"Dear friends, we should love each other,because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God's child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
If you will look at the cross ...."I love you," is in red.
The blood of the Lamb that was shed on the alter of the Cross ran down its wooden beam, down a hill called Calvary, and down through the years until it reaches us, where it has become a river that is deep enough to wash away all sin. Even if we betrayed those we love, we will be forgiven. That is what Jesus came to do. This is what He still comes to do.
The Dogwood Legend
In Jesus time the dogwood grew to a stately size. It was strong and firm as oak branches interwoven. For the Cross of Christ, the dogwood was chosen. Seeing the distress at the use of this wood, Christ made a promise which still stands today.
"Never again shall the dogwood grow,
large enough to be used so.
It shall slender and twisted be,
with blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As bloodstains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center shall wear a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember me,
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected this tree shall be,
A reminder to all of my agony.
large enough to be used so.
It shall slender and twisted be,
with blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As bloodstains the petals marked in brown
The blossom's center shall wear a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember me,
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected this tree shall be,
A reminder to all of my agony.
The Journey
When you choose to follow Jesus, you
embarked upon a journey - a journey that has high mountain peaks and occasional low valleys. You are on a journey of which the final destination is eternal life with God in Heaven. You are not left alone as you travel. You are following Jesus and He promises not to leave you behind. You also have quite a few travelers alongside of you to help you along, encourage you, and help carry your load.
When you choose to follow Jesus, you
embarked upon a journey - a journey that has high mountain peaks and occasional low valleys. You are on a journey of which the final destination is eternal life with God in Heaven. You are not left alone as you travel. You are following Jesus and He promises not to leave you behind. You also have quite a few travelers alongside of you to help you along, encourage you, and help carry your load." Jesus is our hope, who lives forever to present us as clean and pure before God." (Hebrews 7:12-25)
The Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus showed the penalty for sin was paid. It displayed God's power over death, and the new life He offers. Some say Jesus merely fainted on the cross. Others say the people who saw Him alive later were "hallucinating." But Jesus' enemies and the Romans soldiers who executed Him were satisfied that He was dead. Then after three days, 500 people, as individuals and in groups, morning and evening, indoors and outdoors, over a period of 40 days, saw and touched Him as He walked, ate, and preached. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)
"I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:28)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
God's Free Gift
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:23,24)
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
Sinner's Prayer
Dear God,
I am a sinner, born in a sinful world. I know that you died on the cross for my sins. By your death, burial, and resurrection, you have made a way for me to be saved for my sins and have eternal life. Lord forgive me. Come into my heart. Save me. Create in me a clean heart, and renew in me your righteousness. Lord, I accept you into my heart. I turn away from the sins of the world. Help me continually hear and obey you. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus name, Amen.
