Christians are often encouraged to 'take up their cross daily' and follow Jesus, but what does this phrase truly mean? Jesus knew he would soon have to die on the cross, and he told his disciples that following him requires a daily willingness to die for him if need be. [... more]

Jesus offers a final prayer, known as the High Priestly Prayer, to his Father on behalf of his disciples and for all who would believe. In this prayer, Jesus shares his final request, report, intercession, and desire, revealing his heart's deepest longing for his followers to experience eternal life, unity in Christ, and perichoresis, the divine dance of eternal loving embrace. [... more]

Jesus prepares his disciples for the battle ahead, promising them the Holy Spirit to give strength. Christians have a distinct allegiance, witness, and bearing, which sets them apart from the world. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and gives believers the power to endure suffering and persecution. [... more]

Jesus reveals his heart to his disciples through a humble act of service, washing their feet on the eve of his crucifixion. This act demonstrates his servant leadership, love, and humility, and serves as a transformative example for his followers to become like him, laying down their pride and serving others with the same love and sacrifice. [... more]

The Crucifixion Conspiracy examines the plot to kill Jesus with behind-the-scenes intrigue, revealing the roles of Pilate, the high priest Caiaphas, and others in the sacrifice of God's final Passover Lamb. Jesus' silence in the face of persecution and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross are highlighted, as well as the significance of the title 'Jehovah' on the cross and the penalty for sin. [... more]

The Crucifixion Conspiracy examines the plot to kill Jesus, with a focus on the behind-the-scenes intrigue and the roles of key players, including John the Baptist, Judas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, in fulfilling Old Testament protocol and New Testament revelation. [... more]

On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling a prophecy from Zechariah. This event is significant because it parallels the Jewish tradition of selecting a lamb for the Passover sacrifice, which had to be without blemish. Jesus, as the Lamb of God, was certified by John the Baptist, a priest according to the lineage of Aaron, as the perfect sacrifice for humanity's sins. [... more]

Abraham is considered the father of the Christian faith, but Muslims also claim him as their spiritual father, believing he surrendered to God and became the first Muslim. However, the Bible teaches that Abraham's faith was in the promise of God, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that true faith involves giving glory to God and trusting in His promises. [... more]

Jesus, the ordinary man from Nazareth, was extraordinary in his mission to suffer for the sins of the world. He loved us and died for us, and his sacrifice fulfilled the righteous demands of God, purchasing our forgiveness and salvation. Understanding pain and grief, Jesus knows what it's like to weep and be abandoned by friends, but he also knows how to comfort and heal through the power of the Word of God. [... more]

The crucified Christ pleads with the Father to save a sinner, and his prayers are heard due to the effectual power of his wounds, which provide remission of sins and spiritual health. [... more]

Dr. Tony Evans explains how to live purposefully and with an eye on eternity by sowing intentionally into the spirit rather than the flesh, and how doing good, especially within the body of Christ, leads to an abundant harvest. He discusses the concept of the world and how it can be crucified to us, freeing us to live a life driven by our relationship with God. [... more]

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the Christian life, enabling believers to overcome sin and live a life of love, joy, and peace. Through the cross, believers are forgiven and their obligation to sin is ended, but they must still cooperate with the Spirit to walk in His ways. The Spirit's power is greater than the desires of the flesh, and believers can choose to sow to the Spirit by reading the Word, connecting with a community, and expending themselves with other believers. [... more]

God takes away our shame and guilt, cleansing us from sin and giving us a new identity as beloved children. He removes the filthy garments of lies and the past, crowning us with steadfast love and compassion. We don't earn forgiveness, mercy, or love, but are accepted by the Father through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. [... more]

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a powerful reminder that guilt, pain, and despair do not have the last word in our lives. Jesus' empty tomb means that addiction, death, and brokenness do not have the final say. Instead, Jesus offers hope and freedom from the weight of our sins, and his resurrection is a testament to his power to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. [... more]

When facing pain, people have two choices: conclude that Jesus lacks power to save or look at the cross and see his love and care. The cross demands a response, and people's reactions to it can be seen in four characters: suffering criminals, creation, outsiders, and Simon of Cyrene. Each of these characters represents a different response to the cross, and understanding these responses can help people navigate their own pain and find salvation through faith in Jesus. [... more]

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is a pivotal event in Christianity, where Jesus absorbed the pain of humanity's injustice and gave love and acceptance, even though people deserved anger. The event has been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as a demonstration of God's love and others as a form of divine child abuse. A closer examination of the crucifixion reveals the depth of Jesus' love for humanity, as he voluntarily took on the pain and humiliation of the cross to purchase humanity's forgiveness and redemption. [... more]

The Christian's union with Christ is a fundamental aspect of their identity, rooted in the love of God and the crucifixion of Christ. This union is not just a feeling or a relationship, but a reality that defines who we are as Christians. Through faith in Jesus, we are united to Christ, and this union brings about a new and glorious identity, where Christ lives in us and we live by faith in Him. [... more]

In Gethsemane, Jesus faced the horror of abandonment by God, the essence of the cross, as he looked into the cup of God's wrath against our sin. This moment was not about physical suffering, but about Jesus' willingness to take on the full wrath of God in our place, demonstrating his love for us and securing our salvation. [... more]

Cruel Roman crucifixion inflicted severe physical pain, yet Christ endured it out of love for humanity, paving the way for salvation and our ability to follow in His example. [... more]

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is examined in detail, highlighting the fulfillment of scripture and the significance of his death and resurrection. The discussion explores the timing of the Passover, the breaking of the legs of crucified victims, and the piercing of Jesus' side with a spear, all of which are seen as evidence of God's foreknowledge and plan. [... more]

The Gospel of Isaiah reveals Jesus as the Messiah, who took our sins upon himself, was wounded for our transgressions, and crushed for our iniquities, bringing us peace and healing. God loved us so much that He hung His darling Son on the cross, giving us abundant and eternal life. Respond to the gospel of Isaiah by receiving the eternal gift of salvation. [... more]

The death of Jesus Christ was a plot, but not an earthly one, rather a divine plan predicted by prophets. Jesus' death was under control, and he predicted his own death in advance, telling his disciples how it would happen and what would follow. The Passover Plot theory suggests Jesus planned his own death, but this is disputed. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus are central to Christian theology and are seen as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. [... more]

God's commandment against idolatry is clear, but many people still worship images and objects, believing they have special power. This can lead to distorted concepts of God, allegiance, and worship, causing people to fashion God in their own image. Pastor Lutzer explains that idolatry can also occur in the mind, when people think they know God's character and nature, but are actually bowing to their own conceptions. He emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, and receiving revelation from God through Jesus Christ. [... more]

Jesus' relationship to the scriptures is a crucial aspect of understanding his nature and mission. His view of the scriptures as the inerrant and perfect word of God is in stark contrast to many who claim to follow him. Jesus' humanity is often overlooked, but it is a vital part of his identity as the God-man. His thirst on the cross, as recorded in the Bible, is a poignant reminder of his humanity and his willingness to suffer for the sake of humanity. [... more]

A Roman centurion, tasked with overseeing the crucifixion of Jesus, comes to a profound realization about the deity of Christ, declaring him the Son of God, and this confession becomes a life-changing moment for him, as it does for many who have faith in Christ, demonstrating the power of spiritual insight and the importance of doxology in our faith. [... more]

Stephen Davey teaches that Jesus' ultimate act of trust in the Father shows believers the path to peace, giving confidence and hope. He explains how Jesus' death on the cross satisfies the demands of justice, and how this event provides a sign that nothing stands in the way of our salvation. Davey also discusses the three miracles that occurred during Jesus' crucifixion, including the tearing of the temple veil, the earthquake, and the resurrection of the saints. [... more]

Jesus' relationship to the scriptures is a key theme in understanding the cross, as seen in his statement 'I thirst' on the cross, which fulfills Psalm 69:21 and demonstrates his omniscience and deity. The cross is a moment of human responsibility and divine sovereignty, where God's plan is fulfilled through human choices, and Jesus' view of scripture is one of inerrancy and perfection. [... more]

Jesus explains to his disciples that his departure is necessary for the Holy Spirit to come and guide them into all truth, convicting the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit is a unique person, not just a power or influence, and is one with the Father and the Son, acting for them both in creation and new creation. [... more]

Jesus' cry of thirst on the cross reveals his humanity and humility as he identifies with a basic need in a suffering, fallen human race. This moment also fulfills prophetic history and serves as an invitation to lost humanity to come to him for satisfaction. [... more]

Jesus' final words on the cross reveal his deepest love and unmatched grace as he prays for his crucifiers, demonstrating his pattern of prayer and fulfilling prophecy. His prayer is a model for us to follow, showing us how to forgive others and practice what we preach. [... more]

The love of a mother is a unique and unfailing bond, as seen in the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing her son's crucifixion. The faithful women who stood with her, including Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, demonstrate the bravery and devotion of women in the Bible, who often played crucial roles in the lives of Jesus and the apostles. [... more]

Every believer in Jesus is like one of two trees - an oleaster tree that produces no fruit or a bunion tree that multiplies itself. Jesus teaches that believers must remain in him to bear fruit, and that pruning is necessary for greater fruitfulness. [... more]

The historic evidence for Jesus' resurrection is overwhelming, validating his claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. This event gives Christians absolute hope for the future and offers spiritual life right now, empowering them to live holy lives and be men and women with a resurrected power every moment of every day. [... more]

The central question of Christianity is whether Jesus rose from the dead, and this event is historically verifiable. Chip Ingram shares his journey of exploring doubts and finding answers through research and intellectual curiosity, highlighting the importance of understanding why we believe what we believe. [... more]

The cross is a prominent symbol in Western civilization, but its meaning has been desensitized by repeated exposure. Christians hear the message of the cross frequently, but this can lead to hardness of heart. The media also contributes to desensitization, depicting bloodshed and gore without regard for the suffering of Jesus Christ. The cross is a powerful symbol of faith, and its meaning should be considered carefully. [... more]

The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in history, marking final victory over death and hell, and offering eternal life to all who believe. The resurrection is a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in the Old Testament, and is a testament to God's power and love. Through the resurrection, Jesus Christ became the firstfruits of those who slept, and paved the way for all believers to receive their glorified bodies. The event is a reminder of the significance of faith and the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Son of God. [... more]

The resurrection of Jesus proves that God keeps his promises and offers hope to those who believe. It's a reminder that death does not have the final word, and that through faith in Jesus, we can overcome fear and live a life filled with purpose and meaning. [... more]

Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday was the moment when he took on the role of sin itself, enduring the wrath of God and separating himself from his Father. This moment of silence from heaven was not indifference or injustice, but rather the fulfillment of God's plan to bring salvation to humanity. Jesus' cry of 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' was a statement of truth about his situation, and it marked the moment when he took our place in suffering and death. The silence of heaven was a supernatural darkness that lasted for three hours, but it was broken when Jesus uttered his final words, 'It is finished,' which declared his victory over sin and death. The tearing of the veil in the temple symbolized the removal of the separation between God and humanity, allowing us to come boldly to the throne of grace and seek mercy and help in times of need. [... more]

On Good Friday, Jesus spoke seven profound things as He died, recorded in Scripture, including 'Father, forgive them,' 'Today you will be with me in paradise,' and 'It is finished.' These words reveal the power of forgiveness, the importance of remembering Him, and the completion of salvation. [... more]

The story of Jesus' journey to the cross is one of the most gripping accounts of all time, a perfect sinless man who died at the hands of those he came to save. Dr. Robert Jeffress looks at the six trials of Jesus leading up to his crucifixion, highlighting the physical and spiritual pain he endured, and the significance of his sacrifice for humanity's salvation. [... more]