GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE AND ENJOY WHAT PAUL HAS TO SAY TO THE SAINTS IN EPHESUS

THREE VIEWS OF THE CROSS 1. “The Cross” is a symbol used to rally the troops. (As in the warlord Constantine) A pendent to hang around your neck. (As in $9.95 at Walmart.) A banner to fly into battle. (Back to Constantine) 2. “The Cross” is a personal burden and/or some suffering you must bear to make you a perfect little angel. Madame Guyon kinda taught this, as well as Brother Lawrence, Fenelon and Watchman Nee. 3. Finally, “The Cross” is the work of God in Christ’s death and resurrection for all… to Justify all. Reconcile all. Vivify all. Complete all. Posted below is all the places where Paul mentions “THE CROSS”. (Not the “crucifixion”, nor the resurrection, nor the death of our Lord… although those are the same topic generally… Below we just list the specific phrase “THE CROSS” to see what we can discover.) You’ll see that Paul will have none of that pendent business, nor will he cotton to the idea of “the cross” being our personal sufferings. Instead, you’ll see that Paul has the view that THE CROSS is the power of God to bring all creation into perfection and completion. THE CROSS is God’s answer to our every query. We say (in a whiny voice) “Why?” And God’s answer is focused on the Son of His love, and all that happened on Calvary’s hill. Let’s get started. I suggest you put on your sunglasses when you read these verse — they are that bright: