Your word of encouragement is coming to you a little earlier than usual! How are you? How is your week going? Have you offended anyone this week with the gospel?
This past Sunday, we talked about the offense of the gospel. The crowds listened to Jesus about His person and future death on the cross, and they did not receive it well. They said that it was a hard saying to accept and tolerate.
What about it is so offensive? I broke it down in four ways:
1. Jesus Saves- This means that we cannot save ourselves. We are incapable of saving ourselves. Our righteous deeds are like filthy rags before the holiness of God.
2. Jesus Alone Saves- In our postmodern, relativistic society, it is offensive to say that no other religion is correct. It’s offensive to say that Christianity is the absolute truth, and Jesus is the only Savior.
3. Jesus Alone Saves Through the Cross- Jesus’ salvific death on the cross is offensive on two counts. First, it shows Jesus as weak and mortal. It shows Him being humiliated and shamed as a criminal. Second, it shows our sin. When we see the cross, we see what we deserve, and that is offensive.
4. Jesus Alone Saves Through the Cross, which we are called to take up- It’s easy for some people to believe in only Jesus and His death for us, but it’s difficult for them to take up the cross. They don’t want to let go of their dreams, possessions, and needs. They don’t want to deny themselves. They don’t want the world to hate them. They want the life of God’s salvation without the death of their old selves. This is offensive.
Because of this gospel truth, the crowds turn away from Jesus. Where are you today? Have you turned away from Christ this week? Or have you turned toward Him and His cross? It’s either one or the other.
New Life, may we turn toward Christ and His cross. May we trust in and cling to His person and work. May we be willing to follow Him, even if it means that we are to take up the cross.
Have a blessed week! M. Koo’s presentation will be this Saturday evening! Hope to see you there! If you plan on attending, please let D. Sam (shiregi@gmail.com) know ASAP! 
See you on Sunday for Lord’s Day Worship!
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
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