Thesufferingchrist

EMBRACING LOVE We have to embrace the LOVE of the Father in order to embrace the call to imitate Christ. We begin to embrace the complete trust / love of Christ with which He embraced the love of the Father, we become ready to be baptized with the baptism with which the Father baptized the Son.

FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST The Lord spoke to Liu (Brother Yun), "The reason you suffer is so you can partake in the fellowship of My suffering. Be still and know that I am God."

THE MYSTERY OF SUFFERING "God is NOT interested in brokenness primarily for its temporal (refining/testing/ purifying/ sanctifying/maturing of character) value, great as that may be. "God is NOT interested in brokenness primarily for its temporal (refining/testing/ purifying/ sanctifying/maturing of character) value, great as that may be. Deep dimensions of this (agape) love are learned only in the school of suffering, even after the new birth and the filling with the Holy Spirit. Billheimer, Paul Deep dimensions of this (agape) love are learned only in the school of suffering, even after the new birth and the filling with the Holy Spirit. Billheimer, Paul

BAPTISMS OF CHRIST BAPTISM IN WATER BY JOHN THE BAPTIST As Jesus was being baptized in water, God spoke from heaven saying He was well pleased with his beloved son Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17). BAPTISM IN WATER BY JOHN THE BAPTIST As Jesus was being baptized in water, God spoke from heaven saying He was well pleased with his beloved son Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17). BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit also descended down on the Lord in a bodily form of a dove after he was baptized in the water. (Matthew 3:16) BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: The Holy Spirit also descended down on the Lord in a bodily form of a dove after he was baptized in the water. (Matthew 3:16)

SHALL I NOT DRINK IT? HE WILLINGLY, GLADLY ACCEPTED THE CUP This was the cup the Father gave Him. The secret of accepting the cup was that it really came from the hand of the Father. Not from the hand of the Romans, Jews, or Judas. HE LOOKED AT ETERNAL THINGS: For He look beyond the immediate to the One who gave it.

SHALL I NOT DRINK IT? HE DELIGHTED IN IT: Ps. 40:8 “I delight to do Thy will, of my God.” His delight was to accept the Father’s will... no matter what it included. His food was to do the Father’s will. Jh 4:34. HE RESOLUTELY (WITHOUT HESITANCE) ACCEPTED THE CUP “Shall I not!” is there one good reason why not? Not wavering; hear His words, “Put up thy sword, shall I not drink it.?” See Him facing Jerusalem some days before, when resolutely He went, knowing all that would happen.

SHALL I NOT DRINK IT He submissively accepted the CUP. Matt. 26: Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” “Thy will be done” Submissive means to “send under”; willing to be sent under, for some testing or trial. He drank all, accepted all the contents. He did not hide His face from the shame. THE CUP OF SALVATION: Peter tried to save Him from the cup -- but He came to drink it all until He could say -- It is finished!

WORLDLY PERSPECTIVE OF CHURCH ON SUFFERING Some theologies now exist like: Christ wants us to be freed from suffering, that God is the ultimate source of meaning and that the Spirit gives us security and stability. THIS IS WHY THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST (HIS FULL AND UNDILUTED EMBRACE OF SUFFERING) IS SO OFFENSIVE TO THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY. For in the fulfillment of His final assignment, Christ does not banish suffering but totally embraces it.

DENYING SUFFERING? We feel like saying: This can’t be the path to freedom… this can’t be the road to liberation… this can’t be the way into new life… and in no way can this be Christianity… But in the Passion (if we want to be like Jesus) we glimpse the possibility that life might only be found when we grip it in both hands and gulp it down…

FACING MY CUP Accept the Cup as from “His hand” Not from the hand of man by whom it may come; but as pressed to the lips by the Father. The kisses of His love upon you – you are counted worthy to suffer for Him! Early Christians rejoiced that they had the privilege to suffer! (Acts 9:11-16; (15-16) 17-20), I Cor. 16:13, 15, IICor. 12: II Cor. 5:10-13, 14).

FACING MY CUP A. Your very circumstances, may be a cup you are drinking right now – do you drink like Christ? B. Your distinctive calling in life must be accepted as the Cup for you from the Lord. C. ‘Christian’ cup: These are represented in various trials, afflictions, testings, and troubles, from a friend; mistreated by someone we love; disappointments. (Rom. 8:28; Phil. 2:13)

PREPERATION FOR SUFFERING Mountain of transfiguration with Moses and Elijah – Embracing the cup. Garden of Gethsemane - Surrender to the cup – sweat like drops of blood, scourging etc. Golgotha – Emptying the cup – IT IS FINISHED! Introducing our cup: Jesus told disciples James and John that they would drink this same "cup" In Matthew 20: Jesus also says in John 15:20 "A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you"

EMBRACING THE CUP Christ’s invitation: Mat 11:29-30: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”