#902 9/12/2010

THREE MEN; THREE CROSSES

Luke 23:36-43

INTRODUCTION: We are reminded of the mercy and grace of God which was displayed on Calvary’s hill. Three men were crucified and died on Golgotha. Each was nailed to his cross because of sin. Only one was sinless. A closer look reveals what it meant for them to die and want it means to us today.

I. MAN WHO DIED FOR SIN

A. HIS SACRIFICE FOR SINNERS.

“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12

“For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” Hebrews 9:26

B. HIS SALVATION FOR SINNERS.

“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Cor. 5:21

“For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28

II. MAN WHO DIED TO SIN

A. HIS FAITH IN THE SAVIOR. (v. 42)

B. HIS FORGIVENESS FROM THE SAVIOR. (v. 43)

C. HIS FREEDOM IN THE SAVIOR.

“God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:2-3

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.” Romans 6:6-8

“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:11

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3

C. HIS FUTURE WITH THE SAVIOR. (v. 43)

III. MAN WHO DIED IN SIN

A. HIS FOOLISH DECISION.

One of the thieves continued to rail on Christ. He joined the crowd as they mocked and shouted at Jesus: “He saved others; himself he cannot save.” (Mark 15:31-32) This man could have received Jesus as his Savior. Instead, this man foolishly rejected the Son of God, his only hope to be forgiven and to be saved.

B. HIS FINAL DESTINATION.

This man’s final destination was hell. He has never known a second of relief from his sufferings. His torment will only get worse when he is cast into the lake of fire for all eternity.

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18

Lloyd Ramsey, a lieutenant colonel and Robert Maxwell, a corporal, were with 6 or 8 soldiers in an observation post during a 36 hour siege by the Germans during World War II. Armed with .45-caliber automatic pistols, they struggled to fend off the enemy infantry.

Ramsey called for his men to clear out, lest the Germans overrun them. About that time, a German grenade came over the wall.

Maxwell searched for the grenade, hoping he could find it and heave it back. With precious seconds wasting away, he soon knew he had only one option left. He threw a blanket over the grenade, and dove onto it, smoothing the blast with his body.

The act likely saved the lives of all those around him, including Ramsey. The blast ended Maxwell’s military career, but he earned the Medal of Honor.

Ramsey, now 92, and Maxwell 89, were reunited recently at the Brando Oakes retirement community.

Ramsey, struggling to describe his feelings Saturday as he looked at Maxwell said: “Seeing people like him and the others around. . . there’s no way to explain it.”

“When a man saves your life, you are in his debt forever.”

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the Savior Jesus Christ and why we are indebted to Him. He saved us from sin’s power and punishment.

2. We are reminded of the consequence of rejecting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior. If you have never trusted Christ and acknowledged Him publicly, why not turn from your sins and receive Him by faith right now?