The [Apostolic] Prosperity Gospel

[jsipe]

I have a question and maybe this is off from the discussion, but. Does anyone know if the UPC has a special fund for Israel?
In this day a person really needs to stand and support Israel, not just in prayers and fasting and expending a hand, but also in funds. They that bless Israel will be blessed and those who curse Israel will be cursed.

The church of the Living God needs to really become the brother to Israel.

I want to give but I want it in the right hands.

[OneAccord]

Originally Posted by AreYouReady?

Ok...I am on a study right now about denying oneself, taking up our cross and following Jesus.

Mat 16:24 ¶ 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.

When Jesus spoke these words, they people knew exactly what he was saying. Israel was under Roman dominion at the time. The Roman method of execution was crucifixtion. The condemned was forced to carry their crosses through the streets just as Jesus did. When they saw someone "taking up their cross", they knew someone was about to die. Jesus was saying that we aren't to just "take up our cross', but that we were to "die" out to self...just as Paul said in Gal 2:20 - " I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

[AreYouReady?]

Good post OA.

Yes, I believe that sometime in the near future, we will be asked to take up our cross, much like what Jesus did. We must make a choice of whether we will die out to self for Christ or continue to live for our self. Much of what we do today is for "self" or family and Christ becomes second.

I have to be honest with myself in that I do the above. I must pray for my cross... to take it up and follow Him.