I love this question because we should daily be asking ourselves if, “We are going deeper with the cross of Christ?” If you claim to be a Christ-follower and miss the significance of the transforming power of the cross in your life, you have totally missed the point.

In the Old Testament, we read account after account of directions the Israelites had to perform in order to make a blood sacrifice for their sins.

These days we have lost the significance of animal sacrifice and too often we get so caught up in our fast-paced life that we forget the impact the cross can have on our lives.

I want to go deeper with God and that can happen as I experience the significance of the cross.

As we remember the true story of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, I am sharing illustrations I have drawn in my journaling Bible as I go deeper in my experience with the cross.

 

Peter Denies Jesus, and Weeps

(Mark 14:66-72)

Have you ever let Jesus down? We can’t be too sure that we will never do what Peter did!

A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept. Mark 14:72

 

Not My Will but God’s

Jesus asked if ‘this cup’ or dying on the cross could be taken from Him but ultimately He desired to do the will of His Father in heaven.

You might be asking God to take away some circumstance that you are facing but I hope Jesus’ sacrifice will help you see how He experienced things just like you do. I hope you will be willing to accept God’s will for your life over an easier path that is out of His will.

And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Mark 14:36

 

They Cried Crucify Him!

It was because of your (and mine) sin that Jesus was crucified!

How much of your life has been spent in ignoring what Christ has done for you? You might have gone to church faithfully each week but it isn’t ‘church going’ that will save you.

What counts is allowing Christ to cleanse you from your sins because of the cross that Jesus died on.

Meditate on the cross and think deeper than you ever have of all that you have done to sin against a holy God. Lay your sins and burdens down at the foot of the cross and imagine how the blood from Jesus’ side is dripping onto all the terrible things that you have done.

When the Israelites stood and watched the priest cut the animal for sacrifice, they stood by and watched as the blood flowed. This was a regular practice that reminded them of the reality of their sin and need for redemption.

Rituals of going through the same routine at church every Sunday can cloud the reality of our need for Jesus and to go deeper in our cross-experience.

So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!” Mark 15:13

Forgiveness of Sins

There has to be forgiveness of sins or you cannot go to live in heaven eternally.

Sin cannot be in heaven.

Many people claim to be a Christian but few are Christ-followers.

Do you act ‘religious’ and attend church? Church-going is good, even if your relationship with Jesus doesn’t run deeper than the surface. You might find Him in church!

BUT . . .

Going to church will NOT get you into heaven!

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14

 

Go Deeper into God’s Love

Love is a word that has so many depths of meaning in the English language.

If you really think about it, love has everything to do with the cross. You could say that love means the cross.

Love means that Christ died for you!

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. I John 4:8

 

He is NOT Here!

Jesus is NOT in the tomb!! He is NOT here!! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6

…Going Deeper with God Printable Pack is a set of four beautiful digital printables for your quiet time. This is a self-directed study for 30 days with verses to help you go deeper in your relationship with God. Read more . . .

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HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

Hallelujah!! Experience the wonder of Jesus and include Him in your worship and celebrations.

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. Mark 16:6

 

The Power of the Cross

O Lord my God, in You I put my trust; Save me from all those who persecute me; And deliver me, Psalm 7:1

God provided salvation from eternal death through His Son Jesus Christ whom we have forgiveness of sins. That is the ultimate deliverance and yet He cares intimately for every single thing we experience and desires to deliver us.

 

The Power of the Cross

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary
Tried by sinful men
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood

This, the pow’r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath
We stand forgiven at the cross

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin
Ev’ry bitter thought
Ev’ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head
Curtain torn in two
Dead are raised to life;
“Finished!” the vict’ry cry

I know many of you love Jesus Journaling but are afraid to jump in!! Take a leap and you will be amazed!!

Has this encouraged you to go deeper with the cross of Christ? I would love to know!