The Cross-Shaped Life
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The Cross-Shaped Life (Contents)
Part 1: Why Faith Has Two Directions Part 2: The Vertical Relationship – Loving and Knowing God Part 3: The Horizontal Relationship – Loving and Serving Others Part 4: The Connection – How Faith Fuels Love Part 5: The Sabbath Principle – Rest and Renewal in Both Directions Part 6:…
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Part 1: Why Faith Has Two Directions
1 Introduction Christian faith is not one-dimensional. It moves upward toward God in worship and outward toward others in love. The Cross itself symbolises this twofold movement: its vertical beam points to communion with God; its horizontal beam stretches toward humanity. Jesus joined both dimensions when He declared: “Thou shalt…
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Part 2: The Vertical Relationship – Loving and Knowing God
1 Introduction The vertical relationship is the axis of worship, trust, and obedience that joins humanity to God.It defines the source of all spiritual vitality; every moral and social act draws power from this connection.Jesus named it the first and greatest commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with…
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Part 3: The Horizontal Relationship – Loving and Serving Others
1 Introduction The horizontal relationship represents the believer’s outward expression of divine love.Having been reconciled to God, Christians are called to reflect that reconciliation in their relationships with others.Jesus declared: “This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” — John 15:12 Love for others…
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Part 4: The Connection – How Faith Fuels Love
1 Introduction Faith and love are not separate virtues but two movements of one spiritual life.Faith looks upward to receive; love reaches outward to give.The vitality of the Christian life depends on their connection: without faith, love lacks source; without love, faith lacks substance. “Faith worketh by love.” — Galatians…
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Part 5: The Sabbath Principle – Rest and Renewal in Both Directions
1 Introduction The Sabbath is one of Scripture’s most profound symbols of balance.It unites worship and mercy, faith and compassion, heaven and earth.It is not merely a day of inactivity but a divine rhythm of trust and restoration: ceasing from self-reliance vertically, and allowing others to share that rest horizontally.…
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Part 6: The Disruption – Sin and the Breakdown of Relationship
1 Introduction The story of humanity is the story of broken relationships.Sin did not merely introduce moral error; it disrupted the whole order of creation.It fractured the vertical bond of faith and worship and the horizontal fabric of love and justice. “All have sinned, and come short of the glory…
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Part 7: The Restoration – Christ as the Bridge Between Heaven and Humanity
1 Introduction Where sin tore creation apart, Christ unites it again.The Cross stands at the centre of history as the meeting point of divine mercy and human need.Through it, the broken lines of faith and love are redrawn; the vertical and horizontal axes are reconciled. “Having made peace through the…
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Part 8: The Fulfilment – Eternal Harmony in the New Creation
1 Introduction Every divine purpose moves toward fulfilment.Creation began in harmony, was broken by sin, and is now being restored through Christ.The final chapter of redemption is eternal alignment: perfect communion with God and perfect fellowship among all who share His life. “And I saw a new heaven and a…