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For taking your time to study remain blessed.

THE CROSS IN THE CHRISTIANS LIFE AND MINISTRY FRIDAY JANUARY 26
TEXT: ISAIAH 53:1-12
KEY VERSE: “For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter 2: 21

In the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:25-27).
(i) What is the Cross in Christianity?  Literally refers to wooden material upon which Jesus was nailed: The physical cross is not what Jesus talked about; it is not about ignorant sinners carrying chains, wooden cross who know nothing about salvation of God. Far from it! It is about suffering with Christ so as to reign with Him. When Jesus talked about buying sword and the disciples thought it was a physical one. Consequently, Peter used his sword and cut off the ear of a son of the men who came to arrest Him, but He picked it up and put it back on the young man and said “put back your sword, he who kills with the sword die by the sword”. In Isaiah 53, Jesus refers to your life before God which should be with care and perseverance: live in your youth, in your marriage, family with care else your wife, husband, children, colleagues can remove the Christianity from you.
(ii) Mystery of the cross:  why should Jesus being God Himself had to suffer on the cross? God said it pleases Him so. The way of God is foolishness to them that are perishing but to those that are saved, it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). The persecution or suffering of your life is test to purify and revive you. The mystery of God, the path Jesus took, born in the manger and was spit on, yet He is God. The test God is passing man through, test to know those who are really qualified for heaven. That is the cross.
(iii) Effect of cross less Christianity: Many people have abandoned the true gospel for pleasures. Some say Christianity is synonymous with pleasures making the cross to be of no effect. To them poverty or suffering is a sign of sin and the people strive and covert, and come to give testimony of success without repentance. Little thing they are offended because of their orientation, avoiding challenges and are unable to boldly mention the name of Jesus or preach Jesus in righteousness contrary to true gospel. 2Timothy 3:12  “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”.

Thought for the day: Hardship of your life is a test for purification and has reward.
Song for the day: Take the whole world and give me Jesus.
Bible reading for the day:
Exodus 11-12; Matthew 18:21-35
#Horemow.

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