you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” (Hebrews 12:7). The cross never comes unsolicited; the rod always does. “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Here is clear, intelligent choice, a choice that must be made by the individual with determination and forethought. In the kingdom of God no one ever stumbled onto a cross. But what is the cross for the Christian? Obviously it is not the wooden instrument the Romans