Dear Fellow ABATE Members,

The Cross/Colors We Wear and a Minor History of Motorcycle Crosses

People have asked us about the Cross, which is a part of our Messiah's Messengers patch/colors.  First and foremost, this cross is a representation of the price that Jesus paid for our sins.

Black (color) - black represents our sins that Jesus washed away by His death on the cross.  It represents His death and payment for those sins. The color black also represents the predominant color worn by most bikers.

Red (color) - this represents the blood that was shed for those sins, His sacrifice.

White Dove - the white color represents the purity of God and the dove represents the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit that empowers believers/messengers to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Cream (color) - this is a color of peace.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

The cross we wear is a stylized version of the Maltese Cross, that was originated by a group of Knights who served during the 11^th Century in a Jerusalem hospital at the time of the Crusades.  These Knights, first known as the Order of the Knights of Hospitaller and then later as the Knights of St. John, were involved in a terrible battle, involving the use of fire by the enemy. Those Knights, who were not severely injured, risked their lives and safety to rescue others from the fiery “hell” that surrounded and threatened to engulf them.  In the 1500's, the island of Malta was given to these Knights and that is where the term, Maltese Cross came from. A stylized version of the original Maltese Cross is used by firefighters, today.  The Maltese Cross worn by firefighters represents their giving of their lives in order to save others.

From stories that I have read and heard, bikers started attaching "Iron Crosses" on their motorcycles after World War II.  These were crosses that were taken/captured from German soldiers and displayed on leathers and bikes by American veterans. It was a source of pride, signifying the defeat of Nazi Germany. Commercial Iron Crosses appeared on choppers in the 1960's. The Iron Cross originated in Prussia as a war decoration during the early 1800's, during the Napoleonic War.  The Germans, in later wars, revived the crosses as war decorations.  Although the Maltese Cross and the Iron Cross look identical, it is believed that they are two historically distinct crosses.

Jesus died on the cross to rescue us from the fiery hell that surrounds and threatens to engulf.  He gave his life in order to save us. He has won the battle.  He has won the war against Satan and sin. He paid the price and took your place. If you are ready to receive what has been accomplished for you, please pray, "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You.  I ask forgiveness of my sins.  I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I receive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus.  Amen."

Blessings! And, may God send His Guardian Angels to watch over you and place His hedge of protection around you as you ride.

Tom and Kathy Provenzano

Messiah's Messengers Motorcycle Ministry

tprovenz@comcast.net

239-267-8641