The cross reveals profound truths about God and humanity:
- God sacrificed his son out of love to save humanity, showing the radical nature of divine love.
- The cross is not a symbol of denial of life, but the true path to finding life through self-giving rather than self-seeking.
- Following Christ requires taking up one's cross daily by losing oneself in service to others, which leads to joy and fruitfulness.
1) The sermon discusses the need for Christians to have total commitment to sharing their faith, using examples like a boy who swam to raise money for charity and a missionary who spent decades in difficult conditions spreading the gospel.
2) It notes that many Christians are not committed to witnessing for Christ, for reasons like fear, lack of power, or not caring about the lost.
3) The pastor urges Christians to pray for boldness from the Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles and have courageous conversations about their faith.
This document contains testimonials from two individuals about their journeys from darkness to finding light in Christ. The first testimony describes a life full of selfishness, sex, drugs and putting things before family, until hitting rock bottom from a divorce and struggling business. This led to finding God's word and promises, which drew the individual to Christ. Christ gave peace, purpose and overcoming what they once were. Now the Holy Spirit guides them to help others.
The second testimony describes a life centered around selfish desires and staying drunk/high to cope. Through treatment and accepting Christ, the individual realized they were believing lies that kept them in bondage. Reading the Bible transformed their thoughts and God began changing them. Now Christ
The sermon discusses five principles for being effective witnesses based on the book of Acts:
1. Pray constantly for opportunities and God's guidance in witnessing.
2. Show love and fellowship within the church community.
3. Serve and meet the needs of those outside the church to build relationships.
4. Live a transformed life that shows the impact of your faith.
5. Tell others the truth about God's salvation through Christ in a straightforward manner.
The goal is to witness within our own circles of influence and "fish our own ponds" to help others find eternal life through Jesus.
Tates Creek Christian Church Current for September 2016tatescreek
This document is the September 2016 newsletter from Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington, KY. It includes articles from various church ministers on the theme of how Jesus changes everything. It promotes upcoming church events in September, including a new sermon series on what it means to be a church member. It also advertises the start of the fall session of the church's Oasis Bible study and community outreach classes. In addition, it provides updates on senior adult ministry activities and encourages involvement in the church's various opportunities for fellowship.
THE CRUCIFIX – A POWERFUL SYMBOL ... EVEN FOR MODERN DAY UNITARIANSDr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document discusses the symbolism and meaning of the crucifix for modern Unitarians. It provides perspectives from various Christian traditions that see the crucifixion of Jesus as representing self-sacrifice and calling believers to follow that example. The document also discusses esoteric interpretations of Jesus' life events as archetypes for spiritual development, and views Jesus as providing a way to be freed from selfishness and reunited with the divine. Overall, the crucifix is presented as a powerful symbol of sacrificial love that still resonates today.
1st weeks teaching is here! This week we saw verses describing what it means to follow Jesus. In this teaching I have merely compiled all of them into one simple presentation. Easy to read and very helpful. Enjoy the lesson!
Three passages help us understand that there is more to being a part of a specific group of Christians than just sitting in the pew once in a while. Paul reminds us that we are joining together, like a marriage. He teaches us to receive one another since Christ has received us. And he makes it clear that keeping company with someone named a brother involves serious responsibilities.
1) The sermon discusses the need for Christians to have total commitment to sharing their faith, using examples like a boy who swam to raise money for charity and a missionary who spent decades in difficult conditions spreading the gospel.
2) It notes that many Christians are not committed to witnessing for Christ, for reasons like fear, lack of power, or not caring about the lost.
3) The pastor urges Christians to pray for boldness from the Holy Spirit to overcome these obstacles and have courageous conversations about their faith.
This document contains testimonials from two individuals about their journeys from darkness to finding light in Christ. The first testimony describes a life full of selfishness, sex, drugs and putting things before family, until hitting rock bottom from a divorce and struggling business. This led to finding God's word and promises, which drew the individual to Christ. Christ gave peace, purpose and overcoming what they once were. Now the Holy Spirit guides them to help others.
The second testimony describes a life centered around selfish desires and staying drunk/high to cope. Through treatment and accepting Christ, the individual realized they were believing lies that kept them in bondage. Reading the Bible transformed their thoughts and God began changing them. Now Christ
The sermon discusses five principles for being effective witnesses based on the book of Acts:
1. Pray constantly for opportunities and God's guidance in witnessing.
2. Show love and fellowship within the church community.
3. Serve and meet the needs of those outside the church to build relationships.
4. Live a transformed life that shows the impact of your faith.
5. Tell others the truth about God's salvation through Christ in a straightforward manner.
The goal is to witness within our own circles of influence and "fish our own ponds" to help others find eternal life through Jesus.
Tates Creek Christian Church Current for September 2016tatescreek
This document is the September 2016 newsletter from Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington, KY. It includes articles from various church ministers on the theme of how Jesus changes everything. It promotes upcoming church events in September, including a new sermon series on what it means to be a church member. It also advertises the start of the fall session of the church's Oasis Bible study and community outreach classes. In addition, it provides updates on senior adult ministry activities and encourages involvement in the church's various opportunities for fellowship.
THE CRUCIFIX – A POWERFUL SYMBOL ... EVEN FOR MODERN DAY UNITARIANSDr Ian Ellis-Jones
This document discusses the symbolism and meaning of the crucifix for modern Unitarians. It provides perspectives from various Christian traditions that see the crucifixion of Jesus as representing self-sacrifice and calling believers to follow that example. The document also discusses esoteric interpretations of Jesus' life events as archetypes for spiritual development, and views Jesus as providing a way to be freed from selfishness and reunited with the divine. Overall, the crucifix is presented as a powerful symbol of sacrificial love that still resonates today.
1st weeks teaching is here! This week we saw verses describing what it means to follow Jesus. In this teaching I have merely compiled all of them into one simple presentation. Easy to read and very helpful. Enjoy the lesson!
Three passages help us understand that there is more to being a part of a specific group of Christians than just sitting in the pew once in a while. Paul reminds us that we are joining together, like a marriage. He teaches us to receive one another since Christ has received us. And he makes it clear that keeping company with someone named a brother involves serious responsibilities.
Let the Peace of Christ Rule Colossians 3:15-17Rick Peterson
This passage summarizes a sermon about closing worship services in different ways among churches and focusing on the importance of letting the peace of Christ and the word of Christ dwell within us. It encourages living according to biblical teachings and being thankful in all circumstances. It shares a story exemplifying gratitude and kindness towards others.
The document discusses what it means to be a Eucharistic woman and a Tabernacle of communion. It states that as Clarist Franciscan Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament, their entire life and mission is centered around the Eucharist. It describes the Eucharistic presence as welcoming, life-giving, transforming, and inducing faith, hope and love. It says that a Eucharistic woman is one whose presence enriches and strengthens others, accepts all people, and reflects the sacrificial love and humility of Christ. To be a Tabernacle of communion means carrying the Eucharistic mysteries within, putting on the mind of Christ through sacrifice and forgiveness, and maintaining unity through respect
A Discussion of the CBCP's Pastoral Exhortation in the Year of the Family and the Eucharist in the Philippines. (For the Formation of Catholic Lay Ministers and Leaders)
The pastor dresses as a beggar to experience how Christians treat outsiders. At a restaurant, a woman tests his biblical knowledge and rejects him for getting the number of commandments wrong. The next Sunday, she discovers he was the new pastor, and the title of his sermon was "The Eleventh Commandment" about loving one another. He explains that love is God's commandment, and that true Christians are known by their love, not rules, and should love others as Christ loved inclusively and sacrificially.
Tates Creek Christian Church Current for April 2015David Eversole
This document is the April 2015 newsletter from Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington, KY. It includes articles from the ministers, information about upcoming events, ministry news, prayer requests, and the church calendar. The articles discuss serving like Jesus by having a heart for helping others. One article talks about how Jesus emptied himself and became a servant, even unto death on a cross, and encourages readers to spend time serving others as Jesus did. The newsletter provides information to members about the church's various programs and ministries.
Part 3 in the series of personal discipleship, Life to Life groups. Learn how to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as you, yourselves, are strengthened in your own walk with God.
1) Christian friendship is a gift from God that binds believers together through trials and adversity.
2) True Christian friends help each other through difficulties, encourage perseverance in faith, and keep each other accountable to spiritual growth and unity.
3) Friendships require investment of time and care, but provide fellowship and strength in numbers against life's challenges until believers are reunited in heaven.
God tells us in the Bible to be part of a church community. The book of Hebrews urges Christians to not neglect meeting together but to encourage and warn one another, especially as Jesus' return draws near. There are also seven practical reasons to be part of a church, such as having opportunities to love and serve others, participate in baptism and communion, and use spiritual gifts to strengthen the community. Ultimately, Christians are called to live in loving community as the body of Christ rather than alone.
The document discusses Catholic social teaching and its call to help those suffering in society. It references the Transfiguration of Jesus and compares discriminated groups in Jesus' time to the Freedom Writers. Mrs. Gruwell and the students are presented as continuing Christ's mission by reaching out to struggling students and bringing them God's love, just as Jesus defended the outcasts of his day.
This document provides context for the book "Let the Bible Speak" by Ali Muhsin. It discusses why the Dammam Islamic Dawah and Guidance Center decided to reprint the book after noticing issues with the original copy. It describes corrections made such as adding missing references and fixing misspellings. The author acknowledges those who helped with the project and influenced his study of Christianity and the Bible. The preface explains the goal is to enlighten both Christians and Muslims about each other's faiths in hopes of fostering unity.
This document discusses Jesus washing his disciples' feet according to the account in John 13:1-17. It provides context about when the event took place, just before the Passover feast. It describes how Jesus, though fully clothed, took off his outer robe and wrapped a towel around himself to wash the disciples' feet. The document explores why Jesus did this as an act of humility and service to demonstrate that his followers should serve and wash one another's feet.
The Forgotten Sacrament: The Sacrament of ReconciliationRobert McCormick
This document provides an overview of the Catholic sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. It discusses how sin separates us from God, the need for confession and forgiveness of sins, and how priests have the authority from Jesus to forgive sins in his name. It also gives examples of mortal and venial sins and encourages preparing well for the sacrament of confession.
SCROLL is a monthly newsletter brought out by MGOCSM Sharjah, intended to give the students something to reflect on, after the meeting. We invite you to be a part of this community and contribute with your time, effort, ideas and prayers.
The document discusses the marks of authentic Christianity according to pastor Ray Stedman. It begins by contrasting authentic Christianity, exemplified by Jesus and Paul, with inauthentic forms that are more concerned with appearances than substance. The author then outlines five unmistakable marks of authentic Christianity according to Paul's letter to the Corinthians: 1) Unquenchable optimism and thankfulness even in trials, 2) Unvarying success in achieving God's goals through struggles, 3) Spreading the knowledge and fragrance of Christ everywhere, 4) Sufficiency coming from God rather than self, and 5) Boldness coming from knowing Christ rather than circumstances. These marks indicate a genuine, life-changing relationship with Christ at
The document presents a diagram to illustrate the differences between how works relate to salvation in Christianity versus other religions. It shows four lines representing: 1) Works equal heaven, 2) Christ's sacrifice plus works equal heaven, 3) Christ's sacrifice equals heaven, 4) Christ's sacrifice equals heaven plus works follow from sincere faith. The key difference is that in Christianity, works do not determine or contribute to salvation, but may follow as a result of salvation through faith in Christ.
This Sunday we hear the familiar Gospel of the woman who was caught in adultery and about to be stoned. Meanwhile the Scribes and the Pharisees, keepers of the Jewish Law, are not very happy with all the attention Jesus is getting, so they a lay trap for him. What does Christ do? Does he focus on the sin or the shame?
The insight to what this Gospel is really all about is broken open by a Jesuit working with the gangs in LA. See what I mean.
This document discusses different types of vocations in the Catholic Church. It begins by defining vocation as a mission God calls a person to do. It then explores how God calls people in various ways, using the examples of St. Paul and St. Matthew. The document outlines vocations such as the priesthood, religious life in orders like Franciscans and Jesuits, marriage, and single life. It emphasizes that every baptized Christian has a vocation to follow Christ and help others become holy. The key is discerning one's calling through prayer, listening to God and the Church, and ultimately responding with a "yes" to God's plan.
This document summarizes some of the main Christian doctrines and then examines them in light of the Bible. It outlines seven key doctrines: 1) the existence of one God, 2) the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 3) Jesus as the second person of the Trinity who was born of a virgin, died on the cross as a sacrifice for sins, and rose from the dead, 4) original sin inherited from Adam, 5) baptism as a rite of acceptance into the church, 6) the Bible as the authoritative word of God, and 7) the division of the Bible into the Old and New Testaments. The document then scrutinizes these doctrines using the Bible to determine their
Global Classroom VUC - Phd-Project so far Winter 2013CharlotteLarke
The document summarizes research from a PhD project studying an innovative video-mediated teaching model called Global Classroom at VUC Storstrøm, an adult education center in Denmark. Key findings include:
1) Students found the model motivating due to flexibility but faced technological and pedagogical issues. Teachers struggled with attention divides, assessing participation, and a lack of innovative teaching models.
2) The transition challenged the organization and teachers, who lacked influence and saw difficulties where project owners did not.
3) Moving forward, developing innovative pedagogical elements through workshops and design research, as well as providing safe spaces for teachers to practice new designs, could help realize new opportunities in Global Class
To believe and the disappearance of the dinosaurskerygmaawards
1. The document discusses the nature of faith and belief from a Christian perspective.
2. It states that believing means accepting truths that the mind does not fully understand and involves trusting in Christ rather than just intellectual beliefs.
3. Several key aspects of faith discussed include it being a fundamental orientation of life, an ongoing conversion process, and requiring both faith and reason working together.
Let the Peace of Christ Rule Colossians 3:15-17Rick Peterson
This passage summarizes a sermon about closing worship services in different ways among churches and focusing on the importance of letting the peace of Christ and the word of Christ dwell within us. It encourages living according to biblical teachings and being thankful in all circumstances. It shares a story exemplifying gratitude and kindness towards others.
The document discusses what it means to be a Eucharistic woman and a Tabernacle of communion. It states that as Clarist Franciscan Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament, their entire life and mission is centered around the Eucharist. It describes the Eucharistic presence as welcoming, life-giving, transforming, and inducing faith, hope and love. It says that a Eucharistic woman is one whose presence enriches and strengthens others, accepts all people, and reflects the sacrificial love and humility of Christ. To be a Tabernacle of communion means carrying the Eucharistic mysteries within, putting on the mind of Christ through sacrifice and forgiveness, and maintaining unity through respect
A Discussion of the CBCP's Pastoral Exhortation in the Year of the Family and the Eucharist in the Philippines. (For the Formation of Catholic Lay Ministers and Leaders)
The pastor dresses as a beggar to experience how Christians treat outsiders. At a restaurant, a woman tests his biblical knowledge and rejects him for getting the number of commandments wrong. The next Sunday, she discovers he was the new pastor, and the title of his sermon was "The Eleventh Commandment" about loving one another. He explains that love is God's commandment, and that true Christians are known by their love, not rules, and should love others as Christ loved inclusively and sacrificially.
Tates Creek Christian Church Current for April 2015David Eversole
This document is the April 2015 newsletter from Tates Creek Christian Church in Lexington, KY. It includes articles from the ministers, information about upcoming events, ministry news, prayer requests, and the church calendar. The articles discuss serving like Jesus by having a heart for helping others. One article talks about how Jesus emptied himself and became a servant, even unto death on a cross, and encourages readers to spend time serving others as Jesus did. The newsletter provides information to members about the church's various programs and ministries.
Part 3 in the series of personal discipleship, Life to Life groups. Learn how to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ as you, yourselves, are strengthened in your own walk with God.
1) Christian friendship is a gift from God that binds believers together through trials and adversity.
2) True Christian friends help each other through difficulties, encourage perseverance in faith, and keep each other accountable to spiritual growth and unity.
3) Friendships require investment of time and care, but provide fellowship and strength in numbers against life's challenges until believers are reunited in heaven.
God tells us in the Bible to be part of a church community. The book of Hebrews urges Christians to not neglect meeting together but to encourage and warn one another, especially as Jesus' return draws near. There are also seven practical reasons to be part of a church, such as having opportunities to love and serve others, participate in baptism and communion, and use spiritual gifts to strengthen the community. Ultimately, Christians are called to live in loving community as the body of Christ rather than alone.
The document discusses Catholic social teaching and its call to help those suffering in society. It references the Transfiguration of Jesus and compares discriminated groups in Jesus' time to the Freedom Writers. Mrs. Gruwell and the students are presented as continuing Christ's mission by reaching out to struggling students and bringing them God's love, just as Jesus defended the outcasts of his day.
This document provides context for the book "Let the Bible Speak" by Ali Muhsin. It discusses why the Dammam Islamic Dawah and Guidance Center decided to reprint the book after noticing issues with the original copy. It describes corrections made such as adding missing references and fixing misspellings. The author acknowledges those who helped with the project and influenced his study of Christianity and the Bible. The preface explains the goal is to enlighten both Christians and Muslims about each other's faiths in hopes of fostering unity.
This document discusses Jesus washing his disciples' feet according to the account in John 13:1-17. It provides context about when the event took place, just before the Passover feast. It describes how Jesus, though fully clothed, took off his outer robe and wrapped a towel around himself to wash the disciples' feet. The document explores why Jesus did this as an act of humility and service to demonstrate that his followers should serve and wash one another's feet.
The Forgotten Sacrament: The Sacrament of ReconciliationRobert McCormick
This document provides an overview of the Catholic sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation from the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. It discusses how sin separates us from God, the need for confession and forgiveness of sins, and how priests have the authority from Jesus to forgive sins in his name. It also gives examples of mortal and venial sins and encourages preparing well for the sacrament of confession.
SCROLL is a monthly newsletter brought out by MGOCSM Sharjah, intended to give the students something to reflect on, after the meeting. We invite you to be a part of this community and contribute with your time, effort, ideas and prayers.
The document discusses the marks of authentic Christianity according to pastor Ray Stedman. It begins by contrasting authentic Christianity, exemplified by Jesus and Paul, with inauthentic forms that are more concerned with appearances than substance. The author then outlines five unmistakable marks of authentic Christianity according to Paul's letter to the Corinthians: 1) Unquenchable optimism and thankfulness even in trials, 2) Unvarying success in achieving God's goals through struggles, 3) Spreading the knowledge and fragrance of Christ everywhere, 4) Sufficiency coming from God rather than self, and 5) Boldness coming from knowing Christ rather than circumstances. These marks indicate a genuine, life-changing relationship with Christ at
The document presents a diagram to illustrate the differences between how works relate to salvation in Christianity versus other religions. It shows four lines representing: 1) Works equal heaven, 2) Christ's sacrifice plus works equal heaven, 3) Christ's sacrifice equals heaven, 4) Christ's sacrifice equals heaven plus works follow from sincere faith. The key difference is that in Christianity, works do not determine or contribute to salvation, but may follow as a result of salvation through faith in Christ.
This Sunday we hear the familiar Gospel of the woman who was caught in adultery and about to be stoned. Meanwhile the Scribes and the Pharisees, keepers of the Jewish Law, are not very happy with all the attention Jesus is getting, so they a lay trap for him. What does Christ do? Does he focus on the sin or the shame?
The insight to what this Gospel is really all about is broken open by a Jesuit working with the gangs in LA. See what I mean.
This document discusses different types of vocations in the Catholic Church. It begins by defining vocation as a mission God calls a person to do. It then explores how God calls people in various ways, using the examples of St. Paul and St. Matthew. The document outlines vocations such as the priesthood, religious life in orders like Franciscans and Jesuits, marriage, and single life. It emphasizes that every baptized Christian has a vocation to follow Christ and help others become holy. The key is discerning one's calling through prayer, listening to God and the Church, and ultimately responding with a "yes" to God's plan.
This document summarizes some of the main Christian doctrines and then examines them in light of the Bible. It outlines seven key doctrines: 1) the existence of one God, 2) the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 3) Jesus as the second person of the Trinity who was born of a virgin, died on the cross as a sacrifice for sins, and rose from the dead, 4) original sin inherited from Adam, 5) baptism as a rite of acceptance into the church, 6) the Bible as the authoritative word of God, and 7) the division of the Bible into the Old and New Testaments. The document then scrutinizes these doctrines using the Bible to determine their
Global Classroom VUC - Phd-Project so far Winter 2013CharlotteLarke
The document summarizes research from a PhD project studying an innovative video-mediated teaching model called Global Classroom at VUC Storstrøm, an adult education center in Denmark. Key findings include:
1) Students found the model motivating due to flexibility but faced technological and pedagogical issues. Teachers struggled with attention divides, assessing participation, and a lack of innovative teaching models.
2) The transition challenged the organization and teachers, who lacked influence and saw difficulties where project owners did not.
3) Moving forward, developing innovative pedagogical elements through workshops and design research, as well as providing safe spaces for teachers to practice new designs, could help realize new opportunities in Global Class
To believe and the disappearance of the dinosaurskerygmaawards
1. The document discusses the nature of faith and belief from a Christian perspective.
2. It states that believing means accepting truths that the mind does not fully understand and involves trusting in Christ rather than just intellectual beliefs.
3. Several key aspects of faith discussed include it being a fundamental orientation of life, an ongoing conversion process, and requiring both faith and reason working together.
God is presented as peculiar in several ways according to the document:
- God became man in Jesus Christ to allow humanity a glimpse of the intimacy within God as a loving relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God humbled himself by taking on human form and washing the feet of his disciples, revealing his nature as a suffering servant.
- God's love is demanding yet tender, drawing humanity to himself through sacrifice while having a heart for those who suffer.
The document discusses what it means to truly live life and choose life. It argues that merely seeking possessions, pleasure, or power leads to emptiness and death, as these become false gods. True life is found by giving oneself to others through love of God and obedience to his commandments. The culture of death promotes selfishness, but Christians should embrace the culture of life by saying "yes" to Christ's gift of eternal life.
1. Benedict XVI responds to questions about God, Christianity, and faith. Regarding how God is described, he says God is neither male nor female but that biblical images use both masculine and feminine attributes to depict God's compassion.
2. On whether we can image God, he says we can consider the image God gave of himself in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of God. While this image does not allow us to represent God's infinity, it shows us God through Christ's life and teachings.
3. In response to why life should not just be easy, enjoyable and pleasant, Benedict acknowledges the temptation to seek happiness through material means but says this is ultimately empty and deceiving. True happiness
Time of promises, critical, alternative and solidarykerygmaawards
1) Benedict XVI seems well-liked by university students, as his speeches often address questions relevant to their lives. Youth is a time of promises and discerning truth from deception.
2) The document provides considerations for youth, separated by asterisks, addressing themes like choosing God, living morally, and proclaiming Christ to others.
3) It emphasizes following Christ fully, being part of his Church, cultivating spiritual life through prayer and scripture, and boldly proclaiming the Gospel despite fear. Youth is a time of generosity.
This sermon discusses three crosses: 1) The cross of Calvary, where Jesus sacrificed himself to show humanity how to live selflessly. 2) The cross of matter, referring to the eternal sacrifice where life limits itself by taking form in the material world to nourish creation. 3) The cross of our own hearts, where we can experience crucifixion by letting go of selfishness and resurrection by living selflessly for others through following Christ's example. All three crosses represent the same principle of selfless love through sacrifice that sustains both humanity and the cosmos.
This document discusses how Jesus will appear with believers in glory. It provides commentary on Colossians 3:4, which states that when Christ appears, believers will also appear with him in glory. The document discusses how Christ is the essence of believers' spiritual life and how they will share in his final manifestation and appearance. It emphasizes that Christ is believers' life now and that they will share in his glory.
This is a study of Jesus as the light of all mankind. This was the case in His pre-incarnate state in eternity. He was already the life and light of the world.
Benedict XVI identifies several challenges facing people today, including overcoming relativism, prioritizing materialism over faith, and presenting a real Jesus rather than an empty figure. Relativism makes it impossible for true education by leaving people with only their own desires as a measure. Materialism replaces spiritual growth with a thirst for wealth and power. An authentic faith requires presenting Jesus as he is in the Gospels rather than a romanticized version.
The document discusses Paul's view that the cross of Jesus Christ is the sole source of glory and boasting for Christians. It provides several reasons for this, including that the cross reveals God's love and justice, secures salvation for believers, and was the means by which Jesus conquered sin and death. The cross represents the ultimate sacrifice that transforms shame into the central symbol of Christianity. For Paul, the cross signifies the death of selfish desires and worldly ambitions, and union with Christ in both suffering and victory.
This document provides an overview of the Pentateuch, which are the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It discusses that these books were originally one scroll and were later divided into five sections. The Pentateuch is also referred to as the Law or the Book of Moses, as Moses is traditionally accepted as the compiler who used ancient records to write these foundational books. The Pentateuch lays the foundation and rationale for the rest of the Bible by revealing the who, what, where, why and when of creation through the Israelites' entry into the Promised Land.
Adapted from a David Baeder sermon https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/1-the-meaning-of-discipleship-david-baeder-sermon-on-discipleship-156854?ref=SermonSeriesDetails
1) The author writes a letter to Christopher Hitchens to discuss Christianity as Hitchens' life comes to an end. 2) The author acknowledges Hitchens' criticisms of Christianity but argues that Hitchens was actually longing for the truth, beauty, and goodness found in Jesus Christ. 3) The letter summarizes the Christian gospel - that humans are sinful but God sent Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died for sins, so that all may have eternal life through faith in Him.
In this talk we move past the grand opening of Hebrews into the guts of the argument; how Jesus is superior to the entire religious system of the law but not only that - how he has totally eclipsed the religious system of law and Moses with the 'system of the resurrection'. All of these grand themes are crystallised in the strange governing theme of 'Melchizedek'. We unpack all of that in this talk - and we also confront the scariest passage in the NT along the way! May this bless you and help transform your minds.
The document is a sermon that discusses Jesus' parable of the tenants from Matthew 21:33-46. It summarizes that Jesus told this parable in response to religious leaders questioning his authority. In the parable, a landowner rents his vineyard to tenants but they mistreat and kill his servants and son who are sent to collect the fruits. The religious leaders recognize Jesus is referring to them rejecting God and his prophets. The sermon examines what it means to daily take up one's cross by surrendering to God's will over one's own plans and ambitions.
Biblical View of Time by Joshua Hawkins.
In order to understand the story of Scripture and read the world from the Bible’s perspective, we must “play the game” on the Bible’s field and follow the Bible’s rules. The Bible’s field could also be called its worldview, or more specifically, its cosmology. This section is an overview.
Is The Trinity Doctrine Divinely Inspiredzakir2012
This document provides background information and context for a book titled "Is the TRINITY DOCTRINE Divinely Inspired?". It includes notes from the author, a dedication, acknowledgements, and a table of contents outlining the chapters of the book. The introduction gives an overview of the author's motivation for writing the book, which was to research the origins of the Trinity doctrine after previously believing in it as a Christian. It notes that the doctrine will be examined objectively using various sources. Special media reports from the UK are presented that show many Anglican bishops rejecting core Christian doctrines like the divinity of Jesus. The section on Christians provides historical context on the early followers of Jesus and how Christianity developed and multiplied into different
The sermon discusses how religious rituals and human efforts are like shadows that point to the reality of Christ. It summarizes:
1) Religious rituals and practices from human religions are "shadows" that lack power for salvation on their own and only find meaning and fulfillment through Christ.
2) Human efforts to achieve salvation through works or accomplishments are also "shadows" that are reduced to nothing in the face of death.
3) Jesus Christ is the ultimate reality and fulfillment of both religious shadows and human efforts. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has overcome death and infused eternal life and meaning. Belief in Christ frees people from living in shadows and brings them into the
Similar to The cross, does it kill or liberates (15)
Shane O'Doherty fue un terrorista del IRA que pasó 14 años en prisión tras ser condenado a 30 cadenas perpetuas. En la cárcel se dio cuenta de su error al estudiar los Derechos Humanos y la Biblia, sintiéndose avergonzado de sus acciones. Decidió pedir perdón públicamente a sus víctimas, aunque muchas no le aceptaron el arrepentimiento. Su experiencia la dejó escrita en un libro, siendo el primer testimonio de un miembro arrepentido del IRA.
El documento presenta varias frases sobre el perdón de diferentes autores. Algunas de las ideas principales son: 1) Perdonar es un acto de valentía y fortaleza que nos permite avanzar y sanar heridas del pasado. 2) Perdonar no significa olvidar lo sucedido ni excusar las acciones, sino asumir la responsabilidad y sentir empatía por el daño causado. 3) El perdón trae paz interior y permite dejar atrás el dolor para enfocarse en el presente y futuro.
Sudáfrica. El perdón como motor de la historia, P. Rivas y J. Marrodánkerygmaawards
El reciente Mundial de Fútbol ha demostrado que Sudáfrica funciona. Hay pobreza, inseguridad, desigualdades y violencia, pero el apartheid que ensom-breció su historia es apenas un recuerdo del pasado. Hace 25 años, con Mandela en la cárcel y una minoría blanca al frente del timón, la guerra civil parecía inevitable. Sin embargo, todo el país emprendió conjuntamente el camino de la reconciliación y logró cambiar el rumbo de los acontecimientos. Lo ocurrido en Sudáfrica revela que algunas utopías aún son posibles.
El perdón y la promesa Ignacio Aréchagakerygmaawards
¿Quién no desea tener una trayectoria coherente? De un modo u otro, aspiramos a
que la peripecia vital componga una biografía -por modesta que sea-, y no hojas
sueltas de calendario. Este deseo choca no sólo con los obstáculos exteriores, sino
con nuestros propios límites: esa continua tensión entre lo que somos, lo que
hemos sido y lo que deberíamos llegar a ser. Lo que ahora vemos como errores
del pasado arrastra la carga de lo irreversible; las metas que nos fijamos para el
futuro llevan el sello de la incertidumbre: ¿Seré capaz? ¿No cambiaré? ¿Seguirá
teniendo sentido ese compromiso?
Karla Faye Tucker, la asesina ejecutada en Tejas el 3 de febrero de 1998, ha causado conmoción en Estados Unidos, donde casi todas las semanas se aplica alguna pena de muerte sin que la gente muestre mucho interés. Pero Tucker reunía varias condiciones especiales: era una mujer, se expresaba bien, se había convertido en ferviente cristiana y todo el país la conocía a través de la televisión. Los comentarios publicados en estos días subrayan que esta ejecución ha hecho pensar a muchos. Pero no es seguro que, pasada la impresión, cambie la opinión pública, mayoritariamente a favor de la pena capital.
El mensaje de juan pablo ii para la jornada mundial de la pazkerygmaawards
El documento resume el mensaje del Papa Juan Pablo II para la Jornada Mundial de la Paz de 2001. El Papa argumenta que la justicia y el perdón son pilares fundamentales para la paz verdadera. Aunque la justicia es importante, el perdón es necesario para curar heridas y restaurar relaciones. El terrorismo ataca esta paz basada en la justicia y el perdón. Ninguna injusticia justifica los ataques terroristas. El perdón requiere valentía moral y conduce a una humanidad más plena.
Discurso que el Santo Padre Benedicto XVIkerygmaawards
Moisés es descrito como un hombre de oración que intercede constantemente ante Dios por el pueblo de Israel. Cuando el pueblo construye un becerro de oro mientras Moisés está en el Monte Sinaí, Dios le dice que destruirá al pueblo. Moisés entonces ora por misericordia, apelando a la fidelidad de Dios hacia los patriarcas y su promesa. Moisés no excusa el pecado del pueblo sino que pide a Dios que sea fiel a su naturaleza misericordiosa. Dios per
Este documento explora el tema del perdón en una sociedad dura. Argumenta que perdonar es un gran acto de amor que requiere renunciar a la venganza y el odio. Explica que el resentimiento y el daño no resuelto pueden hacer que una persona se vuelva amargada, mientras que el perdón purifica y hace más humanos. El perdón verdadero requiere un sentido espiritual profundo y es una señal de madurez y amor.
El documento habla sobre el arte de perdonar. Explica que perdonar significa renunciar a la venganza y querer lo mejor para la otra persona a pesar de todo. También menciona que perdonar es un acto libre que pone fin al círculo vicioso de odio y violencia. Finalmente, señala que perdonar libera tanto al ofensor como al ofendido de los enfados y rencores.
The Kerygma Awards 2012 announces its second international short film contest. [1] Entrants must be ages 17 to 25 and submit a film no longer than 65 seconds for spots or 4 minutes for shorts. [2] Films can be submitted in any language but must include English subtitles and must be sent as an MP4 or MOV file by March 12, 2012. [3] Winners will be chosen by a jury and prizes include $6,000 for first place and $2,000 for second place. [4] Participation means consenting to the contest rules and terms regarding copyright and use of entrant information.
Este documento es una ficha de inscripción para un concurso de vídeos cortos y spots publicitarios. Solicita los
nombres, correos electrónicos y facultades de los participantes, así como el título, sinopsis y formato de su obra. Al
aceptar las condiciones, los participantes ceden los derechos de autor de su obra a la asociación organizadora y
autorizan el uso de sus datos personales para fines promocionales.
Este documento describe las bases del Concurso Internacional de Cortometrajes y spots Kerygma Awards 2012, cuyo tema es el perdón. Se establecen dos categorías (spot de hasta 65 segundos y cortometraje de hasta 4 minutos), fechas límite para la inscripción y envío de trabajos, y premios de hasta 6.000$ para el primer puesto. El jurado valorará los trabajos y anunciará a los ganadores el 15 de abril.
Pope Benedict XVI speaks frequently about the meaning of priesthood. He emphasizes the mysterious and unique union between Christ and the priest, where the priest may use Christ's words with the phrase "I". Recent scandals do not change the essence of the priesthood, which is this close friendship and confidence with Christ. The Pope's words illustrate the priest's mission to not be afraid and know that Christ does not leave them.
The document discusses the Christian sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist. It states that Baptism involves a process of transformation where believers die to their old selves and are reborn through Christ. This transformation is completed through participation in the Eucharist, where believers become part of the Body of Christ. Baptism signifies believers' incorporation into Christ and the community of believers through faith.
The document discusses different perspectives on freedom from various thinkers and texts. It explores freedom as autonomy but also as being in relation to others and truth. True freedom is discussed as not being a will to do whatever one wants, but living within reciprocity and shared standards. Freedom belongs to human nature but can also lead to destruction if not guided by discipline and accountability before God.
Following Jesus means making a choice to orient one's entire life around him. It requires an inner change where one no longer lives for oneself but gives oneself to serving truth and love as embodied in Jesus Christ. To follow Christ is to constantly renew one's thoughts and perspectives to perceive God's presence in the world. It means choosing to love what Jesus loved and shaping one's life around his.
The document discusses how young people seek fulfillment through enjoyment and pleasure without limits. This leaves them empty and prone to deception. True happiness is found through giving life to others rather than trying to seize life. While enjoyment is good, it must be balanced with responsibility and discovering that fulfillment comes from Jesus.
2nd issue of Volume 15. A magazine in urdu language mainly based on spiritual treatment and learning. Many topics on ISLAM, SUFISM, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SELF HELP, PSYCHOLOGY, HEALTH, SPIRITUAL TREATMENT, Ruqya etc.A very useful magazine for everyone.
Trusting God's Providence | Verse: Romans 8: 28-31JL de Belen
Trusting God's Providence.
Providence - God’s active preservation and care over His creation. God is both the Creator and the Sustainer of all things Heb. 1:2-3; Col. 1:17
-God keep His promises.
-God’s general providence is toward all creation
- All things were made through Him
God’s special providence is toward His children.
We may suffer now, but joy can and will come
God can see what we cannot see
The Enchantment and Shadows_ Unveiling the Mysteries of Magic and Black Magic...Phoenix O
This manual will guide you through basic skills and tasks to help you get started with various aspects of Magic. Each section is designed to be easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions.
A Free eBook ~ Valuable LIFE Lessons to Learn ( 5 Sets of Presentations)...OH TEIK BIN
A free eBook comprising 5 sets of PowerPoint presentations of meaningful stories /Inspirational pieces that teach important Dhamma/Life lessons. For reflection and practice to develop the mind to grow in love, compassion and wisdom. The texts are in English and Chinese.
My other free eBooks can be obtained from the following Links:
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/presentations
https://www.slideshare.net/ohteikbin/documents
A375 Example Taste the taste of the Lord, the taste of the Lord The taste of...franktsao4
It seems that current missionary work requires spending a lot of money, preparing a lot of materials, and traveling to far away places, so that it feels like missionary work. But what was the result they brought back? It's just a lot of photos of activities, fun eating, drinking and some playing games. And then we have to do the same thing next year, never ending. The church once mentioned that a certain missionary would go to the field where she used to work before the end of his life. It seemed that if she had not gone, no one would be willing to go. The reason why these missionary work is so difficult is that no one obeys God’s words, and the Bible is not the main content during missionary work, because in the eyes of those who do not obey God’s words, the Bible is just words and cannot be connected with life, so Reading out God's words is boring because it doesn't have any life experience, so it cannot be connected with human life. I will give a few examples in the hope that this situation can be changed. A375
The Vulnerabilities of Individuals Born Under Swati Nakshatra.pdfAstroAnuradha
Individuals born under Swati Nakshatra often exhibit a strong sense of independence and adaptability, yet they may also face vulnerabilities such as indecisiveness and a tendency to be easily swayed by external influences. Their quest for balance and harmony can sometimes lead to inner conflict and a lack of assertiveness. To know more visit: astroanuradha.com
Protector & Destroyer: Agni Dev (The Hindu God of Fire)Exotic India
So let us turn the pages of ancient Indian literature and get to know more about Agni, the mighty purifier of all things, worshipped in Indian culture as a God since the Vedic time.
Heartfulness Magazine - June 2024 (Volume 9, Issue 6)heartfulness
Dear readers,
This month we continue with more inspiring talks from the Global Spirituality Mahotsav that was held from March 14 to 17, 2024, at Kanha Shanti Vanam.
We hear from Daaji on lifestyle and yoga in honor of International Day of Yoga, June 21, 2024. We also hear from Professor Bhavani Rao, Dean at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, on spirituality in action, the Venerable BhikkuSanghasena on how to be an ambassador for compassion, Dr. Tony Nader on the Maharishi Effect, Swami Mukundananda on the crossroads of modernization, Tejinder Kaur Basra on the purpose of work, the Venerable GesheDorjiDamdul on the psychology of peace, the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on how we are all related, and world-renowned violinist KumareshRajagopalan on the uplifting mysteries of music.
Dr. Prasad Veluthanar shares an Ayurvedic perspective on treating autism, Dr. IchakAdizes helps us navigate disagreements at work, Sravan Banda celebrates World Environment Day by sharing some tips on land restoration, and Sara Bubber tells our children another inspiring story and challenges them with some fun facts and riddles.
Happy reading,
The editors
The Hope of Salvation - Jude 1:24-25 - MessageCole Hartman
Jude gives us hope at the end of a dark letter. In a dark world like today, we need the light of Christ to shine brighter and brighter. Jude shows us where to fix our focus so we can be filled with God's goodness and glory. Join us to explore this incredible passage.
Sanatan Vastu | Experience Great Living | Vastu ExpertSanatan Vastu
Santan Vastu Provides Vedic astrology courses & Vastu remedies, If you are searching Vastu for home, Vastu for kitchen, Vastu for house, Vastu for Office & Factory. Best Vastu in Bahadurgarh. Best Vastu in Delhi NCR
Chandra Dev: Unveiling the Mystery of the Moon GodExotic India
Shining brightly in the sky, some days more than others, the Moon in popular culture is a symbol of love, romance, and beauty. The ancient Hindu texts, however, mention the Moon as an intriguing and powerful being, worshiped by sages as Chandra.
The Book of Samuel is a book in the Hebrew Bible, found as two books in the Old Testament. The book is part of the Deuteronomistic history, a series of books that constitute a theological history of the Israelites and that aim to explain God's law for Israel under the guidance of the prophets.
1. 5.The cross, Kills or
releases?
How could you have taken a very serious mismatch between what Christianity is and what it
seems? Perhaps because the world does not understand the Cross. The cross is not denial, but
way to achieve life, liberty, peace, friendship ... and any positive reality. No cross, no human has a
future. No cross, we destroy ourselves, between ourselves and the cosmos.
Yes, because "the world lives by the sacrifice" as any family or friends, who only lives and
everyone will be comfortable only if someone is sacrificed. The cross is the sign of the great
statement, the grain gives life dying. Why look at death, instead of focusing on what is important is
the greatness to be generating a new and higher life?
3. 1.5 WE WANT TO LIVE! WE WANT FREEDOM!
We want great things!
It is not true that young people think about everything in the consumption and pleasure. It is true that is materialistic and selfish.
The opposite is true: young people want great things. They want to stop injustice. They want to overcome the inequalities and
involve everyone in the goods of the earth. They want the freedom to obtain oppressed. They
want big things. They want good things.
For this reason, you are so young-you-are again fully open to Christ. Christ has promised us a comfortable life. Who seeks comfort
with it is the wrong way. He shows us the path that leads to great things, to good, to an authentic human life. When he speaks of
the cross we must bear is not the taste of torment or a petty moralism. Is the impulse of love, beginning with himself, but not self-
seeking, it drives a person in the service of truth, justice and goodness.
Christ shows us God and, thus, the true greatness of man.
34.1 pray with B16
1.5.a
A basic paradox
"How do you choose life?" On reflection, I have come to mind that the great defection of Christianity in the West occurred in the last
hundred years was precisely in the name of choice for life. I think it was said Nietzsche, but also in many others, that Christianity is
a choice against life. It was said that with the cross, with all the Commandments, with all the "no" that he proposes, we close the
door of life, but we want to have the life we choose, we choose, ultimately, by freeing ourselves from life the cross, liberating us
from all these Commandments and all these "no." We have life in abundance, nothing more than life.
Here comes immediately to mind the words of the Gospel for today: "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses
his life for my sake will save it" (Lk 9, 24). This is the paradox that we must consider first and foremost in the choice for life. It is
spewing life for us as we find life, but giving it, not having it or taking it, but giving it. This is the ultimate meaning of the cross, not to
take for themselves, but giving life.
March 2, 2006
1.5.b
The cross is a symbol of life
There was a period, which has not yet been fully overcome, in which Christianity was rejected precisely because of
the cross. The cross speaks of sacrifice, it was said, the cross is a sign of denial of life. Instead, we want the whole
life, without any restrictions or waivers. We want to live, just live. We will not be limited by commands and prohibitions,
we want wealth and fulfillment, so they said and still said.
All this seems convincing and attractive, is the language of the serpent, who tells us: "Be not afraid! Eat quietly all the
trees of the garden! ". But Palm Sunday tells us that the real big "yes" is precisely the cross, that cross is precisely the
true tree of life. We did not find the proper life of her, but donating. Love is giving himself, and so is the way to true life,
symbolized by the cross.
WYD. Rome, Sunday, April 9, 2006.
1.5.c
2.5 The wise logic of the cross
This is the demanding way of the Cross that Jesus points out to all his disciples. On several occasions he said, "If anyone wants to
serve me, let him follow me". There is no alternative for the Christian who wishes to fulfil his vocation. It is the "law" of the Cross,
described with the image of the grain of wheat that dies in order that new life may germinate; it is the "logic" of the Cross, recalled
also in today's Gospel: "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life". "To hate"
one's life is a strong and paradoxical Semitic expression that clearly emphasizes the radical totality which must distinguish those
who follow Christ and, out of love for him, put themselves at the service of their brethren. They lose their life and thus find it. There
is no other way to experience the joy and the true fruitfulness of Love: the way of giving oneself, of self-giving, of losing oneself in
order to find oneself.
Parish of the Holy Face of Jesus in the Magliana. Sunday, March 29, 2009.
2.5.b
The logic of the cross, the only way
This is the demanding way of the cross that Jesus tells all his disciples. On several occasions he said: "If anyone wants to serve
me, follow me." There is no alternative to the Christian who wants to fulfill his vocation. Is the "law" of the cross described with the
image of the grain of wheat that dies to germinate into a new life, is the "logic" of the cross from which speaks to us today's Gospel:
"He who loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life "(Jn 12, 25). "Hate" life itself is a
strong Semitic expression is a paradox, highlights well the whole radical that should characterize those who follow Christ and His
love is at the service of the brothers dies and thus the found. There is no other way to experience the joy and the true fertility of
Love: The Way of giving, surrender, lost to found.
Parish of the Holy Face of Jesus in the Magliana. Sunday, March 29, 2009.
2.5.b
3.5 THE CROSS SAYS MANY TRUTHS
3
4. The Cross - the giving of himself on the part of the Son of God - is the definitive
"sign" par excellence given to us so that we might understand the truth about man and the truth about God: we have all been
created and redeemed by a God who sacrificed his only Son out of love.
This is why the Crucifixion, as I wrote in the Encyclical Deus Caritas Est, "is the culmination of that turning of God against himself in
which he gives himself in order to raise man up and save him. This is love in its most radical form" (n. 12).
Parish of God the Merciful Father. March 26, 2006
3.5.a
The cross is a revelation. But does not reveal anything, but God and man. It tells us how God is and what is man. In
Greek philosophy foreshadows this in a way peculiar to the Platonic image of the just crucified. In his work on Plato
asked the State how they could achieve in this world a man fully and completely fair. He concludes that the justice of a
man is only perfect when he gives the impression that it is unjust to himself, because then it makes it clear that follows
the opinion of men, but that does justice for her sake. Thus, for Plato, misunderstood and persecuted is the real right
in this world. And do not hesitate to write: "You say, then, that in these circumstances will be tortured, flogged,
chained, and then crucify him ..." This text, written four hundred years before Christ, all Christians impressed.
Philosophical thought, with all its seriousness, has shown that just in the full sense of the word, must be crucified.
Here is a glimpse of what the cross is revealed about the man.
Introduction to Christianity, pp. 244-245
3.5.b
But the cross does not just say who the man but who God is. God is such that this gap has been identified with men and judges to
save him. In the abyss of human rejection manifests itself even more endless abyss of divine love. The cross is, therefore, the true
center of revelation, a revelation that tells us nothing unknown, but we reveal who we really are to ourselves before God and put
God in our midst.
Introduction to Christianity, pp. 244-245
3.5.c
4.5 What does it mean the Cross of the Lord?
But what does it mean the Lord's cross then? It is the form taken by that love which man has completely accepted, even in his guilt
and, therefore, even in death, to which it has fallen. It came to be sacrifice in boundless love that load shoulder with men, as the
lost sheep, and leads him back to the Father, through the night of sin. From that moment there is a new kind of suffering is not a
curse, but as love transforms the world.
The Christian God, pp. 55-56
4.5.a
The cross opens the door from one side…
In the old liturgy for Palm Sunday, the priest, arriving in front of the church, would knock loudly with the shaft of the processional
cross on the door that was still closed; thereupon, it would be opened. This was a beautiful image of the mystery of Jesus Christ
himself who, with the wood of his Cross, with the power of his love that is given, knocked from the side of the world at God's door;
on the side of a world that was not able to find access to God.
WYD, Saint Peter´s Square, Sunday, April 1,1 abril 2007.
4.5.b
Yet the man Jesus who was a true man with the same sentiments as ours felt the burden of the trial and bitter sorrow at the tragic
end that awaited him. Precisely since he was God-Man he felt terror even more acutely as he faced the abyss of human sin and all
that is unclean in humanity which he had to carry with him and consume in the fire of his love. He had to carry all this with him and
transform it in his love. "Now is my soul troubled", he confessed. "And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour?" (Jn 12:
27). The temptation to ask: "Save me, do not permit the Cross, give me life!" surfaces. In the distress of his invocation we may
grasp in anticipation the anguished prayer of Gethsemane, when, experiencing the drama of loneliness and fear, he implored the
Father to take from him the cup of the Passion.
Parish of the Holy Face of Jesus in the Magliana. Sunday, March 29, 2009.
4.5.c
…and from another
With his Cross, Jesus opened God's door, the door between God and men. Now it is open. But the Lord also knocks with his Cross
from the other side: he knocks at the door of the world, at the doors of our hearts, so many of which are so frequently closed to
God. And he says to us something like this: if the proof that God gives you of his existence in creation does not succeed in
opening you to him, if the words of Scripture and the Church's message leave you indifferent, then look at me - the God who let
himself suffer for you, who personally suffers with you - and open yourself to me, your Lord and your God.
It is this appeal that we allow to penetrate our hearts at this moment. May the Lord help us to open the door of our hearts, the door
of the world, so that he, the living God, may arrive in his Son in our time, and reach our life. Amen.
4
5. WYD, Saint Peter´s Square, Sunday, April 1, 2007.
4.5.d
The cross is a bridge
There is a bridge between heaven and earth. This bridge is the cross, the love of the Lord has built. The construction of this bridge
goes beyond the possibilities of the technique, the Babylonian had and will have to sink. Only the incarnate love of God could
raise that bridge. Where the sky opens and the angels of God going up and down (Jn. 1, 51), the men begin to understand.
The Easter Road, p. 152
4.5.e
A strange way to 'rise' of all reality
In this light, we also understand the solemn proclamation with which the Gospel passage ends: "and I, when I am lifted up from the
earth, will draw all men to myself" (Jn 12: 32), and likewise the Evangelist's comment: "He said this to show by what death he was
to die" (Jn 12: 33). The Cross: the height loftiness of love is the loftiness of Jesus and he attracts all to these heights.
Parish of the Holy Face of Jesus in the Magliana. Sunday, March 29, 2009.
4.5.f
He descends to this bridge, reaching us, and we can climb up on this bridge of peace to reach him. On this bridge, always together
with him, we too must reach our neighbour, reach the one who needs us. It is in lowering ourselves, together with Christ, that we
rise up to him and up to God. God is Love, and so the descent, the lowering that love demands of us, is at the same time the true
ascent. Exactly in this way, lowering ourselves, coming out of ourselves, we reach the dignity of Jesus Christ, the human being's
true dignity.
Sunday, May 15, 2005.
4.5.g
5.5 No cross, no life, and we make nothing big
The fundamental law: no cross, no life
When we touch the Cross, or rather, when we carry it, we touch the mystery of God, the mystery of Jesus Christ. The mystery that
God so loved the world – us – that he gave his only-begotten Son for us (cf. Jn 3:16). We touch the marvellous mystery of God’s
love, the only genuinely redemptive truth. But we also touch the fundamental law, the constitutive norm of our lives, namely the fact
that without this “yes” to the Cross, without walking in communion with Christ day by day, life cannot succeed. The more we can
make some sacrifice, out of love for the great truth and the great love, out of love for the truth and for God’s love, the greater and
richer life becomes. Anyone who wants to keep his life for himself loses it. Anyone who gives his life – day by day in small acts,
which form part of the great decision – that person finds it. This is the challenging, but also profoundly beautiful and liberating truth
that we wish to enter into, step by step, as the Cross makes its journey across the continents. May the Lord bless this journey.
WYD, Saint Peter´s Square, Sunday, April 5, 2009.
5.5.a
Ocean of evil against ocean of goodness
Why was it necessary to suffer to save the world? It was necessary because there exists in the world an ocean of evil, of injustice,
hatred, and violence, and the many victims of hatred and injustice have the right to see justice done. God cannot ignore the cries of
the suffering who are oppressed by injustice. To forgive is not to ignore, but to transform. God must enter into this world in order to
set against the ocean of injustice a larger ocean of goodness and of love. And this is the event of the Cross: from that moment,
against the ocean of evil, there exists a river that is boundless, and so ever mightier than all the injustices of the world, a river of
goodness, truth, and love. Thus God forgives, coming into the world and transforming it so that there may be a real strength, a river
of goodness wider than all the evil that could ever exist.
So our address to God becomes an address to ourselves: God invites us to join with him, to leave behind the ocean of evil, of
hatred, violence, and selfishness and to make ourselves known, to enter into the river of his love.
Aosta. July 24, 20 09
5.5.b
You know from bitter experience that, in comparison with the sudden, destructive fury of evil, the work of rebuilding is painfully slow
and arduous. Living by the truth takes time, effort and perseverance: it has to begin in our own hearts, in the small daily sacrifices
required if we are to be faithful to God’s law, in the little acts by which we demonstrate that we love our neighbours, all our
neighbours, regardless of race, ethnicity or language, and by our readiness to work with them to build together on foundations that
will endure. Let your parishes become communities where the light of God’s truth and the power of Christ’s reconciling love are not
only celebrated, but proclaimed in concrete works of charity.
5
6. Cimangola, Luanda. Sunday March 22, 2009.
5.5.c
We do welcome brothers
Let us turn our gaze to Christ today, often distracted by superficial and ephemeral earthly interests. Let us pause to
contemplate his cross. The cross is the source of immortal life, is a school of justice and peace, is the universal
patrimony of pardon and mercy, is proof of a permanent and infinite self-giving love that brought God to become man,
vulnerable like us, to die on the cross.
Her arms stuck open for every human being and invite us to approach him with the assurance that we will welcome
and closer in an embrace of infinite tenderness: "When up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (Jn 12, 32).
Through the sorrowful way of the cross, men of all ages, reconciled and redeemed by the blood of Christ, have
become friends of God, Heavenly Father's children. "Friend", and called Jesus to Judas and directs you the latest and
dramatic call to conversion.
"Friend”, He calls each one of us, because He is true friend of all. Unfortunately, men do not always manage to
perceive the depth of this infinite love God has for His creatures. For him there is no difference of race and culture.
Jesus Christ died to free mankind from ignorance of God, the circle of hatred and revenge, from the bondage of sin.
The cross makes us brothers.
Colosseum in Rome. Friday, April 6, 2007
5.5.d
6.5 IS GOD CRUEL BY ALLOWING THE CROSS?
Because of a misunderstood theology, many have received [...] the image of a cruel God who calls the blood of his Son. [...]
However, it is just the opposite: the biblical God does not want human victims. Where it is presented in religious history, stop
human sacrifices. Before Abraham Isaac put his hand on, it prevents the divine mandate: the ram replaced the child. Thus begins
the worship of Yahweh: the sacrifice of the firstborn who asks the ancestral religion of Abraham is relieved by obedience, by faith,
the external substitute, the ram is only an expression of this process more deeply, it is not replaced but access to the essential. For
the God of Israel, human sacrifice is an abomination: Moloch, the god of human sacrifice, is the quintessence of the false god,
which opposes Yahwist faith. Divine service to the God of Israel, not the man's death, but his life. Irenaeus of Lyon coined for this
idea the beautiful formula, 'Gloria Dei vivens homo' living man is the glory of God.
The Christian God, p. 55
6.5.a
St Gregory of Nazianzus once asked himself why God wanted to become a man. The most important and for me the most moving
part of his answer is: "God wanted to realize what obedience means to us and he wanted to measure everything on the basis of his
own suffering, on the invention of his love for us. In this way, he himself can directly know what it is that we feel - what is asked of
us, what indulgence we deserve - calculating our weakness on the basis of his suffering" (Orationes30; Theological Talk IV, 6).
At times we would like to say to Jesus: Lord, your yoke is far from light. Indeed, it is tremendously heavy in this world. But then
looking at the One who bore everything - who tried out on himself obedience, weakness, suffering, all the darkness -, then these
complaints of ours fade. His yoke is that of loving with him. And the more we love him and with him become loving people, the
lighter becomes his seemingly burdensome yoke.Let us pray to him to help us become with him people who are loving, thereby to
increasingly experience how beautiful it is to take up his yoke.
Vatican Basílica, Holy Thursday, April 5, 2007.
6.5.b
7.5 WHY DO WE CROSS ONESELF?
What do we do when we cross oneself?
The prophet shows us is that this king will be a king of peace: he will cause chariots of war and war horses to vanish, he will break
bows and proclaim peace.
This is brought about in Jesus through the sign of the Cross. The Cross is the broken bow, in a certain way, God's new, true
rainbow which connects the heavens and the earth and bridges the abysses between the continents. The new weapon that Jesus
places in our hands is the Cross - a sign of reconciliation, of forgiveness, a sign of love that is stronger than death.
Every time we make the Sign of the Cross we should remember not to confront injustice with other injustice or violence with other
violence: let us remember that we can only overcome evil with good and never by paying evil back with evil.
WYD, SAINT PETER´S SQUARE, SUNDAY, APRIL 9,JMJ, 2006.
7.5.a
Jonah's death according to rabbinical tradition, was a voluntary death for the salvation of Israel, and for that reason was Jonah "a
just perfect." The sign of true Fair, the perfect right, is the voluntary death for the salvation of others. This sign has given us Jesus.
He is the real fair. Your sign is your death. Its symbol is the cross. This will mark the end of time. And is this a sign the world's
opinion, the trial of our lives. Let our lives right now under this sign, day after day, we accept and recognize the sign of Jonah
making the sign of the cross at the beginning and end of our prayers.
The Easter Road, p. 42
6
7. 7.5.b
The cross around the neck
Many of you wear around your neck a chain with a cross. I too wear one, as indeed all the bishops. Not an ornament or a jewel. It is
the precious symbol of our faith, the visible and material sign that we belong to Christ. St. Paul speaks clearly of the cross at the
beginning of his first letter to the Corinthians. In Corinth, lived a community uproar and revolt, exposed to the dangers of corruption
of the surrounding culture. Hazards similar to those we know today. I will not mention anything more than the following: the quarrels
and fights within the community of believers, the seductiveness of pseudo religious or philosophical wisdom, the superficiality of
faith and a dissolute morality. Saint Paul begins his letter by writing: "The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are in
the process of destruction, but for those who are being saved, for us is the power of God" (1 Cor 1.18) . Then the Apostle shows
the opposition between wisdom and folly, in God and as men. Talk about it when he evokes the founding of the Church in Corinth
and purpose of his own preaching. Concludes insisting beauty of wisdom God Christ and after Him, His Apostles teach the world
and Christians. This wisdom, mysterious and hidden (cf. 1 Cor 2.7), has been revealed by the Spirit, because "human level one
does not capture what is proper to the Spirit of God, it sounds crazy, can not perceive it because you can only judge the criteria of
the Spirit "(1 Cor 2.14).
The Spirit opens human intelligence to horizons that surpass it and makes him understand that the only true wisdom is in the
greatness of Christ. For Christians, the Cross signifies God's wisdom and his infinite love revealed in the saving gift of Christ dead
and risen for the life of the world, in particular, for the life of each.
The Spirit of the Liturgy, Christianity Ediciones, Madrid 1978. God and Christianity B16.
7.5.c
This discovery impressive a God became man for love you to respect and venerate the Cruz. Not is only sign your life in God and
your salvation but-lo know-silent witness's sufferings men and while unique expression and precious all hopes.
The Spirit of the Liturgy, Christianity Ediciones, Madrid 1978. God and Christianity B16.
7.5.d
God is a blessing for all creation and all men. The cross, which is his sign in heaven and on earth, had to become, therefore, in the
gesture of blessing itself Christian.
Christianity not moralism. Christianity is the reality of the common history of God and man. In this story that dominates the gift of
God, we learn to act like men.
The Spirit of the Liturgy, Christianity Ediciones, Madrid 1978. God and Christianity B16.
7.5.e
8.5 Ways of our cross
Dear young people, I know that venerating the Cross can sometimes bring mockery and even persecution. Cross-threatening in
some measure of human security, but is also and above all, God's grace and confirms our salvation. This evening, I entrust to the
Cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit will understand its mysteries of love and you will exclaim with Saint Paul: "God forbid that I should
glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (Gal 6.14). Paul
had understood the words of Jesus seemingly paradoxical that it is only by giving ("losing") that one finds life (cf. Mk 8:35, Jn
12.24) and it had drawn the conclusion that Cross expresses the fundamental law of love, the perfect formula for real life. That
some deepening the mystery of the Cross you discover the call to serve Christ unreservedly in the priesthood or religious life.
Notre-dame Cathedral Paris, Friday, September 12, 2008
8.5 A
To follow him
We see that the entire fabric of the message of Jesus is full of tensions, which is a major challenge. There always has to do with
the cross. Who does not want to be left to burn, who is not willing, nor come near Him But we must know precisely where he will
find true goodness, that helps us, and we agree that in addition to harbor good intentions toward us, makes us do well.
God and the world, p. 21
8.5 B
To respond to evil
Following the divine Teacher in docility makes Christians witnesses and apostles of peace. We might say that this inner attitude
also helps us to highlight more clearly what response Christians should give to the violence that is threatening peace in the world.
It should certainly not be revenge, nor hatred nor even flight into a false spiritualism. The response of those who follow Christ is
rather to take the path chosen by the One who, in the face of the evils of his time and of all times, embraced the Cross with
determination, following the longer but more effective path of love.
Following in his footsteps and united to him, we must all strive to oppose evil with good, falsehood with truth and hatred with love.
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8. Basílica de Santa Sabina. Miércoles 1 marzo 2006.
8.5.c
To persevere in adversity
Dear friends, what it mean to build on the rock? Building on the rock means being aware that there will be setbacks. Christ says:
"The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew, and rammed the house ..." (Mt 7, 25). These natural phenomena are not only the
image of the many contradictions of the human condition are also usually predictable. Christ does not promise that building a house
in a downpour will not fall ever, not promises a violent wave not break down what is most dear to us, does not promise that strong
winds are not what we have built drag sometimes at the cost of enormous sacrifices. Christ not only understands the aspiration of
man to a permanent home, but is also fully aware of everything that can ruin the happiness of man. Therefore, you should not
surprise you that contradictions arise, whatever. Do not be discouraged because of them. A building constructed on the rock was
not exempted from the action of the forces of nature, inscribed in the mystery of man. Have built on rock means being certain that
in difficult times there is a positive force in which you can trust.
Krakow-Błonia, Saturday May 27, 2006
8.5.d
And do not be afraid! Even if it means being a “sign of contradiction” (Lk 2:34) in the face of hardened attitudes and a mentality that
sees others as a means to be used, rather than as brothers and sisters to be loved, cherished and helped along the path of
freedom, life and hope.
Cimangola, Luanda. Domingo 22 marzo 2009.
8.5.e
To be in his hands
[...] [...] The cross demands that Jesus put in the hands of my own self, not to destroy it, but that it becomes free and open. The
other in Jesus Christ that I convey his if he really is totally mine. So this approach requires much patience and humility, as the Lord
is patient with us: not a somersault in the heroism that makes holy man, but the humble and patient journey with Jesus, step by
step. Holiness does not consist in risky acts of virtue, but in love with him. So true saints are men fully human and natural, the
human beings who, through the transformation and purification of Easter, comes the light in all its original beauty.
Look to Christ, p. 107
8.5.f
To accept the truth
"Becoming" means: to accept the suffering of the truth. The conversion requires the truth, faith and love will become more
important than our biological life, the welfare, success, prestige and tranquility of our existence, this is not just an abstract way, but
in our reality daily and in the smallest things. In fact, the success, prestige, tranquility and comfort are the false gods that more truth
and prevent true progress in personal and social life. When we accept the primacy of truth, follow the Lord, we carry our cross and
partake in the culture of love, which is the culture of the cross.
The Easter Road, pp. 27-28
8.5.g
To accept the effort
A man who is deprived of all fatigue and transported to the promised land of their dreams lose their authenticity and selfhood. In
fact the man is not saved but through the cross and accepting one's suffering and the suffering of the world, who find their sense of
liberation in the passion of God. Only then will man be free. All other offers at the best prices are bound to fail.
Why am I still a Christian?, P. 109
8.5.h
9.5 The cross is not the last Word
The cross was not a last word of God in Jesus Christ. The tomb is not retained. Resurrected and God speaks to us through the
resurrection. In hell, the rich man begged for Lazarus to his brothers will appear and advise them of his cruel fate: believe, he
thinks, if someone had risen from the dead (Luke 16, 27s). However, Lazarus has come true. Is there and says, this life is not
everything. There is an eternity. [...] The theme of this world has every appearance of an escape from the present. But if this issue
is true, can you overlook?, Can dismiss as consolation?, Is not precisely what gives life seriously, freedom, hope?
The Christian God, p. 54
9.5.A
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