Close To The Cross But Far From The Savior Close

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Close To The Cross But Far From The Savior Close Encounters With Jesus – 2 April 26/27, 2014 Pastor Mark Neal “So close to the surface, but yet so FAR AWAY!” 3 types of people at the scene when Jesus was crucified 1. The RELIGIOUS crowd

“And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ Luke 23:35-38 (ESV)

This crowd: was BLINDED by religion.

2. The SELF-SERVING crowd

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?’” Luke 23:39-40 (ESV) This crowd: wanted their CIRCUMSTANCE changed.

3. The SURRENDERED crowd

“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” Luke 23:42 (ESV) This crowd: came with HUMILITY and SURRENDER.

People miss out on being close to Jesus simply because they are stuck on sacrifice when true spiritual freedom comes from surrender.