin is a means
(and a necessary one) of appreciating justifying grace and appropriating sanctifying
grace.
Recommended reading:
The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul
The Enemy Within by Kris Lundgaard
12. Begin worship each day with Cross centered songs and hymns.
13. Begin prayer each day confining yourself to giving thanks for the Cross and the
effects of the Cross in your life.
14. If possible, listen to Cross centered preaching as you commute each day.
15. Arrange extended times of unhurried worship and study about the Cross.
16. Review your conversion testimony often and never grow familiar with the grace
you've experienced.
17.Recognize your need for the Holy Spirit and the gift of illumination.
There has not only been an objective, public act of divine self-disclosure in the
crucifixion of God's own Son, but there must be a private work of God by his Spirit, in
the mind and heart of the individual. If we should express unqualified gratitude to
God for the gift of his Son, we should express no less gratitude for the gift of the
Spirit who enables us to grasp the gospel of His Son...Unless the Spirit enlightens us,
God's thoughts will remain deeply alien to us.
-Don Carson
3 comments:
Thank you, sir, for the great reminder and good counsel.
I need it daily.
YAY! I've been meaning to do exactly what you just for some time now (namely putting C.J.'s Main Thing Part 2- with some expansions from Living the Cross Centered Life- into a summarized written form). Thanks Joey! I add my voice to yours: "I need it daily" as well.
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