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, POWER, AND HIS UNFATHOMABLE LOVE FOR US THAT HE DEMONSTRATED BY JESUS' SUFFERING, 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  ( 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 declari...