Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and prestige: Be merciful … Continue reading A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
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The Sweet Exchange of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
There is not a better prayer that beautifully speaks of the mysterious, sweet exchange that takes place when we repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Love Lustres at Calvary My Father, Enlarge my heart, warm my affections, open my lips, Supply words that proclaim ‘Love lustres at Calvary.’ There grace removes my burdens … Continue reading The Sweet Exchange of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
Psalm 130:4 sets forth one of the greatest discoveries that we can ever make: “With you (the LORD) there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” According to John Stott, this verse “contains a beautiful balance because its first part brings assurance to the despairing, while its second part sounds a warning to the presumptuous.” How … Continue reading The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
The cross of Jesus Christ was not something that frustrated God’s plan but served as the ultimate fulfillment of His plan. For who was it that ultimately delivered Jesus to die? Not Judas for money, not Pilate for fear, not the Jews for envy, but the Father for love. The Apostle Peter preaching at Pentecost … Continue reading Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
On Good Friday, it is important to meditate on all that is happening at the cross. We especially need to reflect on the mystery of the cross. Here's one practical lesson on the mystery of the cross from the British theologian, Alister McGrath: "Experience cannot be allowed to have the final word--it must be judged … Continue reading Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Psalm 129 sets forth one notable feature of our journey of faith that we’d rather not talk about - suffering. In fact, many religions say that it’s an illusion. For some who profess faith in Christ, it causes them to abandon their journey of faith entirely. Where do we find hope when we suffer? Hear … Continue reading Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Why are we people of the cross?
We cherish the cross of Jesus for many reasons, but one of the fundamental reasons is because of what the cross accomplishes. It saves sinners like us. It reveals the true and living God. It overcomes evil. God's Word paints a vivid, beautiful picture of the salvation we enjoy because of the cross of Jesus … Continue reading Why are we people of the cross?
The Power of the Cross of Jesus Christ
“The cross of Christ is the door to heaven, the key to paradise, the downfall of the devil, the uplifting of mankind, the consolation of our imprisonment, the prize for our freedom. The cross of Christ is… the safeguard of our faith, the assurance of our hope, and the throne of love. It is also … Continue reading The Power of the Cross of Jesus Christ
The Cross Overcomes All the Enemies of Joy
“Here in the cross is where every enemy of joy is overcome: Divine wrath, as he becomes a curse for us; Real guilt, as he becomes forgiveness for us; Lawbreaking, as he becomes righteousness for us; Estrangement from God, as he becomes reconciliation for us; Slavery to Satan, as he becomes redemption for us; Bondage … Continue reading The Cross Overcomes All the Enemies of Joy
The Cradle, The Cross and The Crown
Cradle The cradle of Christmas proves that God is with us - Emmanuel. We are not alone in this world. We are not alone in our guilt, shame and struggle. We are not alone when we walk through the valley of the shadowlands. Cross The cross of Calvary proves that God is for us and … Continue reading The Cradle, The Cross and The Crown