I have begun to question the statement, "We put Christ on that cross...." Frankly, that seems like an attempt at trying to take credit for what we have no power to perform. Jesus went to that cross because He chose obedience to the Father, and He was slain from the foundations of the world, as it is written. We played no active part in putting Him on that cross with Him having been slain from the foundations of the world. We are the beneficiaries of His mercy, grace and love for us. He chose to make us co-heirs with Him. He chose us, the very One who knew the fall was going to happen with all the elements He alone put into that garden.
I'm getting to like the wording "weaponized Gospel." The Gospel is good news, and it has the power to bring about faith, which is indeed a weapon.....against unbelief, and being lost.
So, what this boils down to is perspective. There are bad ways to present the good news, and there are good ways. Jesus called some of the lost people back then a bunch of "vipers" and other unsavory descriptors. Sometimes, you have to call it all as it is, no matter how much some may dislike it. Jesus would have been cast out of many modern church organizations for daring to be so honest and forthright.
Remember.....Jesus said it Himself that He brought a weapon rather than peace....and He is Love incarnate.
Weaponized Gospel indeed.....
Weaponization gives loving strength and balanced power to the message of good news. It is in that context that those who hear it can know that they can choose to become a part of something so profoundly stable that they will not have to worry about falling out of, nor be plucked from, the Hands of He who can hold onto them firmly if only they will choose Him over the world and self.
