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Slaughtered Lamb from "Jesus for President" by Claiborne and Haw

True symbol of new life

March 15, 2011 by brianmichaelsteck Leave a Comment

For a while I’ve had this thought that the symbol of the cross, while central to history and our salvation, has been mired and muddied by rap stars, movie stars, basketball players and “religious” persons who don’t know the first thing about love. This is due to a lack of proper teaching in reference to the cross. The cross is a symbol of victory; of the God of the universe, humbled next to thieves, bearing our deserved punishment because we couldn’t. The cross of Christ is precious and holy and absolutely necessary. Yet, we see it now through glazed-over eyes, if we even see it at all.

Slaughtered Lamb from "Jesus for President" by Claiborne and HawA year or so ago, I was reading “Jesus for President” by Shaine Claiborne and Chris Haw. They help restore of view of Christ as our valiant King who came as a sacrificial lamb.

As we remind ourselves about what Christ actually did, I try to take in the fact that the rightful King of creation was murdered in such a humble way. I’m sobered and humbled by that. But the story didn’t and doesn’t end there.

The cross in that day was the equivalent of the electric chair in ours. A despised and horrid vehicle of death. I think it’s crazy and worrisome that we wear them so casually–and we should remind ourselves of the cross. But I suppose that we continue reminding ourselves of His story.

For me, the empty tomb is what captures the essence of Christ’s power and resurrection. Many thousands were crucified; but they stayed dead. On the third day, our Lord conquered the grave.

I write this to remind you of the gospel of truth. Our savior died for us, was victor over death and is coming back. Turn your heart to Jesus and let Him heal your wounds and stand as substitute for your rebellious heart.

Filed Under: Church Philosophy

A Healthy Desperation

March 4, 2011 by brianmichaelsteck Leave a Comment

If a man have only correct doctrine to offer me I am sure to slip out at the first intermission to seek the company of someone who has seen‎ for himself how lovely is the face of Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valleys. Such a man can help me, and no one else can.

A.W. Tozer, The Divine Conquest

I am increasingly solidifying my conviction that there is a desperate and profound need to be filled with the Spirit and to know the Lord with absolute sincerity and truth. Our heartbeat and bare existence is rather meaningless and false if we do not know our maker. Very little worth at all.

Knowing about Him is of fleeting value as well, for many have come and gone that could recite volumes of information, but have not known Him as savior, lover, servant and King. If I lead worship or receive teaching that is not inspired by the Holy Spirit, I am as a man beating the air.

Seek Him today. Simply. Sincerely.

Filed Under: Worship

Arise, My Soul, Arise!

March 2, 2011 by brianmichaelsteck Leave a Comment

This morning I almost missed this beautiful hymn, and on second thought, went back through to let it soak in. I’m so glad I did. Don’t read this if you’re rushing about.

Arise, My Soul, Arise!
By Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Arise, my soul arise;
Shake off they guilty fears;
The bleeding Sacrifice
In my behalf appears.
Before the throne my Surety stands,
Before the throne my Surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above,
For me to intercede;
His all redeeming love,
His precious blood, to plead.
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears,
Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers;
They strongly plead for me.
“Forgive him, oh, forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, oh, forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray,
His dear Anointed One;
He cannot turn away,
The presence of His Son.
His Spirit answers to the Blood,
His Spirit answers to the Blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled;
His pard’ning voice I hear.
He owns me for His child;
I can no longer fear.
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And, “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

Filed Under: Worship Tagged With: Arise, Charles Wesley, Christ as Emissary, Hymns, My Soul, Worship

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