*Volume 67 *No. 8 *Published by Christian Triumph Co. *Permit # 695 * October 2004
Contents: He Bore the Cross: The Story of the Cross Bearer Comfort The King and His Four Wives God’s Perfection Letters from Here and Abroad Poet’s Corner
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He Bore the Cross: The Story of the Cross Bearer by Randy Sackett When we talk about Jesus and His apostles and when we talk about the heroes of the Old and New Testament, the cross bearer is not a character that is typically mentioned. This character is ordinary, normal, nothing too special about him. This ordinary man is Simon and this is the story of the “Cross Bearer”. Simon is in his mid-thirties; early forties. He’s a farmer with all the land and livestock he needs to live the rest of his life. For Simon everything was going great. Simon had been a farmer all his life. Simon was a Jew and as a Jew, it was his responsibility to make a long journey to Jerusalem every year at Passover. Simon was the head of his household. In those days, Jesus hadn’t died for our sins yet. Every Jew had to make a trip to Jerusalem to sacrifice a clean lamb and pray for forgiveness for the family’s sins. The man of the household acted as the priest for the family. This year, Simon was taking the trip, same as always, ordinary old trip. In order to take this trip, Simon would have to prepare a great deal. Simon lived in Cyrene. Cyrene is now known as Al Bayda, a city in Libya,
Africa. His journey was close to 1,500 kilometers 900 miles. In comparison, you would have to travel from here to Aspen, Colorado on foot to equal the trip Simon made. This trip would not be an overnight adventure, and it would take several days. Not only would this be an extremely long and tiring trip, but Simon had to travel under extreme conditions, right through the Sahara Desert. He would have to take plenty of food for himself and, even more amazing, he would have to take a lamb, keep it clean and fed, to sacrifice. This was true dedication on Simon’s part. This showed Simon’s extreme devotion to God. In modern day, we would rather put something “BIG” off than brazenly face it, and we even have the conveniences of cars, trains, boats, and planes. If we look at Mark 15:21 it mentions Simon’s two sons, Alexander and Rufus. This verse states that Simon’s two sons made this long trip with him. That would put their age anywhere between 12 and 16. This would be the longest trip these two boys have ever made. I can imagine that these boys would need a lot of explanation for the long trip they made. Irregardless, they took the trip and they were strong. At that age, you’d have to have a lot of patience to journey on foot with nothing to do but walk and herd animals. They didn’t have the luxury of a “Game Boy” or any of the handheld travel games we have now. Their main purpose would be to watch the lamb to insure that it would not get lost in the crowds when they arrived. Now what about the boys’ curiosity? Did they wonder why they were making this long trip? Well I’m sure they did and they must have asked Simon several times why they were making this long journey. I’m sure Simon would have to explain God made a covenant with Abraham. Continued on Page 5…… COMFORT This is one of the most wonderful words in our vocabulary, “Comfort.” It means to console, reassure, calm or ease. In Isaiah 40: 1-2, God says, “„Comfort, Oh, Comfort my people. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and tell her that her sad days are gone. Her sins are pardoned, and the Lord will
give her twice as many blessings as He gave her punishment before.‟” There is a time that the children of God need to be consoled and reassured. We often hear messages that bring us feelings of guilt and the thoughts of needing to “measure up”. However, few, if any, of us have forgotten that we “have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Most of us remember that without the blood of our precious Lord and Savior, we, too would be straying in this old world; and we would not have the assurance of Heaven as our Home. In Isaiah 40:11, we read, “He (God) will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will carry the lambs in His arms and gently lead the ewes with young.‟” This verse reminds us of the story Jesus told about the Shepherd who left the ninety and nine safely in the fold and went searching for that one who “wandered off”. (Most of us remember that we once were that “one little sheep,” and then, thankfully, we experienced the LOVE of GOD. “May your unfailing LOVE be my comfort.” Psa. 119:75) Even those of us who have known the Lord and then found ourselves outside the will of God remember that without Jesus, we would be lost in a world of sorrow. Our thankfulness and appreciation to God swells up within our hearts in songs of Praise! God is the reason we hope, live, and rejoice in this life. In all of this, God reassures and “comforts” us as we continue to believe in Him. Sins gone! Faith renewed! God brings to us mercy and blessings! Isaiah 40:29, “„He (God) gives power to the tired and worn out, and strength to the weak. Even the youths shall be exhausted, and the young men will all give up. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.‟” Our bodies may grow worn; we may often be sleepy day and night, but our real self (the spirit within) never ages! Our hearts will always find comfort and consolation from our Creator. God will never ever leave us, and His Word will stand firm throughout our lives on this earth and in the realm to come. God calms us with His promises.
God says in Isaiah 41:6, “It is I, the Lord, the First and Last; I alone am He.” Our bodies may change; we may become less independent and less self-sufficient, but God NEVER CHANGES! God will be as strong, as perfect, as caring and comforting as the first day He welcomed us individually into His arms. The Good Shepherd will continue to forgive and then see us through with great Joy into Heaven‟s portals. This day, “be comforted!” Even though this world brings great difficulties into our lives, God is the “same yesterday, today, and forever”. Be reassured that when Jesus paid the penalty for your sins, those sins were forgiven and they stayed that way! They were buried in the “sea of forgetfulness”. Be calm and know that as this life begins to fade, the brightness of Jesus‟ face will shine a new beginning that will bring you more Love than you have ever known in your life. Be consoled! God will take care of you! Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and the God all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” 2 Cor 1:3. Believe, and receive.
The King & His Four Wives
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Christian Triumph Company P.O. Box 5187 905-909 Bluntzer Corpus Christi, Texas 78405 *********************** L.Y. Janes, Founder (deceased); Steve Beletic, President; Israel Hernandez, Vice-President;
Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.
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He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.
Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.
The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!
In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.
Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"
One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone. Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"
And our 1st wife is our Soul; often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.
"No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.
Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.
Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying will you follow me and keep me company?"
Remember that the King you aren’t paying attention to, is the King who gave his life for you.
"No!" replied the 3rd wife "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold. He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"
God’s Perfection
"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.
At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students
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delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.
hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be on the field, grinning from ear to ear as his father waved to him from the stands.
After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again. Now, with two outs and bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base. Shay was scheduled to be the next at-bat. Would the team actually let Shay bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game?
"Everything God does is done with perfection. Yet, my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do. Where is God's plan reflected in my son?" The audience was stilled by the query. The father continued. "I believe," the father answered, "that when God brings a child like Shay into the world, an opportunity to realize the Divine Plan presents itself. And it comes in the way people treat that child."
Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball. However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least be able to make contact. The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed..
Then, he told the following story: Shay and his father had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, "Do you think they will let me play?" Shay's father knew that most boys would not want him on their team. But the father understood that if his son were allowed to play it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging.
The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shay. As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher. The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shay would have been out and that would have ended the game.
Shay's father approached one of the boys on the field and asked if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, "We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning." In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.
Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond reach of the first baseman. Everyone started yelling, "Shay, run to first. Run to first." Never in his life had Shay ever made it to first base. He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled "Run to second, run to second!" By the time Shay was rounding first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman for a tag. But the right fielder understood what the pitcher's intentions had been, so he threw the ball high and far over
At the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the outfield. Although no
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the third baseman's head. Shay ran toward second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases toward home.
expected that this trip would be different than the previous trips Simon had made. As we look further in the story, about the time that Simon reached Jerusalem he noticed something was different. Instead of people milling around, purchasing, sacrificing, selling, the streets were empty and a large crowd was looming ahead. Simon told his two sons to stay back while he looked to see what was happening. As he moved in with the crowd he heard the crowd shouting “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” over and over. At this point Simon tried to get away. Why would anyone wish to be part of this? Simon was unable to escape the mob. There was no way out. As he stood there what might have gone on in his mind? Did he think of his two sons? Did he wonder what was going on? I’m sure he did a little of both. This was the first time his two sons had come with him and they were alone in a big city. As he stood there he noticed the crowd parting, off to the sides of the streets. Simon tried his hardest to peer out, then pushed his way through the people. He then saw a man carrying a cross. This man was begging the crowd for mercy. It wasn’t atypical to see a condemned man carrying his cross but on Passover? Why was this man being crucified on Passover? Passover was a time of sacrifice; a time of forgiveness, not condemnation. In Leviticus 23:7-8 we read, “On the first day, hold the sacred assembly and do no work, for seven days, present an offering made to the Lord by fire. And on the seventh day, hold a sacred assembly and do no work.” Simon knew that on this day, there should be no one working; everyone who was a Jew should be in the temples. As he stood there wondering. the second man started down the road. This man was completely different from the first one. This man was yelling curses at the crowd, throwing insults and even demanding they let him go. The second man is carrying his cross, but it seems as though that isn’t the most important thing on his mind. As he makes his way down the street, Simon notices yet another man. This man has been beaten and is bleeding profusely. Continued on Page 6… …Continued from Page 5 The other two men had not been beaten like this one had.
As Shay reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, "Run to third!" As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams were screaming, "Shay! Run home!" Shay ran home, stepped on home plate and was cheered as the hero, for hitting a "grand slam" and winning the game for his team. "That day," said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, "the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of the Divine Plan into this world."
“Cross Bearer” Continued from Page 1 Genesis 17:4-7 says, “As for me, this is my covenant with you, you will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram. Your name will be Abraham. For I have made you a father of many nations, I will make you very fruitful. I will make nations of you and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you, and your descendants after you, for the generations to come to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” The sacrifice is man asking God to show forgiveness for the sins he has committed. He might continue to tell them the stories of the covenants that others have made and then make the point of this sacrifice. The boys might have asked questions about the small lamb. Why the young lamb and not an older lamb? If we look in Leviticus 1:3 we see, “If the offering is a burnt sacrifice from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect.” Simon would then explain that the lamb had to be spotless and blameless. How can a lamb be blameless? A lamb without any diseases is a blameless lamb. This lamb, this family, never 5
The other two men were not wearing crowns of thorns as this one was. Then Simon heard someone yell, “Crucify Jesus!” Simon had heard about Jesus and his teachings. Slowly, Jesus made his way up the street. With each step, Simon could feel Jesus’ pain; Jesus fell several times. He was exhausted and dying. Jesus came before him, continually struggling with the cross He was bearing. He stumbled and fell. People spit on Him, screamed at Him while the Roman soldiers just stood there. As Simon stared in awe, a Roman soldier pointed his sword at Simon and said, “YOU: CARRY THE CROSS!” Simon looked around, behind and to the sides. He looked at Jesus, lying on the ground. “CARRY HIS CROSS, OR ELSE!” The sword met Simon’s throat and Simon knew the soldier meant him. Was this just coincidence or was this God’s plan? God doesn’t work in coincidences. He has a plan and on that very day His plan was for Simon to be there. His plan was for Simon to bear Jesus’ cross to Golgotha. At this point Simon bent down and picked up the cross from Jesus’ back and proceeded down the road. They made their way to Golgotha. Golgotha, otherwise known as Calvary is the hill where the life-saving sacrifice was made. It was there that Simon was relieved of the cross. Simon stood there and watched as they drove the nails in Jesus’ hands and feet. As he stood there, he saw the Answer to questions asked about the cross. As he watched, his two sons who followed the crowd now stood on both sides of him clinging tight to their father. I can imagine that both children were very upset, possibly crying, afraid after getting lost, afraid of what they were seeing. Slowly, they turned away. A sacrifice was now not necessary. Simon must have known that the prophecies were true. So often God works in mysterious ways. Jesus, beaten and bleeding, was forced to carry His cross up a hill to His place of death, but Jesus didn’t have to carry it alone. God appointed Simon to assist Him! Did Simon know that God intended for him to help Jesus in His last moments before redemption? God has a plan for everyone. God’s plan for Simon began as an annual trip and grew to be Jesus’ relief. Simon literally took up his cross for Jesus. We so often would prefer to wait, put things off, not
face what is right in front of our us and not deal with our problems. Jesus was ready to go when the Pharisees came to get him in Gethsemane. Simon, although hesitant, carried the cross of Jesus. We, however, have trouble even carry the lightest of crosses. There’s a story that goes along with carrying our crosses: The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed, and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. And the Lord replied, " My son, that is the cross you just brought in." Just remember that when life’s problems seem overwhelming, we all must deal with burdens. Jesus, with the aid of Simon, carried His cross to the top of the mount and died for our sins. We are forgiven and we can have help bearing our burdens. No matter what comes our way, look to God for guidance. The only way to get through life is to fully rely on God. If you feel as though you need help carrying YOUR cross, speak to someone with a good Christian faith. The altar is there for your prayers, and God has the power to guide your every day. Remember: The Lord sees you. The Lord hears you. The Lord is ever and always near you. “And call upon ME in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee…” Psalms 50:15
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If you have questions, comments, or need prayer or would like to donate to the Christian Triumph ministry, please send your mail to Christian Triumph, P.O. Box 5187, Corpus Christi, TX, or email christiantriumph@yahoo.com Dear Christian Friends, We are sending (help) to be applied for tracts and Bibles for Africa and India. We would hope we could get in the Muslin countries. Our prayer is for people everywhere to hear the Gospel. We appreciate a place…we can depend on to get the Gospel into all the world. May God richly bless each of you that are working so hard. Yours in Christ, B. Cary
Remember: If you are in need of tracts, tapes, or Bibles (English or Spanish) or you would like to receive Faith Messenger or El Mensajero de Esperanza, please request these evangelistic items free of charge from Christian Triumph company at P.O. Box 5187, Corpus Christi, TX, 78465. I’LL FLY AWAY ANOTHER DAY
God didn’t give me eagle’s wings So I could fly into the sky Above the din of earthly things; But on His wings God will lift me up high, And I will climb up mountains steep, For God has given me two feet.
Greetings: Just a short note…praying for others who have medical and other problems. Say hello to Sister Evelyn. May God be with you all. Yours Truly Brother Raymond
I will not ask God, “Why don’t I Have eagle’s wings with which to fly?” Instead, I’ll wait upon my Lord, Who promised me in His Holy Word On eagle’s wings to give me rest. God’s way, I’ve learned, is always best. A spirit God has given me That can soar higher than the sky; Also, a mind that’s strong and free. With God’s help I will a conqueror be. So, although earthbound, I won’t sigh; For, in my spirit I can fly.
Dear Friends in Christ: I hope the printing press is still going good and getting out the good news to many hungry people for the Word of God, and I also hope all the workers there are doing good in every way. I still appreciate your prayers that I will be used of God. In Christian Love, D. Gentry
Then some day soon I’ll fly away To my new home, where I can stay With God throughout eternity. But until then I’ll contented be. Assured to know God cares for me, I’ll fly away another day. --Byrum C. Lee “I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” --Exodus 19:4 “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” –Isaiah 40.31
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MY REFUGE THE STARS
“I cried out to You, O Lord; I said, „You are my refuge, My potion in the land of the living. Attend to my cry For I am brought very low Deliver me from my persecutors For they are stronger than I Bring my soul out of prison That I may praise Your name; The righteous shall surround me, For You shall deal bountifully with me.”
“Look up into the heavens! Who created all these stars? As a shepherd leads his sheep, Calling each by its pet name, And counts them to see That none are lost or strayed, So God Does with stars and planets!” Isaiah 40:26
Psalms 142:5-7
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