"Take up your cross and follow Me." These familiar words of Jesus take on new depth when we understand the horror of crucifixion in first century Palestine. This gruesome method of execution was reserved for the worst criminals and rebels against Rome. So when Jesus told His followers they must be ready to embrace the cross, they understood the cost of what He asked of them.
In this sermon, Teaching Pastor Adam Brock makes it clear that cheap grace and easy believism have no place in Christian discipleship. Following Christ requires us to die to self every single day, no matter the cost. Just as Christ sacrificed His life for us, we must be willing to suffer for His name’s sake. Gaining the whole world is meaningless if we lose our soul in the process. True abundant life is found in pursuing Christ above all else.