Bible Discussion Thread

In the Bible, Jesus says to "take up your cross and follow me." How do I know what my cross is? Is it a symbol of a Christian's willingness to die for or suffer for Christ?

Hi Lynn.

Here's a copy of a reply from the same question by brother Jesse,

Thought it would be OK to share it.

Quote.

Jesus said if any man will come after me, and that is the word behind. And here is the decision-making process. When somebody surrenders to Jesus Christ, they are surrendering to come behind Him. Every single person has a calling to come behind Jesus. That's it!

If any man will come behind me, and there are three things, or principles I would like to share with you.

Principle number 1: Let him deny himself.

Now the word deny, ARNEOMAI, means to reject. This is what it means in the Greek. But first I'll tell you what it doesn't mean.

It doesn't mean that you are to deny yourself an ice cream cone after church or after bible study. It means to reject yourself, period!

The next phrase says, "and take up his cross." And some think that means whatever hardships I go through today. But that's not what it means.

You see, according to Romans Chapter 6, when Jesus died on the cross, He died my death. Therefore I have died, and every day my flesh is nailed to the cross and I'm to carry that cross.

And thirdly He says "follow me." Do you see what He's saying here?

He is saying "Follow me," meaning that the position is behind Him.

A good text would beGalatians 2:20, where Paul says I have been crucified in Christ, and the life that I now live, he says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

You see, he has died. I don't live any more. I don't do what I want to do because I don't live, I died. Paul says I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.

He just said it all in one verse. Reject yourself!

I have had a conviction for a long time that our struggle every day in life is more against God than it is against Satan. Why? Because our flesh is continually trying to get down off that cross, and trying to get away from the struggles of life.

GBU

Hi Lynn , this is just my belief , others may disagree , I believe that my physical body is my cross , it is a burden , as long as I am in it I will sin and I am weak , need to eat drink sleep etc .This is what was crucified , sinfull flesh , however Jesus never ever sinned , therefore he did not deserve death , he never earned the wages of sin , we all do . That was , is , his victory that he accomplished , he never sinned so he did not earn the wages of sin which is death . He did it for us , that his sinless life and willing sacrifice is his righteousness , if we believe in him , that he is the Son of God and that God raised him from the dead then Christ's righteousness covers or blots out our sin from God's eyes . Christ is our righteousness . He did it for us . If we believe in him and in his Father then we are saved , saved from what ? 1st Thessalonians ch1 V10 .

Put that scripture in Google and type TEACHING after it, or COMMENTARIES

and don't read Wiki. Read Bible comments.

It's about not just being a follower, but being a Disciple of Jesus.

I hope that helps you

thank-you, however this verse is not complete, first and upmost and i Quote 'Deny yourself' is the key.....in the Bible the Lord spoke and said the greatest gift ONE can give is,,,, if one would lay down his life for another.... and that is the greatest love one can give.... HE himself showed all of us by example upon "that cross" the cross is a symbol, of the love that i have to follow & Be more Christ like in this attempt when i decided to server & and be of service....ALL that Christ is and has done is that CROSS that i carry.......