Luke 23 v32-43
3 men condemned to die by crucifixion, a barbaric, humiliating, public slow death invented by the Persians in approx. 300BC.
Criminal 1 dies in sin refused to believe – his choice
Criminal 2 dies to sin because he believed – his choice
Jesus dies for sin once for all – his choice
The cross is the gateway to the Kingdom, opened for ALL people by Jesus.
1 John 2 v2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4 v10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Mark 10 v45 …the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Hebrews 7 v27 He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.
The base of the cross in the earth
The top of the cross pointing to heaven
Arms of the cross stretched to embrace the world
A Toolbox for Small Churches (40 people or less) 