Remembering The Stations Of The Cross

Year after year people journey to Jerusalem to retrace the path that Jesus took,

carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.

This path is known as the Via Dolorosa - The Way of Grief or Suffering.

As a child I remember staring at the church walls and being fascinated by the pictures that portrayed the stations of the cross. They were beautifully moving to me although I did not totally appreciate and understand at that time exactly what my Lord did for me. It was not until I was older that the significance and power of that journey transformed my heart and hope.

Today I wanted to share with you those stations and encourage you this Good Friday to reflect and remember the steps that Christ took for all of us.

These steps unite all believers - past, present and future.

If you have heard of the name of Jesus Christ but do not have a relationship with Him - It is my prayer that you would surrender to Him today. I encourage you to read the Stations of the Cross, watch the video and pray for forgiveness and receive Him as Lord of your life!

"If you cannot contemplate high and heavenly things, take refuge in the Passion of Christ, and love to dwell in His Sacred Wounds. For if you devoutly seek the Wounds of Jesus and the precious marks of His Passion, you will find great strength in all troubles."

Thomas 'a Kempis

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

1. Jesus Is Condemned To Death

A just and sinless man judged, betrayed and sentenced.
For everyone who will suffer, bleed or be unfairly punished...He suffered for you and for me.
He makes the ultimate sacrifice.

2. Jesus Receives His Cross

He carries the weight of the cross on his shoulders and upon that cross is heaped the weight of all our sins. This is what he came to do...take away the sins of the world.

3. Jesus Falls For Under The Weight Of The Cross The First Time

The weight of the cross is too much. He falls to the ground and experiences what it is like to feel defeated, and weak...yet he knows he must go on.

4. Jesus Meets His Mother

Since birth she has been with him through for every step of his life and now she is there to comfort him on his most difficult day.

5. Simon Of Cyrene Helps Jesus To Carry The Cross

He allows Simon to help him. Today that is a reminder that he relies on us to bear the cross for his names sake.

6. Veronica Wipes The Face Of Jesus

A compassionate friend, wipes the spit, blood and sweat from his face.

7. Jesus Falls A Second Time

The weight is too much and Jesus falls for the second time.
The soldiers force him to continue.

8. Jesus Meets The Women of Jerusalem

The women show gratitude to Jesus for his generous love towards them.

9. Jesus Falls A Third Time

Broken and devastated, Jesus falls again.
He is so weak the soldiers have to help him and push him up the hill.

10. Jesus Is Stripped Of His Garments

In his life he gave up all earthly possessions to preach the gospel of Good News.
As if the crucifixion was not enough he is violently stripped of his clothes and whips tear at his back.

11. Jesus Is Nailed To The Cross

Huge, sharp spike were hammered through his wrists and feet. As he struggles for each breathe the soldiers below him gamble for his clothes.

12. Jesus Dies Upon The Cross

Every breath is a struggle but somehow he whispers - "Father, into your hands I command my spirit." A soldier penetrates a spear in him to test that he dead. The Savior is indeed dead. The price is paid, and we are redeemed.

13. Jesus Is Laid In The Arms Of His Mother

Since he was a baby his mother has held him and cared for his wounds. This day she holds his naked, blood crusted - dead body...she weeps in her helplessness and sorrow.

14. Jesus Is Laid In The Tomb

His body was laid in a stone cold tomb - sealed with a massive rock and guarded by Roman soldiers.

15. RESURRECTION Of Jesus!

Easter Sunday Morning - The tomb is empty!

The word goes forth that He is Risen!

Jesus is victorious over death!!

Go here to watch this Stations of The Cross video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwkznTGOFAc&feature=related

Next to Jesus on the Cross there were two criminals...one who joined in the mocking and cursed Jesus...the other acknowledged
he was indeed the Son of God and Savior of the world. (Luke 23:39-43)

During our Easter Services this weekend my Pastor is asking this question...

Which one are you?

I pray you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and loves you so very much that he died on that cross to pay for your sins and that He alone has the power to transform
you and your future!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

Admit You Are a Sinner

In the Bible - Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, sin has infiltrated the human race, and not one of us has escaped its effects.

Repent of Your Sins
To repent means to “change” or to “turn.” It’s like driving down the highway, pulling a U-turn and heading the other direction. More than simply being sorry, it is a word of action. Many people feel remorse for their sin but never truly repent. Remorse is being sorry; repentance is being sorry enough to stop.

Generous in love - God,give grace!

Huge in mercy - wipe out my bad record.

Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry.

I know how bad I've been; my sins are staring me down.

Psalm 51:1-3

Invite Him to be your Savior

Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe & trust that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

May God Bless You On Your Journey!

Be Inspired!

Vern

Resources: The Amplified Bible, Message Bible, New International Bible,
Six Hours One Friday - Max Lucado, The Sacred Way - Tony Jones