So, why do we serve in the church? One, because we are a spiritual body and each “body” part needs to perform his or her function. Two, we are commanded to serve by the Lord. Three, there will be accountability. Consequences toward those who refuse to use their gifts and rewards toward those who faithful discharge them as a good steward. Four, it is an honor and joy to be used by the Lord to build His eternal kingdom. And five, we want to see our investment in a person or persons to witness their spiritual fruit (Rom 1:13).
Randy Smith

Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me

For whoever desires to save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his soul for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 8:34–38

Many Christians think that accepting Christ in our hearts, and following him “sometimes” is enough. I know we think that, because that’s what most of us do!

But Jesus doesn’t present the steps in that order.

  • What are we denying ourselves?
  • What does Jesus mean to take up our cross – didn’t Jesus die on the cross so I didn’t have anything to do with a cross myself?
  • Is it easier to follow Jesus if we do the steps in order, because there are a whole lot of Christians who aren’t really following Jesus – we use his name, but we have no relationship with him.

Let’s get the answers to these points in the coming weeks…