Thoughts and Considerations

  CHRISTIANS AND PERSECUTION   "WE ARE COUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER" ( I am writing this because of the severe persecution against Christians that many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have and are enduring, especially lately in various parts of the world.  The following study is for those of us who are currently enjoying the peaceful existence of life without hostile opposition.)  Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said unto you, 'The servant is greater than his Lord.' If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you...."  John 15:20 "And He said to them all, 'If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.'" Luke 9:23. "Yea, for Your sake are we killed all the day long; we are counteJd as sheep for the slaughter." Psalm 44:22, Romans 8:36  "Yes, and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."         2 Timothy 3:12   "And ...

  HOW DOES THE CROSS FIT INTO GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION? LET ME FIRST CLARIFY SOMETHING. THERE WAS NOTHING MYSTICAL ABOUT THE ITEM THAT GOD USED ( A CROSS ), BUT RATHER THE WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND POWER THAT HE DISPLAYED BY JESUS' LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION THROUGH IT!!!   Jesus made reference to the bronze serpent ( John 3:14 ), which Moses made for those who were bitten by the fiery serpents. If they looked at the bronze serpent on the pole, they would be healed. This was an antitype of the crucifixion of Christ Numbers 21:4-9. However, centuries later, King Hezekiah had to destroy the bronze serpent because people began to worship it rather than God  ( 2 Kings 18:4 ) . NOW, LET US HAVE A LOOK AT WHAT JESUS ACCOMPLISHED FOR US THROUGH THE CROSS.  When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he exclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 God's Passover Lamb    OK, right away, that is declaring that Jesus the Mess...

             THE CROSS OF CHRIST - GOD'S PLAN OF REDEMPTION  "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18   The Cross of Christ is not just a religious symbol; it is the method by which our Lord Jesus Christ was put to death. Crucifixion was the Roman way of executing criminals and political enemies. Christians use it as a symbol and reminder of what He went through for us and identifying Who we trust: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 . But what is the significance of the cross for us today?  LET ME FIRST CLARIFY SOMETHING BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER. THERE WAS NOTHING MYSTICAL ABOUT THE ITEM THAT GOD USED ( A CROSS ), BUT RATHER THE WISDOM, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND POWER THAT HE DISPLAYED BY JESUS' LIFE, DEATH, AND RESURRECTION THROUG...

            OUR PLACE IN TEMPTATIONS, ABUNDANCE, AND HARDSHIPS "...And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..."                  Matthew 6:13 "Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him." James 1:12 THE COMMON CONCERN WHAT IS EXPECTED OF US AS DISCIPLES OF JESUS? - WE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE UP OUR CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS -WE ARE EXPECTED TO PATIENTLY ENDURE TEMPTATION IN OUR SITUATION - To endure while facing trials under fearful and dangerous situations  - THE BEAUTY OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS  - DISREGARDING OR MISSING THE WARNINGS  - FAITHFUL IN THAT WHICH IS LEAST   - WE ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBEDIENT IN SUFFERING FOR OUR OWN GOOD THE COMMON CONCERN   Both Christians and non-Christians alike expect the possibility or likelihood of disasters and other fears that life c...

                                     PATIENCE IN HURDLES AND OBSTACLES "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." John Newton "Being confident of this very thing, that He which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 SO WHAT ARE SOME CONCERNS? LONG PERIODS OF SUCCESS AND EASE OBEDIENT IN FAITH THE TEST OF OUR UNTRUSTWORTHY HEARTS VEERING OFF COURSE: TRUSTING TRADITIONS AND ROUTINES MISTAKING WORKS FOR LOVING GOD HOPE/EXPECTATIONS DEFERRED  FAITH IN PEOPLE AND THINGS SO WHAT ARE SOME CONCERNS? LONG PERIODS OF SUCCESS AND EASE    As far as healthy productivity of any kind goes, we humans do not tend to do well with extensive success and ease.   "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good lan...