The Cross

There is one chapter in the Bible that makes me mad. It is Chapter 19. This is the chapter on the crucifixion. Every time I read this story in one of the gospels, it makes me furious. Jesus suffered immensely, mercilessly, and sardonically, at the hands of self-righteous, pompous, religious people. Individuals, who were acting in their self-interest and for their own political advancement, saw Jesus as a threat and they wanted to get rid of him. So they did. The cross was not romantic. It was not a symbol to hang on one’s neck, nor a religious good luck charm. It was hideous, painful, and considered a curse to those who endured it. Reserved for the vilest of criminals, yet there was Jesus, naked, abused, bleeding hanging on a tree; dying, while his companions were hiding and the crowd cheering his demise.

Jesus, knowing all things, sweated blood before his ordeal. It is said that the crucifixion was the cruelest of all executional methods. And Jesus endured it with joy, not because he deserved it, but so we could experience the love God has for us. My sin is what nailed him to the cross. Love is what kept him on that tree. Yet we spurn his love, ignore his plea, and trivialize his suffering, but proudly wear the cross around our neck.

God is calling us to view Good Friday as the day of our redemption. While the injustice of the cross is infuriating, the reason of the cross is exhilarating. Do not be like his companions and hide from Jesus, nor to be like his accusers and falsely charge him with our own crimes. He died so we can live. He bore our sin, so we could have the righteousness that he possessed. The cross, the hideous cross, turns out to be the sweetest of all, as it makes a way for Christ to live in me. (Galatians 2:20)

This Sunday, we will be talking on this chapter preparing our heart for Good Friday. Invite a friend, call a neighbor, bring a family member to be with us online.

Sunday Meeting

We want to make our online experience better for all our viewers. Church is a community, intended for interactive and responsive connection between each other. We have been using Facebook, but it has its limitations. We have launched kcf.online.church for all our attendees. CHECK IT OUT! There you will find a Bible, our schedule, links to our website, a place for prayer, a place to give, a page for interactive comments, growth group questions and more.

It will be easy for you to invite your friends, to share and to be more connected, even if we are virtual.

Please consider using this platform on Sundays at 10:30am, sign in, and enjoy.

Here is the link https://kcf.online.church/

 OR you can simply go to kootenaychristianfellowship.com and click on the live stream option.  Be sure to Sign In so that you can enjoy all the benefits and options on the platform.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

March 25, 2021