“For I determined to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2: 2)   The street in Jerusalem which led to Jesus’ crucifixion was called Via Dolorosa, Latin meaning, “Way of grief,” “way of sorrow,” “way of suffering,” “painful way.”   Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane prayed, “Abba, Father…take this cup from me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36)   God the Father had no “plan B.”  Jesus, God’s only begotten Son was the only plan to save mankind.  Our atonement was bought with His blood at calvary, by the way of the cross, there was no other way.  Jesus paid an awful price to obtain our salvation and He willingly laid down His life so that we might have eternal life.  Jesus was not held to the cross by nails, He was held to the cross by love - His love for YOU!  If Jesus had come down from the cross there would have been no salvation for mankind - we would be lost in our sins.  Jesus’ example of love was exemplified in how He died, for you and for me!  “There is no health of the soul, no hope of eternal life, save in the cross.” (Thomas Kempis)   Church, we must get back to the “old rugged cross” and what was accomplished at calvary.  “…the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

In His Service,

Pastor Rod