There are three different types of crosses. What kind of cross are you carrying? If you carry the wrong kind of cross, you will find yourself in trouble. We must carry the cross of Jesus.
We will not live on this earth forever. We will live in heaven forever if we carry the cross of Jesus. Revelation 21:1-4 and 22:1-5 tell us what heaven is like.
Revelation 21:27 tells us what kind of people cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, what kind of people go to hell. Luke 16:22-26 tells us about hell. Those who are carrying the wrong cross will go to hell. We must believe that heaven and hell are real. Jesus died on the cross so that we could go to heaven. He died for everyone, rich and poor, people of every tribe and tongue — everyone!
In Luke 23:39-43, we read about three different crosses. The first kind of cross is the cross of Jesus, the cross of salvation. This is the cross of grace, giving, sacrifice, forgiveness, new beginnings. The cross of Jesus is the only cross that has power.
This world will always mock those who carry the cross of Jesus, but you must remember when you are going through a time of darkness or trial that it only for a season. After the cross comes the resurrection. Persecution, trial, suffering, and pain will only last for a short time. Joy and peace will last forever. Death will turn into resurrection.
The second kind of cross is the cross of rebellion. The thief next to Jesus was carrying a cross of rebellion. He challenged Jesus to prove who He was. He mocked Jesus. Those who carry a cross of rebellion are hard-hearted and unteachable. They blame others for their sin and its consequences in their lives. They will try to put those who carry the cross of Jesus on the same level as themselves. They will challenge them and their walk with God by asking things like, “If you are a Christian, why are you so poor? Why are you sick? Show your power. Prove yourself.”
The third cross is the cross of being positive, of having hope. The third man on the cross defended Jesus. He believed that He was innocent and good and asked Jesus to remember him. Jesus honored his request and gave him hope. When you carry the cross of being positive and cry out to Jesus, He will honor your prayers and give you hope and joy and eternal life.
Jesus loves you and wants you to carry the right cross. If you have been carrying a cross that you feel is too heavy to bear, you’ve probably been carrying a cross of rebellion. Repent and come to Jesus today!
God bless you!
Pastor Sun Hui East
This does make a lot of sense. I find myself feeling guilty or sorry about something, or someone often. So many times it’s really not what God would have my reactions be. I’m learning that He wants me to be strong & confident in Him, not always looking over my shoulder afraid I did something to keep people from liking me. It’s freeing to be in that strong state of mind with Christ, I just wish I could stay there!
Yes, I have learned that it is called “wrong mercy”.
Amen! I wish I could too. It’s really hard to be strong all the time, especially when you’ve had a tough life.
I wish I could also!
I also agree
I agree that we are often deceived about why we are “suffering”. We want to pat ourselves on the back & feel sorry about all we’ve been through, however; just as you said Pastor Sun Hui East, we must “check our cross”!
I like this blog, good posts Pasror Sun Hui East, I assume these are from your regular Sunday morning messages. I like to keep up with what the Lord is showing you & didn’t know about this site.
Yes, they are from the messages she gives each Sunday morning.
I know that it is so easy for me to slip, just as soon as I start telling people that I’m strong, I wind up embarrassing myself! I appreciate this post Pastor Sun Hui East and I enjoyed being an extra in your film last year, I just ordered the movie on DVD! I feel famous!
I like to read stuff like this, it gives me a better perspective of how God wants us to think. Thank you Pastor Sun Hui East for helping us understand the way of God…
I agree
Praise the Lord that He wants us to stop acting “the victim”… I was very good at it for most of my life, having watched my mom’s behavior for years. Even as a very young child, I could feel that she was putting burdens on her herself for appearances instead of truly serving the Lord.
I don’t really think that the issue is being positive, but that we are not negative. I do see your point Pastor Sun Hui East, we should not feel sorry for ourselves…
Amen
Yes, He died for everyone! Praise God for His love for us. I appreciate your guidance Pastor Sun Hui East.
Amen!
When I was young, I could often tell when my parents were over dramatizing a situation & carrying a “wrong cross”… interesting that you would post about that Pastor Sun Hui East.
I also can say that I learned bad habits regarding this when I was growing up. My parents have actually gotten better about it now and I have seen that being honest about ourselves is actually the most comfortable way to live. Praise God when we get more emotionally healthy through Jesus Christ! Thank you Pastor Sun Hui East!
I think that I, all too clearly, relate to that “cross of rebellion” … bad past, yet that strong selfishness remains. I appreciate your words Pastor Sun hui East.
I pray that I only carry the cross of Jesus Christ, good word, Pastor Sun!