Good Friday Message TC2 style

And calling the crowd to Him with his disciples, He said to them, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life 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

Jesus calls us to do as He did. This is the part of the gospel that is rarely talked about or taught. If they do preach or teach on it — it is a greatly ‘watered down’ version or interpretation. What exactly does it mean to ‘take up your cross’?

Die to self. Live His life. How is that done?

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

And how does that exactly happen? Through the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. How much are you allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you about the changes He wants to make in you? How much is He asking you into the deep areas of your soul so He can help you deal with the fear, pride, lust, greed, and your fleshly nature? Is He having you become more others focused than self focused? Are you being more motivated to know what God wants rather than what you want and think you need? Is He teaching you how to minister to Him? What is it that He desires from you? What happens when you focus on what He wants?

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

What are ‘these things’? Read verses 25-32 of the same chapter.

But this kind of teaching at the ‘base’ level is not really accepted by those who have lots of comfort and things. They’re very concerned about hanging on to all of their comforts and things. Contentment is always slightly out of reach for these people — because “If I just had 15% more I’ll be good.” But Jesus teaches we should NOT be anxious or concerned about these ‘things’. I now I can hear all the excuses come flying in … “But I’m just trying to be a good ‘steward’?” “I’m retiring soon — who exactly is going to take care of me?” “Jesus wants me to have all these things!” This is the same type of Christian found in the Church at Loadicea that Jesus addresses in John’s Revelation. 

Can we really find contentment in WHATEVER circumstances we find ourselves in? 

Paul says “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11

What does it take to actually have that strong of faith and contentment? It takes a vibrant, real, active, obedient and completely surrendered life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This is a life lived with every moment with Him. This is the goal of the Terminally Committed To Christ individual. To be content and obedient to His Voice at any and every moment. To know that the promises of God are more real than this earthly life. To know deeply and experientially the love of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to a degree that nothing can shake that relationship.

Do you really trust Jesus to take care of you? To what degree? Roof? Food? Clothing? Health? Is there evidence or a lack of evidence to the degree of your belief? These are stark hard hitting questions if you can accept them honestly. Most don’t even really allow these types of questions within their thinking – especially when it comes to their own houses, cars, medical, health, retirement, bank accounts .. etc etc.

But is this really the kind of life Jesus is asking us to live? Yes. It isn’t about the comfort it’s about the focus. Are you focused on the things or is it on Jesus? What is the level of you have anxiety, worry, and fear concerning any these issues?

Can you say you really trust Jesus? If you say “yes” allow the Holy Spirit to show you the level of trust in Him you really have. What is your anxiety, worry, and fear about? This is the time to press into allowing the Holy Spirit to begin to change you and supply ALL of your need .. within your soul.