The Cross

joel49 — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:11:31 GMT

Which Christians say they don't carry personal Crosses ? Read :

Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without anguish of mind, without uncertainty, without doubt, and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God himself. - Miguel de Unamuno

RE: The Cross

Jay aka EET — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:06:41 GMT

Mat 10:38 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me."

And here is a comment by Wesley on this verse- So “to carry the cross” is a figurative expression, denoting that we must endure whatever is burdensome, or is trying, or is considered disgraceful, in following Christ. It consists simply in doing our duty, let the people of the world think of it or speak of it as they may.

Your question is not clear.

Thank you,

Jay

RE: The Cross

funguy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:10:19 GMT

None is the answer, I believe. Jesus said, as Jay quoted above that a person must take up his cross and follow Jesus. I suppose there may be philosophical believers who discuss Christianity and admire Christ from afar, but if they do not actually believe in him in the biblical sense and take up their cross and follow Him, they would not be classified as Christians according to the Bible. I know no group by name to tell you. People who believe in the idea of god might be said to have a philosophy. Like Jay, I'm not sure what you are asking, but you have my answer.

RE: The Cross

funguy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:10:47 GMT

RE: The Cross

Lido — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:34:04 GMT

What is the question.......if any.

RE: The Cross

pilgrimwb — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:46:18 GMT

One can be a good Baptist without acquiring a good education. One can be a good Methodist without knowing the Bible. Or a good Presbyterian or Lutheran without displaying deep emotion. Or a good contemplative without possessing social skills. One can even be a good Catholic without liking the Pope.

But one cannot be a good Christian without the Cross.

To say "the Cross" is first of all to recognize the human suffering God went through personally during the physical enfleshment of God's Son.

Secondly, it is to conclude (either by acceptance or by experience) that spiritual character most often develops within a believer's life through occasions of personal suffering — illness, deprivation and loss, tragedy, bereavement, financial ruin, disappointment, betrayal, etc.).

As one writer I know put it: "God uses broken people. It's the only option."