Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. It is a joy to gather with you once again, in this sacred space where we come together as one body, united in Christ. As we prepare our hearts and minds to receive God's Word today, let us remember that ours is not a passive faith. We are called to active discipleship, to bear our crosses and follow Jesus in every aspect of our lives.

I am reminded of the words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon who once said, "To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battlefield." And indeed, we are in a battlefield, not of flesh and blood, but of spiritual forces. Yet, we are not alone. We have a leader, a guide, a savior in Jesus Christ who has already won the victory and who beckons us to follow Him.

Bearing Our Crosses in Contemporary Contexts

In our modern world, the idea of bearing a cross can seem distant and abstract. We don't literally carry heavy wooden beams on our backs as we navigate our daily lives. But the essence of Jesus' command remains as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. It's about self-denial, about putting God's will before our own, about willingly embracing hardship and sacrifice for the sake of Christ.

In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, it's easy to lose sight of this call. We get caught up in our own plans and desires, in the pursuit of comfort and convenience. We're often more concerned with our own happiness than with God's glory. But Jesus challenges us to think differently, to live differently. He calls us to a life of self-denial, to put aside our own wants and desires and to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

Becoming Disciples in the Digital Age

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the digital age presents unique challenges and opportunities for discipleship ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO