A Message From the Three Crosses — Ajay Chakravarthy — June 16, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message draws lessons from the three crosses of the crucifixion and the story of Jonah to illustrate the conflict between human pride and God's will. The core message is that human pride is incredibly strong, often fighting against God's desire for salvation, requiring deep humbling. Jonah's journey—from fleeing God to being swallowed by a great fish—demonstrates that submission to God's will, even through extreme pressure, leads to release and restoration.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are we stronger than God?The speaker contrasts human pride with God's desire for our salvation, asking whether our pride can successfully fight against God.1 Corinthians 10:22
Jonah's stubborn flight from GodGod told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah stubbornly fled in the opposite direction, enduring a storm and being swallowed by a fish before finally yielding.
Pharaoh's hardened heart and mounting lossesPharaoh repeatedly hardened his heart against God's commands through Moses, losing more and more with each refusal until he finally lost his entire army.Exodus 7:12
Brought very lowWhen God brings us low through difficult circumstances, we face a choice: remain stubborn and prideful, or yield and ask for mercy.Psalm 79:8–9
The sinful woman humbles herself before JesusAn unnamed sinful woman risked humiliation to enter a Pharisee's house, washing Jesus' feet with her tears out of deep love and gratitude for forgiveness.Luke 7:36
Kicking against the goadsGod confronted Saul on the road to Damascus, pointing out that fighting against Him only brings self-inflicted pain.Acts 26:14
The two thieves on the crossBoth thieves initially insulted Jesus, but one experienced a radical change of heart, recognized his own guilt, and asked Jesus to remember him.
Adam and Eve's failure to confessWhen confronted by God in the garden, Adam and Eve blamed others rather than humbling themselves and admitting their sin.
Striving to enter the narrow doorJesus urged people to strive to enter through the narrow door, which pride blocks but humility readily opens.Luke 13:23
Receiving the word in humilityBelievers are called to put away wickedness and receive the implanted word with humility in order to save their souls.James 1:21
