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What does the cross mean to you? - 7/11/2008 10:09:31 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 666
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This may have been broached before, but I have not seen it. Something happened at work today that made me think about it.
A little background on the situation in question.....
This morning I overheard a conversation, to a degree, and I heard the name of Jesus. At the name of the Lord, my ears perked up. What I heard I didn't really care for, and actually upset me. One of the guys mockingly said "Oh, Jesus loves me". These 2 guys kept talking, I didn't know what about, but this guy said it again. So after a little while, I had to know what that was about, so I went to the other guy in question. To make a long story short, the guy made a remark about a new tattoo this other one had. It was a tattoo of the face of Jesus, in a crown of thorns. The guy asked how you could know what Jesus looked like. Anyway, I noticed that this guy with the tattoo, also had another one of a cross, with hands clasped in prayer on his forearm. So this all got me thinking about what the cross means to me, and why it upset me to hear what I heard. By the way, the guy with the tats does believe in Jesus, and is Catholic I believe.
So to get to it, what does the cross mean to me?
It means life. It is the crossroad of where He gave His life, and I gained mine. Just to understand what had to occur on that cross, and what He did for me, for us, is just so amazing, and heartbreaking. To know that this was His purpose, to live a sinless, unblemished life, and then bare the sins of the world, how heavy that burden must have been. To then take that burden to the cross, and die the way He did, an excruciating, shameful, horrible death, just brings me to my knees. To know that the price has been paid, and that through His wounds I am healed, the gratefulness I feel cannot be expressed with mere words. The Lamb of God, oh so worthy of my praise.
It means love. It tells me, it shows me, the great depth of love God has for me. The unconditional, everlasting love that led Him to send His only begotten Son, to die a sacrificial death for me, for you, for all of us. How amazing is the love of God. The love that is willing to accept my weak, sin infested life, and change me for the better. Oh how unworthy I am, how far from perfect or even good that I am, yet He still loves me that much, that He was willing to die in my place. I don't have the ability to comprehend a love so great, yet I am willing to come humbly to the foot of the cross, and give the only thing I have to give, which is my life. I love Him, because He loved me first.
So now I ask you, what does the cross mean to you?
Do you think it is OK to get offended regarding this?(someone who wears a cross, who doesn't understand what is means)
If not, why?
I will leave you with a little bit from Philippians 2
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
_____________________________
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/11/2008 10:22:58 PM
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PrexicKehdaki
Posts: 190
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I get kind of annoyed with people that "pose". Including when they're "posing" using the cross. Stupid posers.
But, I'm going to leave it at that. I need to cut back with all these atheist perspectives.. no one here cares what the cross means to me. :P
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 2:27:05 AM
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beachcooky
Posts: 621
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quote:
ORIGINAL: PrexicKehdaki
I need to cut back with all these atheist perspectives.. no one here cares what the cross means to me. :P
I totally agree with that statement.
What does the cross mean to me? Hm, it's the perfect definition of love. Jesus was willing to die for our sins. Why? Because He loved us. So thats how I view the cross. It's the definition of love.
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www.myspace.com/xsweetheartforux
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 2:33:22 AM
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OneJohn410
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This quote is just of your questions, your OP is very nicely done imho.
quote:
ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD
So now I ask you, what does the cross mean to you?
Do you think it is OK to get offended regarding this? (someone who wears a cross, who doesn't understand what is means)
If not, why?
Knowing what I know about crucifixion, the shape of the cross reminds me of Christ's death, a sacrifice made for every sin of anyone for all time, that whosoever believeth in Him might not perish but have eternal life in heaven.
On getting offended, I don't think I could get offended at the guy with the tattoo. If he doesn't know what that means to the Protestant church or those of his own church, then he's sure picked some powerful images to wear on his forearms for some reason. I couldn't tell if you were offended at his ignorance (or that there was ignorance), or if your offense was at your other coworker joking about the Jesus loves me song, or at both of them. It is a hard situation when someone wearing a visible cross is seen treating others like dirt. They aren't living their bling. I can't stand it anymore. Michael W. Smith sings a song 'Cross of Gold' that addresses this. There, I feel better.  Why OneJohn not get offended? I don't see you idolizing the cross. I don't. What I know has happened is that crosses are everywhere, and just because they are doesn't mean they have to have a special significance or deep meaning to everyone. They do to me. I don't have a whole lot to say for a great long time after a visit to Arlington National Cemetary and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That you can see them tattooed(?) or 'permanently' inked into someone's skin- well, that's their body and their life. That doesn't mean I won't ask them about it. I'm not the type to tell someone they are wrong for seeking some sort of special protection from things by way of a cross tattoo or necklace fob.
OneJohn410
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 4:46:02 AM
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mvic
Posts: 954
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I asked Jesus how much He loved me.
He said "This much" and stretched out his arms and died.
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http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 4:54:29 AM
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mvic
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Here's an example of the level of ignorance we have these days.
Overheard conversation at the jewellry counter of a large store: (Two young women in their twenties).
A: I'm looking for a gold chain to wear round my neck. One with a cross.
B: This one here looks nice.
A: No ... I'm looking for one with the little man pinned on it.
_____________________________
http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 5:08:51 AM
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PureLight
Posts: 106
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The cross means love exists in this world and without it....I can't express it. It's just not possible for me here.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 5:55:07 AM
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conrack50
Posts: 668
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From: 200 N. Bryan Ave. Shawnee, Ok 74801
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The cross means everything to me and without Jesus I am nothing.
I watched The Passion of Christ and it really reminded me of what Jesus went thru for all of us.
Connie Lou
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 9:54:29 AM
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jn1010lf
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Hello SavedByGraceMD
To me, the cross is a historical fact. It was the time that Jesus Christ laid down His life to be the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. The shedding of His blood also set God's plan for mankind into motion.
Now, I really feel that too many peope are still hung up on the cross. Jesus no longer hangs on it, as a prominent denomination shows. Rather, Jesus Christ descended into Hell and overcame death so that we might life forever. Where is He now? He is at the right hand of God the Father where He inteceded for us.
So, we need to look to Him, the risen Lord. I don't think we should wear any jewely of the cross because it represents death, whereas the Holy Spirit is life. Our adornment should be the brightness of our countenance, a changed life depicted by joy and victory.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 10:05:55 AM
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URForgiven
Posts: 740
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quote:
ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD
So now I ask you, what does the cross mean to you?
The cross is an instrument of death. If we ever loose sight of that, then much of what is written about the cross in the Word will take on a meaning that was never intended.
Christ's death on the cross, is the dividing line of all history. It means that everything that comes after Christ's death is different, because it changed everything.
Christ's death on the cross, is where God reconciled man to Himself, providing forgiveness by the ultimate sacrifice of His own Son. But, Gods love did not end there.
It is Christ's resurrection that is the essence of Christianity. Though He died, yet He lives! And He now offers every man, woman and child, not just forgiveness of sins, but life...His life...eternal life.
The empty tomb that is the true symbol of Christianity.
1 Corinthians 15:17
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is mere delusion [futile, fruitless], and you are still in your sins [under the control and penalty of sin]
We are not saved by the death of Christ, we are saved by His life!
Peace
_____________________________
"Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit,
are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" Galatians 3:3
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 1:28:34 PM
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iheartgmc
Posts: 55
Joined: 7/12/2008
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great reflection post. when i reflect on the Cross it reminds me of how much i must work to please God in everything that i do. i could never repay Him for what He did for me on Calvary, but i will strive daily for Him to be pleased with the things that i do
i do not get annoyed with people who "pose" as Christians... ANYMORE! lol.. i used to until i finally came to the understanding that i too used to be that person right before i got saved (John 8:7 - understand it). just like Jesus did, i use that time to speak to the person about what it DOES mean to be a Christian. wow - He said it perfectly on the Cross... "forgive them Father, for they know not."
amen.
_____________________________
artists I'm listening to this month:
Our World Redeemed by FLAME (for the fourth month)
Heart Revolution by Hillsong
Portable Sounds by tobyMac
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 7:01:11 PM
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Bridgitt
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The cross is the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for me and all of us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 11:28:11 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 666
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
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Thanks to all for the replies, and I need to clear something up. I was not offended by the guy with the tattoo. He did say that he was a believer, but we didn't get into the issue with any depth. I was more offended of how the other guy so smugly said what he said, like it was all a big joke. As to how this all led me to think on the cross, and what it means to me, I don't really know. Outside of seeing it tattooed on this guys arm, my mind just went into overdrive. But again, thanks for the replies.
_____________________________
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 11:30:09 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 666
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
Here's an example of the level of ignorance we have these days.
Overheard conversation at the jewellry counter of a large store: (Two young women in their twenties).
A: I'm looking for a gold chain to wear round my neck. One with a cross.
B: This one here looks nice.
A: No ... I'm looking for one with the little man pinned on it.
Oh, I heard this one differently. The girl who wanted the crucifix, picked one out but asked for it without the little man on it. You know it wasn't without the Jesus figure on it, but the little man. It is sad though isn't it.
_____________________________
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/12/2008 11:35:52 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 666
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
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quote:
ORIGINAL: jn1010lf
So, we need to look to Him, the risen Lord. I don't think we should wear any jewely of the cross because it represents death, whereas the Holy Spirit is life. Our adornment should be the brightness of our countenance, a changed life depicted by joy and victory.
I agree with you here. We should look to Him, our risen Lord.
I do though wear a crucifix ring, as a reminder to me, of the depths of His love for me, that He would go to the cross in my place. But I do not worship the cross, I worship the one who went to the cross.
_____________________________
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 12:26:23 AM
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Covaan_Meshuga
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SavedByGraceMD, your post is beautiful. There is nothing I could possibly add in order to relay my thoughts regarding the ideas you brought up. I really appreciate what you wrote -- very much. And the Scripture you chose -- from Philippians 2 -- is one of my favorites. Thank you!
quote:
ORIGINAL: SavedByGraceMD
So now I ask you, what does the cross mean to you?
Do you think it is OK to get offended regarding this?(someone who wears a cross, who doesn't understand what is means)
If not, why?
Just to write my thoughts, upon reading your questions, I find it utterly amazing that G-d -- G-D! -- gave His life for us upon a tree He created, allowing the hands of His creation to do the deed, while we all participated in His death.
To me, the cross was just an instrument of Roman cruelty and capital punishment, but as URForgiven wrote, it was an instrument of death that led to the empty tomb. For that, we glorify G-d. As for wearing a cross, I won't for this very reason, but those believers who wear one wear it because of their love for Messiah, and I appreciate that.
_____________________________
quote:
ORIGINAL: mvic
Here's an example of the level of ignorance we have these days.
Overheard conversation at the jewellry counter of a large store: (Two young women in their twenties).
A: I'm looking for a gold chain to wear round my neck. One with a cross.
B: This one here looks nice.
A: No ... I'm looking for one with the little man pinned on it.
This horrified me in more ways than I will write. Those poor young women.
_____________________________
PrexicKehdaki, this is the first time I have seen you -- ever. Where have you been for 154 posts??? 
_____________________________
Abiyah
Why does He keep quoting Torah? Doesn't He know He's about to abolish it?
A tree's fruit is obvious; you have to look harder for the worm hole.
G-d has only one natural Son; EVERYONE else is adopted.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 9:32:13 AM
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1love1God1way
Posts: 2007
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The cross is not a necklace I wear around my neck, but a weight to carry upon my shoulders daily.
_____________________________
-Ben-
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 3:57:39 PM
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beachcooky
Posts: 621
Joined: 6/21/2008
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quote:
ORIGINAL: 1love1God1way
The cross is not a necklace I wear around my neck, but a weight to carry upon my shoulders daily.
Awesome! I got goosebumps!
_____________________________
www.myspace.com/xsweetheartforux
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 4:07:38 PM
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DreadPirateRandy
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For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
From one pierced hand to the other, from east to west, He took my sins. He was rejected by His own Father because He chose to bear my sins. He was mocked and spat on because I would choose to reject Him for so many years after birth.
_____________________________
Cynicism is an unpleasant way of saying the truth.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 5:34:01 PM
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Butterflytearz
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The cross means to me God's love and compassion but also his Holiness and justice.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 5:53:05 PM
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SavedByGraceMD
Posts: 666
Joined: 2/13/2008
From: the poconos
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: GrapeApe
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Isn't this the truth.
_____________________________
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
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RE: What does the cross mean to you? - 7/13/2008 6:28:33 PM
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LawrenceJCaldwell
Posts: 27
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Thank you all for your posts on the reality of the cross and its true meaning. But I would like to take you a little deeper into the question of offense. Consider this from my upcoming book, Christian Mythology:
"Christians tend to think of idolatry as Old Testament figures made of wood and stone and precious metals. God belittles these images and says they cannot see, cannot hear, cannot speak, and certainly cannot save. We are commanded not to serve any other gods. We are encouraged to turn to the living God from idols. We are told that the sin of disobedience is like idolatry and stubbornness is like witchcraft. But we say in our congregations today that such things aren’t around anymore, that these words are for times past.
Does not this present world worship the creation rather than the Creator?...When Jesus said, “It is finished” He meant it. Not only was sin conquered, the Devil vanquished, and the price paid for atonement, but it was also the end of the crucifixion. Jesus died once for all sin for all men for all time. He is not put to the death daily. See Hebrews 9-10. So why do so-called Christians where a cross on a chain around their necks? Why are there crosses in our churches? Worse yet, why are there crosses in so many places with a supposed likeness of Jesus still hanging there?
Jesus is not on the cross anymore. He doesn’t die all over again every time we sin. He doesn’t shed His blood all over again every time we think we need atonement. He died once and then rose again into heaven. To put Him on the cross means we don’t believe that His death, burial, and resurrection were sufficient for paying the price of our sin. ... Upon our very flesh we wear blatant symbols that cry out, “No God! Your death was not sufficient for me.” Christian, tear off that cross. Tear down that cross from the altar. Destroy the images of a dying Christ. It is finished.... Idolaters worship more than anything else their very own flesh and the products of their very own hands. So just as Jesus did not die for the bad things we do, likewise we are not commanded to turn from the bad things produced by our handiwork, but from our very own flesh. We are not defiled by the things outside our body or the things we take into our bodies. We are defiled by what is within our hearts. That’s where the true idols are. The things we make, the things we possess, the things we covet, crave, and caress are not the idols we have to worry about. God says they are just things, dumb, lifeless things. But they are images of the sinister within our hearts. Outward manifestations of whatever has gripped our minds and hearts through our own wicked flesh to turn from God.
So it matters not to create some list of what we consider to be idols today. They are the same as they were since Adam. They are self. And they are expressed by all manner of things. We take God’s creation and manufacture things that represent “self” to us. We call it “self-expression”. ... Our churches are weak because the power of God is not there as long as we enthrone the power of the flesh. What we call God’s blessing is nothing more than the achievement of men’s planning and execution of means to a self-glorifying end. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. To turn from idols means to obey the truth of Galatians 2:20; to die daily to the flesh; to destroy the physical evidence of your idols and put them away; to forsake all and follow Jesus."
I look forward to your comments.
_____________________________
Lawrence J. Caldwell
Author & Speaker
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