United We Seek

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him.” 2 Chronicles 20:3-4 The messenger’s words hung heavy in the throne…

Why We Really Follow Jesus

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. Galatians 5:6 Let’s be honest about why we follow Jesus. Some of us follow out of guilt, trying to pay back a debt we know we can never repay. Others follow out of fear, worried about what might happen…

Following Jesus in Real Life

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” Matthew 16:24 Follow me. These two simple words carried life-altering weight in Jesus’ time. A rabbi’s call to follow meant leaving everything – family, business, comfort zones,…

The Cross Is Not Comfy

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross… Matthew 16:24 During Jesus’ time, you don’t want to be wearing any cross. The cross wasn’t a religious symbol or a piece of jewelry – it was an instrument of…

When Self-Denial Isn’t Really Self-Denial

Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves …’ Matthew 16:24 I don’t think we understand what self-denial is. Self-denial has gotten a bad reputation in Christian circles (among other things). Some think it means hating yourself, while others view it as punishing…