“Love’s Supreme Demonstration”
March 21, 2008
Good Friday
where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain!
Ron DiCianni is one of my favorite artists. I took the above photo in an office building in Springfield, Missouri where it is on the wall in a large lobby. It is about ten feet tall and is absolutely stunning. DiCianni artistically places modern subjects in historic settings in his artwork such as the man holding the hammer and nail.
Listen to us share this message on your audio player.“This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross” (Acts 2:23). “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
The Tremont Nail Company in Wareham, Massachusetts, is the oldest continuously operating nail manufacturer in the United States, making nails since the early 1800′s and they’re still stamping them out! When I lived in New England I would periodically drive by the plant and, although they didn’t have plant tours, I recall curiously looking through the windows. The nails they manufacture are not the round kind we typically see, but square. At the little country gift store across the street I bought three of the longest ones I could find. I still have them though I misplaced one. Holding these nails, feeling their coarse surface and recognizing their intended purpose is a vivid illustration reminding us of the price Jesus paid for our redemption.
The nails used in the crucifixion of our Savior were likely iron spikes five to seven inches long. In the daily text the action of nailing our Lord to the cross is taken from the Greek word “prospegnumi.” It appears only once in the entire New Testament and literally means “to impale.” Did you notice that the English word “peg” is in the middle of the Greek word? I have no idea how these nails were fashioned (perhaps they were wood pegs) but I am sure they were very rough. How indescribably horrible this form of death was.
The daily text is a part of Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter boldly asserted to his listeners: “This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.”
Watchman Nee, a Chinese follower of Christ was persecuted for his faith and died in prison in 1972. He was a prolific writer but a single note found under his pillow, after he died, powerfully summarizes the simple essence of his faith: “Christ is the Son of God. He died to atone for men’s sin, and after three days rose again. This is the most important fact in the universe. I die believing in Christ.”
The underlying Greek word that is translated “demonstrate” in Romans 5:8 is “sunistasin” which is in the present indicative active. This connotes a sense that God’s demonstration of love is ever a present event, although Christ’s literal death on the cross was a “once for all” atoning sacrifice; “Christ died for us.” The demonstration of His love is present, but the sacrificial death of Christ is final and complete.
Christ died for the ungodly, for each one of us. Today we especially remember God’s greatest demonstration of love. Earnest believers look back to Christ’s sacrificial death in deepest gratitude and remember the One who died in our place. Christian songwriter, Gordon Jensen, put it this way:
I should have been crucified,
I should have suffered and died,
I should have hung on the cross in disgrace,
But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.
Let us remember the One who was nailed to the cross and His great act of atoning sacrifice on our behalf. Let us live faithfully for the One who died in our place!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Brooksyne’s prayer: Lord Jesus, I will never fully comprehend the depth of Your sacrificial death where we see man at his worst and God at His best. In my place You took my guilt and shame as You became the guilt offering pouring out Your life unto death and taking on my iniquity. You gave all so that I could be forgiven. Though my sins were as scarlet they were washed white as snow, cleansed by the saving blood of the sinless Lamb. You turned my hopeless condition into a life full of hope for this life and glorious anticipation for eternal life beyond the grave. Nothing in all of history will ever compare to the Divine Exchange where my sins were exchanged for Your pardon. I walk in newness of life and in the power of the resurrected Savior. Praise Your name, Lord Jesus! You are risen, You are risen indeed! Amen.
Supplemental Resources
“He Was Nailed to the Cross For Me”
Ernest V. Stoneman and his Dixie Mountaneers This is sure an interesting way to place an old song up on the web! This is especially in honor of Brooksyne’s dad who is now with the Lord. When I showed this to Brooksyne she said, “My dad would love that!” Video“Hallelujah, What A Savior!” (Brooksyne) This is a hymn that was often sung during the Easter season, but I rarely hear it anymore. This arrangement brings the text to life in a whole new way and features a very gifted soloist. You’ll find yourself singing along with the worship leader as you give praise to our wonderful Savior. Audio
“The Wonderful Cross” Audio
“The Old Rugged Cross” (Stephen) This takes me back to the little white church in Harwood Missouri my Grandma and Aunt Zola attended! Video
“At The Cross” Audio
“The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference” (Brooksyne) For those who enjoy the Bill Gaither vocal band you’ll especially appreciate the testimony of Guy Penrod and his solo that follows in this video. Video
“The Power Of The Cross” Audio
“Nothing But The Blood” Audio
“Mighty Is The Power Of The Cross” Audio
“Jesus Paid It All” Audio
“Clinging To The Cross” Audio
“At The Foot Of The Cross” Audio
“I Believe In A Hill Called Mount Calvary” (Stephen) As a young Christian in the seventies I really liked this song and still do! Video
“O Sacred Head Now Wounded” Audio
“It Is Finished” Video
“When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” Audio
“He Chose The Cross” Video
A sad note concerning the abundance of evil: I use search engines to locate these songs on the web using key words. Far too often these key words pointed to materials mocking and blaspheming the Lord. What is it in the evil heart of man that compels him to ridicule the most sacred demonstration of love in the universe? “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3).
“The Sin Of The World”
May 1, 2007
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Tuesday, May 1, 2007
“The Sin Of The World”
In the Old Testament the word “lamb” is used almost exclusively in a literal sense in relation to the sacrificial system of the Law of Moses. In the New Testament the word “lamb” is used almost exclusively to describe Jesus Christ. The one notable exception in the Old Testament is a remarkable prophecy by Isaiah, in which he speaks of the Messiah being “brought as a lamb to the slaughter” (53:7). I believe John had this prophetic statement in mind when, upon seeing Jesus, he declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” It’s interesting that this statement was made before Christ even began his public ministry or had given any teaching regarding His forthcoming death. John seems to be speaking with revelation from God, for indeed the main reason that Christ came to this earth was to take away sin. The greatest concentrated use of the word “lamb” in the Bible is found in the book of Revelation and all but one of them is a reference to Christ as the “Lamb of God.” Today, let us remember this glorious Lamb who was sacrificed once and for all for the sins of this world and let us commit ourselves fully to His cause! Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Lamb of God, I worship You for all You are and thank You for all that You have done. Only You could appease the heart of the Father to bring reconciliation and hope to fallen man. The curse of sin was never done away with until You became the Sacrificial Lamb. Thank You for Your complete obedience and unending compassion. Amen. At times I’ve wondered if John, who was a cousin to Jesus, ever talked with Him about spiritual things during their childhood. Did Jesus tell him when they played together as children, “When I grow up I’m going to die for the sins of the world.” Brooksyne’s Note: Stephen’s experience yesterday as he watched a crippled lamb made me think immediately of a book that remains Ester’s favorite though she is now 18 years old. I’ve read it several times on Christmas Eve to the children in churches we pastored. “The Crippled Lamb” by Max Lucado and his daughters is an endearing story of how a crippled lamb who always felt left out because he was different ended up having a very special role on the night of Christ’s birth.  The Crippled Lamb By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson
Joshua the Lamb is crippled, so the other animals leave him behind in the stable. His tears of loneliness turn to joy, however, when he realizes that because of his difference, he gets to be right there when Jesus is born! From the classic art to the surprise ending, this tender story will help all children see that God has a very special plan for their lives. Today’s suggested music: “O Lamb of God” (mp3 audio) from Willingdon Church in BC Canada. “It Took A Lamb” by Geron Davis (sample audio clip) “It Took a Lamb” (mp3 audio) by Tabor MinistriesSend an email message to Stephen and Brooksyne |
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“Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!”(Click on photo to enlarge)
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“What Happened To Your Hand?”
April 18, 2007
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“What Happened To Your Hand?”
“So the other disciples told him (Thomas), ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it’” (John 20:25).
When our daughter Ester was little, like many children she was intrigued by boo-boo’s and maybe more so due to her many “boo-boo’s” from her frequent heart procedures. If anyone was wearing a band-aid she would ask them what was wrong. This could sometimes be quite embarrassing when she’d approach a total stranger.
She had a shirt she loved to wear with a very special picture on it. It showed a little girl looking up to Jesus, who has His nail-pierced hand stretched out to her. With inquisitive eyes she asked, “What happened to your hand?”
I had Ester wear this shirt when we had a special ministry opportunity in a nursing home and was able to illustrate my sermon by having her going around and greeting each resident and showing them her shirt! Brooksyne thinks we still have that shirt in a childhood sentimental collection!
Indeed, the nail-pierced hands of our Lord are a lasting reminder of the price paid for our redemption. Following the inquiry of Thomas in our daily verse Jesus was quite ready to provide him with this stunning evidence of His death and resurrection.
On another occasion Jesus was recognized following the resurrection when He opened His hands to break bread with two of His disciples (Luke 24:35).
Perhaps we too can become like little children and ask Jesus the age old question that all children ask those they’re closest to; “How much do You love me?” By faith let us see Jesus extend His nail scarred hands far apart, as He did on the cross of Calvary, and hear His tender voice say, “I love You this much!”
Yes, I’m headed for a home built by God alone.
Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!
I am where the only thing that’s been made by man
Are the scars in the hands of Jesus. *
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, we consider the greatest proof of genuine love is when one lays down his life for another. We are grateful recipients of Christ’s substitutionary death for us – the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Thank You for proving Your genuine love as You endured the greatest test of love and presented the greatest gift to humankind – forgiveness for our sins. We’re eternally grateful and by faith we do believe. Amen.
Special note: Today we both have an early meeting and thus this email message is sent out much earlier than usual. We have an opportunity to present our chaplain ministry to a group of business leaders both today and tomorrow.
Virginia Tech follow-up: Yesterday we heard from several readers who had graduated from Virginia Tech and we were reminded of the importance of especially praying for the Christian ministries on campus during this time.
Today’s suggested music:
“Here Is Love” Graham Kendrick (this includes a great introduction.) Listen to audio file
A modern John Deere tractor which special steel treads as is the custom among one of the “Plain” religious groups in our area.
* “The Scars In The Hands Of Jesus” Wilkin, Marijohn © 1974 Buckhorn Music
“The Cure”
April 12, 2007
“The Cure”
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“The Cure”
“God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
I took today’s photo in an office foyer in Springfield, Missouri last year. It is one of four portraits that depict the various works of Christ. Astute Bible students will recognize the Biblical miracle being alluded to. These are original art works by Ron DiCianni and are outstanding to view in their original setting. As I recall they are about six feet wide.
Artwork and signs that convey thought-provoking messages always capture my attention, particularly those that have spiritual significance. I have often referred to these signs in this series and have periodically placed a photo up. I find these brief stimulating messages on church signs, barns, silos and on small road signs as I travel about our region. I passed a church sign that deeply touched my heart that read, “SIN IS THE DISEASE FOR WHICH CHRIST IS THE CURE.” I memorized the saying years ago and continue to rejoice in this simple, yet profound expression of truth.
We are all afflicted with a spiritual disease that is deadly. The Bible says “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In fact the apostle Paul describes our condition before spiritual conversion in Christ as being “dead in transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1).
However most live life oblivious to this disease and its horrible consequences. But we see the effects of sin all around us from the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Sudan, Venezuela and scores of other places to our own personal troubles. Indeed the human race is diseased, but the great message of Scripture in expressing God’s redemptive plan is that there is a cure and the daily verse succinctly expresses this: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, how thankful we are that Jesus, though pure and sinless, chose to be our sin substitute so that we might walk in Your righteousness. Words fail to fully express our thankfulness so we pray that our actions and attitudes will reveal how grateful we are for Your undeserved favor. Amen.
Note from Brooksyne: Speaking of church signs – We traveled to our chaplaincy workplaces yesterday and passed a church sign that read, “Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace.” I thought of how many times I’ve found this short saying to be absolutely true in my life – particularly during those times when I panic first and pray secondly. I’m so glad that peace is just around the corner as I fall to my knees and trust God to work out the troublesome matters before me!
As I considered today’s message many songs come to mind that reflect upon God’s Gift to us. Here are several links to classics that I hope will bless you! These musicians take me back 25 to 30 years ago when I was a new believer.
“There Is A Redeemer” Keith Green (audio)
“To The King” Matthew Ward (audio)
“I See The Lord” Honeytree (audio)
Information about Ron DiCianni Here’s a larger image of today’s art.
“Three Crosses”
April 6, 2007
Good Friday
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“Three Crosses”
“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified Him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left” (Luke 23:33).
Tom and Marsha are long-time friends of ours in northern Pennsylvania who have a single cross overlooking their property. When I get within a distance of their house I begin looking for this spiritual landmark. One of the blessings I have often seen as I travel, particularly in the southern states, are three white crosses placed up on a hill or mountain that can be seen from the highway as a witness to the landowners’ faith. Normally Christians use a single cross as a symbol of their faith but the three crosses also have rich symbolism as a reminder of the three crosses on Mount Calvary.
Jesus hung on the middle cross, vicariously dying for the sins of all mankind. Two criminals, typical of the human race, hung on crosses on each side of Him. These three crosses represent:
The cross of rejection. One criminal represents the masses that to the very end rebel against God and reject His plan of redemption. But rarely is such sneering so openly expressed, and this by a dying man as he hurled insults at Christ. This criminal is merely expressing the viewpoint of so many that reject God’s only remedy for our sin problem; they die in their sins.
The cross of repentance. The other criminal represents those who repent of their sins and place their faith in God. This criminal came to realize that he and the other lawbreaker deserved the death penalty and spoke rather frankly: “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:41). His faith is humbly expressed in these words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Our Lord’s dying words brought eternal hope to the repentant criminal as well as spiritual hope to millions through the centuries, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The cross of redemption. On the middle cross Christ dies once for all time for all people. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). “For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross” (Colossians 1:19,20). Peter, a witness to these things, stated, “For Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust” (1 Peter 3:18a).
This Good Friday let us by faith with thankful hearts accept God’s only solution for our sin problem. Let us faithfully live for the One who died for us.
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Father, thank You for the record in Scripture that makes us more than just curious bystanders during the crucifixion of Your precious Son. Jesus’ recorded conversation with the repentant criminal helps us to see just how immediate redemption for all mankind was being provided through His death on the cross. Though reflecting on this day brings about grief and sadness as we recall the rejection, pain, and suffering Christ underwent and the darkness that fell upon the earth at His final breath. But I’m so glad we don’t have to wait for the rest of the story to unfold. We know the final outcome and the way of salvation Christ made possible for us. Thank you, Father, that You loved the world so much that You gave Your one and only Son, that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
“Good’s Store” is a traditional Lancaster County store. Their receipts prior to today had this God-honoring note on each one: “In remembrance that Christ died for us we will be closed on Good Friday”
Today’s suggested music:
“And Can It Be” is a classic hymn that I have enjoyed ever since my childhood. I found several interesting online audio versions to share.
A male vocalist from the website of Brennan Ross Uthe
An Instrumental piano arrangement from the website of “The Ranch”
A traditional church choir version from Good News and Crossway
“Amazing Love” is a recently written song (we believe in the last ten years or so.) This powerful version features Hiram Joseph, an outstanding Canadian musician Audio Video from Willingdon Church in British Columbia, Canada
An older Bill Gaither song that always touches my heart is “I Believe in a Hill called Mount Calvary.” Here’s a nice audio version from a church in Dallas, Texas.
Today’s final photo has absolutely no relationship to today’s message but it sure brought a smile to me!
I took this photo yesterday at the Strasburg Railroad in eastern Lancaster County. As I drove by they were servicing the “Thomas the Tank” engine and had the steam engine fired up! Here’s a photo with the Thomas face on. For other train lovers like me here’s a neat video.
Let me share two more Strasburg train memory photos prompted by this.
Strasburg Railroad steam engine.
A ride on the Strasburg railroad was the final outing we had with my Mom prior to her death in 2005.
“I Should Have Been Crucified”
April 4, 2007
One of my most treasured gifts is this small piece of art the church I served in New England gave me.
It depicts our role in the crucifixion of Christ.
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“I Should Have Been Crucified”
“Then he (Pilate) released Barabbas to them” (Matthew 27:26).
When I was a young Christian back in the seventies I was blessed by a song with the intriguing title, “I Should Have Been Crucified.” To this day, though I rarely hear the song anymore and am not a singer I can still recall the words. It’s got a great message about the Biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement.*1 But one person in history could have sang it in a very special way, Barabbas, who was released in Christ’s place. He could rightly have said, “I should have been crucified.”
The Scriptures tell us very little about Barabbas and nothing concerning what became of him following his brief appearance in the Gospels as Christ’s substitute. He was a “notorious prisoner” (Matthew 27:16) who had been involved in murder and sedition (Luke 23:19). John 18:40 reports he had taken part in a rebellion. In Roman law he deserved to die.
But he was released at the trial of Jesus, as the crowd clamored, “No, not Him. Give us Barabbas!” (The same crowd cried out “Crucify Him, Crucify Him” concerning Christ.)
I wonder what Barabbas thought when he heard this? Since he was in the city it’s not unreasonable to assume that he witnessed the crucifixion, or at least the events leading up to it.
- What did this man think and feel as he witnessed Christ taking his place?
- What was the rest of his life like?
- Did he eventually turn to the Lord who had become his literal physical substitute on the cross? *2
Heaven will have some interesting stories!
Bible teacher Donald Grey Barnhouse writes these thoughts concerning Barabbas: “He was the only man in the world who could say that Jesus Christ took his physical place. But I can say that Jesus Christ took my spiritual place. For it was I who deserved to die. It was I who deserved that the wrath of God should be poured on me. I deserved the eternal punishment of the lake of fire. He was delivered up for my offenses. He was handed over to judgment because of my sins — Christ was my substitute. He was satisfying the debt of divine justice and holiness. That is why I say that Christianity can be expressed in the three phrases: I deserved hell; Jesus took my hell; there is nothing left for me but His heaven.”
In several ways Barabbas is a type of the redeemed through all the ages.
- We all, like Barabbas, are guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
- We all, like Barabbas, justly deserve death, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
- We all, like Barabbas, are essentially passive as Jesus takes our place. There’s no suggestion that Barabbas had anything at all to do with his release. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
What was done to Jesus should have been done to Barabbas—and to each one of us. We can all rightly declare, “I should have been crucified.” But Jesus God’s Son took our place! That’s the heart of substitutionary atonement. Today, let us live with renewed commitment to this marvelous Saviour!
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for dying in my place on the Cross!
“I should have been crucified” Lyrics Audio
*1 The Biblical doctrine of substitutionary atonement. It’s interesting as I prepared today’s message that the word “substitutionary” is not in the spellchecker in MS WORD. (I really rely on that spellchecker!) For a deeper study on this topic I suggest this article.*2 A very interesting work of fiction concerning Barabbas has been written, as well as made into a movie that conjectures that he did become a Christian.
Note: Today’s message has less than normal input from Brooksyne since she had a school appointment with Ester.
I took this photo of a stunning piece of art hanging in the foyer of an office building in Springfield, Missouri last year.
It has a similar theme as the one above.
“Watch the Lamb!”
April 3, 2007
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A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation.
Home · About Us · Archives · Donate · Podcast · Free email subscription Previous Message · Easy read/print edition Tuesday, April 3, 2007
“Watch the Lamb!” “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross” (Mark 15:21). “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12). In the course of my day I often see livestock either in pastureland or gathered in barns. Yesterday I was visiting a farm where sheep were grazing alongside their lambs. Later in the day I passed a beautiful distant meadow dotted with sheep and lambs. This got me to thinking about the different animals referred to in the Scriptures during the period from Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem to His bodily resurrection. Ponder this time period in the Scriptures and try to make a mental (or even written) list! One animal that comes to mind right away is the lamb, the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed when Christ joined His disciples for the Passover meal. (See Mark 14:12). All through the Scriptures the Passover lamb is a type (symbol) of Christ. In Isaiah’s descriptive prophecy concerning the suffering Messiah he writes in such a way that it seems as though we are bystanders witnessing the horrible slaughter about to take place; “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth” (53:7). When Jesus began his ministry John declared, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). The apostle Paul looked back on the death of Christ and wrote, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Among the proclamations made at the throne of God in heaven is the second daily verse, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Ray Boltz, who is probably best known for his song “Thank You”, has written a powerful ballad titled, “Watch the Lamb” that deals with this subject from the perspective of Simon, who was forced to carry the Cross for Christ. (One of the ministry highlights in the church I pastored in New England was the Sunday our young people shared this song in human video. They did an outstanding job!) “Watch the Lamb” is a song that begins with Simon and his sons entering into Jerusalem on that historical day. As they looked over the crowd that had gathered the father shared with them the spiritually significant background of the Passover celebration and stressed that they were to watch the lamb they’d brought in the city for the sacrifice. The song conjectures that after Simon finished carrying the cross he stayed at Calvary along with his two sons as they witnessed the crucifixion. In the scuffle and confusion of the crowd the boys had lost the lamb and fearfully told their father. But Simon, after witnessing the death of Christ, came to realize that Jesus Christ was the Lamb of God being slain for the sins of the world. He then points their attention toward the crucified One and thoughtfully tells his sons, “Watch the Lamb.” It’s a song that never ceases to move me every time I listen. Do you believe that Jesus is the Lamb slain for your sins? I sure do! Let us together live this day for the glory of the One who died for us on the Cross. Be encouraged today, Stephen & Brooksyne Weber Daily Prayer: Father, though many centuries have passed since Christ hung upon the cross for our sins, we continue to watch the Lamb. Our focus does not change for no human endeavor or invention of man can supply the answer for our sin problem. Our spiritual pardon for sin is found only in the Lamb of God who offered Himself to You, Father, as a single sacrifice for our sins, good for all time. This incredible act of mercy we apply to our hearts and seal to our souls as we yield to Your Spirit who is always at work in our frail bodies. Thank You for the richness of friendship and communion with You as one cleansed and forgiven through the sinless Lamb of God. Amen. Today’s suggested music: “Watch the Lamb” by Ray Boltz (Audio file) We would have liked to share “Lamb of God” by Twila Paris but couldn’t find an online version. “Salvation Belongs to Our God” audio In my search for additional music today I came accross this one titled “Lamb of God” lyrics audio Finally here’s a classic hymn! “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross” (Audio file) (Video) The name “Rufus” is mentioned by Paul in Romans 16 and many Bible students feel this refers to one of Simon’s two boys. 
Lambs feeding in the pasture
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Administration Information “Our family wants to encourage you daily in your walk with Christ!” (Click on photo to enlarge)
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