Why do you wear a cross around your neck? For some it is a Christian emblem or badge of honor while for others it is a symbol for Christianity. But I believe for most it is a piece of jewelry that they wear to accessorize their clothing.
Excuse me sir, do you recommend the silver or gold cross with my skin color and is it popular to have the little man on it, asked the women to the sales clerk. I too am asked quite often why I wear a cross around my neck. I usually say something like; “It reminds me of Jesus and what He did for me at Calvary”. You know the almost corny canned stereotypical response that one would expect from a stereotypical evangelical. YIKES!!!!!!
As I was studying the other day it hit me like a ton of bricks. In the book of Exodus 39:14 talking about Aarons garments, specifically the breast plate …“There were twelve stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal with the name of one of the twelve tribes”.
That breast plate represented each of the twelve tribes of Israel. So wherever Aaron went the tribes were being represented, good or bad (based on Aaron’s actions), talk about accountability. So as I thought about this point I realized that if we are to wear a cross it must be treated as our public representation of Christ. Just as the breast plate did with Aaron and the tribes of Israel. We are to live our lives in such a way that it brings glory to God the Father.
So now when I am asked about the cross around my neck I will respond with confidence; This cross reminds me and tells the world that I long to represent Christ to the world in a way that brings honor and glory to the Father.
In other words, I am saying I am responsible for the life I live. NO MORE HYPOCRISY.
Just my two and a half cents.
Monday, 28. January 2008
That is the perfect way to respond. I too could no longer stand saying, ” Because it reminds me of what my Father did for me”, although that is VERY true. BUT isn’t that what all the hypocritical people, Christians, Catholics, Etc., say. And when you tell people that, it is almost as if a glaze comes over there eyes and you can see their minds wonder off. But if you tell them,”This is my Father’s breast plate, I wear it to shine his light and let those in this world know that I want to be held accountable for my life and my actions, in a way that brings honor and glory to my Lord and Savior.” They will see someone taking a stand and truly being Christ centered. Who knows maybe, after they hear that, they won’t see the cross as just a piece of jewelry.
Thank you Larry, no more cliché for me.
God Bless
Saturday, 2. February 2008
WOW! Can you just imagine what would happen if everyone who wore a cross would take this point of view????? That would shine a whole new light on the way the world sees “Christians”. Thank you Larry for sharring this point of view. Every ripple starts in one spot, and who knows, maybe one day all believers will share this point of view.
Thursday, 14. February 2008
Why do you need a symbol to remind you that you are a Christian or to tell other that you are? Shouldn’t your deeds alone do that.
Friday, 15. February 2008
Deeds alone do not display one’s faith. Don’t forget Henrietta, unsaved people do good deeds as well.
Also no one needs to be reminded that they are Christian, but it’s a personal breast plate representing our Lord and Savior. It’s also a great conversational piece, I don’t know how many times someone will comment on my cross and then it leads into discussion about Christ. It’s amazing how someone will be interested with what you have to say, when you don’t say it the same why that a lot of “hypocrites” would.
God bless
Friday, 15. February 2008
All you calvary types are the same. Tell the world what they want to here, entertain them on Sunday and call it in the name of God. You do not consider the life long effect you’ll have on others. Think before you act and say. The church is strong and will not crumble. Demons are spiritual!
Friday, 15. February 2008
Henrietta, what is a “calvary” type? Do you even read what is written let alone comprehend it. Sometimes I think people just like to see their name in the latest comment section. I have considered the cost of what I say and do and how it affects others, have you? If one were going to say, think before you act and say (which I agree should happen), wouldn’t it be advisable for you to follow your own advice.
I agree with you Henrietta, the Church will not crumble for it is Christ’s Church, which He is the head of. I’m merely one of His toe nails.
I look forward to your response, Sir.
Friday, 15. February 2008
A much better question would be are you a part of the emergent church? If not what denomination are you affiliated with? I don’t get the calvary thing either. H. would you explain the demons are spiritual statement. If your trying to make a point it was missed.
Now for the point of this specific string. I like how you put it. We should take the time to consider why we wear a cross or not.
Friday, 15. February 2008
With a humble heart I say this:
It does not matter what denomination one is. For if you are truly living life for the Lord, then you are a part of the body (God’s church).
Learn and teach from God’s living word (that’s all that matters in my opinion). Have that personal relationship with Him and He will guide and direct your life. If it is not a matter of salvation, then why argue.
In my devotion today I came across this and, to me, it seemed to fit perfectly:
Galatians 6:15-16 …..What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. May God’s peace and mercy be upon all who live by this principle; they are the new people of God.
Friday, 15. February 2008
JM. I understand that, as long as we are living for the one true God and His sons name is Jesus The Christ. My comment about religion necessarily but about how H. should have asked his question. I could have worded it better.
Monday, 18. February 2008
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14
Monday, 18. February 2008
—HUH!—
Monday, 18. February 2008
Henrietta,
It’s obvious what you think about us, and that’s fine. The world is full of different people (different strokes for different folks), right? However it’s also very clear that you believe you know the absolute truth, you have it all down and since others teach a different way then, “THEIR GONNA DIE” and go to hell. It’s very scary when someone thinks they know it all, just remember, with knowledge comes pride and pride comes just before the fall.
Now to elaborate on your thoughts, with my “calvary type” views, Paul is talking about false prophets in 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 (sidebar: maybe you should pick up a NLT or something else, I don’t think you’re understanding KJV, and who does, no one talks like that any more. And I know what your thinking, but when the bible was written, I don’t think it was written in english.) Anyway , back to what I was saying, what have you seen on this blog that is not backed up by God’s word. Meaning how are we false prophets, as you implied? Just because some don’t teach in your old school ways does not make it wrong, just different. And that’s ok as long as the message comes from God.
Hope you respond.
God bless
Monday, 18. February 2008
Wow! I so understand this and have my very own experience with the cross. I wore the same cross from eight years old to about about fourteen when I lost it. My father bought me a new one that I wore till one REALLY bad day at work I was swearing and being really rude just very unchristian and a man said “wow and do you think Jesus would see you as a good representitive of His word and His life. I stopped wearing it. I realized my actions shouldn’t be put onto Him. I’m now working on being a better representitive of Christ. I’ll have to get a new cross though cause that one was stolen!
Monday, 18. February 2008
The King James is the best translation out there. The others soften, leave out passages and even take away from the true meaning of God’s word. Thus, distorting your understanding. I am not saying your not correct in your understanding Jimmy Mac, just that the translation your reading is. You appear to be fairly versed in your understanding of God’s word.
Curious, why hasn’t anyone identified the denomination or association the Larry belongs to? Not necessary to answer but when the question is ignored it creates other concerns.
Monday, 18. February 2008
Hi Lamb
Inspiring words, we all need to look deeply into ourselves to discover what God really sees of us. If you would like, fire me an email with your address and I will gladly send you a cross. See our church web site for the email address.
Monday, 18. February 2008
Hi Tom,
Welcome, nice to meet you! If you go on the main page at http://www.verticalresponseministry.com
and click on the “about us” tab, that should answer your question.
Monday, 18. February 2008
Greetings Tom and Others,
Sorry Tom I’ve been running today. Did you mean “THE Larry” to signify I am somewhat great or mysterious. I hope not. If you know me, you know what I’m about, and it certainly isn’t about me. As for your interest in our religious affiliation, why you too? Are you a member of the body of Christ? If so, then you should recognize me and the others that make up His body.
I’ve got a feeling that your interest goes much deeper. Am I warm? How about the word “EMERGENT” or “Post Modern”, do these terms warm you up under the collar a bit? Tom if you have a question, just ask. Let me add, if your going to use terms such as emergent, post-modern and even evangelical, please include your definition of such terms. This way we will be on the same page. If you like I can forward on to you the definitions. Either way I look forward to chatting.
Tuesday, 19. February 2008
Larry, I’ll accept your invitation, please define those terms. Thank you
Wednesday, 20. February 2008
Are going to respond to Tom’s request. I too would like to see how you define religion.
Wednesday, 20. February 2008
Henrietta,
Are ever going to respond to anything that concerns you. I know I have questioned you plenty. And not one response. Interesting.
Wednesday, 20. February 2008
What question?
Wednesday, 20. February 2008
One on this page alone. And countless others on other posts.
Friday, 14. March 2008
You are fooling yourselves into thinking that a cross is of any significance. Its a piece of jewelry when worn around the neck. When people see it that is all they see because that’s what it is. It has no power nor is at a safety shield from the world. This is false security in an idol. Just give it up to the Jesus.
Friday, 14. March 2008
I wonder sometimes what goes through someone’s thinking process. I mean, wearing a cross is simple and harmless enough, and if one actually has a reason for wearing it, even better. However, I have a question: Why do people get so worked up about it? Why do they have to be so annoying about making a point that it doesn’t save you? I wonder what it would be like to talk to one of these “fire and brimstone” people because I’m not sure I have ever actually met one face to face. They would probably say my actions are “un-christlike” and tell me to “give it up to Jesus”… (I hope that the people I’m referring to know who they are and there isn’t any confusion, because I don’t want to piss anyone off, un-intentionally)
Larry, I love you like a fat kid loves cake, I like your reasoning for wearing a cross. You are a good man.
Friday, 14. March 2008
Would that be german chocolate cake? Ok I tried to be funny, not so much. But really Larry does have a good handle on life application and Christianity. May he always submit to the Most High and remain a big toe. Referring to his article titled “Those Stinky Toe Nails”.
http://www.verticalresponseministry.com/blog/2008/01/30/those-stinky-toe-nails/
Brian, well put. If you wear a cross and it has no significance, it’s just jewelry. What I wish is that the facilities that place these ornaments (I went there) up as reminders of what Christ went through, Actually Represented CHRIST JESUS of the Bible. Believing in community involvement beyond recruitment and simply walking in the very big real world showing the love, patience, peace and understanding as Christ did.
Friday, 14. March 2008
Great point about the church and cross, to much hypocrisy. Blinded by the steeples and titles.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Your a good person, read your bible, none are good-FACT. Do I wear a cross or not, this is so irrelevant to our faith. It doesn’t save or give special mystical power either. Why do all of you come to this blog?
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Ricky… please re-read what you write because I seriously can NOT understand what you are talking about. We are PERFECT once we accept Christ. Once we do that, God views us the same way HE views HIS son. It’s in the Bible. I hope you are still praying for my damned soul. You are a piece of work man… a real piece of work. You should go read my blog. You will probably condemn me straight to hell because of what I choose to talk about.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Ricky, why the hostility. The word good is simply used descriptively (figurative). What do you want them to say, “Larry, your less good that the biblical example of Jesus, or your much worse that God the Father. You are being ridiculous. Larry was not being compared to God so don’t worry. Matter of fact, maybe you should worry a bit about your condemning, judgmental words. Be judged by the same standard that you judge others. (loose paraphrase).
Other possible replacement words for good
well
healthy
better
best
more
superior
I think the only word that really words in the english vocabulary for good is good. Would you agree?
One more for you, why do you come to this blog?
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Brian can you show me where it says that in the bible? I’ve never heard that we are perfect once we accept Jesus. Is this an emergent teaching?
Saturday, 15. March 2008
No, it’s not an emergent teaching. It’s a Bible teaching. We were dead in our sins, but now we are alive in Christ (Ephesians 2). We are God’s children, correct? (Galatians 3:26) If that is the case, then we would have to be perfect, in God’s eyes. HE has completely forgiven us for all of our sins: past, present, and future. HE no longer views us as sinful human beings because HE has forgiven our sins.
God views us the same way HE views Christ, perfect. (Romans 8:17) How can God have imperfect children? How can we be accepted into Heaven as imperfect beings. We are viewed, through God’s eyes, as completely perfect. HE has wiped our sins away. We are perfect.
So, there ya go. I have a feeling that you still won’t believe what I’m saying, but oh well. I know what I am to HIM. You are only concerned with being a jerk to everyone on here.
I hope you still pray for my damned soul…
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Let me loosely paraphrase, Galatians 3:24-29
You are no longer held hopelessly hostage to the law; God gave us the laws to bring us to Christ and not to give us self-righteous all puffed up pride (look-at-me-syndrome). Look at yourself honestly and you will see that you nor I have been able to keep God’s laws, so it is Christ alone that gives us the new hope.
We are all God’s children because of our willingness to trust through faith in Christ Jesus. And because of that faith, we are given new clothe to not only signify that we are just as much His child as the: doctors, lawyers, presidents, pastors, janitor and house wives (making all men equally loved), but that now we are to exhibit those traits of Christ to the world. How is the world to know you are a new person if you do not act like it? When you put on new clothe doesn’t the world see them and don’t you want to be seen? Come on lets all be honest, at least with ourselves.
Everyone think about this for a moment. All scripture does and must work together. As we weave Gods word into our very life we begin to see the very real and tangible Jesus Christ. But only if we apply all of scripture.
What does that mean? As a young believer we have limited understanding so it is common to see little of Christ in that person. This is not to say that they are not a child of God. And as they spiritually mature, they begin to change from the inside out. This change must happen in this order because it is the power of God and not us that caused this change to occur. So as they mature, change occurs and the world begins to see the wonderful creation that God HAS ALWAYS SEEN.
With that said, Galatians 5 (which is one of my favorite chapters) Goes in to this to clarify the changes the will occur in all true believers. And ends with verse 26, Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.
So if we say we are, does the world see who we are. Not by our own effort, but by the glorious healing and changing power of the Holy Spirit.
Great conversation going
Saturday, 15. March 2008
So it seems that we are perfect in God’s eyes (accepted us where we were while we were still sinners and while we were sinning) and we spend our life here on this globe trying to submit to the will of the Holy Spirt so that we can show the lost world the Living God. (fighting the good fight and spreading the good news)
I like how this feels, it fits well with scripture and the truth of God’s Grace.
He even loves the prostitute.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Brian, it isn’t what i think, it’s how YOU have interpreted it and Larry is running by his own words with you down a road that leads to death. And yes I will pray for you all. The sad thing, my prayers are useless if you cannot see beyond your own arrogance.
Larry the things you will answer for.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Ricky, you are… awesome. I would love to meet you face to face someday. You probably feel no freedom at all. I used to be like you. I used to condemn people because it made me feel better about myself. You hide like a coward behind this blog and in your comments. You don’t give reasons for anything, you just condemn me. It’s sad really.
Welp, I’m gonna go have some alcohol. I hope God can forgive me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Welcome Ricky L,
You remind me of some one, but why say names. You are right to some extent, a cross is something meaningless. However, as to why the world sees it as a piece a jewelry is because most that wear one are not exhibiting the traits of Christ. Some of us that want to be bound to Christ wear one so that the worldly people know why we are, the way we are (being different is one thing, but letting them know why is another).
Please remember that you will be judged by the standards and regulations that you have placed on others (maybe take some time to reflect on your views towards others).
Thank you for the prayers though, everyone needs them (no one has the perfect life). Also don’t think that any prayer is useless, God’s works miracles don’t forget.
God bless
Saturday, 15. March 2008
If we are going to be honest here, I guess I should also. I wear a big gold cross with heavy chain around my neck also, my reason is that I want all the women to see it as it almost covers up the manly chest hairs of my extremely low cut designer women cant keep their hands off me shirts.
I feel better now, sorry if I have offended anyone. i just felt a need to confess my sins before men.
By the way the cross in the picture really rocks hard.
Saturday, 15. March 2008
Tom Jones, I’m not a man, but your sins are now forgiven
I hope I didn’t say something wrong too.
Legalism, you cant live with it because it kills you off.