Message by Dr. David Drake
I was to preach this morning at the Cross Road Christian Fellowship and continue our series: “Every Member A Minister.” The weather and the traveling conditions around our county determined that we would not corporately meet at our worship site, but that we should spend some time at some point in our day to worship and fellowship with the Father, whether individually or as couples …etc. Maybe you are in for the day as well. The material below would have been shared at our worship time at CRCF, but in the wake of the present circumstances, allow me to assist any of you as to what we would have studied today in Every Member A Minister … part # 3 …
Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Minister
Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”
40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
41 “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”
43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”
Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
Jim Elliot was killed by tribal Indians as he shared his faith and love for them and for his Savior. In some ways, Jim Elliot was an example of the ultimate servant as he gave his life serving others.
It is amazing that at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He remained on mission … loving others to His Father. This gruesome scene at the cross of Calvary finds the ultimate servant serving to the end. But isn’t that just like Jesus?
I. NOTICE THE LIFE OF JESUS …
1. He Lived In Submission … Luke 2:49 / Luke 19:10
2. He Lived In Obedience … Philippians 2:8
3. He Lived By Faith … John 8:29 / Hebrews 11:6
II. NOTICE THE EXPRESSIONS OF JESUS … Luke 23:43
1. He Expressed Love … His words were words of love because He desired to be “RELATED” to this man
2. He Expressed Truth … His words were words of truth because He desired to be “REAL” to this man
3. He Expressed Power … His words were powerful words because He desired to be the “REDEEMER” of this man
And finally … NOTICE THE PURPOSE OF JESUS
1. His Life Was Given … COMPLETELY … Philippians 2:7-8
2. His Life Was Given … SACRIFICIALLY … Matthew 20:26-28
3. His Life Was Given For The Sake Of ETERNITY … Luke 19:10
“A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransome of the world. It was a perfect act.” – Mahatma Gandhi speaking of Jesus Christ
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” – C.T. Studd
An old gospel song we used to sing would be a fitting challenge for each of us. “Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus … Anywhere, everywhere, I will follow Him. Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus … Anywhere He leads me I will follow on!”
Why heed this challenge?
Because Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Minister and He is our example and worthy to be followed.