Thoughts and Considerations

             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, POWER, AND HIS UNFATHOMABLE LOVE FOR US THAT HE DEMONSTRATED BY JESUS' SUF...

            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...