Pastor Pusch

(The actual order of service is listed at the end)
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The Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross

The First Word: “Father, forgive them…”

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:33-34)

The Second Word: “…today you will be with me in Paradise.”

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

The Third Word: “…here is your Son.”

“…but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (John 19:25-27)

The Fourth Word: “…why have You forsaken me?”

“And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34)

The Fifth Word: “…I thirst.”

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.” (John 19:28-29)

The Sixth Word: “…It is finished!”

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30)

The Seventh Word: “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.”

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44-46)

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Several has asked me about the Good Friday service we planned at Cofer’s Chapel. Here’s the order of service we used this year.

Order of Service
- Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 53 – Prayer
- O Sacred Head Now Wounded (Special Music)
- Welcome/A Word Concerning Communion/Intro to 7 Last Words
- The  Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross (Scripture/Readings)

• The First Word: Luke 23:33-34
• You Made Us Your Own
• The Second Word: Luke 23:39-43
• I Will Glory in My Redeemer
• The Third Word: John 19:25-27
• The Fourth Word: Mark 15:33-34
• Alas and Did My Savior Bleed (Special Music)
• The Fifth Word: John 19:28
• The Sixth Word: John 19:29-30
• How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
• The Seventh Word: Luke 23:44-46
• The Power of the Cross

- New Testament Reading: John 19 

• Jesus, Thank You 

- Communion Reading : I Corinthians 11:23-29 –

• Receiving of the elements
• SONG: Behold the Lamb (Communion Hymn) (Special Music)

- The Wonderful Cross
- Revelation Song
- Benediction 

Below are notes from Dr. Mike McKinley session on Evangelism at the FORUM12 Conference at FWBBC….

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6 Reasons We Don’t Do Evangelism

1. We don’t know any unbelievers.
- Sadly, some consider it s “christian” virtue to stay away  from unbelievers (so set a part from the world)
- Be intentional. Have a genuine love for them.
- How do we encourage our congregation to build relationships with unbelievers?

2. We don’t realize our role.
- We leave it to the “professional believers” (i.e. pastors, missionaries).
- Who spread the gospel in Acts 8:14 or Romans 8:15?
- Paul wasn’t the “sole spreader” of the gospel. He left behind churches and believers that spread.

3. We have an inability to articulate the Gospel.
- What is the gospel in 60 seconds?
- God – Man – Christ – Response
- We must include evangelism training. What was the identity and mission of Jesus?
- “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…, (1 Peter 3:15)

4. We are Indifferent (Sin/Wrong Priorities).
- We don’t care.
- The answer isn’t a guilt trip enticing those to do evangelism, but simply giving them more of Jesus – He will prompt.

5. We have a fear of man.
- The gospel is “crazy”.
- There is no what to do evangelism without experiencing the shame.
- Read the the book of Acts – Note every time someone shares the gospel and something bad happens to them
- Following Jesus, one must count the cost.
- Fear can’t keep us from….
- “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

6. We have a lack of confidence in the Gospel.
- Do not confuse evangelism with the “fruits” of evangelism.
- Evangelism alone glorifies God.
- Our confidence is in God to give the increase.

4 Suggestions
1. Repent of our sinful attitude/Rejoice in the gospel that frees us to share it.
2. Pray for opportunities
3. Die – “When Christ bids us come, he bids us come and die.” -Bonhoeffer
4. GO – Evangelism doesn’t just happen. (Look, pray, plan).

Yesterday I have the privilege to sit under Dr. Harry Reeder, Pastor of Briarwood Presbyterian Church – Birmingham, AL, during Free Will Baptist Bible College’s Annual Forum12 Conference. Here are some random notes I took during his two lectures…. (It is very probable that you may not fully understand the notes below!)
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Session I
- Your objective, as Pastor, in revitalizing the church is not in the growth of the church (numerically), but the health of the church.
- That same Jesus who went after the one sheep who wandered will go after a whole flock that wanders.
- Do not start with church growth. Begin with the Word of God and fit it into your church context.
- Lord revive thy word – I cannot revive it.
- Lead your congregation to spiritual growth. Revival (as in a planned annual meeting) is not the objective.

3 Fold DNA of a World Shaking Church
1. Spirit Filled
- You can’t do w/o the Holy Spirit
- If you have Christ, you have the power of the Spirit
- Ephesians 1: You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.
- Am I surrendered or self-reliant?
2. Christ Centered
- Consumed with Christ
- He is the center, sum, substance, and circumference
- For me to live is Christ.
- And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood?
- He did much to save you; to set your free to make much of Him.
3. Gospel Driven
- Exalt Christ with the proclamation of the Gospel.
- Faith comes by hearing.
- Evangelism is our confession of Christ.
- The Gospel is our foundation, formation, and motivation.

Why the Gospel is viewed as scandalous
1. Your need for a Savior
2. You can’t save yourself
3. Jesus, the Messiah, was a friend of sinners. So much so, that he died for them in their place.

- Religion doesn’t get you to a relationship. Your relationship will give a religion that’s unparalleled.
- Stop bad mouthing the Church. How would you like it if people were speaking ill of your bride?
- My hope is Jesus.
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Session II
The Gospel – “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

- The Gospel is the first of  everything. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with scriptures, that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures…” (I Corinthians 15:3-4)

- I am saved – I am being saved – I will be saved (Justification, Sanctification, Final Salvation)

- “He breaks the power cancelled sin, He sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me.”

- On the cross we see where we stand and who God is.

- The Gospel is exclusive in that only those who believe will be saved. It’s all inclusive in that its open to everyone who believes”

- You needed Christ, yet you didn’t want Him. Christ didn’t need you, yet you wanted you.

- By grace – God used a coward like Peter; a traitor like Elijah, and a terrorist like Paul. [I know he can use me].

- Preach the Gospel daily to yourself – Stay amazed at God’s Grace.

- No one is so lost they can’t be saved.

- Heaven isn’t for the forgiven, but for the righteous found in Christ.

- “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may KNOW that you have eternal life…” (1 John 5:13)

What you are about to read is a response I wrote concerning the issue of Free Will Baptist unity and service together. This would undoubtedly apply not only to FWBs, but to the universal Body of Christ. I would love to know your thoughts. Feel free to comment below.
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United Together – Humbly Serving

I understand this might seem simplistic, but what our denomination needs—across every sect, state association, district assocation, and local congregation—and certainly what I need, is a strong application of Philippians 2:1-11 and Romans 14.

The Apostle Paul’s exhortation to live in unity and humbly serve with one another indubitably cries out to us as Free Will Baptists. Pride has crippled us at every level. “Selfish ambition” and “conceit” have been barriers to our growth, not just numerically, but in our service to the Kingdom of God.

We all stand guilty. We are guilty in our “sidebar” conversations with others who agree with our positions (right or wrong) that tear down those in opposition. We’re guilty when we, in our private lives and thoughts, tear down those who oppose our views. We’re guilty because we do not consider those who oppose our views as “more significant” than ourselves. We’re guilty when we lose interest in those who oppose us. The call is for unity through humility and our example is Christ alone.

My thoughts take me to Romans 14 where the Apostle Paul calls for unity between the strong and weak. At best, we’ll always have disagreements. We may agree to disagree. But, that’s just what we have to do in order to move forward. I’m not speaking to the fundamentals of the faith, but rather to those issues that are “personal preferences.” It’s those items that would divide the “strong” and the “weak” Christians addressed in Romans 14. In the end, it’s not those things that bind us together, but the fundamentals of the faith. We must endeavor to major on the fundamentals.

I realize there are sects within our denomination that we may consider “weak,” yet they consider themselves as “strong.” That’s ok with me. I can be “weak” for the cause of Christ. I will welcome the “weak” and “walk in love” in order to advance the Kingdom. The Lord will uphold me. And even when the two-way street looks one-way, Philippians 2 and Romans 14 are still my responsibility.

I Need This Too,
Pastor Pusch
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