Category: Cross

Beast from the Sea, Caesar, Cross, False Prophet, Satan

Seizing God’s Likeness

David R Maas

Satan and the Rulers of this Age exalt themselves and usurp Divine prerogatives in contrast to the true Servant of God, Jesus Christ.

Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the role of the ‘Suffering Servant’ described in the Book of Isaiah. He did not attempt to seize the “likeness of God” as Adam did or exploit his position as God’s Messiah to exercise power over others. His sovereignty is radically different than the governments of this fallen world. Rather than subjugate his subjects or kill his enemies, Christ endured a shameful death on the Imperial Cross for friend and foe alike in obedience to his Father; therefore, God exalted him above all things.

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Cross, Discipleship

Real Power

David R Maas

“They overcame the Dragon by the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and because they loved not their lives unto death.”

Popular preaching claims the Church’s victory will be accomplished by the coming massive outpouring of mighty “signs and wonders” as predicted by today’s prophetic voices. This has become the “Holy Grail” of charismatic churches. Only a super revival characterized by wave after wave of miraculous deeds will equip the church to fulfill its Great Commission.

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Cross, His Resurrection, Last Days

Upon These Last Days

David R Maas

When we hear the term “Last Days” we assume it refers to the final few years of history that will occur just before the return of Jesus “on the clouds of Heaven.” This is logical and natural. However, the New Testament presents the present age as the time of fulfillment, the period that began following the death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus.

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Cross, His Reign, Lamb

The Shepherd King

David R Maas

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is called the “Faithful Witness” and the “Ruler of the Kings of the Earth.” The two designations are inextricably linked. The first title establishes HOW he obtained the second and qualified for sovereignty over the Earth. It was by his sacrificial death that he made the saints into a “Kingdom of Priests,” and because of his redemptive act for them, God exalted him to reign over all things as the “Lamb.”

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Mountain trail - Photo by Fabien Wl on Unsplash
Cross, Discipleship

MEANING OF DISCIPLESHIP

David R Maas

To be his disciple means to pursue self-sacrificial service for others, and especially so to the weak and insignificant.

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus explained to the disciples what it meant to be the Messiah, and not for the first time, for in the city of David, he would face his final confrontation with the Temple authorities and death at the hands of the Romans. Was not that city the appointed place where the prophets were killed, and the Messiah himself must suffer rejection and death?

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