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?  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 Messiah was God's Passover Lamb, which meant He was to die sacrificially, and His life's blood that He would shed as the Passover Lamb would deliver us from the wrath of God. But how does the Roman form of execution get involved in Jesus' death for the fulfillment of the Mosaic Law and Jewish prophecy, especially because most of us are not Jews? Jesus was condemned by the Jewish religious leaders. He was accused of being a blasphemer, claiming to be the Son of God (which He is). Under Jewish law, He was to be stoned to death, but because they were under Roman Law at that time, to be executed, He would have to have been executed the Roman way, which was crucifixion ( John 18:31-32, 19:7 ). This is so critical! Acc...