Meant For Evil, God Meant For Good--The Cross An International Symbol of Hope

09/19/23 • 9 min

Discerning What Is Best with Dr Rex M Rogers

In ancient Egypt, Joseph told his petrified brothers, "You meant it for evil but God meant it for good." God can do this, and he does it regularly, turning the evil intentions of mankind toward fulfilling his purposes. No better example of this exists than the crucifixion cross, Jesus's instrument of pain, sacrifice, and death that has become an international symbol of redemption and hope. For more Christian commentary, check my website at rexmrogers.com.

Previous Episode

Trading Theology For Therapy

Much of American religion, including the Christian Church, is trading theology for therapy. "This radical transformation of Christian theology and Christian belief replaces the sovereignty of God with the sovereignty of the self. In this therapeutic age, human problems are reduced to pathologies in need of a treatment plan." Spiritual problems are being medicalized, or psychologized if you will, meaning the gospel is set aside, transformation in Christ is ignored, and with their therapist - people have a therapist rather than a home church, or maybe the church is given to therapy - people are "looking inside themselves" to change their lives. But who can change themselves? Why look into a heart that is "deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jer. 17:9)? We need help from "outside ourselves," which biblical theology gives us in the person of Jesus Christ and the Word of God. A therapeutic approach to problems sounds so attractive. It's Oprah and Dr Phil. It's acceptable on "The View." But it is ultimately a powerless dead end that cannot help those most in need of help. For more Christian commentary, check my website at rexmrogers.com.

Next Episode

Not Woke But Wake Up to What's Happening in the U.S.

Leftist ideas and values have gained a foothold, nay more than a foothold, a hammerlock on American culture. These values, contrary to the Judeo-Christian values upon which the country was founded and that allowed it to flourish, are being trampled, rejected, and jettisoned every day in virtually every institution of American culture. This we know, but what we may not realize is how many average Americans seem oblivious to this onslaught. It is therefore past time for Americans not to buy in to the "woke" ideas and values of the ideological Left but to "wake up" to what's happening around them. American needs revival and renewal. Without this, the future will be dark and dangerous for our progeny. For more Christian commentary, check my website at rexmrogers.com.

Discerning What Is Best with Dr Rex M Rogers - Meant For Evil, God Meant For Good--The Cross An International Symbol of Hope

Transcript

The cross, which humanity meant for evil, was a simple wooden construction, yet God meant it for good and it became a worldwide icon of sacrifice, Yes, but even more of Hope.
Hi, I’m Rex Rogers and this is episode #109 of Discerning What Is Best, a podcast applying unchanging biblical principles in a rapidly changing world, and a Christian worldview to current issues and everyday life.

You remember the Old Testament story of Joseph and his brothers?

When Jose