
Is Dragging a Wooden Cross Around Biblical? [podcast]
Taking Up the Cross? What Does that Really Mean? Cross Objects?
Drag a wooden cross around?
Did anyone in the New Testament canon do such? Not one.
This message in no way insinuates that these men who carry wooden crosses are not saved but rather it seems to show biblical proof that they are misled.
“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. 24 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
“Luke 9:23-27
R. Invitation to Take Up the Cross (9:23-27)
9:23 Having outlined His own future, the Lord invited the disciples to follow Him. This would mean denying themselves and taking up their cross. To deny self means willingly to renounce any so-called right to plan or choose, and to recognize His lordship in every area of life. To take up the cross means to deliberately choose the kind of life He lived. This involves:
—The opposition of loved ones.
—The reproach of the world.
—Forsaking family and house and lands and the comforts of this life.
—Complete dependence on God.
—Obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
—Proclamation of an unpopular message.
—A pathway of loneliness.
—Organized attacks from established religious leaders.
—Suffering for righteousness’ sake.
—Slander and shame.
—Pouring out one’s life for others.
—Death to self and to the world.
But it also involves laying hold of life that is life indeed! It means finding at last the reason for our existence. And it means eternal reward. We instinctively recoil from a life of cross-bearing. Our minds are reluctant to believe that this could be God’s will for us. Yet the words of Christ ‘If anyone desires to come after Me” mean that nobody is excused and nobody is excepted.’ Believer’s Bible Commentary
Not one person, not one eternal soul has ever nor ever will be saved as a result of someone dragging around a wooden cross.
Jesus commanded His people to “Go ye into all the world and PREACH the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15), and not drag around a wooden cross. The preached Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
What Never Comes Back Void?
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
People are saved, born again by the WORD being preached. God then convicts them via the preached incorruptible seed of His Word which never returns void but always accomplishes that for which He sends it…. and He sends it via the preaching of His Word, not a physical object being dragged around.
Saving faith, the faith to be saved comes by the WORD, not seeing someone carrying a wooden beam.
“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17
The preached Gospel, the Gospel, when it is preached, is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”
More on How Saving Faith Comes
NO one is going to get saved because of you carrying a wooden cross around or wearing one on your tee shirt or around your neck. No, people repent and believe on Christ unto eternal life when “the MESSAGE of the cross” is preached to them (1 Corinthians 1:18)! Saving faith doesn’t come by people witnessing some guy toting a wooden cross around but rather saving “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
To repent, believe and be saved, people must have the Word of God planted in their hearts and as they choose to turn to the LORD by faith, He will save them (Acts 20:21).
“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
“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21
God is not proud or pleased with you for doing something HE never asked you to do.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7
Putting GOD first instead of self is absolutely essential to victory in Christ.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
You live by truth, which is by faith born out of divine truth – and not by how you feel.
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ” Colossians 3:3
This day you declare that you have sentenced yourself to death that Christ might live and reign in and through the life He gave you.
“But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:” 2 Corinthians 1:9
By which means are men born again?
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
Such activities as wearing a cross around ones neck or toting a physical cross around town are misguided at best and a waste. Jesus only carried His wooden cross to go die on the altar of that cross for the sins of the world (John 19:16-18). He alone could have borne the sins of the world and such He did on that cross in order to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29; Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Christ told no one to go make and drag a cross around. The apostles nor early church practiced no such thing.
This all makes us wonder what the motives are of those who do such today.
Some might say “But brother the wooden cross represents, symbolizes how Christ died for us.” True and yet, do we have even one instruction to carry around a cross to make Jesus known? No. Do we have even one example of the apostles of Jesus or the earliest followers doing such? No.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12
Human reasoning or rightly obeying?
“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23
Saved by Grace Through Faith
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
And that saving faith comes from the hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7
“Preach the word.” 2 Timothy 4:2
How did Philipp lead the Ethiopian eunuch to Jesus?
“26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” Acts 8:26-39
WHEN Jesus commanded us to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him…. what did He really mean by that?
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” Matthew 16:24-25
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Apostasy
“Avoid Foolish Questions” [podcast]

God’s Word does not instruct us to “avoid questions” but rather “avoid foolish questions.”
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
What Does Christ’s Great Commission Call Us to do?
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalms 90:12
The dire need of the salvation of eternal souls necessitates that we walk in God’s wisdom in these final of days before our LORD’s return.
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:2-6
Paul on Mars Hill
Did Paul believe he had to answer every question? Did he entertain questions?
“The hill is historically significant as a site of philosophical debate and as the location where the Apostle Paul delivered a sermon to the Athenians, as recorded in the New Testament.”
On Mars Hill Paul didn’t seem to affront his audience as much as he sought to reveal who the known God is as they had built an altar “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). Paul sought to turn them to the one true God, to inform them of who He is—The One who sent His only begotten Son to be crucified and raised again for their justification, calling them to repentance.
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” Acts 17:30
Romans 1 informs us that God’s wrath abides upon all who hold or suppress the truth in unrighteousness …. and that the Gospel of Jesus is “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Romans 1:16-20).
Ascertaining by Scripture what the LORD Sent us to Accomplish
What did Jesus send us, His people, to do?
“What a tragedy to spend precious time on these things (foolish questions) while a world is perishing!” William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Preach the word” is the divine command (2 Timothy 4:2).
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14
Jesus, the apostles, nor the earliest followers never set up a location where they entertained every question and potshot the heathen could throw at them. No, they were on mission, as Christ’s “ambassadors” to preach and teach the Gospel, the Word of God.
“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
“Preach the word….” 2 Timothy 4:2
Notice, no mention of “going and asking people what they believe or setting up a table and answering questions. Sorry to those who balk, such is not the Great Commission.
“Stop the tip toeing around people. Preach the whole counsel of God’s Word. Let the Holy Spirit do the work in them. You are not the Holy Spirit.” Darlene Dusza
We are so far removed from original Gospel learning, adherence, and obedience that this revelation will shock some and even anger others. Yet an honest study of the Holy Scriptures reveals these things plainly.
A.W. Tozer declared:
“We are called to preach the Bible. Not to prove it. The Holy Ghost is all the proof we need.”
I agree with his statement as it plainly aligns with the mission and Gospel action of Christ, His holy apostles, and the earliest followers of Jesus as is recorded on the pages of New Testament Scripture.
Perhaps many a follower of Jesus is hindered in his ministering by thinking he’s not qualified since he sees so many modern day question answerers…. Yet is anyone getting saved? No. Those who are answering the questions of our day thrown at them and recorded, are not preaching the Word of God. At best they may sneak something from the Bible or mention the Bible but they are not preaching the Gospel under the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit as Jesus mandated (Acts 1:4-8, etc.).
One disciples declared:
“It is incumbent on us to lead them to His Word (to give them HIS Word). The Holy Spirit will bring them to the Cross!”
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18
Satan’s work is to ensnare, to entangle Christ’s messengers in “foolish questions” in order to distract and divert them from planting the seed of the Word of God from which salvation springs.
Satan is always the one behind the diversions, the tactics to block sinners from salvation… to create the noise pollution in an attempt to stop them from getting saved and therefore being translated out of his kingdom (Colossians 1:12-14). Do we remember how….
“But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” Acts 13:8-10
Gentlemen, you don’t owe everyone an answer to their every question. Just obey God by preaching the Word. God gave us all His Word, the Bible. Beware of being misled by the whiners who act like Christians owe them an answer to their every question which emanates from an unbelieving, rebellious heart. They have a Bible but have refused to repent truly. When someone repents, they begin to devour the WORD for themselves and don’t whine about not understanding all the answers to life (2 Timothy 2:15; 4:2-4).
Are we not told to “avoid foolish questions”? And questioning the Creator while drowning, living in His creation seems to be one of the reasons for the many “foolish questions” we see being entertained today.
“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” Titus 3:9-11
We should be armed with the knowledge, ahead of time, that there are many who throw out “foolish questions” to entangle and divert Christ’s disciples, to derail them from preaching the Word as God commands (2 Timothy 4:2).
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” 2 Timothy 2:23
Examples of “foolish questions” people use to divert from the truth that they are sinners in need of the Savior:
- “What about the people who have never heard the Bible, the Gospel preached to them?”
- “What about all the hypocrites who claim to be Christians?”
- “But the Bible has been translated over and over and so it’s not accurate.” –
- “What about the lost books of the Bible?” –
- QUESTION: “Where did Adam and Eve’s son’s wives come from?”
POSSIBLE ANSWER: “We can understand the discomfort this interpretation might cause. Incest taboos are deeply ingrained in human societies for both biological and social reasons. But in the context of the first human family, such unions would have been necessary and not yet forbidden.” ChristianPure.com
The priority command of Christ via His Great Commission mandate, is for His people to go preach the Gospel, to teach the Bible (as written at end of Mark end of Matthew).
Perhaps we can surmise that avoiding “foolish questions” involves navigation, sticking to the most important Bible truth—salvation—upholding, planting the seed of the truth, the Word, keeping the main thing the main thing…
Recently I had a man who is a new ager, spiritual type ask me if it concerned me that babies are being killed by Jews in Palestine….
“Foolish questions” being asked is the diversionary tactic of the enemy of souls. Concerning “foolish questions” one source notes:
“All four of these practices—pointless debate, arguments over genealogy, quarrels, and debates over the law of Moses—are considered a waste of time. All they accomplish is taking energy and resources away from the ministry Paul had entrusted to Titus.”
Another source notes the following on “foolish questions”:
“Examples of foolish questions include those that are unprofitable, speculative, and serve no purpose beyond generating strife or satisfying curiosity, such as debates on the number of angels on a pinhead, excessive speculation about the antichrist, or questions about biblical prophecies that God has not revealed. The context of Titus 3:9 is a directive from the Apostle Paul to avoid such debates and instead focus on maintaining good works and godly living.”
Don’t be distracted. You are on mission for the LORD. You are there to preach the Word and not win arguments, but to win souls. Deal meekly and mildly as is possible and deposit the convicting law of the LORD which is able to convert the soul, to make wise the simple, to rejoice the hearts of men, to enlighten their eyes,
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” Psalms 19:7-9
God did not send His only begotten Son nor us to try to talk anyone into the greatest blessing and gift that ever has or will exist—all done to save them from the sin that is destroying them and will result in their irrevocable eternal damnation.
God instructs us not to waste our/HIS time:
“Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” Proverbs 23:9
We are to “be ready” to give a biblical answer and a personal testimony of the saving grace of Christ we’ve personally experienced at the moment and thereafter of being born again.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15
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Abiding
The Eternal Danger of Trusting Mere Men [podcast]

Idol Shepherds Abounding!
The LORD is Holy and will not share His glory with any other.
“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8
Your favorite pastor, evangelist or teacher among men is “at his best state … altogether vanity” (Psalms 39:5). God be thanked for the life of every true servant elder and yet they are mere men. God did not send His only begotten Son to die and be buried and raised again to make you a good church member or fan of a mere man who is supposed to be a servant leader. Jesus came to take away our sins, make us new creatures so we could know Him and His Father – and serve them and not man (John 1:29; 17:3; 1 Corinthians 7:23). We are each called to “know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). Let’s read the whole verse: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death” (Philippians 3:10).
RAVI ZACHARIAS is just another pawn of Satan whom gullible dupes clung to, they hung to his every word. He rarely even mentioned the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith – the holiness of God, the precious blood of Jesus, the crucified life, repentance, etc.. Why did they cling to him, a mere man? They were unrepentant and therefore weren’t choosing to truly worship, seek the face of, love and obey Christ. The vacuum left by their idolatry facilitated their delusion. Then Ravi died in sin. When you love the LORD, truly, you love and devour HIS Word, daily. Read 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12.
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? MY HOPE IS IN THEE.” Psalms 39:4-7
When O When will we truly repent and genuinely follow JESUS, pouring over and hanging on HIS every Word – from Genesis to Revelation? Isn’t that why He gave us HIS Word, the Bible? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21)
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” 20:31
“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5
The ministries of mere men are not an end in themselves.
They are called to simply teach God’s Word itself – and to get you into God’s Word daily for yourself.
Notice how the apostle Paul reveals how the disciples at Thessalonica “received the word of God.”
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when YE RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
“Ye received the word of God – Ye received the doctrine of God, not as any thing fabricated by man, but as coming immediately from God himself, we being only his messengers to declare what he had previously revealed to us. And ye have had the fullest proof that ye have not believed in vain; for that doctrine, under the power and influence of the Holy Ghost, has worked most powerfully in you, filling you with light, life, and holiness.” Adam Clarke
They were “taught of God”, not men (1 Thessalonians 4:9).
The ministries of the servants of God are merely designed to get you to discern ….. and to get into God’s Word FOR YOURSELF – to study to show your own self approved unto God! (Acts 17:10-11)
” And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:10-11
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13
YOU do it.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The lazy, those who don’t truly love the LORD are being eliminated as goats. This all comes on the heels of their refusal to seek God…. and study His own Word.
No, instead the idolaters of mere men will read and listen to endless messages by mere men, their favorite preachers, mere men. They then bond with those mere men, there is an unnatural soul-tie created.
“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?” Isaiah 2:22
“Isaiah 2:19-22 People will seek for shelter wherever they can hide. It will be clear then that fleeting man is unworthy of trust. Only the Lord is worthy of the undivided confidence of His people.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
“Cease ye – Never admire or place your trust in man. Breath – Whose breath is quickly stopped and taken away. Wherein – What excellency is in him, considered in himself, and without dependence on God?” John Wesley
“Cease ye from man – Trust neither in him, nor in the gods that he has invented. Neither he, nor they, can either save or destroy.” Adam Clarke
The church world is full of wolves in sheep’s clothing. The list of “idol shepherd(s)“ is long…. Here is but a sampling:
See all shorts videos here on ministry youtube channel.
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Abiding
“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]

Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of our faith and He requires our personal participation both initially and ongoing, as we “endure to the end”, abiding in Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; John 15, etc.).
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” John 6:66-67
WHERE O WHERE are we going to go if we depart from Jesus? …. does He, the eternal God and Creator of all things not hold the future of every living soul in His holy hand?
FB Meyer on John 6:60-71
“THE SIFTING OF JESUS’ FOLLOWERS
Christ’s pathetic question-Will ye also go away?-elicited from Peter a reply which proved that the inner meaning of His words had already broken upon their souls. ‘Thy words give us and nourish within us the eternal life.'”
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?” John 6:66-67
There are many today, who like the 5,000 who departed from Christ, leave when they hear the cross message – the divine command to be crucified with Christ. Jesus asks us today: “Will you allow He who authored your faith to finish it?”
“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:4
“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, 2 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
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness”? Romans 6:1-16
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Colossians 2:3-10
The Gospel, the Resurrection of Christ
1 Corinthians 15
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
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