Filter by Categories
Are You Bearing Your Cross?
'Ready Answer' by StaffJesus voluntarily gave His life for us on the stake, demanding that His followers do the same by bearing their cross. He teaches in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." Luke 9:23 emphasizes that we must take up our cross daily, making it an ongoing act. In Luke 14:27, Christ declares that if we are not bearing our cross daily, we are not His disciples. Bearing our cross means sacrificing the self, denying personal desires, and offering something precious for a greater purpose, just as Jesus sacrificed everything—His life, title, rank, privileges, comforts, security, and power. We are called to be living sacrifices, as Paul urges in Romans 12:1, imitating Christ by walking in His steps moment by moment, day by day. Bearing our cross involves relinquishing our rights and serving others, even in small, unnoticed ways, such as giving up conveniences or enduring burdens for the common good. It means resisting temptations and human nature's cries for instant gratification, whether in matters of materialism, gossip, or other desires. Carrying our cross also entails being prepared to suffer persecution and even die for Christ, as Jesus teaches in Luke 9:24 that whoever loses his life for His sake will save it. We must be mentally ready for such trials, praying for strength and conviction not to deny our Lord, while rejoicing in persecution for His sake, knowing great is our reward in heaven. The purpose of carrying our cross, despite its pain and risk, lies in sharing in Christ's suffering to share in His glory. By willingly conforming to His death and taking up the cross daily, we are promised eternal life, the privilege of being His brothers, and the honor of ruling with Him as co-heirs in His Father's Kingdom.
What Does It Mean to Take Up the Cross?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeJesus commands His followers to take our cross and follow Him. Does He mean to carry a pagan symbol, or is there a deeper meaning to His weighty words?
What Does it Mean to Take Up the Cross?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeBearing our cross means our time on this earth is virtually finished, that we are willing to give up our lives, emulating the life of our Savior.
The Cross: Christian Banner or Pagan Relic?
Article by Earl L. HennIs it alright to wear a crucifix? As it turns out, the cross was a pagan worship symbol long before Christ's death, and was never used by the first century church.
Overcoming (Part 5): Self-Denial
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsA key to overcoming our sins is learning when to deny ourselves. Christ plainly declares that those who desire to follow Him must deny themselves.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus gathered His disciples as He began His ministry, He needed principled and devout worshippers to teach and prepare for the work of spreading the gospel.
Psalm 23:3
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamCasting takes place when a sheep falls over and its weight causes it to get stuck on its back until the shepherd intervenes.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFor His Own reasons, God has chosen not to reveal His plan to those the world considers wise, but, instead, to work with the weaker sort of mankind.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
The Summertime Soldier and Sunshine Patriotism
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe must put our lives, treasure, and honor on the line, picking up our cross daily, declaring our independence from carnality, evil and bondage to sin.
Matthew (Part Sixteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughMatthew 11 focuses upon the ruminations of John the Baptist, who, even though he was close to Christ, may have misunderstood the nature of Christ's mission.
Sin (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTrue Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the matter of godly standards for dress, we must adopt the humble, childlike, sincere, unassuming, and teachable attitude, loving God intimately.
Lamentations (Part One; 1989)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAn introduction to the book of Lamentations, focusing on grim hardships (similar to Paul's perils) Christians may face in the future.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has called individuals with different temperaments, giving them a variety of spiritual gifts to work interdependently within Christ's Body.