Christian Cross Training

“And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.” -Matthew 10:38.

We are unspeakably grateful to Jesus our Savior, who took the punishment for OUR sins by His death on the cross-which merits praise to His holy name throughout all eternity! Thank you, Jesus!

Yet in the wake of this wonderful, but sobering event, as Christians we now face the continual need to self-crucify the deeds of our own flesh; and that on a daily basis. We find this continual theme numerous times throughout the New Testament. I am aware of 13 references to self-crucifying, which includes Matthew 10:38, 16:24, Mark 8:34, 10:21, Luke 14:27, Romans 6:6, 8:13, 1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20, 6:14, Colossians 3:5, and;

“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.

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” -Galatians 5:24.

These 2 printed verses briefly explain the concept well, which is that the “crucifying” of one's self is really the putting down of our lusts that are contrary to the holiness God desires. This is a battle we Christians must fight every day, and often numerous times for some days. As the scripture reveals;

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...” -Isaiah 64:6A.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” -Romans 7:18.

And so we do not literally crucify ourselves, but because this point can be difficult to relate to, I think the verses concerning this get somewhat glossed over. In this blog, I'd like to expound more on the ideas of self-denial, and the daily bearing of our own crosses.

Christians know that they will be saved by the GRACE of God alone, and so we earnestly seek the Lord for forgiveness, and the cleansing from sin & self. Yet this is only the beginning of a trans- formed life, one that now loves God, and seeks to please Him in all it does (2 Corinthians 5:17). We continually come upon areas of corruption in our lives that we were previously unaware of, and now seek to rid ourselves of these through the resurrection power of Jesus.

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” -Romans 8:11.

Many of these things will become obvious, as we grow to be much better acquainted with the Word of God, readily “crucifying” these inclinations with God's help. But there are many other things that are NOT so obvious; fleshly practices that aren't addressed directly in the Bible. This is when we deny self in our hungering after righteousness (Matthew 5:6), not willing that anything get in the way of nearness to God. Even if certain actions may be allowable, they may not be desirable. We can see this referred to in 1 Corinthians 6:12;

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

But 1 John 3:22 also alludes to things that will please God, which may not be written down;

“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.” Bold type has been added to emphasize.

Yet there are even many good-looking religious things that may need to be put away in our quest for the righteousness of Christ, because the Bible tells us that in the end times mankind will actually have “a form of godliness” that DENIES Him, in 2 Timothy 3:5. Paul is one that had such a seemingly noble imperfection, and sought diligently to put it away. We'd do well to follow his example;

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” -Philippians 3:7-9. Bold type added for focus.

We see, then, that self-denial could encompass many types of things. It could cover the use of profanity, it could be sports obsession, worldly entertainment, eating habits, and yes; even our own ideas about service for Christ. Many times it will involve a humbling of ways which are prideful and approved in men's eyes. Jesus warned the Pharisees in Luke 16:15 that;

“...Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

We must strive to remember the great price Jesus paid for the ransom of our souls; we are HIS servants (1 Corinthians 7:23), and must not trade this for ways pleasing to mankind around us. Just consider the following scriptures and the gravity of this struggle between men-service and God-service;

“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.” -John 12:42,43. Underlining is added.

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” -Romans 10:10. Underlining is added for comparison.

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” -Galatians 1:10. Bold type added for focus.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” -Matthew 10:32,33. Bold type is added to emphasize.

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” -Matthew 12:36. Underlining is added here.

And so there is a cost to following the Lord Jesus; it is symbolically a cross we must take up every day which denies our fleshly desires, and mental understanding-it is a walk of FAITH. It is a walk that will lead into conflict, as Jesus did indicate; how much do we love Him?

“The world cannot hate you; but me (Jesus) it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” -John 7:7.

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” -John 15:18,19.

So in conclusion, ask yourselves, “What is standing between me and a life of greater Christ-likeness? What areas of my life am I holding onto which ought to be crucified, and surrendered to God? Am I interested in pleasing God, or just holding onto the limits of what I can get away with? All of this amounts to lives of self-examination, which we ought to do frequently. Crucify the ways of your flesh, and count as worthless anything you've accomplished here in this world; seek to be found in Christ, and HIS righteousness, for He by Himself alone has provided everything needful for salvation.

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” -Colossians 2:9,10.

“Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” -John 6:28,29.

Here is a link to the YouTube video I did on this subject:  https://youtu.be/8hyoA69_c40

Running Away from the Respect of Persons

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” -James 2:8,9.

Let this phrase from James 2:9 sink into you; “If ye have respect to persons, ye commit SIN.” That is a very weighty statement, isn't it? As Christians, we should consider these words carefully, and seek the Lord for the way to apply them.

To respect persons in the context of this verse becomes clear in light of the entire passage, which can be taken from the beginning of James chapter 2, so please look at this for yourself. Simply put, the respect of persons the Bible refers to here means that you are showing favoritism. And when we read through the book of James, this favoritism is shown to have a strong connection with MONEY. The Word of God tells us that we cannot serve God and mammon (which means $ or material wealth), and that if we will just seek first the kingdom of God and HIS righteousness, He will provide all of our needs (Philippians 4:19).

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” -Luke 12:29-32.

There are many pitfalls when it comes to the type of “respect of persons” that the Bible speaks of here, and I'd like to go over some of them. Yet indeed the number one issue which bothers me is related to money, or material success; most people seem to be under a spell of favoritism toward elevated individuals.

“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” -Luke 6:26.

Here is the problem that follows my #1 concern; that people come to esteem the opinions of such a person on any subject. In other words, the success of the person likely came in one or two major areas, and with regard to these areas the person can give good advice. But then their opinion is asked for in other areas of which they have little or no knowledge, and people listen to them attentively in any area they speak about. Also in most of these cases, the “celebrity” will share as if they really know something, and won't admit to their limited knowledge. Christians need to be discerning about who they are listening to, and only too often do they highly esteem those of worldly success for advice.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” -2 Corinthians 11:3,4.

Christians must follow the Bible, and hold up all teachings to its light (John 3:21, Acts 17:11). And be sure that in Christ lies all the hidden treasures of wisdom & knowledge (Colossians 2:3).

A second issue is related to the first, in that when we unduly favor one over another, for ANY reason, we hurt ourselves; and it is demeaning to those we consider to be “lesser.” I find this to be true both within & outside of the body of Christ.

“Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” -Ecclesiastes 9:16.

“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” -Jonah 2:8.

If we are truly seeking to walk in Christ, God will make known to us the importance of humility in our lives. And so a third issue of hurt is that the undo respect of persons will lead to PRIDE in the person we're promoting, and pride goes before the fall (Proverbs 16:18). In this way, to give a person favoritism in respect & treatment is hurtful to them, as well.

“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.” -Daniel 4:37 (v.30-37).

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” -James 4:6.

A fourth potential problem I see lies with the coveting of GIFTS. To give a “successful” person great recognition will often mean reward for those following the “respected” individual. In some ways it is reminiscent of Esau selling his birthright for food (Hebrews 12:16); how quickly and cheaply these compromises come! We should not seek material gifts, nor unduly value what we may receive.

“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.” -Deuteronomy 16:19.

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:” -1 Thessalonians 2:4,5.

“...there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies...And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you...” -2 Peter 2:1,3.

We may well see this problem of inequality in the world around us, but it is rampant in churches as well, and this is my fifth point on this subject. God warns us that this will happen, in places like Matthew 24:48-51. He also spells out the issue of equality amongst the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, but I focus here on verses 22-25;

“Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”

At one time a friend & I felt led of the Lord to leave the church we were attending. I could not say with certainty that anything was wrong in God's eyes, but thought that I should write to the pastor and tell him of things I found wanting (I don't recall my friend's reasons), in case it might be of value for his own ministry. The letter was not harsh or accusing, but he immediately called me (no prayer) and “told me off”, saying among other things, “Who are you to tell ME anything? I've been a pastor ten years, what do you know?” Brethren, doesn't this sound like one part of the church putting down another part? We were also told by those who remained at the church that he was referring to us as “lost,” because we had left his fellowship! We also saw this type of great, open inequality throughout Africa and the churches there.

We need to avoid the snare of respect of persons that the Bible addresses here in James 2:9, so what can we do? First, remember that God sees all men equally (Romans 3:23), and one should not be elevated over another. We can respect the abilities and talents people have in certain areas, and thank God for the help He gives us through them, but recognize that, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” as we read in James 1:17. The advice we should adhere to from these celebrities has limits. This applies both in direct personal relationships, and with regard to celebrities or leaders on a much larger scale.

Secondly, we believers are servants of JESUS CHRIST, and Him alone; we were bought with a great price, and must not become the servants of men (1 Corinthians 7:23). Remember that we are not only to resist the temptation of respecting persons with regard to others, but we must resist when others are elevating us in unreasonable ways. Thanks or appreciation are welcome and appropriate in various ways, but we must not feed the temptation of this sin in others for ourselves, or any other human being.

“And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.” -Acts 10:25,26.

“Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.” -Judges 8:22,23.

You may also be interested in my YouTube video on this subject at https://youtu.be/eW1Ch5aw6gc.

The Death of Loved Ones: a Christian Dilemma

 “...And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” -Daniel 12:2.

Diseases have symptoms, and one of the symptoms I've noticed as we approach the end is the rejection of HELL, and other Bible doctrines that may be unpleasant to consider. Nowhere is this more evident than in the passing away of a person we hold dear, for inevitably the person is nearly always said to be in Heaven, and at peace. Other possibilities are seldom mentioned, if ever.

The departure from “harsher” Christian doctrines is something I noted evidence of throughout the 19^th century; seeds of corruption taking root, now branching out & flourishing in the 21^st century. We saw the start of Mormonism, which changed Hell into 2 types; one temporary, and one eternal. Then there was the founding of the Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh Day Adventists, both of which rely on good works for salvation, and reject Hell altogether.

In more traditional Christian circles we witnessed the beginnings of Dispensational Christianity and it's pre-tribultation rapture view, both of which diminish or deny Biblical unpleasantries, although not directly denying HELL itself.

One doctrine of Dispensationalists is that once a person has been born again, they can never again fall away from that saving faith, though this denies many contrary scriptures. Please see my link to, The Saving Faith of a Christian for more on this.

“They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.” -Luke 8:13.

“For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” -Romans 11:21,22.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” -I Timothy 4:1.

Another dangerous doctrine that's put many to sleep (spiritually) is the private interpretation of prophecy called, “The Pre-Trib Rapture” (see 2 Peter 1:20). This view proclaims that Christian believers will be “taken up” in rapture (a word not occuring in scripture) BEFORE a 7-year tribulation period in which the Antichrist will rule the world. Thus, many have adopted this as doctrine because it is a more pleasant alternative than that of remaining here. They cling to teachings which contradict what the Bible plainly says; 1) Christ will gather the remaining Christians AFTER the tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31); 2) Jesus' return for His people will happen on the same day as judgment (Luke 17:26-30); and 3) The reign of the Beast, a.k.a. the Antichrist, is 3.5 years, not 7 (Revelation 13:5).

This Pre-Trib view well fulfills the prophecy given for these Last Days in 2 Timothy 4:3,4;

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

And so we'll look at what happens when we have to face the death of a loved one, or an acquaintance of someone close to us; how do we address this-what do we say? It is our natural instinct to comfort those who are in this type of pain, but as followers of Christ we must take heed not to promote false views, giving false hope.

“For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” -Jeremiah 6:13,14.

“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully,” -Jeremiah 48:10A.

“Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” -2 Corinthians 13:7,8.

We need to recognize that Jesus told us few would be saved, and many would be lost (Matthew 7:13,14). The percentages regarding this are pretty extreme, but we won't look at this here. Suffice it to say that everyone is by nature a “child of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3), and salvation is a MIRACLE of God's grace, and mercy (Romans 9:15,16).

“And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” -Mark 10:26,27.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9.

Therefore when we approach any death, the odds are not favorable toward salvation. It's a sensitive situation, and we must seek the Lord for wisdom of words (James 1:5,19). I do not say that you should be openly proclaiming a negative judgment upon the deceased person. There are three possibilities regarding your relationship to the deceased; 1) Perhaps you're very sure of the person's salvation. 2) You might know little about the person, and can't tell one way or another. 3) It may be by the “fruit” of their life & testimony that you're very sure the person is eternally lost.

First of all, you must do as the Holy Spirit may direct you; what I give is only general advice, you must seek the Lord in prayer. If a person has died in a position of sure salvation, it is a comfortable thing to address. Yet if the eternal condition of the deceased is unkown or clearly unfavorable, discretion is called for, but we must not lie.

If you are in a position to speak at a funeral, my advice is to let your focus be upon the cross of Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:2), and all that He did for us guilty sinners so that we wouldn't be cast into Hell. God did not initially create Hell for mankind (Matthew 25:41), but it is a REAL place of torment for those who have rejected Jesus as their savior, the only possible savior for mankind.

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” -Matthew 10:28.

So the number 1 thing that you need to avoid is lying about a person's spiritual condition by affirming to their loved ones that the departed is in Heaven, if that is unclear. Lay out to those affected the real way of salvation; which is to repent of their sins, and trust in Jesus for forgiveness. Assure them also that if the departed has done this, all will be well with them eternally.

But the real challenge comes if you are asked directly about the eternal fate of the deceased, and you are certain they are lost. Be patient, and try to gently explain the reasons for your opinion, which ought to be based on the Bible! This would likely entail the spiritual fruit shown in the life of the deceased, as well as the testimony (or lack therof) from their lips. And remember that a person is never saved because they are well-liked, for Satan comes as an angel of light;

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” -2 Corinthians 11:13,14.

In everyday life, just the threat of punishment keeps many from behavior that is hurtful not only to themselves, but to others. Yes, police are one such authority that will enforce laws meant for our overall protection, but it could also come through parents, bosses, or teachers. People are not saved only by loving kindness, but by the chastening from those that truly love us (Hebrews 12:5-8).

“Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.” -Deuteronomy 8:5.

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” -Jude 22,23.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” -Revelation 3:19.

Brethren, if we won't speak the truth, how will it come forth, and change lives? Recall that our beloved Savior Jesus was the epitome of truth, and often hated for it (Luke 4:28,29, John 7:7). Let us preach the truth in emulating our Lord no matter the cost, for time is running out.

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? -Romans 10:14.