Slide 1

The early Christians have left us many things. One of these things was the sign of the cross. It identified them as followers of Christ, just as it does for us today. They were persecuted greatly, and had to hide the fact that they were Christians. They used to identify themselves by tracing a cross on the ground with a stick or their sandal, and then quickly wipe it out.

Slide 2

Ichthys= Greek word for fish = each letter stands for something diff. for example I= Iesous (Greek for Jesus) The symbol meant Jesus Christ, Gods Son, Savior

Slide 3

The sign expressed two things: it was a profession of faithWe belong to Christ crucified and and it was a prayer.

Slide 4

Christians have traditionally also used the Sign of the Cross as a prayer in times of temptation. Hippolytus (c. 170c. 236) wrote: When tempted, always reverently seal your forehead with the Sign of the Cross. For this sign of the Passion is a symbol openly combatting the devil if you make it in faith, not in order that you may be seen by others, but consciously putting it forth like a shield.

Slide 5

With one finger = Oneness of God With three Fingers= Trinity This the 5 fingers= 5 wounds of Jesus

Slide 6

The sign of the cross on the forehead indicates that we believe in the good news of the Gospel. The sign of the cross on the lips indicates that we must preach the Gospel by word of mouth. The sign of the cross on the chest indicates that we must treasure the word of God in our hearts.

Slide 7

Constantine and the Battle of the Milvian bridge In this sign you will conquer

Slide 8

When passing a Church

Slide 9

When passing a cemetery

Slide 10

Waking and sleeping

Slide 11

Illegal

Slide 12