THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Christ’s sacrifice upon that cross

Somehow just sets us free

He died but then He rose again

For us that’s hard to see

We struggle in this earthly life

Entrapped by fears within

Not fully understanding that

Christ took away our sin

We all are called to just believe

“It was finished” on the cross

God’s grace beyond all measure

Sacrificed Christ on that cross

To somehow make a way for all

Who’d strayed since Adam’s fall

It was the perfect sacrifice

Planned especially for all

God Himself then saved His Son

He took Him back to heaven

Christ is with His Father now

Knowing man can be forgiven

The holy Spirit’s been sent down

To help us here to know

Christ will come again one day

Christ’s Father made that vow

We know there is a home for us

When Jesus comes again

He’s coming on that wondrous cloud

With a host of angels then

Creation will bow down to Him

They’ll know their sin and shame

Even those who pierced Him too

Will know He took their blame

On that Day when Christ arrives

Life will change for all mankind

Those who’ve loved the Lord of life

Will be renewed in soul and mind

From that old wooden cross

I have been set free

Christ their took all sin

From you and from me

Just believe that it’s true

What God in Christ did for you

— Graham K Byrne 2023

Thank you to Simon for preparing this Lenten Series of Life Group Bible Studies on Lamentations. For each week there are some helpful thoughts, suggested readings and questions either for discussion in groups or for pondering on your own.

There are printed copies of each study on the Easter Resource Table at church - they are also available for download below:

- Study 1 - Lamentations intro

- Study 2 - How lonely sits the city (Lam 1)

- Study 3 - Where is bread and wine? (Lam 2)

- Study 4 - The Great Turning Point (Lam 3)

- Study 5 - How the gold has lost its lustre (Lam 4)

- Study 6 - A Prayer for Restoration (Lam 5)

As a church we are following Tim Chester’s 3-year Bible Reading Plan, taking us through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. It’s in weekly chunks so there is no pressure if you happen to miss a day. It’s flexible and manageable. We've done it for the past 4 years and we're starting it again in 2023.

Developing a Bible reading habit can be challenging so we'd suggest doing it together. This way you'll not only read the Bible but also be able to share with others the insights you are gaining from the readings and be encouraged to keep going.

How to get involved:

- Life Groups: Get your Life Group involved and use the readings as the basis of your sharing each week;

- Solo: Read the set readings on your own and prayerfully journal your thoughts;

We'd love to have you join us!