=pwlj_christ87;9982973]There is scripture that relates to taking up your cross everyday. Going in through the narrow gate, that the christian life is hard.
What exactly does taking up your cross mean in practical terms? The reason I ask is because It seems my life is easy right now and I want to be living right.
Let me know if you still have questions.
“TAKE UP YOUR CROSS”
Phil.2: 8 “And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross Luke.9 :23 And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. **Mark.8: 34
And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Luke.9: 23 **And he said to all, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. **Luke.14: 7 **Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”
This is telling us that we MUST recognize that BECAUSE Jesus suffered in His humanity; we can expect no less. We MUST accept what ever difficulties Jesus gives to us in Faith; in Hope and in Love. Not complaining; and trusting that He will do as promised and NEVER give us more than we can handle WITH HIS AID.
Heb.6: 10 “For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.”
Rev.2: 23 “and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.”
1 Peter 1: 17 “Now if you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, “
Matt.19: 17 “If you would enter life, keep [ALL OF] the commandments."
THE NARROW GATE:
Matthew 7:13 “Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat.”
Luke 13:24 “Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I say to you, shall seek to enter, and shall not be able.”
Matthew 7:14 “How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!
This means that God makes “sufficient” grace available to every soul He Creates. BUT he does not demand acceptance OF IT. Like God Himself [Gen.1:26-27], we are given for proper use, a mind, intellect, FREEWILL all of which are attached permanently to our SOULS. Each of these gifts like God Himself are “spiritual things” which can neither die or be killed. It is this “Other-Self” that will either enjoy the Beatific Vision; or Eternal Hell; BY OUR LIFES CHOICES.
Isa.43 Verses 7 and 21: “every one who is called by my name,** whom I created for my glory,** whom I formed and made." AND the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”
God Bless you,
pat /PJM
