Providence Presbyterian Church Presents: The Gospel of John: Read by Kate Keep

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Website: https://www.providencehhi.org

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CauseGodJoy

Service Livestreams: https://www.providencehhi.org/worship

Introduction

How many of us can sing by heart the words of the song "Jesus,

keep me near the cross"?

As we look on the cross more intently, we leamn to appreciate

Christ's love. No sentimentalism, no sappy "anything goes"

tolerance isvisible at the cross. Consider the awesome omnipotence

of His love, not that He overlooked sin-- far from it! - but that on the cross He died for it. He was under no obligation to do so; and yet, He died, horribly, all for love's sake, it must be an inexpressible and unendurable yearning," said Martin Luther, "that causes the Son of God Himself so to suffer!" This miracle, this cross, this death of God's Son --this is how much God loves sinners.

Finally, until we steadfastly look upon the cross in all its gory

magnificence, it will be impossible to realize God's call upon our lives.

In His crucifixion, Jesus was establishing a pattern for our lives. He

Who died for us also calls us to die with Him.

"If anyone would come after Me," He said, "

"let them deny themselves and take uf

daily and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).

Christ calls us to follow Him in cross-bearing, in dying

ourselves, and in pursuing sacrifice as a strategic part of living out the

gospel. That means that we can't do God's will if we still insist on our

will. We can't pray, "Thy kingdom come"

without also saying " And my kingdom go."

Jesus said you can't know Him or follow Him without a cross.

The road of fellowship with Christ leads over Calvary. You will never

experience the pleasures of Christ if you reject the pain of His cross.

*By JOHN ROBERTS | Journal-Advocate, August 23, 2013

Intro

Christmas Eve 2021

12/19/21 Service