Topic: Gospel
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. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (Luke 9:23-24 KJV)
Almost two thousand years ago, God brought His Son, Jesus, to us to die for our sins on the cross. Between Him, there were two thieves that represented us—rebellion and rejection. Let’s explore what these two thieves have to do with us.
Rebellion: Throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, people were stubborn and not willing to listen to God. In the Book of Exodus, the people of Israel had always complained to Moses to get something, even though God provided them food and shelter while they journeyed to the Promise Land. Even though we did not have forty years on the desert, we still rebel against God. During the last couple decades, we continue see that our nation has turned against God. Since the Oklahoma bombing in mid-90s, we continually see that our school systems are not safe for the students to learn to prepare for their future. Our Christian kids are not safe to express their beliefs publicly; instead, they fight for their rights with the help of ACLJ in the courtroom.
Rejection: Since the Obama and his administration took over White House, we see that our nation has rejected God and made itself as the pagan nation. Even before they took the office, our nation slowly went further away from God. I’m not taking any political side, because either republican, democratic, or independent have not really wake themselves up to repair the damages that this nation made. Why? We are arguing about which the political party is fault rather than showing them some possible solutions. Nowadays, America has turned against the traditional marriage and family; instead, people can have any type of relationship, such as same-sex, with animal, and multi-marriage relationship within the family. We also can’t tell which churches that represent the true Word of God, because some churches have adopted the ungodly laws that the Congress and President have approved them.
If we watch any Christian TV and radio programs, we don’t hear teaching on the cross, salvation, sanctification, hell, heaven, and justification. Instead, their teachings are on Christian living, prosperity, and improving self-esteem. Today’s messages are not like 50 or hundreds years ago. Some of us may have forgotten how to seek God. One of myths that the most people believe is that if the person is American, he or she is considered as Christian. That’s 100% fault. Paul said in Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” We need to have relationship with God through Jesus Christ. You cannot have boy/girlfriend without establishing relationship with someone first. This is same with God. He has feeling for us. He wants to have an intimacy relationship with each of us. But we need to let our idols go and take His cross to follow Him.
This is why His cross is represented as Redemption. Jesus set us free from the darkness of sins. I don’t know what problems you are facing today, but Jesus is willing to take care of your problems if you’d let Him. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Being a Christian is not about joining a religious group or cult, but having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Are you willing to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If you do, I love to hear from you. You can email me at mgjcwebminstries@mgjcweb.org or visit MGJC Web Ministries at www.mgjcweb.org/contact-ministry.html.
