many Missions in Australia and PNG.
Christians around the world gather on Good Friday to worship the Lord Jesus Christ for the sacrifice He made for us unto Salvation by dying on the Cross.
Seminary libraries across the globe are full of insightful books on what this sacrifice means and moreover how it has changed the lives of millions of people down through the centuries.
The stories of the martyrs in every generation since the early church have demonstrated that the Cross is much more than a changing fad, the depths of the Calvary message is much more.
Recent social media posts have illustrated the massive numbers of people of the Muslim religion who have chosen to follow Jesus – the Cross means something very significant and real.
Eternity magazine two weeks ago splashed an article how it is the Chinese in Australia who have grappled with the Cross and its Salvation message and it is they who will retain the strength of Christianity in Australia.
So what is the Cross, what is its message and why has Good Friday held such sway.
First, the biblical presentation has a central theme, that mankind has fallen short of God’s perfect righteous standard and at first the shedding of an innocent animal was seen as the atonement for sin – then God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus, the lamb of God, to defeat sin forever. A one time event.
Second, the adoption of this message into one’s heart changes lives forever. It is a spiritual awakening, a ‘born again’ dimension that is neither easily comprehended or explained. But is as real and as powerful as anything ever experienced.
Third, this change brings about an eternal peace and passion. It is so comprehensive and overwhelming that the most ordinary people engage in the most extraordinary adventures to bring this same message to others. It affects entire households, it shouts from the rooftops, educators become robust, scholars and soldiers find themselves laying at the foot of the Cross.
Maybe someone else can explain the Good Friday impact better.
The core tenant is divine forgiveness. Starting afresh. Boldness. Standing tall.
listening to them, involved in craft classes, KYB groups, Ukulele players who sing at nursing
homes and much more ….. a mother of four and a grand mother.
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html