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The Apostle Paul actually said, "We [Apostles] have become a theatre [?eat??? - theatron] to the world, to angels, and to men" (1 Corinthians 4:9).  Too often when we hear the word "Theater" we think of Broadway, soap operas, and actors pretending to be something they are not.  What does this have to do with the gospel? During World War II the word "theater" was used to describe real places where battles took place, heroes were made, casualties were inflicted, victories were won, armies were defeated, and destinies were fixed. That happened in the European Theater, the Pacifica Asian Theater, and the Mediterranean African Theater.  As you well know WWII was not a Broadway production or a steamy soap opera.  Many of you have been in in an "operating theater" where skilled surgeons performed life-saving surgeries.  That was surely not pretend but as real as it gets. In many respects, we can say the Bible is a presentation of "Cross Theatre."  This is not "make believe" but real life, in real time, in a real pace.  The theme is "Love Story" where God's love is Shown and Shared on the stage he created for this very purpose.  The love God expressed in Paradise was spurned by the first couple; contempt for God's love, however, will not be the final word.  God's promise to restore brokenness and rekindle love is fulfilled when He sends His Son to display God's love and restore peace through self-sacrifice.  The Son of God becomes both the Victim and the Victor.  We now anticipate the return of the King where love will finally be consummated in the Marriage of the Lamb.  It can be summed up by saying, "Death dies!  Love rules!"

A WORD FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Cross Theatre is the TheoDrama where God has chosen to Show and Share His indescribable love.God is the Author, the Producer, the Director, and even the Marquis Player.Each of us are players that share this same stage. We can only properly play our role when we fully understand the storyline of Cross Theatre and understand our role in it. TheoDrama highlights the overflowing love of God when he sent His Son into the world. The Father, Son, and Spirit have eternally shared a "Deep Love" that defies any human ability to observe or even describe it. So, they determined to Show and Share their love by enacting the greatest Drama ever staged.God created time, designed the stage, and formed people who would see and share this love. Satan seduced Adam and Eve; such contempt shouldprovoke God's jealousy.  Surprisingly God promises to send His own Son to confront evil and restore Peace.  God's Love will not be quenched by toxic contempt and ongoing disobedience. God Himself enters into time and history to rescue and reclaim His people from enslavement to Satan. This victory is not won with an expected duel but a willing sacrifice.The Cross becomes the "Center" of Cross Theatre where the Son of God becomes both the Victim and the Victor. glorious Resurrection, the unparalleled Ascension, and the glorious Session raise love to new heights.From the heavenly throne room the resurrected Son oversees the mission of the Spirit to lovingly gather together a people who would follow Him and prepare for His Glorious Return. God's Love will overrule Satan's malice; evil will not tarnish His ultimate goal-unconditional peace, unspeakable joy, and unending life.Satan's final attack on the Messiah and His People will be turned back by the fury and glory of the Messiah. Satan and his hordes will be defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire.Heaven and Earth are then merged.The Wedding Party begins. God and His redeemed people begin afresh the Dance of Life where God's love is consummated and celebrated with His People.This is what we have always been waiting for! To God be the Glory!