THE 150th ANNIVERSARY BANNER
The
Shepherd's Crook with the enclosed cross reminds us that Jesus, our
Good Shepherd, laid down His life to redeem and sanctify us, His lost
sheep. Prior to this vicarious atonement, Jesus promised His disciples
that He would not leave them comfortless. He said that He would send His
Holy Spirit, symbolized by the dove, who would empower them to be His
witnesses. Emanating from the dove and connecting to the Shepherd's
Crook is a swath of white which represents the Spiritual gifts flowing
into the souls of all believers wherein the fruit of the Spirit grows
and matures, extending from one generation to the next. (Scripture
references: John lO:Sb, Acts 1:18, ICor.12)
On
the lower corners of the banner are the Alpha and the Omega, the first
and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The reference is to Jesus's
words in Rev. 22:13, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and
the End, the First and the Last." These symbols become more clear when
combined with the two other symbols, the Shepherd's crook and the cross,
affirming that Jesus Christ is the Eternal Shepherd of His flock and
the Eternal Savior of all mankind. He is the Author and Finisher of our
faith.
Heb. 12:2.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!