Tag Archives: It’s Friday. But Sunday’s Coming!

The cross is the most recognizable symbol of Christianity. It tells the story of Jesus in one simple, easy to understand picture. The cross represents God’s love, mercy and grace. It reminds us of Jesus’ vicarious sacrifice. And it prompts us to remember our personal need for salvation.

We celebrate the cross. We glamorize it. We even romanticize it. We all know what it means. Yet the cross was used by the Romans as a cruel means of capital punishment. It was a shameful death. A humiliating death. A painful death.

It is also good to remember that on the Friday Jesus was crucified to become our Redeemer there were two other crosses occupied by robbers. Continue reading →

Francis Derek claims there are 272 different names, titles and designations for Jesus in the Bible. I’m not sure I would be that specific! But there are at least over 200. They’re names of Christ in prophesy. Names that have to do with types and symbols. And there are unique names in the New Testament.

Throughout this year we want to consider some of the those names and see the importance of His name. He is Wonderful. He is our Advocate. He is called Christ. But what did Jesus call himself? Continue reading →

Paul Gerhardt, the 17th century German preacher, was also a great composer of hymns,   During the “Thirty Year War” that ravaged central Europe, Gerhardt and his family were forced to flee from their home.

One night as they huddled in a small village inn, homeless and afraid, his wife broke down and cried openly in despair. To comfort her, Gerhardt reminded her of  God’s promises of provision and protection. Then, going out to the garden to be alone, he too broke down and wept.  He had come to his darkest hour. Soon afterward, however, Gerhardt felt the burden lifted and sensed anew the Lord’s presence. Taking his pen, he wrote this hymn:  Continue reading →