We asked a number of people what they thought the Heart with a Cross said to them and they gave us answers like "Cross your heart and hope to live", "the cross of Love", "the cross is at the heart of the Christian message", "love hangs on the cross", "True love is found through the cross" and "the cross is the heart of God’s work". In many ways they are all right as God’s word, the bible, clearly points out "God so loved the word that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not die but have everlasting life"

The bible, also tells us how Jesus walked amongst us and died on a cross to pay the ultimate penalty of sin on our behalf, so that we can be forgiven and have a relationship directly and personally with God himself.

The cross is therefore at the heart of Gods love for each of us both you and me. So often, we get completely caught up in the business of life that things crowd our thoughts and block out our understanding of just how God’s love keeps us going day to day. Many people only turn to God in a crisis, when things are going wrong and they want to cry out but don’t know who to ask for help. Is that you?

Look up the following passages in a bible and see for yourself the extent to which His love for us is amazing and beyond all that we could hope or wish for. If you don’t have a modern translation (NIV) bible, phone the church office on 01708 769868 or e-mail church@romford-evan.co.uk and we will get one to you right away.

• Patient - He doesn't stop loving us when we mess up (Exodus 34:6)
• Dependable - He can always be relied on (Lamentations 3:22)
• Good - His love is for your best good (Romans 8:32)
• Kind - He loves you when no one else does (Psalm 23:5)
• Unexpected - He doesn't treat us as we deserve (Romans 5:8)
• Extravagant - He showers us with good things day after day (Lamentations 3:23)
• Giving - His love is more than words (John 3:16)
• Truthful - He knows all about you and still loves you (Romans 5:8)
• Unchanging - He doesn't have mood swings (Deuteronomy 7:9)
• Self-sacrificing - He gave himself to rescue you (Galatians 2:20)
• Found in Jesus – He sent his Son to die for you (John 3:16)
• Life giving - true life begins in knowing him (1 John 4:9)

There are many more examples in the bible of how God has and continues to love us in really practical, life supporting everyday ways. Have you read the footsteps poem? Someone wrote this to show how God loves us even when we feel abandoned and feel like we are fighting the world on our own.

Footprints in the Sand

"One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

(anon)

Each of us is made of a mind, body and soul which is the ‘God aware’ part of us that we try and fill with people, possessions and the need to have more than we currently have. In Revelation 3 v20 we read that Jesus says "behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice I will come in and eat with him and he with me"

It is a promise that if we accept we are unworthy to be called a son or daughter of God, the bible calls this sin, and we accept Jesus offer of forgiveness by his dying and paying the price for our sin he will immediately make it right between you and God.

Time to make a decision

If you have read this and want to accept the offer God gives you through accepting Jesus payment of your debt, say and mean this prayer to God.

"Dear God, I know that I am not worthy to be accepted by you. I don’t deserve your gift of eternal life. I am guilty of rebelling against you and ignoring you. I need forgiveness.

Thank you for sending your son to die in my place so that I can be forgiven for my sin. Thank you that he rose again from the dead to give me a new life in you.

Please forgive me and change me forever that I may live the life you have planned for me.

Amen"

Now tell someone

If you have prayed this prayer, that’s fantastic, God will immediately accept you into his family and send his spirit to live in you as your helper and guide. Let us know as we would love to pray with you and invite you to a Christianity Explored course.

You can contact us by phoning the church office on 01708 769868 or e-mailing church@romford-evan.co.uk