The Cross of Christ

I agree with FreeRadical that too much is said about the cross to the exclusion of the true power of Christianity– the Resurrection. However Jesus did say that those who do not take up their crosses and follow Him are not His disciples. So what does it mean to "take up one’s cross?" This subject is so mistreated today. Well, what did the cross mean for Jesus? First, the cross was a cruel punishment only used for those who threatened the empire, society, or established order of the Roman way of life. God’s messengers have been accused of being anti-patriotic and of treason since the days of Amos and Jeremiah. So why are we content to just sit around and occasionally critique the government online. These men (especially Jesus) were building a new kingdom that led them to a clash with the kingdoms of this world (sometimes called principalities–remember that a principality is a territory ruled by a prince...hint, hint). So are there true zealous disciples of Christ willing to do this in our generation? If so, we must take up our electric chairs and follow Christ. This means we are following Christ and even fear of electrocution does not hinder the message He has shown us. Prophets are not popular and they usually do not like their message anymore than there listeners, but it is the calling of God. For Christ and His Kingdom here and coming...