Pick Up Your Cross

The dilution of the Gospel must stop. The cost must be preached. One reason we’re seeing such a little transformation, is because we are sharing a gospel that is water down by removing the cost of carrying the cross of Jesus. “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. Matthew 16:24Jesus did not pay for a self-serving Gospel. In order for you to pick up the cross, you must accept the cost that comes with it - your flesh must die and in that death, you will truly live.