April 3, 2026 - How the Best Life Changes Everyone for the Better - Pastor Paul Vallee

Good Friday Service Consider the cross, an ancient tool of punishment, torture, and death. The cross slowly and painfully ended the lives of its victims. In the process, they were shamefully abused, rejected and despised, humiliated before all passersby. And yet, in an astoundingly ironic reversal, the cross became the greatest symbol of Christianity, speaking of glory and victory! So, what brought about this astonishing recognition? It was the death of Jesus and what it accomplished for humanity. Jesus’ sacrificial death brought victory over sin, death, and judgment. This amazing act of Jesus, laying down his life, transformed the cross into a symbol of hope and deliverance. So the cross—an instrument of death—became the means by which God gave life! John provides some details in the conclusion of chapter 19, but the writer of Hebrews broadens our perspective. He writes about Jesus: “…For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:2). The result of Jesus’ death on the cross was his exaltation in glory. When we consider the great sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, what effect should that have on our lives, besides our undying gratitude?