.

Message from the Pastor

"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14

The cross of Christ stands at the heart of the gospel.  In its dark depths we see the terrible cost of our sin joined with the unfathomable love of God.  We see the justice and mercy of God together in one place, held up by blood-stained nails for all the world to see.  We are drawn to this cross by its horror and look up to see God held to it by His love for us.  The cross of Christ changes everything.  Paul said it best, that because of the cross of Christ, “the world is crucified to me, and I unto the world.”

Now, nothing ever can be the same again.  I am moved to tears of sorrow mingled with tears of awe as I see raised up on the hill called Calvary the crucified Christ.  Jesus is a living illustration of the depth of God’s love for me.  When I see this love, I am amazed.  Am I worth so much?  God’s answer is plain.  Yes, Michael, you are worth so much to me.  God’s answer is the same to you.  You are worth this much to Him.

Faced with this love, we feel compelled to respond.  We want to respond.  We long to in some way give something in return in response to this love - not that we could ever give enough, but that we simply want to give something.

This Lent, we are going to examine the cross of Christ.  We are going to look at the seven last words of Christ on the cross, one each week, while reading Arthur Pink’s timeless discussion of these words in “The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross” .  Each week we will study one of the last words:

"Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34

"Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43

"Woman, behold your son: behold your mother." John 19:26-27

"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me." Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

"I thirst." John 19:28

"It is finished." John 19:30

"Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." Luke 23:46

Every Sunday, beginning  February 19^th , you will be able to pick up your copy of that chapter in Arthur Pink’s book, which we will make for you in booklet form.  Then in worship there will be a sermon on the word combined with a short drama.  June Stone is the director for these dramas, and your brothers and sisters in Christ are the actors.  Then on Wednesdays we will study the word for that week in greater depth during the Bible Studies.

It is my prayer that during this season we will take time to stop and consider the wondrous cross and the loving Savior who put Himself on it out of love for you and me.  May God lead us ever deeper into this central mystery of His everlasting love.

I'll see you in Church.

________________________
.
Home, First Presbyterian Church