Words from the Cross: Cruciform Community

Seven words of love. What did Jesus say when he was on the cross? First, he prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified him. Second, he offered a promise of paradise to a thief. Then he saw his mom and his best friend. As he saved the world, Jesus took time to take care of his family. This is the way. Walk in it! Message based on John 19:25-27.Quotes: Duane Brooks: In some ways, the church begins with one act of obedience to God's work in the world.Fleming Rutledge: The saying is not only, I would say, I soften it, about being nice to your mother. It is about the new community that comes into being through the power of Jesus. It is cruciform in shape.Stanley Hauerwas: It's hard to remember that Jesus did not come to make us safe, but rather to make us disciples, citizens of God's new age, a kingdom of surprise.A. W. Tozer:  The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh; the new cross encourages it.  Duane Brooks: We can't have Jesus without the cross.Kierkegaard: Jesus never was looking for admirers. He came to find followers.John Stott: The Cross is the blazing fire at which the flame of our love is kindled, but we have to get near enough for its sparks to fall on us.Arthur Tappan Pierson: To a true child of God, the invisible bond that unites all believers to Christ is far more tender, and lasting, and precious; and, as we come to recognize and realize that we are all dwelling in one sphere of life in Him, we learn to look on every believer as our brother, in a sense that is infinitely higher than all human relationships. This is the one and only way to bring disciples permanently together. All other plans for promoting the unity of the Church have failed.Mother Teresa: The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small. #Jesus #cross #community #forgiveness #discipleship #compassionTo discover more messages of hope, go to tallowood.org/sermons/.Follow us on X and YouTube @tallowoodbcFollow us on Instagram @tallowood.baptistFollow us on FaceBook @tallowoodbaptist