All Discussion PAGE 126

Hi Giannis,

The sword has its uses. Compare the rod of iron which is consistent throughtout, In Ps.2 we have "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."(2:9) Heathen is not pagans but ungodly holding truth in unrighteousness. They are 'miry clay' in the King's dream. The Spirit sets them in derisison. They are to be treated as such. "For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod."(Is.28:27). So are nations, "And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."(Re.12:5) and " And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."(Re.19:15)

The word of God is what we need look for. Jesus Christ referred to the sword as their badge of honor. The disciples were sanctified by the word so it is what Jesus intended. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword,"(He.4:12)

"Daughters of Zion"

The Spirit introduces the earth as without form and void. (Ge.1:2) Subsequently we have the sins of man as synonymous with the land, to which the destruction of Sodom is a classic example. By creating a holy family in which heirs of promise are those who double for his Son as in the case of Seth who stepped in the breach of Abel he is asserting why the earth abides forever. The Son is the heir to it. (Ec.1:4b).

Salvation plan in the Bible is to give it anthropomorphic form. Thus in the fellowship of God with Man the latter designates Christ Jesus as the Man. God's promise to the Son was, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.(Ps.2:7-8) All those who would be saved shall be found in the Man component.

Consequently 'Ask of me' is with regards to the inheritance of the elect,- co-heirs with the Son. The body of Christ consists of the saints in light. This is New Jerusalem and the head is Zion. Thus daughter of Zion doubles for the church.

The daughters of Sion in the context of Israel merely foreshadows what must occur in latter days. " For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." (2 Ki.19:34,21) David is a double for Christ.

God explain this,"And thine elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: and thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. (Ez.16:46)" and " Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:/ Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.(Ez.14:13-14). The Spirit sets three names Noah, Daniel, and Job four times in the chapter (See under N-numbers)

"Darkness &Outer Darkness"

When we make 'bed in darkness' the grave is our last stop. It is the world in the flesh. It is also a house as we in Christ may hope for "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."(2 Co.5:1-2).A man born of woman is a prey to thousand evils. So Job laments, "My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart./ They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness./ If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness( Job17:11-13)".

God is a Spirit. God is the Father of lights and his Son is qualified as the true Light quality of which permeates the world of the Spirit while the lights in the firmament is for the world of the flesh. This distinction is very significant that God formed the spirit in man, so by the Spirit freely received we may become children of the light. Darkness explains those are blind to miss while it is day.

Outer darkness

God made all hearts the same but their works are tried. God sent the light to shine in darkness so anyone may profit from light of knowledge one has. For instance God is love and as God loved us we ought to love one another. It a light of the knowledge of God's glory (2 Co.4:6).

One who hates his brother is still in darkness. "But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them ( 1 John 2:11-NIV).

Darkness is a place. Outer darkness according to the Parable of the Talents where the wicked and unprofitable servants are consigned (Matt.25:30).

(See entry under Z-Zoar)

In our present time man and nations in their hate are like foolish builders and their sand castles shall not stand.

Hi Giannis,

We had this point earlier also discussed in this forum. Macheira in Greek is knife and in the context of the account as set down by the Spirit it was not everyday life he is placing emphasis as with an eye towards their calling. "I have overcome the world"( John 16:33) is a direct statement from Jesus. So it is appropriate to take it as sword, a ceremonial one at that. With joy and peace,

Dear Father, that lives Eternally in Glory, in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ. Conceed my sister Joyce B and her congregation, an gentle pastor, that his heart be clean, humble in your path, brave to preach, an pacificist to conflict, someone that loves you with all their might and heart, someones that cries with their sheeps and comfort then in their sorrows.

That the pastor always stays focused on the True Light of This World, our Lord Jesus Christ, The Light beam that will help us walk throught this vast abyss, called the labyrinth of the mind and flesh, matter and spirit. That is carved with sin from our hearts since the day we where born from our mothers, every corridor is full of temptations, distractions and deceptions, it only emanates malice within us like you said my Lord in Mark 7:20-23.

Thats what the labyrinth always do, to dissolve us to the path of death, to confuse us.

My Lord, in believe in your word, that you will help all those who believes in YOU and seeks YOU with sincerity in their hearts, to conquer this labyrinth with rectitude, temperance, love, and dilligence in The Holy Spirit that guides your congregation to the Truth in growth and wisdom.

Because no man, nor woman, nor angels, nor demons can conquer it, only YOU, the Son of God, the Eternal GOD. Because all things where made in YOUR NAME, by YOU and for YOU. You are our Light, The God that became man, and gave his blood for Me in the cross, and resurrected in the third day and all those who believe in you, have Eternal life.

Even if our bones mangled in dirt, turning into dust, your Holy Spirit will remember us your promise, and from our graves well resurrect back to your Holy Word, as a new being, no longer possesing this corpse of corruption.

May the Lord extend his arm at your aid, and in remembrance of His Grace comforts you all in HIS WORD in Jesus Christ, so that you my sister and brothers take your cross, to become the perfect bride. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

In a very difficult situation may finally have a place to stay outside of home where I can still be close enough to parents to help everyday but facing fierce resistance from my mom. I have had health concerns for her and really want her to get the ball rolling for nursing care for her and my dad or a facility to stay. They are both in their nineties. The home is unhealthy for me being overheated with the heating ducts and crawlspace never cleaned; and there has been on and off emotional outbursts from my mom (including today) when it seems she thought I'd forget about the idea of moving out (won't get into what she called me or all the accusations).

I don't even know if this place will work out; for the area I live in Eastern PA the cost normally is very high; to find a room and a private bathroom in a home where there is only one resident under 1K is quite remarkable; as well as flexibility to just stay a few months. There is a private entrance but it is a woman staying there who at least identifies as Christian. With my income restraints it may be the only offer I get but anyway if something does come up it isn't open until March.

The other prayer I have is that I have done some notary work for an attorney and there are some issues that don't seem to add up with notary law as to the forms I am notarizing. I left a message and expect to hear something tomorrow; what is done is done but I may not in good conscience be able to continue unless a couple issues are changed. Keep in prayer that it won't turn into an altercation.

Guess nothing new to report on your prayer request on the house issue.

Again; if I haven't said it already clearly enough; I appreciate your steadfastness in this friendship in Christ for prayers and always seeking His face. I have a personal prayer request but since it doesn't match the forum here I'll put it in the prayer session.

I have often thought of Esau trying to find forgiveness with tears. Wondering if I were in the same situation. That indeed is a most "sobering" passage to consider.

Momsage, The people of Israel are going through so much pain and suffering at this time. About 20% of the population are Jews. The rest are people from all nations of the earth. All are being affected by this war. I do pray often for those involved in this war. It is very awful. And we can continue to pray for those in Ukraine. We can pray for the people of Taiwan to be kept safe from China. There are conflicts happening in the world that we may not even know of yet since not everything is reported in the news.

I believe that our focus is to love the people as Christ did. To pray for them as He did. To reach out to them as He did. To act towards others as He did.

I guess if people on this site know of wars that are happening that may not be reported on, I would like to know so I can pray specifically. There are opportunities to pray for others we don't know personally everyday. I pray for the ones holding signs along the road asking for help. I may not be able to participate in solving their problems, but I can pray for God to send them to the right places and for the best people to come their way who can help them.

I don't think anyone on this site is reluctant to pray for Jews. But if they are unbelievers, then they are the same as any other unbeliever-- Lost and enemies of God. They need to come to Christ in the same way as anyone else. They will not receive salvation just because they are Jews. So we pray for their hearts to be changed and open for the gospel of Christ and that the Holy Spirit will regenerate many. And we can pray for God's goodness to fall upon all who are being oppressed, being treated violently, who are in danger, and great need. We know He is merciful and compassionate, more than we can ever be. So we lay our prayers in His lap and trust that His ways are true and right and just-altogether good.

I agree Rainwalker. there are only two camps. One is either in Christ or not. And election does have much to do with this from

God's perspective. From ours, we either profess Jesus as Lord and Savior and God, and Creator, and King, and our Righteousness, or not

For the Jews, one was either a Jew or a gentile. The Jew being chosen by God and the gentiles not. But this is not truly so. Abraham was not a Jew, nor David, nor Noah, but they were chosen by God. Jesus cleared all that up through His teachings during his earthly life and through how He inspired Paul to write to the churches that were a mix of both Jew and gentile. Those in Christ are one in Him. Those not in Him are not united to Him as we are.

Jesus asking Peter, "Who do YOU say that I am?" is really the question of the ages, isn't it?

We can pray for any and all people to be blessed by God with salvation, provision, healing, and deliverance for we do not know whom God will show His favor to or send His Holy Spirit to sent to regenerate them into believers. There are almost 7 billion people on the earth now. God knows every single one through and through. But for His grace, we are all enemies of God due to our sinfulness. But to those He predestined, he called, and to those he called, he saved. We are among those He chose for redemption.

There are millions more chosen for salvation that need to come to Christ yet. We can pray for those brethren to be as well. As to those who will never come to Christ, I don't really know how to pray concerning that matter, only that we can never truly know if an unbeliever come to be a sheep or remain a goat . Therefore, we are to have compassion for all and a passion for all to come to the knowledge of the truth of salvation in Christ. May each of us on here be obedient to the call of God to be used for the bringing into the fellowship of believers those He selects to be in each of our lives.

Adam,

I agree. Anyone on this forum who says or believes that it is bad to follow Christ, or that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good, they are not true believers, and we are not to have fellowship with anyone who says these things.

What a blessed encounter. We never know all that God has in store for both people in such encounters, but I do believe that you both will be in a position to bless each with prayer since then. I will pray for this lovely lady, too. She needs to have the Bible filter out all that is impure in here walk with God. I believe the Holy Spirit will do just that. She desires to serve God and others in her life and God can and will use her. He is in the sanctifying business for all of us, her included.

It makes me think of the Jews of the early church who held onto the demands of Judaism even though they came to belief in Christ. Paul's conversion experience, his time in the desert with Jesus teaching him, and his commission to take the gospel to the gentiles caused him to shed the trappings of Judaism more quickly than most of his fellow Jewish believers. But these Jewish believers were saved, but not fully informed or "filtered" by the Holy Spirit to the point of shedding all they had been taught while only Jews. The same can be the case for many Catholics, who believe in Christ, yet the teachings of the Catholic Chruch are all they have known. The more they interact with Christians outside of the Catholic Church the more filtering that will happen where what is true passes through the filter but the errors are left behind. This is my prayer for this woman and others like her who have a love for our Lord.

Dear Freda, so glad to hear from you. I have been thinking of you and praying for you, especially lately. I will pray that your claim goes through swiftly so you can get what is needed to return your mouth to function to handle solid food. It has been a long haul for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray today for Freda and her needs for insurance approval for her prosthetics for her mouth. Father, she has not been able to eat solid foods for 2 + years, as You know, and this prosthetic is what she needs to get back to eating normally. We ask for your provision for her in all ways: finances, medical care, and that You will take away all discomfort she feels from this ongoing health matter. We know that You can come through for her, so we trust You to answer all of Freda's needs spoken and unspoken. We ask all these things of You, Father, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Amen Lord, Amen.

Good works vs Dead works

Part 2

A good work is when we do the will of God as a response to his love, mercy and our new identity of righteousness in Jesus Christ. In our New Covenant with God, grace is the ruling factor.

Grace and truth have come to us through Jesus. ( John 1:17) Truth is the law. And the problem with the law is our flesh, our fallen nature.

Grace - Godly ability, the divine influence which works in the heart of man making him able. It is God's perfect provision for man's every need.

It takes both truth and grace for good works. We need truth to know what the action of good works are. And we also need grace in order to have the proper motivation for good works.

The term "fallen from grace" doesn't mean that someone has fallen from sin. Rather it means they no longer have access to God's ability in them. They have left grace and are fixated on truth alone, and are trying to do good works in their own ability.

But what they get in that case is nothing but dead works instead.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Romans 8:14

God bless.

Good works vs dead works.

Part 1

And I will put my spirit within you, "AND CAUSE" you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Ezekiel 36:27.

The apostle Paul says that "for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" ( Ephesians 2:10). The word "workmanship" means "that which is made, a work of art." It refers to a "masterpiece." What Paul's saying is that all God's children are His masterpieces.

Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Dead Works.

In the Bible the phrase "dead works" is found in the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 6:1-3.

"Repentance from dead works".

Repentance means to change the way we think. We need to change the way we think about dead works.

From the outside looking in we can't tell the difference between dead works and good works. They can look very much the same outwardly. They can be the same works, but they have different motives.

Praying can be a dead or good work.

Attending church can be a dead or good work.

Reading the Bible can be a dead or good work.

Telling others about Jesus can be a dead or good work.

That's why Jesus said what he said in Matthew 7:22-23.

Prophesying, casting out demons, performing miracles in the name of Jesus are all outwardly good things. But Jesus will reject "many" who do those things. Why? Because their hearts are wrong. These people have the wrong motivations for the things they do.

Dead works are any attempt to find favor, earn acceptance or be made righteous before God by one's own effort, ability or willpower.

Religion puts the emphasis on doing right. In contrast, Jesus and the apostles put the emphasis on believing right, because when we believe right we will naturally do right as a consequence.

If we can't tell outwardly, then how do we know what a good work is?

See part 2.

Amen Jema.

Israel was the instrument used by God to introduce himself as the true and living Mighty God that provides to a pagan idol worshipping world.

They also displayed the incompetence of man in his natural state and the need of a savior.

God always keeps his promises and unconditional covenants.

He made Promises to Abraham that has yet to be fulfilled!

He showed his good will toward them in Babylon and in Egypt and he will do it again when he gather them from the four corners of the earth and bring them back into their own land.

Jeremiah 16:14-15.

Jeremiah 23:5-8.

Ezekiel 36:17-28.

God bless.

One good way to determine if good works are truly being performed is if there is persecution and opposition. There are some; as you point out in Matthew 5:16 who will praise God seeing our good works (expect that is believers and perhaps unbelievers who are seeking the truth with an objective mind and open heart). This begs the question what good works actually are; especially in light of warnings about those who appear to be doing miracles in His Name even though in the end they are cast out and He never knew them. Knowing them in that sense would be an intimate knowledge; and of course involve the indwelling of the Spirit when He makes His home with them (see John 14:23).

To answer your point first; clearly bad works are evidence of bad fruit and hence an unregenerate heart. That comes from a lifestyle of sin that hasn't been changed; not from occasional sins that are still wrong but not something the Spirit will tolerate if we are one of His. Of course if we boast about all the great things we do for Christ it isn't edifying. The closest thing we can see in scripture is Paul where He had to give a laundry list of all the things to the Corinthians that he was suffering so as to keep them from being puffed up and to be able to take in the meat of the Word and stop living in carnality. His responsibility over the flock meant that they couldn't discredit God's character by exhibiting immature behavior so to disciple them this and sarcasm was needed.

Again the definition of works certainly involves our outer actions as James states must be present in helping a brother or sister in need not just words. It also would involve good fruit of character and things such as loving other Christians; having a listening ear and a general attitude of service. For instance; we can feed the hungry but also provide opportunities for them to hear the Gospel. Such actions need not be mutually exclusive.

Hello Bennymkje

About that sword that Jesus mentioned to his apostles, firstly the grk "machaira" can be either translated as "sword" or "knife ". I believe Jesus meant knife not sword. I can't believe the apostles were moving around having swords in their belts. A knife for doing some works, yes it is possible, but sword ... I really don't think so. Of course Jesus was talking figuratively. But Peter didn't realize that and so when the Jews came to arrest Jesus he drew his knife out and cut off the ear of that servant Peter thought Jesus was speaking literally. But as you said Jesus told him not to do such a thing since everyone who uses a knife by a knife they will be killed. So He made clear to Peter that He was talking not literally.

So what did Jesus mean with that "knife". What I heard, and I believe it is right, is that Jesus meant that since He would be arrested soon and His disciples would be on their own and not under his protection for a while, they had to be prepared to take care of themselves on their own. He actually brought in their mind what he was always telling them, that he was going to be taken away from them and be crucified. All those years it was Him who was taking care of them and they were just hiding behind Him. But from there on they had to take care and protect themselves on their own for as long He was away from them. GBU

Hi Momsage

I actually replied to an earlier comment of yours, that you asked what we think of Israel and if they are special to God.

GBU

I am submitting a prayer request for our church to be sent a Baptist Pastor. We are an independent congregational run church and are currently seeking a Pastor who will follow the King James Bible. I pray for congregational growth and spiritual strength.

Asking for strong protection and breakthrough for us and all in need.

I need prayer of breakthrough for God to bless my Appeal to go through with my health insurance so I can get my prosthetic surgeries started so I can start back eating solid foods again. I had oral & maxillofacial surgery twice in 2022 & still having problems. Thank you in advance for praying for me and with me

I often hear anti-works messages quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, but they leave out the very next verse 10 which says:

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV

We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV

Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?

Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8

I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.

The Book of Daniel-1

Under the decree of King Nebuchadnezzar Daniel and other three noble youths were carried off to Babylon, along with part of the vessels of the temple. There he was obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance with the custom of the age received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar, meaning "prince of Bel," This also explains why Daniel does not speak as the prophets hedging their messages with the usual formulae, for instance, 'Thus saith the Lord' as Nathan said to King David (2 Sa.12:7.)

Twelve chapters contained in the Book switch from Hebrew into Aramaic, which was often used in daily life while the formal occasions called for Hebrew. Daniel the seer interprets in the court of Babylon like Joseph before him, interprets the dreams of the king in chapters one to six while in the second half his dreams and visions would need help from angel of the Lord.

We shall consider one dream which is set forth in Ch.7." And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another." (v.3). Number Four signifies that it is in general terms we have the history of nations,- Israel, the Gentiles, Ideology of three ribs. These ribs are the doctrine of lies swallowed by the sons of perdition.

(See entry under B-Beast, The)

These ribs become three monsters in the fourth beast, which bring them even to our times. Totalitarian regimes, oligarchy and technology. This Iron monster relies on technology: .

Also significant is that the beast rising out of the sea is a composite image ('leopard, the bear,the mouth of a lion-Re.13:2) of the four beasts.

"The Book of Daniel"

Authorship of this book is credited to Daniel, who was a righteous man in the sight of God. Four times He refers his righteousness in contrast to the faithlessness of Israel. "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord God.".(Ez.14:14) Here we have a clue his role in the Salvation Plan of God. Noah belonged to the old world while Job was righteous in Patriarchal age, as a contemporary of Abraham. Whereas position of Daniel brought up in the court of a gentile kind sets him for the latter days.

The Spirit sets night visions, which are intended for our understanding of the divine Will. "The judgment was set; and the books were opened."( Dan. 7: 10) The book for this reason predicts evens far beyond the time of the creation as well as of the Gentiles. The book ends with the Angel of his Presence sidestepping the direct query of the Seer with these words, " But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.(10:12-13) (See under T-river of time)

"In his vision by the Tigris the angel of the Lord ('behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist') speaks to him thus: And he said to me, "For now I have been sent to you.( Dan 10:11)" The Spirit hints of the time of the Gentiles and it is by way of parenthesis, and explains. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days." (Dan.10:13). Twenty-one days (3x7) refers to the Son. The angel makes clear it is of the latter days with the second appearance of Christ.( "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days."(10:14) (See under M-parenthesis)

it is not dead maureen, God is just calling you closer to him. To the deep, the holy spirit is yearning for your fellowship with him. Sometimes God shakes what we love most, or I'd rather say what took his position in our lives just to remind us that he is the one who provided from the beginning. Your man is not going anywhere just focus. and remember God loves you hey, Please read Romans 8 v 28.

Pray for my marriage which has died. After 14 years

Please pray for us,i have to face court case 0n 23/01/2024

Yes I agree , may I expand ? I believe that God loves all of His creation , He certainly shows mercy and kindness to atheists and idolaters . I believe that God acts in everyone's lives , the problem is that a lot of people don't recognise Him and if they don't recognise Him they can't acknowledge Him and thank Him . We have to train our eyes and hearts and minds , to see Him at work in our lives and the lives of others , we have to acknowledge that everything , literally everything comes from Him and does so for a purpose and we have to recognise His righteousness and power and mercy and thank Him every day for every good thing in our lives . This means all the things we need , food , clean water , warmth , safe shelter and His Word , these are our only true needs , everything else is unnecessary but none the less a gift from God . I see Him every where every day , He is in the beautiful sky and all its different colours , never the same . He is in the birds singing , He is in my cats stunning eyes , He is in my kitchen , providing me with everything I need to cook a meal . Only when we can see Him can we acknowledge Him and thank Him . He is everything to us , He gives us everything and more , we need to see His love and beauty all over every day . When we acknowledge that we are nothing and have nothing without Him , then we can truly thank Him and love Him for His loving kindnesses that He pours all over His creation every day and for His beauty and generosity and mercy . It can be hard to see any good in this world , but it is here , only from Him though . Thy Kingdom Come .

The Cross and the Sword" (2 of 2)

In the Gospel of St Matthew we have this: "Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword(Matt.26:51)".He was referring to the hour of darkness, and the ungodly were about to close in and his way to the cross was a signal for the enemies to gather in force. He knew the times. "Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, But this is your hour, and the power of darkness ( Luke 22: 52-53)"