05-04-2009, 05:54 AM
Wael,
Yes, Jesus was speaking to his disciples, however the call was universal; "If ANYONE desires", is indicative of including more than just the disciples he already had.
The Greek term for cross is <b>stauros </b>and is defined as an upright stake, especially a pointed one, a cross. So there is no difference between torture stake and cross.
You did interpret from your own desires Wael, just like you did the above verse about taking up one's cross referring only to his disciples and not the entire mankind.
Wael, are you saying you understood Jesus' words in Luke 18:31-34? If you're saying you indeed understand, did he tell the truth?
Jesus' message is not limited by time Wael, like the old testament prophets were. Jesus said of them:
Matthew 11:13
(13) For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied up until John.
Why? Because after John the Messiah came, there wouldn't be a need for a prophet after His coming.
No Wael, the commandment is not followed by many Christians because the Church is in an apostasy, like Scripture said it would be. I keep repeating myself and you keep missing it Wael, to love your enemy is to meet your enemy's need at a particular time. Let's say you did slap me hard across the face and ran off. And the next time I saw you, you were the one being slapped. I am not supposed to turn my back and do nothing as that is not meeting your need. Then we agree, loving one's enemy isn't about affection or allowing someone to just beat on you (although if they were beating you because you were a Christian, then that is a beating you are supposed to endure), but it is about showing mercy and compassion and returning good for evil.
I know the truth Wael, Jesus Christ, and that truth never hurts.