Recently there have been a couple of articles in the paper about a cross in a park. Some people were having a great deal of trouble with the fact they think it is a sign of death and destruction. I do agree with that to some degree, but I know it really represents mercy, love, compassion, victory and joy! The death and destruction for myself and many other Christians is that we should take up our own crosses and follow Jesus; dying to self (self centeredness, greed, lust, power, self in need, sin).

The cross represents a selfless act of love and compassion.

If it were not for a loving God, where would the world be at? If it were not for my Lord Jesus, where would I be at?

The cross of Jesus is hope for me and for a dying world; a world lost in hate, lust and greed, seeking only selfish gain. 2 Timothy 3:1- 7 talks about our world and country today, as well as in history. Can we as a country, as a community, not learn from the past? Paul writes to a young pastor and friend who is discouraged, not understanding why the world is in perilous times, why there are perilous men who deny the cross of Jesus Christ.

The cross is their hope for a future in eternity, to come out from a world full of sin. I know Christians are not perfect, that is why we need Christ. I repent of my sins and God forgives me through Jesus Christ who died on the cross.

Getting back to 2 Timothy 3:1-7, it reads 'but know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.'

You can read on, I think the bible covers the way society in Canada and the world is going, don't you? It seems to be getting worse day by day, which is why we need hope. The cross represents hope not destruction. This country was founded on Christian beliefs. God has blessed this country.

Let me add, Christianity is not a religion based on works, but on a relationship with the King who created the heavens and the earth. One day we will all stand before Him to give account of our lives. You can see crosses all over as you drive in the southern States, why not here in Canada?

The cross of Jesus Christ is not an insult, but a hope, a sign of life not of death.

Here is a song by Muriel Stephens, entitled 'I will Heal Y o u r Land':

Across this land come, hear My word,

B e clothed in righteousness;

Yes, I your Lord created you

To walk in holiness.

I call you all to humbly pray,

Each day to seek My face,

To turn from all your wicked ways,

Repent and find My grace.

For then just know I'll hear from heaven,

On you I'll place My hand,

I will forgive your every sin,

Yes, I will heal your land.

Have faith in Me, My power is yours,

Just claim it day by day,

With hurting ones go share My love,

And tell them I'm the Way.

Yes, I'm the Way, the Truth, the Life,

Eternal life I bring,

To all who'll trust in Me as Lord

I'll be their Saviour, King.

We need Jesus Christ in our lives, and a better understanding of what the cross represents.

Rev. Gord Horsley Abiding Place Ministries