SEMESTER 6
393 – Near the Cross
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY VI (HYMNOLOGY) LESSON # 93
THE DOCTRINES AND EFFECTS OF CHURCH MUSIC – NEAR THE CROSS
Read: Mat. 27:50-56
, Jn. 19:25-27
INTRODUCTION:
1. Here, physical proximity to the cross indicated dedication and attachment to Christ.
2. Neither we nor the song writer have been there. He speaks of nearness in attitude.
3. The idea is that preoccupation with Christ’s crucifixion will direct out life.
4. This is born out in Scripture. Can Christians abandon while meditating on it?
5. Let us pursue this study after the basic thoughts introduced in this great song.
I. KEEPING US NEAR THE CROSS IS THE WORK OF CHRIST
1. I am so prone to wander and cannot keep myself. He must keep me near the cross. “Jesus keep me near.”
2. But as He, dwelling in me, keeps me near the cross all things are different.
3. Religious programs have always tried to improve on this basic, inner control.
III: By societies for motivation, cell groups, ladies quilting fellowships, etc.
4. “Jews seek after a sign, Greeks wisdom, but we preach Christ.” (I Cor. 1:22-23)
5. May the view of the cross and the soul healing stream arrest our thoughts.
II. NEARNESS TO THE CROSS MOTIVATES REPENTANCE
1. The writer recalls himself a trembling soul where love and mercy found him.
2. The preaching of plans and action today effect decision, the cross causes repentance.
III: By the house of Cornelius and Acts 10:39 and 44, compared to Acts 11:18.
3. Today, preaching is designed to bring men to many religious persuasions.
III: By the thousands of seminars, fellowships, schools, etc.
4. But oh, how we need preoccupation with the cross, for it converts.
III: “Oh can it be upon a tree…” “My heart is filled, My soul is thrilled to think…”
III. NEARNESS TO THE CROSS INFLUENCES DEDICATION
1. The cross did something for Peter that all his zeal never was able to do.
2. Before the cross he was occupied with his own zeal and determination. “I am ready.”
3. Afterward (Pentecost) he was occupied with the cross, dedication came naturally.
4. In Romans 12:1 Paul besought us by the mercies of God, which he had described in Romans chapters 8 through 11, to present our bodies.
5. Let your mind be bathed in the work of the cross and think: denial, betrayal, robbery.
IV. IN THE CROSS IS ALL THE HOPE OF HEAVEN
1. Today, most preaching portrays the cross as just the starting gate.
III: By the song, “WOULDN’T TAKE NOTHIN’ FOR MY JOURNEY NOW.”
2. But the cross is not a start or a pointer, it is the whole way to heaven. (Gal. 6:14)
3. He is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Rom. 10:4)
4. I ask you now: What is your hope? Is it the cross, plus what you can or should do?
5. Is the cross just an emblem to you, or that real, terrible place where Jesus paid it all? (I Pet. 2:24)
6. May He now bathe our hearts in the memories and contemplation of the cross!