Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS

"It was through what His Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him - all things in heaven and on earth - for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies and hated him and were separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, yet he has brought you back as his friends." Colossians 1:20-21

We are at a cross-roads today in the church. In our desire to be "user-friendly" to get people into the church, many have opted to shy away from foundational truth because it might offend. We don't talk about sin and its impact on our lives. We don't talk about the cross because it might offend. We want people to feel good and feel comfortable so that we can draw them into conversation.

The Apostle Paul made it very clear: "For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God ... but we preach Christ crucified!" - 1 Corinthians
1:18,23)

Fanny Crosby, the blind hymn writer, penned the words of this powerful
hymn:

Jesus, keep me near the cross --
There a precious fountain,
Free to all a healing stream,
Flows from Calv'rys mountain.

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o'er me.

Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.

Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
Be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find
Rest, beyond the river.

As we approach this Good Friday, take time to reflect on what Jesus did for YOU on the cross. Let's never forget the cross. - Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK.

Today's Scripture Reading: Joshua 1-3; Mark 16

Great Quote: Jesus appears to be holding out his hand to us even as he calls us. He tells us he will provide a bridge over the chasm if we will abide in him. We hear his words, but such language is strange to us, sounding like the dialects of many who have used us or consumed us and then left us along the highway, exposed and alone. We pull back. Many of us return to Vanity Fair and mortgage our heart to purchase more of what is religiously or materially familiar. A few of us arouse our spirit and take a step toward the chasm. Brent Curtis