Mark 8:34-38

Mark 8:34-38We learn the absolute necessity of self-denial, if we would be Christ's disciples, and be saved.We learn the unspeakable value of the soul. We learn the great danger of being ashamed of Christ. "No good thing on earth was ever attained without trouble. We cannot surely expect that without trouble we can enter the kingdom of God. Let us go forward boldly, and allow no difficulty to keep us back. The cross by the way is but for a few years. The glory at the end is for evermore...A religion which costs nothing, is worth nothing.""Of all unprofitable and foolish bargains that man can make, the worst is that of giving up his soul's salvation for the sake of this present world.""Christ's doctrine, laws, and people were never popular, and never will be. The man who boldly confesses that he loves them, is sure to bring on himself ridicule and persecution."Questions:1. Does our Christianity cost us anything? What are times or situations in which we have had to sacrifice for the sake of Christ and His gospel?2. Do we live as if the world is passing away and our souls will go on forever? If truly believing this results in clinging to the cross and denying self, could we say that we believe it?3. When confronted with confessing Christ, are we ashamed or afraid of what others think of us? Do we fear more of Christ being ashamed of us on the final day or of being ridiculed by others? Would we pray regularly to fear Christ rather than man?