Christ was humilated and killed because the world hated the truth he presented, therefore Christians are also humilated and oppressed for this same reason. In fact, Christianity is the most oppressed/prosecuted religion in the world. Do you agree that we must "take up our own cross" if we wish to follow Christ?
2006-08-18 13:57:52 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What must we do to follow Christ?
We must learn what Jesus is teaching, ALL of it, not just what seems "acceptable" and easy and maybe "logical".
We must follow his teachings ("in His footsteps") and apply them in our lives.
What does Jesus teach again and again and again? We must WANT to act out of compassion: 1. to love God above all things and 2. to love (be kind to) ALL our fellow human beings, even those who don't agree with us or those we don't agree with.
Jesus says those two are the "first and foremost commandments" and are the basis of THE LAW. Any other laws or interpretations of laws that don't align with those two basic laws are invalid.
Just immagine! If all humans would willingly (not because they have been told) act out of compassion toward the "others" there truly would be peace on Earth! Unfortunately we are not perfect and to bear "our cross" often seems too hard (or illogical, or "unscietific). - No, I'm not perfect either!
That's why we have to learn to be honest to ourself and admit that we have failed, again and again and again, and resolve to (at least try to) do better next time!
Because WE are not perfect we also have to forgive others for offences they may have committed against us.
We can then ask for forgiveness and get "peace of mind" - until the next time.
As someone put it: " Love (I don't mean SEX!) is the answer - whatever the question".
2006-08-18 15:27:04 · answer #1 · answered by fresch2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Character of a Godly Man:
Psalm 1:1-3 Ref.
Christian men willing to answer the Lord’s call to live godly lives in an unrighteous world. A man with this mindset will understand the importance of:
Ordering his life with Christian counsel. A God-fearing man is not too self-sufficient or proud to ask for help. He seeks biblical counsel regularly so that he can succeed according to God’s principles. He is open to advice based on scriptural truths, whether for his home life, personal finances, or business matters. Many of us, however, are prone to seek opinions from those who appear successful, even if they do not share our faith. How wise can ungodly men be when they have chosen to live without God? How smart are we when we seek their advice?
Limiting his deepest friendships to fellow believers. Only the like-minded — those who love Jesus and desire to follow Him — are suitable to be intimate friends of a believer. Remember, our companions can influence us positively or negatively. Those who reject Jesus will never guide us toward Him. Those who are casual in their faith can influence us away from God’s standards. While the Lord expects us to relate to all sorts of people, it is wise to restrict our “inner circle” to Christ-followers.
Being committed to defending the truth. Concerned with the things of the Lord and His church, a godly man will TAKE A STAND against the profane use of Jesus’ name. Not only will he speak the truth about unrighteous patterns of behavior and their destructiveness; he will also oppose ridicule of the Bible or other Christians. Ref. Psalms 1;3 Jer 17:8 14:1 12: 1-2
Men, the Lord calls you to godliness. What will you say?
2006-08-18 14:09:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Well I think the bible is pretty clear about what we are to do. Yes, Jesus said to take up our cross and follow Him. And perhaps, in the sharing of the gospel, some people may not like what we have to say.
But I think it's important that we not be obnoxious in the way we speak to people about Jesus, or about the things He said. If people find the cross an "offense", as the bible tells us they will, that's one thing. But let's make sure we are showing kindness, love, mercy, forgiveness, compassion...and not causing offense in the way we behave.
2006-08-18 14:04:55 · answer #3 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We are persecuted and do you know why? The enemy is alive and well...and trying to destroy us.
John 10:10 "The thief comes but to kill, to steal and to destroy but I have come to give you life and give it more abundantly."
I believe the Bible...and if we are to follow Christ...we will live in this world but not of this world...
If He is for us, who can be against us? That doesn't mean they won't be against us...it just means, who gives a rats behind! (I'm with the big guy upstairs... :o)
Grace to you and God Bless!
2006-08-18 14:09:05 · answer #4 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i'm not a devout Catholic because i don't believe in a lot of things the Vatican says. i'm a Methodist. Methodism is a very loose version of christianity. i feel that all you have to do to follow christ is to believe in Him and his teachings. He taught to believe in Him and trust Him "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding," to accept sinners and those not like you (accepting Peter, the tax collector, and the adultoror, "Let those without sin cast the first stone.")
2006-08-18 14:29:37 · answer #5 · answered by happyinblue 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's what Jesus said to do.
"The one who doesn't take up his cross and follow me isn't worthy of me. The one who finds his life will lose it, and the one who loses his life because of me will find it." (Matthew 10:38-39)
"If the world hates you, you should realize that it hated me before you. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you do not belong to the world and I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you." (John 15:18-19)
There have been more Christian martyrs in the 20th century worldwide, than all the previous 19 combined. And like the writer to the Hebrews says, " The world wasn't worthy of them..." (Hebrews 11:38)
2006-08-18 14:10:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I believe we must live our lives quietly and calmly, helping those that need help and showing our christianity by our actions, not by loud words and violent deeds. If you want the critisizm to stop, walk the walk instead of talking the talk. Jesus was killedbecause he plotted revolt against the religious leaders of his time.
2006-08-18 14:36:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree, but to answer the first part of the question, I would say ask Jesus to become your personal savior.Then tell others about him and try to follow the 10 commandments.
2006-08-18 14:04:44 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's awsome that some one loves so much to lay he's life down just so i may have life and he hung on a cross just for us why would i not follow him who cares what people think of me here? they are not gonna save me ...... so i will follow we ever cause that;s what 's in my heart to do ....... seek JESUS
2006-08-18 14:09:50 · answer #9 · answered by littlebitty06 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
to follow christ is very simple all u need to do is carry your cross as our lord jesus christ did and try to keep all is commandment according to the book of exodus in the holy bible and it shall be well with you.
2006-08-18 14:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋