Is the cross a sign of God's wrath or God's love. You can use scripture to support both approaches. I was, as many of us were, raised on the concept that goes like this...
you were bad
God is mad
he wants revenge
he wants justice
he wants to hurt someone to make it even
Jesus took our place
God slaughtered him
Now God's anger is appeased
we are still bad but God is over it.
[gosh when I write it out like that it sounds so wrong...]
This line of thinking, taught by many churches and pastors sure makes God sound like a small, petty human.
Imagine what would happen to us if we chose to take revenge every time that someone wronged us? We would all eventually end up in jail. Our momma's taught us better, but for some reason we find it acceptable to think that God is punitive, small and retributive.
What if the cross is really a sign of God's love? God so loved the world. What if this act of sending Jesus is not punitive, but is the largest, most amazing gift that anyone could give? What if God is giving a part of himself to reach us? What if he loves you so much that he went this far to show it? What if salvation is simply seeing the love, accepting it and following it?
That is a big beautiful God with a big amazing heart. I love that God.
It's a beautiful day in God's world be sure to see the good.
Send replies to jsbrink57@gmail.com
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I am leading some trips this year and next. If you are interested in reading about them, or joining in, the links are below.....
Holy Land Tour - includes my favorite spots
with optional Jerusalem extension
March 4-13, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl19030419g17768#.Wt84h7lRHcs
Paris-Normandy River Cruise
October 23-31, 2019
http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/rc19102319x17768#.W3avNFJK3cs
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