Crossfire: Cross Focus

Most of us are aware of the show that was broadcast as far back as I can remember, called Crossfire. Similar to today's "Hannity & Colmes", there were two hosts with apposing views on contemporary issues of the times. It came to mind as I contemplated a view published by a Christian ministry regarding Arthur Blessitt and his forty year journey carrying the Cross around the world. They claimed in their article he was led by Satan, "Parading around, making a spectacle of himself, to draw attention to himself, using the symbol of what man did to the Lord."
*
The article went on to say, the Cross is the symbol of Christ's death. When he was risen, and lives, we continue to worship a tree, a piece of wood. Their was much more rambling, but, you get the point. Apparently, many believers share this point of view. While I found their argument intriguing and compelled to give them the benefit of the doubt, there is one huge mistake in the basis for their point of view. Man did not kill Jesus.
*
Jesus knew His fate, all along the way. He did it willingly, and no man had a choice in the matter. Praise Jesus. Everything that Jesus experienced was written, and could not be stopped, even if there was a Roman equivalent to Perry Mason at the time. That "tree" is the symbol of His willing sacrifice, just to give us the gift of salvation. We humans have a hard time remembering exactly what Jesus went through, for our sake only. We cannot conceive of His Passion, in the midst of our selfishness.
*
I have tried to get my sister to watch Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ", again. She has seen it once, and according to her, that is enough. To watch it again, "would just be morbid", is a common opinion. We have a thousand excuses when it comes to rationalizing our neglect of the attention God so rightly deserves. The Bible says we are to 'pray without ceasing'. We get caught up in the worldly things and events and think that since we are busy, we are excused from any direct, consistent involvement with the Lord. We don't even think about Him for days, sometimes. We think about Him right away, though, when a setback, or tragedy arrives to disrupt our fleshly lives.
*
When we become Christians, we are saying to God we are dying to that fleshly, or worldly life, and committing to seek His Will. How many times have we gotten caught up in a project, maybe at work or around the house, and completely forgot a previously scheduled errand. Maybe it was something we promised to do for our boss, or spouse. We genuinely intended to carry out the task with all our heart, but, their reaction is as though we never intended to do it at all. Aren't we lucky to have such a wonderful, awesome Lord, which whom, has the just and merciful nature, such as He does. Rather than a Draconian god, who would punish us for a mishap, a mistake; we have a loving, merciful, all knowing Father, that sees in our heart, and judges us righteously.
*
We cannot begin to conceive of His Holiness, and Goodness. We tend to do things we are aware are not agreeable to Him, or know right out, He hates. He hates all sin, big or small, but, we rationalize it, anyway. No!... we definitely need something to remind us of just how far He was willing to go for us, and what we owe Him. The Cross is the symbol of His sacrifice, and a reminder of our responsibility to stay on the narrow path, as a Christian.
*
To ignore the importance of the Cross, would be just as silly as denying the privilege of sharing Communion with Jesus. They are both the gifts of being Christians. The Cross is the constant reminder of how dirty we are, and what it took to wash us clean. His blood was shed on the Cross, so we would have the opportunity to one day share His kingdom, which there will be no end.
*
This world, which we cherish so much we are willing to deny Him, will end someday. To receive His forgiveness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives, all that is expected of us is to repent, and honor His sacrifice. We are not worshiping a tree when we pray in front of the Cross. We are not paying homage to wood when we lay our iniquities at the foot of the Cross. We are acknowledging the greatness of a supreme Being that would do something so wonderful for someone who is so undeserving. It is only through His Goodness that we are given the opportunity to deserve it.
*
We must realize, every time we ignore the Cross, and turn away from our Saviour, we are spitting on Him, and His graciousness. It is only through His Grace, we are able to turn away from the temptations of today, and partake in a supernatural relationship with Him, through faith in the Cross. There should be more emphasis placed on the Cross. We are letting a relative few heathens dictate where we can place a Cross, as it offends them. Why would a simple tree, or piece of wood, offend anyone? It is not a "green" issue. It is not a violation of nature that stirs some to violence and rebellion. It is what the Cross stands for. If only it stirred so much passion in the believer.
*
Christians typically take the Cross for granted, as they have rationalized its importance. Just as the typical agnostic refrains from admitting the reality of it, as they would have to turn away from the lifestyle they so cherish, we are not truly committed. We are real quick to profess our love for Jesus, but, when it comes to turning away from those things we know are offensive to God, we choose to ignore. We figure, if we play stupid today, and get away with 'this thing', we will do extra atonement tomorrow. That would be great, if, our Lord was as stupid as we are.
*
If you focused more on the Cross, or Jesus, you might be rocked back to reality. You cannot fool God. You are not hiding anything. You are only fooling yourself, and pleasing Satan. The atheist has more of a chance to get to Heaven, as he may truly wake up, before it is too late, repent, and accept Christ as his Saviour. The common professed Christian will be blindsided when the end comes and he was walking in iniquity, believing he was saved, as he said a prayer a few years ago.
*
It is amazing how much angry mail I receive, for trying to pull people out of their fantasy world of believing Jesus went through what no man would, so we could live in iniquity without feeling guilty. It is even more amazing, many preachers(?) are preaching that very message. At least, they will be keeping you company. I can understand the atheist wanting to rid the world of the Cross and what it stands for, but, a Christian? There are many people who say they are Christian, and they will no more see heaven than a ravenous wolf. That is Biblical. Satan believes in Jesus, and knows He is Lord. Do you really believe Satan has a chance in... well, you get the point.
*
Wearing a cross for decoration around the neck is disgraceful, unless you are ready to respond in a godly manner and display what it stands for, through your actions as a Christian. As far as I am concerned, whether intended, or not, wearing a cross as decoration, unless specifically intended to portray a discipleship, is blasphemy. One should be very careful in making that decision. It brings to mind the horrific feeling which comes over me when I see a piece of the American flag being used as a pocket patch. Or, what of the common hoodlum who wears battle fatigues. The military uniform stands for many men and women that gave their lives for our freedom.
*
In the same manner, the Cross stands for the One that came down from Heaven, so we could be freed from our sin. We all remember how everyone rallied behind our flag, post 9/11. You would be hard-pressed to find a car which had no flag on the antennae, or sticker of a flag in the window. Now, we barely remember the feelings which drove us to such unity that dominated our lives. We should be even more driven to such unity, as Christians, to rally around OUR Cross. We should show non-believers the same unity and strength as Christians, as we showed the rest of the world our strength as Americans.
*

Another major terrorist attack is presumed likely, in America. The return of our Lord is definite. Are you ready? A tragedy could befall you tonight. Are you sure where you stand? Are you that sure you are saved, because a confused evangelist says you are. Be sure. This is the most important thing you have to worry about. Make sure you have truly repented of your sin, and give your heart to the Lord. Then, you don't need to worry about the affairs of the world, or the economy, or anything else. Where you stand with the Lord is the only thing you need to consider. If you are on the narrow path that leads through the narrow gate to His kingdom, it matters not what happens to you in this short life.
*

Why would an atheist take the chance there is no god, out of their ignorance. If their genius proves to be misled, they are damned to an eternity in hell. If, by their standards, we are wrong as Christians, with all the proof needed, what have we lost? The atheists choose to ignore all the solid evidence, written hundreds of years before Christ, telling of His coming. There is no hope for them if they don't receive the truth in time. The more common Christian, however, is worse off, as they are now informed of the truth, and expected to know better. Please, secure your salvation by investigating the truth, which is the Word of God.
*
Do not take my word, or anybody's word, when it comes to your salvation. Examine yourself immediately, and know for sure, with all your heart and soul, you will be with your Lord, should you not have the time left you fantasize.