| Topic: |
Religions > Bible |
| User: |
"Terrell D Lewis" |
| Date: |
02 Jul 2004 02:19:14 PM |
| Object: |
Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
This, of course, runs counter to the Amway Plan of Salvation or "Once
Saved Always Saved," which ignores or explains away many scriptures
that tell us a person may walk away from the Faith. Christ won't
force anyone to follow Him. The Amway Plan teaches to say a magical
prayer called "The Sinner's Prayer" and you're set for life. Kind of
like solving all your problems by buying a sales kit.
"The Sinner's Prayer," of course, is nowhere in the Bible. In fact,
with the exception of a few passages in the prophetical books of the
Old Testament, none of scripture is written to non-believers. The
"Roman Road" that is featured in so many religious tracts directed to
non-believers was written to believers as well as the oft-quoted to
non-believers passage, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Jesus
was speaking of being locked out of the church!
This is reminiscent of the old, bittersweet joke about a man who is
sitting on the steps of a church crying. Jesus comes along and asks,
"Why are you crying?"
Through his sobs the man replies, "They told me my cloths were too old
and ugly and dirty, and they wouldn't let me in the church."
Then Jesus said, "It's OK, son, I've been trying for years and they
won't let me in either."
Terrell D Lewis
http://www.terrelldlewis.com
.
|
|
| User: "Dore" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
04 Jul 2004 08:40:13 PM |
|
|
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer, endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
This, of course, runs counter to the Amway Plan of Salvation or "Once
Saved Always Saved," which ignores or explains away many scriptures
that tell us a person may walk away from the Faith. Christ won't
force anyone to follow Him. The Amway Plan teaches to say a magical
prayer called "The Sinner's Prayer" and you're set for life. Kind of
like solving all your problems by buying a sales kit.
"The Sinner's Prayer," of course, is nowhere in the Bible. In fact,
with the exception of a few passages in the prophetical books of the
Old Testament, none of scripture is written to non-believers. The
"Roman Road" that is featured in so many religious tracts directed to
non-believers was written to believers as well as the oft-quoted to
non-believers passage, "Behold I stand at the door and knock." Jesus
was speaking of being locked out of the church!
This is reminiscent of the old, bittersweet joke about a man who is
sitting on the steps of a church crying. Jesus comes along and asks,
"Why are you crying?"
Through his sobs the man replies, "They told me my cloths were too old
and ugly and dirty, and they wouldn't let me in the church."
Then Jesus said, "It's OK, son, I've been trying for years and they
won't let me in either."
Terrell D Lewis
http://www.terrelldlewis.com
.
|
|
|
| User: "Glenn \Christian Mystic" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 07:49:25 AM |
|
|
"Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:1k2Gc.5263$ne6.4249@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy
Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer, endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and
has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
A *burden* is also a *purpose* / *calling* given to you by the Holy Spirit,
which happens to include both suffering / endurance in dealing with the
oppressions, persecutions, and abuses of they who work against the purpose
given you,
AND
the joys / blessings which go with having served, and continuing to serve
that / those cause(s) given you to handle
And, you are correct it has nothing to do with a literal walking stick, or
EVEN the picking up and carrying a literal cross.
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
<snipped good stuff>
Glenn (Christian Mystic)
.
|
|
|
| User: "Dore" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
10 Jul 2004 11:38:56 AM |
|
|
"Glenn (Christian Mystic)" <christianmystic@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:10equpeipgpd6f2@corp.supernews.com...
A *burden* is also a *purpose* / *calling* given to you by the Holy
Spirit,
which happens to include both suffering / endurance in dealing with the
oppressions, persecutions, and abuses of they who work against the purpose
given you,
AND
the joys / blessings which go with having served, and continuing to serve
that / those cause(s) given you to handle
You are absolutely correct and I apologize for not mentioning the joys and
blessing that come with that calling.
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
"Glenn (Christian Mystic)" <christianmystic@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:10equpeipgpd6f2@corp.supernews.com...
"Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:1k2Gc.5263$ne6.4249@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy
Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer,
endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against
the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and
has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
A *burden* is also a *purpose* / *calling* given to you by the Holy
Spirit,
which happens to include both suffering / endurance in dealing with the
oppressions, persecutions, and abuses of they who work against the purpose
given you,
AND
the joys / blessings which go with having served, and continuing to serve
that / those cause(s) given you to handle
And, you are correct it has nothing to do with a literal walking stick, or
EVEN the picking up and carrying a literal cross.
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
<snipped good stuff>
Glenn (Christian Mystic)
.
|
|
|
| User: "Glenn \Christian Mystic" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
12 Jul 2004 03:28:25 PM |
|
|
"Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:AYUHc.38062$6e7.30513@nwrddc03.gnilink.net...
"Glenn (Christian Mystic)" <christianmystic@ev1.net> wrote in message
news:10equpeipgpd6f2@corp.supernews.com...
A *burden* is also a *purpose* / *calling* given to you by the Holy
Spirit,
which happens to include both suffering / endurance in dealing with the
oppressions, persecutions, and abuses of they who work against the
purpose given you, AND
the joys / blessings which go with having served, and continuing to
serve
that / those cause(s) given you to handle
You are absolutely correct and I apologize for not mentioning the joys and
blessing that come with that calling.
Thanks sweetheart (meant in a friendly way), experience enlightens one to
these joys :-)
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
Glenn (Christian Mystic)
.
|
|
|
|
|
| User: "Terrell D Lewis" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 01:06:16 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 8 Jul 2004 07:49:25 -0500, "Glenn \(Christian Mystic\)"
<christianmystic@ev1.net> wrote:
And, you are correct it has nothing to do with a literal walking stick, or
EVEN the picking up and carrying a literal cross.
True, in both instances, "pick up your stauros and follow me," is a
euphemism for walking the CHristian path ("This Way", as Paul called
it, or "the narrow road," as Jesus called it) and everything
associated with that "walk."
Terrell
.
|
|
|
| User: "Pastor Dave" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 01:11:12 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 18:06:16 GMT, Terrell D Lewis
<composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> posted thusly:
On Thu, 8 Jul 2004 07:49:25 -0500, "Glenn \(Christian Mystic\)"
<christianmystic@ev1.net> wrote:
And, you are correct it has nothing to do with a literal walking stick, or
EVEN the picking up and carrying a literal cross.
True, in both instances, "pick up your stauros and follow me," is a
euphemism for walking the CHristian path ("This Way", as Paul called
it, or "the narrow road," as Jesus called it) and everything
associated with that "walk."
And yet, Christ was crucified and there were Apostles
who were as well (at least as far as tradition has it).
--
± Pastor Dave Raymond ±
"As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor
to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day;
thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right
before thee." - Jeremiah 17:16
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17
/
o{}xxxxx[]::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
\
"If life had evolved into its wondrous profusion of
creatures little by little, Dr. Eldredge argues, then
one would expect to find fossils of transitional
creatures which were a bit like what went before them
and a bit like what came after. But no one has yet
found any evidence of such transitional creatures.
This oddity has been attributed to gaps in the fossil
record which gradualists expected to fill when rock
strata of the proper age had been found. In the last
decade, however, geologists have found rock layers of
all divisions of the last 500 million years and no
transitional forms were contained in them." (The
Guardian Weekly, 26 Nov 1978, vol 119, no 22, p. 1)
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
.
|
|
|
| User: "Terrell D Lewis" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 03:04:02 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 14:11:12 -0400, Pastor Dave
<nospam*-*pastordave38@yahoo.com> wrote:
True, in both instances, "pick up your stauros and follow me," is a
euphemism for walking the CHristian path ("This Way", as Paul called
it, or "the narrow road," as Jesus called it) and everything
associated with that "walk."
And yet, Christ was crucified and there were Apostles
who were as well (at least as far as tradition has it).
Re-read this part:
everything
associated with that "walk."
That would include the good, the bad, the persecution and the joy.
Terrell
.
|
|
|
| User: "Pastor Dave" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 03:22:16 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 20:04:02 GMT, Terrell D Lewis
<composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> posted thusly:
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 14:11:12 -0400, Pastor Dave
<nospam*-*pastordave38@yahoo.com> wrote:
True, in both instances, "pick up your stauros and follow me," is a
euphemism for walking the CHristian path ("This Way", as Paul called
it, or "the narrow road," as Jesus called it) and everything
associated with that "walk."
And yet, Christ was crucified and there were Apostles
who were as well (at least as far as tradition has it).
Re-read this part:
everything
associated with that "walk."
That would include the good, the bad, the persecution and the joy.
Include, yes. That does not mean that it had nothing
to do with being physically crucified, as that is what
it meant for some. That was my only point.
--
± Pastor Dave Raymond ±
"As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor
to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day;
thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right
before thee." - Jeremiah 17:16
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17
/
o{}xxxxx[]::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
\
Sleep peacefully, God is awake.
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
.
|
|
|
| User: "Terrell D Lewis" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 05:35:55 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 16:22:16 -0400, Pastor Dave
<nospam*-*pastordave38@yahoo.com> wrote:
Include, yes. That does not mean that it had nothing
to do with being physically crucified, as that is what
it meant for some. That was my only point.
Still does over much of the globe, to be a CHristian in any middle
eastern country but Israel, CHina, many of the former Soviet
Republics, VIetnam, Indonesia, Sudan, northern Africa, and so forth
can carry a death sentence.
And, in time, it will be that way here.
Terrell
.
|
|
|
| User: "Pastor Dave" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
08 Jul 2004 05:45:11 PM |
|
|
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 22:35:55 GMT, Terrell D Lewis
<composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> posted thusly:
On Thu, 08 Jul 2004 16:22:16 -0400, Pastor Dave
<nospam*-*pastordave38@yahoo.com> wrote:
Include, yes. That does not mean that it had nothing
to do with being physically crucified, as that is what
it meant for some. That was my only point.
Still does over much of the globe, to be a CHristian in any middle
eastern country but Israel, CHina, many of the former Soviet
Republics, VIetnam, Indonesia, Sudan, northern Africa, and so forth
can carry a death sentence.
And, in time, it will be that way here.
Could be. One never knows.
--
± Pastor Dave Raymond ±
"As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor
to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day;
thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right
before thee." - Jeremiah 17:16
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17
/
o{}xxxxx[]::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
\
"Atheism is folly, and atheists are the
greatest fools in nature; for they see
there is a world that could not make
itself, and yet they will not own there
is a God that made it." - Matthew Henry
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| User: "John Watson" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
04 Jul 2004 11:32:42 PM |
|
|
"Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:1k2Gc.5263$ne6.4249@nwrdny03.gnilink.net...
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy
Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer, endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and
has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
This is true!
John
.
|
|
|
|
| User: "Terrell D Lewis" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
05 Jul 2004 01:18:35 AM |
|
|
On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 01:40:13 GMT, "Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net>
wrote:
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer, endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
Ah, but it does...for "cross" and "walking stick" are the same word in
the Greek. Since Jesus hadn't as yet revealed his death, the crowd
would have assumed he meant a walking stick.
But, either is applicable and it serves as a double methaphor.
Terrell D Lewis
http://www.terrelldlewis.com
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2 KJV
.
|
|
|
| User: "Dore" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
10 Jul 2004 11:37:03 AM |
|
|
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:c4she09t7i9sdn7opldrhadnhkfsbphe8i@4ax.com...
Ah, but it does...for "cross" and "walking stick" are the same word in
the Greek. Since Jesus hadn't as yet revealed his death, the crowd
would have assumed he meant a walking stick.
Those who believed and followed, they were given the Spirit of understanding
and thus knew the symbolic message and that is why He talked in parables and
they understood, but the unbelievers did not.
Matt 13:13-15
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and
hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing
ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall
not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see
with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their
heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
KJV
--
Dore
www.dorewilliamson.com
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:c4she09t7i9sdn7opldrhadnhkfsbphe8i@4ax.com...
On Mon, 05 Jul 2004 01:40:13 GMT, "Dore" <dorewilliamson@verizon.net>
wrote:
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me." A walking stick fits very well with Jesus' description of a
believer's life as a "narrow road" or a "strait gate," and Paul
referred to the religion as "this way." The believer's life is a path
wherein one follows Christ.
The word "cross" to be taken up, is translated by those with the Holy
Spirit
of truth, having the language of God, means symbolically to suffer,
endure
and cope with the burdens of being a true disciple of Christ, against the
evil, wicked and ungodly that oppresses, persecutes and abuses them and
has
NOTHING to do with a walking stick.
Ah, but it does...for "cross" and "walking stick" are the same word in
the Greek. Since Jesus hadn't as yet revealed his death, the crowd
would have assumed he meant a walking stick.
But, either is applicable and it serves as a double methaphor.
Terrell D Lewis
http://www.terrelldlewis.com
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise
unto him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2 KJV
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| User: "John Watson" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
02 Jul 2004 02:34:58 PM |
|
|
"Terrell D Lewis" <composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:gddbe096dcm5bs6313ntvhom5p0cpvsfsr@4ax.com...
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
Oops, I take it back!
John
.
|
|
|
|
| User: "Pastor Dave" |
|
| Title: Re: Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me |
02 Jul 2004 04:59:19 PM |
|
|
On Fri, 02 Jul 2004 19:19:14 GMT, Terrell D Lewis
<composer7NOSPAM@sbcglobal.net> posted thusly:
"Take up your cross and follow me"
The word, "cross" in the New Testament is translated from the Greek,
"stauros." Or a stake, staff, a pole. The common symbol called a
"cross" is actually pagan in origin and predates Christ's time on
earth by thousands of years.
People seem to get confused on this issue. Of course a
cross is pagan. So what? Did you think the Christians
invented crucifixion? Why would anyone think it
started as a Christian symbol? Was it the Christians
who crucified Christ? Of course not. Therefore, you
base your argument on a false premise.
Yes, there was a very large stake. However, that
doesn't mean that the shape of the cross means that one
is being pagan.
The cross was actually two pieces. The persons hands
(wrists) were nailed onto the cross beam. Then the
cross beam was attached to the stake and the whole
thing was lifted up together.
So yes it was originally a stake. It also had a cross
beam that would be attached to it.
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New
Testament Words" will provide a brief explanation as to how a pagan
symbol became a Christian symbol.
It "became a Christian symbol", because Jesus was
crucified on one. That seems pretty simple to me and I
don't know why folks would waste the paper in a
commentary, as if it was some great mystery that
required the greatest Christian minds in the world to
explain it to us poor dumb folk. :)
The people who heard Jesus say, "Take up your cross and follow me,"
would have heard the words as "Pick up your walking stick and follow
me."
Only if they got stuck using a faulty Star Trek
translator. :)
The part of the definition that you forgot, is as
follows...
Cross = stauros (stow-ros') - a stake or post (as set
upright), that is, (specifically) a pole or cross (as
an instrument of capital punishment); figuratively
exposure to death, that is, self denial; by implication
the atonement of Christ: - cross.
--
± Pastor Dave Raymond ±
"As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor
to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day;
thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right
before thee." - Jeremiah 17:16
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of
the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17
/
o{}xxxxx[]::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>
\
"Few paleontologists have, I think ever supposed that
fossils, by themselves, provide grounds for the
conclusion that evolution has occurred. An examination
of the work of those paleontologists who have been
particularly concerned with the relationship between
paleontology and evolutionary theory, for example that
of G. G. Simpson and S. J. Gould, reveals a mindfulness
of the fact that the record of evolution, like any
other historical record, must be construed within a
complex of particular and general preconceptions not
the least of which is the hypothesis that evolution has
occurred. ...The fossil record doesn't even provide any
evidence in support of Darwinian theory except in the
weak sense that the fossil record is compatible with
it, just as it is compatible with other evolutionary
theories, and revolutionary theories and special
creationist theories and even historical theories."
(Kitts, David B., "Search for the Holy Transformation,"
review of Evolution of Living Organisms, by Pierre-P.
Grassé, Paleobiology, vol. 5, 1979, pp. 353-354)
-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
.
|
|
|
|
|
Related Articles |
|
|
