Over the Lenten Season I preached extensively on the place of the cross in the life of the believer. One reason I went that direction is I see many evangelicals/Pentecostals/Charismatics ignoring the power of the cross and saying, “Jesus isn’t on the cross.”

Of course he’s not on the cross. He’s on the throne. But that doesn’t negate the need to understand the need for the cross in our lives. A post by a very popular Assemblies of God pastor gives a quick run-down on this current sentiment.

One of his comments:

And one of the reasons we walk in weakness is because we cannot imagine the authority of Christ and the authority that is ours in Christ. We cannot imagine because we don’t have a mental image. I think Ephesians 1 is the solution to that problem. Paul paints an amazing portrait of Jesus on the throne.

Well, Paul also had a lot to say about the power of the cross. Try reading 1 Corinthians 1&2. It’s both.

Batterson is probably trying to help people live lives that don’t have excuses. That’s noble. But, weaknesses happen.

The picture I have isn’t Jesus on the cross. It’s an empty cross. But it’s still a powerful symbol.

Another blog I ran across reviewing a book by an Orthodox theologian really hits home as to how I would view the cross and the work of Christ. He is our Victorious One. But it’s the power of the cross in context. It’s not the throne alone. It’s not the cross alone.

And, ironically, Jesus didn’t say, “Take up your thrones and follow me…” did he?