July 2005

Protection of the "cross" as a Christian symbol might be a mistake? Satan and his followers might be doing us a favor when they make attempts to have it removed from America. The history of this tradition has more to do with human inclinations than with biblical interpretations. Just as Bible scholars refuse to consider my message Secret Communion regarding public prayer, they will probably refuse to take this message seriously.

In Bible terms, the cross should be understood as being an instrument of death. It should be thought of as a "burden" rather than a metaphor for victory. It was not the crucifixion on the cross that proved the divinity of Christ, but it was His resurrection out of the grave and ascension into the Domain of the Father that we should remember with reverence. The wicked ways of Satan and his followers was evidenced by what happened on the cross -- but the holy ways of God is evidence of events after the cross.

If we are true followers of Christ, we should be willing to suffer persecution and death as He did on the cross instead of trying to protect and preserve ourselves from enemies who try to destroy our faith. "And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." Matthew 10:38&39

If we are true followers of Christ, we might be required to condone mockers who question our faith when pointing out our mistakes before repentance washed us clean. They will mock our poverty, illnesses or any other "cross" that we are forced to endure when Satan seeks our destruction. "And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him." Matthew 27:39-42

In the middle of the 3rd century A.D., established churches were departing from certain doctrines of Christian faith. In order to increase prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system, pagans were often received into churches apart from regeneration by faith and were permitted to retain pagan signs and symbols -- such as the "Tau" or "T" in the most frequent form. The cross-piece of the "T" was lowered and was adopted to stand for the "cross" of Christ. Within the context of symbolism for Christians, the cross should be used to express the many forms of "evil" that comes against us. The only good that should be associated with the concept of a "cross" is our desire to suffer when we take up the cross -- if need be -- rather than betray our faith in God. "And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save
his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Matthew 8:34-36

In direct contrast to a multitude of sermons we are hearing from the pulpit these days about "riches" for those of faith, maybe we should emphasize sacrifice instead of selfishness. Rewards coming to us from God in the form of blessings have more to do with eternity in His Kingdom than what we are able to enjoy while here on Earth. Since most Christians believe that God never changes, and does not contradict Himself, we have to assume that excessive wealth is not something we should cherish or covet. "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Mark 10:21-25

Most Christians if asked would be unwilling to "sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." As we can see in places where homeless people dwell, religious organizations become wealthy from donations received -- while the "poor" continue to suffer. The "faith-based initiatives" promoted by President Bush have been resisted by many politicians who believe "Separation of Church and State" is a more valid argument than anything Jesus had to say about charity to the poor. This "sharing of the wealth" concept as taught by the Holy Master would be seen by many advocates of capitalism within a democratic state as some form of
socialism that should not be tolerated.

The only reason for a true Christian to acknowledge the "black wicked cross" would be to express contempt for the black wicked heart of Satan!

Without evil in this world, there would be no "cross" to take up as we strive to follow in the footsteps of Christ. When looking at a cross on steeples throughout the world, what are people prompted to remember? Should we
be constantly reminding ourselves of the corruptible power of evil to wreak havoc in our lives -- or should we be focusing upon victory over death?

Jesus was so emphatic about our need to "bear" the cross that we should be willing to follow Him even if our family members are trying to work against us. They might believe we are "too spiritually minded to be any earthly good," or maybe we would have more "money" if we stopped wasting our time trying to be good Christians? Jesus wants to be "number one" in all of our lives! "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. And whosoever doth not bear his cross,
and come after me, cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26&27

According to one self-described Christian minister in an attempt to rebuke me and to justify his rejection of everything I represent about myself, "True prophets of God always produced works commensurate to their faith, and did not endeavor to promote themselves." Since this standard can be used
to label me a "false prophet" in his own mind, let's see if the key points -- "works, faith, promotion" -- have anything to do with those who he accepts as true prophets. Here we have an example of how one old prophet in Bethel forced another prophet from Judah to "bear a cross" because of deception while tempting him to disobey a commandment from the Lord: "He said unto him, I am a prophet (promoting himself) also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied (evil works by a true prophet) unto him." 1 Kings 13:18

The original man of God who came in the name of Elijah engaged in a test of faith with false prophets to promote himself as a true prophet during a time when he was forced to "bear a cross" representing itself in human form by the name of Jezebel: "Then said Elijah unto the people, I, (promoting himself) even I only, remain a prophet of the LORD; but Baal's prophets are four hundred and fifty men." 1 Kings 18:22

Most scholars will agree that history seldom repeated itself in the various circumstances of lives or events described in the Bible. Elijah didn't follow the example of Moses; Elisha didn't repeat the works of Elijah; John the Baptist didn't imitate those who preceded him, and none of the major events became a ritualistic performance -- until humankind got involved centuries later. Through the years after those days, humankind has been guilty of creating "traditions" such as recognition of the "cross" that has nothing to
do with the reality of God's purpose for His children. "And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream." Numbers 12:5&6

Most of my messages are the result of "dreams" that come during early morning hours -- causing me to awake with an urge to write. On this day, September 6, 2004, a large black cross filled my consciousness as God explained what He wanted to say through me for the benefit of anyone who cares enough to read these words. Once I begin the process of acting upon His Thoughts running through my mind, one thought follows another -- and another -- making me feel like one of the readers rather than the author. My energy remains high until I sense that another message has been completed.

The power of God comes to those who willingly bear the "cross" during their walk with Christ! "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
1 Corinthians 1:18

Only our desire to bear the cross while rejecting enticements offered by this world should give us reason for glory! "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14

Just as Jesus was rewarded, so shall all loyal souls be rewarded -- when we become as "One" within the Holy Body that experienced resurrection and ascension: "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:8-11

People of this day who can be described as "enemies of the cross" might not only be those who are attempt to destroy Christian symbols from American public life. Confused souls who do not understand the significance of the cross are the ones who need to be warned before it is too late to repent!

Those who make "things of this world" more desirable than "things of God" in their lives can
be described as true enemies of the cross!

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." Philippians 3:18-21

All people on Planet Earth are being observed by the angels of God! They are watching as we make our choices to either escape the cross or suffer the anguish of the cross. Followers of Christ should have lifestyles dominated
by reading His Word, prayers in secret communion with the Father of souls, sharing resources with the poor, healing the sick, raising the dead -- and striving to convince lost souls to repent of sin. The question in the minds
of Christians should be -- what are the priorities for those of us who claim to serve God? "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and
is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1&2

Instead of spending money for a cross on the steeple or to be hung around our neck on a chain, wouldn't it be better to buy a hungry family some groceries? Instead of focusing upon the suffering of Christ on the cross as a unique occurrence, wouldn't it be better for every Christian to willingly do the same -- if need be -- knowing that resurrection and ascension have more to do with eternal reward than any form of death on Earth. Our inclination
to react in horror to what Jesus experienced at the hands of His enemies is because of a "carnal" mind set. We relate to pain, but we often fail to relate to the "Spiritual" nature of the crucifixion. The desire to "suffer" for our faith is much more important in our relationship with God than how
"blood" looks when flowing out of a body.

The "cross" should be thought of as a "weapon
of destruction" used by Satan to tempt us -- not
as a "tool" that God uses to glorify our human weaknesses. We can overcome the "cross" only through faith -- never by human might alone!

Though the lesson to be learned from this message will not come easily for those who regard traditions above Truth, the cross should be replaced with a dove which symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Just as we would not elevate respect for any other weapon -- guns, knives or bombs -- that are used against those who worship God, we should not elevate the cross!

Remember, "enemies of the cross" are those
who place themselves above the Master --
not on the cross with the Master!