"The heavens declare the glory of God." (Psalm 19:1) These words have rung like a bell in my mind throughout my life. At times, they have almost defined my purpose and mission in life. I have stood on the standard of the universe being created by a loving, merciful, caring God. I have lost points on exams because of it. I have lost friends because they chose not to associate with a creationist. I have lost my reputation (whatever small amount that I had) as an intelligent person because I stood for a young universe created by the God of the Bible. Yet, at the times I feel under pressure to succumb to pressure or to just allow it to go without notice, I must come back...you see, it's about God's glory, not my reputation.
Just today, I had an epiphany. What if the glory that God is speaking of is more than simply creation, but is more... much more? The glory of God is not only that He is Creator, but He is also Redeemer. The two are actually inseparable. His creation, man, was predestined for redemption through the lamb slain before the foundations of the world (Rev. 13:8). While I don't pretend to understand all that entails, I do know these two understandings of God are completely linked. One cannot stand without the other.
David sings to us in Psalm 21:5 that glory and salvation were joined one thousand years before Jesus entered human history:
His glory is great in thy salvation: honor and majesty hast thou laid upon him. (KJV)
David is the same musician that told us of the glory of God seen in the heavens. Yes, for you Hebrew scholars, it is the same Hebrew word. This too was a prophecy of the Messiah who would be born from his lineage through the virgin in his own home town of Bethlehem. You see why it is termed as "glory"?
Now we come to the center of the universe. Long ago, in a galaxy far, far away God created a black hole.
The nucleus of the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51). The Cross marks the location of the black hole at the center of the galaxy. The Cross is formed by two dust rings. Bright ionization cones can be seen extending perpindicular to the largest dust ring. (NASA photo)
At the center of the universe as we know it is a galaxy. M51 has been demonstrating the glory of God since the beginning of creation. And what is His glory? The Cross!
It is the Cross that is the ultimate demonstration of the glory of God. That is why the word of God challenges us to be completely absorbed, distracted, and obessed with the Cross of Christ. It is why I will always glory in the Cross (Galatians 6:14). It is the center of this universe; it is the center of my universe. It is is the Cross that made my way to God clear through salvation. As clear as the universe can be for all who will only look at any clear night sky.
Pastor Trey Rhodes
For Exciting and Powerful Messages on the Cross, listen to the newest Church Online series, The Cross Is Enough. It will forever impact your understanding of the Cross.
Candlelight Service - THIS Sunday Night, March 24, 2013 join us at 7 p.m. as we act out the Last Supper and participate in this traditional and simple service that will prepare you to seek the Lord whole-heartedly. 
Next Sunday Is Easter. Christ Is Risen! - Nearly 80% of the USA go to church on Easter Sunday. Be sure and invite people to our exciting Easter Sunday service. Easter is early this year... Sunday, March 31st.
Men's Morning Briefing - Continues Tuesday, March 26. Wish you all could have been there with Oceanside's men this past Tuesday at Troubadours Coffee in Mount Pleasant. It was a powerful and encouraging time. We meet to encourage, pray, discuss the Bible, and get our briefing on. We truly heard from God. See you at 7:00 a.m. this Tuesday morning. We'll be instructing you how to get your morning briefing on... EVERY DAY!
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