Take Up Your Cross? (Not what you think it means) | Theocast

"Take up your cross and follow me." What did Jesus mean when he said that? Is he calling us to hate our wives, kids, and parents? Is he calling us to be willing to suffer anything if we are going to be his followers? Is he laying down a test of radical discipleship? Or is he calling us to something else?
Members' Podcast: Jon and Justin talk about the heart behind Theocast, as well as some theological categories that will help us understand the Bible.
Links:
Episode on Law/Gospel: theocast.org/law-gospel-disti...
Episode on Triumphalism:theocast.org/triumphalism/
Episode Saint/Sinner: theocast.org/are-we-both-sain...
Faith vs Faithfulness: Theocast.org/primer
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#reformedtheology #takeupyourcross #theocast

[@themelaman]

Brothers, Your teaching has as of this moment changed my life. I have struggled with my assurance for three decades. You've cleared out the cloudiness and the smoke from so much false teaching. And how I know this is of God is because as I listen to you tonight for the first time ever, you are presenting to the amen inside my soul the gospel as it is meant to be, putting all the emphasis on Christ Jesus. I see him clearly now, the loving Savior who took our sins with him to the cross, and walking this Earth said, here I am, come follow me, you broken wretched sinners. I came to make you my friends. I have waited so long for this, you have no idea. And thank God I'm in a Bible believing, gospel preaching church.

[@brandonblanks9610]

Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling. Praise His name

[@PETERJOHN101]

You should read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. The servant who meets the Lord empty handed is condemned.

[@brandonblanks9610]

@@PETERJOHN101 we can only bring what the Lord has given us to bring. What do you have for God who knows our frame and remembers that we are but dust. Who is he was hungry you could not feed him. The problem is that we always try to look to self when the cross means death to self. I can only offer what was already provided. God provided himself a lamb

[@PETERJOHN101]

@@brandonblanks9610 You have recited the words of the wicked servant perfectly. "Lord, I knew that you reaped where you sowed not," expecting the Lord to provide on his behalf. You will face the same fate unless you repent.

[@brandonblanks9610]

@@PETERJOHN101 Man always wants to insert his part on what God does

[@brandonblanks9610]

Jeremiah 10:23. How can we be so arrogant to think we can offer God anything but the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving when he did all the work? Not to mention he provided you the gift to do so. He said it was finished for a reason. And by faith I know he'll move me where I need to be by doing what he does best. He's the author and finisher of faith. No man can do anything apart from him. A wicked servant still serves their purpose in his economy. Romans 9. If you're his you always have been his from the beginning. He's not slack concerning his promises. As a sinner I can't keep one to save my life. That's why I can only cling to his

[@laikwanstone8929]

Friends, brethren, I don’t have the words to thank you enough. This changes everything. Soli deo gloria.

[@MrKC23]

Steve Lawson's "it will cost you everything" sermon comes to mind

[@autisticheadscarf]

WOW this was so refreshing and totally opposite to what I’ve been taught! I can’t thank y’all enough for the work you do to help us weary saints find true rest in Christ. Constantly praying for this podcast to blow up and reach others who have also been burdened by piety, excess self-examination, calvingelicalism, etc. 🙏🏻

[@THEOCAST]

Thanks for taking the time to share!!!

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

It’s really just examining if you are resting from your works & trusting in the finished work of Christ. When we are not resting the byproduct of that will be evident in many ways. Resting doesn’t mean hibernation, which is what many tend to do when they misunderstand the application of grace. It’s actually to make you more effective in showing the world God’s love, mercy, patience, goodness, kindness.

[@LexHeroux]

Have been bound for years… I mean years. Thank you guys for delivering Truth and for being good students and stewards of the Word. Blessings!!!

[@savedwretch8711]

God used these brothers to bring me into His rest, I thank God for these brothers and I pray that God blesses them and keeps them and make His face shine upon them, amen

[@trailblazer3374]

Man what a blessing this podcast and especially this episode is to me! Thanks and praying for your churches and family fellas

[@THEOCAST]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@mattbrown1888]

This was great brothers. Thank you

[@jgeph2.4]

Man this is so helpful and timely . This last Friday at bible study I brought this expression up of taking up your cross and pondered what it must of sounded like to those listening being they didn’t know of Jesus’ death by crucifixion or was it something honorable .

[@TL-yl5tp]

Thanks guys to remind us that Christ is the only one to carry the cross, in which we deserved to die on as sinners!! Like our Lord said , " it is finished ", what great news indeed !! God bless you guys :)

[@zizipop3703]

You better carry YOUR cross as well. What Jesus did is already done! Now its your turn to follow His commandments if you truly love him. Deny yourself and crucify yourself daily - remember the Bible you once used to read? Any memories? Do you put to death the acts of the flesh? Do you die daily? (1 Cor 15:31) Are you a living sacrifice? Stop listening to these channels and making up your own religion or version thereof. The cross is also for you my friend. Better pick it up and carry it daily and don't cut of try to shorten it!

[@graftme3168]

​@@zizipop3703So, what you are saying is that we have to trust in our own strength, ability, willingness, faithfulness, etc? I'm sure my ONLY hope is trusting in what Jesus has already done for me and already has given me. If it's about what I do, Christ is of no effect to me. To carry your cross is to recognize that you can do NOTHING to save yourself. It is recognizing that no matter what you do or don't do, you deserve eternal punishment. The only way to obtain eternal life is to trust Christ and His promise of ETERNAL life. Jesus was talking to the Pharisees who thought that their works proved they were of God, which Jesus considered self righteousness. It is faith in the righteous works of Christ, not our own.

[@petarecox1]

I appreciate these videos typical lordship salvation teachings made me constantly question my salvation. Paul Washer, John McArthur, and that sort made me feel like since I’m wrestling with sin I’m not saved. It got to the point where I almost reverted back to my old drugged days. Cause what’s the point if you know you’re not saved. I’ve changed so much and the only thing that has changed me was knowing I’m a sinner and that God loves me regardless. His grace makes me want to do better cause I don’t want to take advantage of that. I appreciate teachings on sin and know it’s wrong but I’ve had to constantly remind myself that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. I could never get any reassurance no matter how much I’ve changed and I’ve left 95% of the things I was doing behind but felt like since I struggle with sin I wasn’t saved. Thanks guys love you and your content

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

Preconceived ideology usually causes us to interpret others preaching in ways they themselves do not even agree with. After understanding salvation & being secure in the work of Christ I find Paul Washer’s teachings to be some of the best. I encourage you to listen to his 2 part sermon “it comes down to faith” & you’ll see what I mean.

[@graftme3168]

Do not listen to Paul Washer as the poster suggested! Unless you want to be burdened with heavy weights and demands that nobody can shoulder. If you are seeking freedom, joy, and peace in Christ, stay away from the Calvinists! They are modern day Pharisees. Just study the character of the Pharisees and you will see what I am saying. The Pharisees were an example throughout the New Testament of what a hypocrite looks like. Examples: They believed they were the "chosen" or "elect" and everyone else was already damned. They prevented others from entering the kingdom who desired to enter, because they weren't "the chosen," or because they were "sinners." They made demands on the people that even they themselves couldn't keep, and they wouldn't even lift a finger to help. They were finger shakers instead of finger lifters. They had the attitude of "look at how spiritual/righteous I am," and they looked down on everyone else that didn't do what they did. There are many more.

[@chrisjohnson9542]

​@@BingoNamo-gb8pzyou put that very very well.

[@blank-964]

Good episode

[@vparakhin]

So what does it mean to "take up your cross"? These guys dance around the topic but never answer that question.

[@sharonmashatt4869]

Thanks guys for your service to the Lord’s Church

[@AJTramberg]

Very compelling analysis. Ive listened to at least 10 explanations of this today, and this is the first to really make some sense. The interpretation of the rich young ruler was great. This doesnt completely close the circle for me, but I will keep studying and praying on this.

[@jeangreen432]

Good for you to read the Word for yourself prayerfully as a good Berean! The Holy Spirit will bless you with His wisdom, God bless you on this wonderful eternal journey

[@xenossoundworks7771]

Thanks for this. I got pulled into Lordship doctrines many years ago and am still in the process of recovery. People mainly fall for legalistic gospels out of FEAR, not "pride" or a "desire to do it ourselves" like Free Grace folks often claim. The Bible lists the "fearful and unbelieving" as one of the groups that will be condemned, which is interesting. While a fear of judgement is indeed wise, fear also has a way of exposing what we REALLY put our faith in.

[@PETERJOHN101]

Jesus taught Lordship Salvation. "He that heareth my words and doeth them not is like a man who built his House on the sand, after that a great storm came, and the waves beat upon his house, and the wind also, and it fell into the sea, and great was the fall thereof." Jesus never said we perish simply for not believing, he said we perish for _not acting on his words._

[@jeangreen432]

Jesus said "If you love me you will follow my commandments." (John 14) It's about Love, not works at all. Jesus also said that His commandments are not burdensome. As you read the Scriptures prayerfully the Holy Spirit will bless you with His understanding and wisdom. Being a good Berean (searching the Scriptures to be sure what is being taught is true finding all of His teachings on a subject/doctrine) will eliminate a lot of confusion when listening to others. After some time you will notice many verses coming to mind to help you discern the difference between men's doctrines and God's. Regarding men's teaching on assurance, Jesus actually taught in His book of Revelation all who endure to the end, even unto death, will be saved. It's a life long wonderful commitment, just like a marriage. God's blessings, love, mercy, and joy be with you always as you seek Jesus with all of your heart, mind and soul

[@graftme3168]

​@@PETERJOHN101Whoever builds on the sure foundation, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is doing what He commands. To build on works, or any other thing, is building on sand. If you live by faith in Jesus Christ, the scriptures have a whole different meaning. If the Gospel isn't your foundation, it doesn't matter what you do or don't do, and it doesn't matter what you believe or don't believe. We must build by grace through faith. "As you have received the truth in the beginning, so live." And, as the apostle Paul said, it is like crucifying Jesus all over again if we turn back to works after we believed the truth of the Gospel. That is building on a different foundation. And, whatever you build will fall.

[@toonrex2806]

Actually in some translations it’s the Cowardly.

[@graftme3168]

I read that salt cannot actually lose it's saltiness, but that it is the contaminates in it that prevent you from tasting the saltiness.

[@angramp3430]

I struggle with legalism.

[@annettesupira9085]

Get to know the Lord, trust in him with all your heart!

[@jesuschallenge4507]

Amen this is my life verse Gods taught me on for 19 years now and is creating a descipleship and spiritual warefare program and ministry through me. I appreciate y’all’s understanding. Would love to share some of the things Gods gave me and about the ministry if you would let me. Also just wanted to let you know it’s also In Matthew 16:24 Bless y’all

[@dwaynejohnson4662]

@4338 love it the holy spirit wrote through paul that paul rejoiced in his weaknesses so christs power could be demonstrated through him. 2cor12:9-10: And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. i struggle with depression and so im more than able to see my weaknesses and trust in christs promises.

[@heartofalegend]

I've listened to this twice now and while I appreciate some great new insights into all that coming to Christ entails and how it dovetails so nicely with Paul's observations in Phil 3, I must honestly say that in order to pull this interpretation out of Luke 14, takes some effort. In this particular passage, I do believe it's a bit more straightforward that what was presented, and Christ is simply warning those who want to follow Him on the road to glory that it's going to be a road of sacrifice that may cost them their families and even their very lives, so they best be prepared to accept that. We can get into whether or not folks CAN accept that without regeneration first, but this is nonetheless Christ's message here. I'm getting much from your podcasts in general, but this is the first one that seems to dip its toe into eisegesis. Blessings.

[@Lij_MC]

These guys don't even have the clear order of salvation right that is so clearly presented in the Bible Romans 16:18 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

@@Lij_MCwhat is the clear order of salvation? Are you talking about repentance?

[@Lij_MC]

@@BingoNamo-gb8pz the clear order is faith then regeneration

[@matthewpohlman]

@@Lij_MC This is true, but how are they missing it here?

[@Lij_MC]

@@matthewpohlman the order for these guys is Regeneration before Faith

[@matthewkloskowski6991]

Philippians 3:13-14

[@TheCobaas]

Hey man in the gnostic gospels (Mark 8:36)Jesus contrasts “taking up your cross” with “losing your soul” when he says “for what does it benefit you to gain the world but forfeit your soul”. It seems at face value that Jesus is saying “take up your cross to avoid losing your soul in hell” Could you comment on this seemingly “works salvation” verse?

[@chrisjohnson9542]

The gnostic gospels are not God's word. Do you mean the synoptic gospels? Or are you referring to the writings outside of the bible?

[@TheCobaas]

@@chrisjohnson9542 yeah sorry 🫣

[@garymc201]

I'm missing my Wednesday podcast so I'm listening to older ones, but do y'all have any books or commentary's you recommend?

[@halilalexanderzeverboom6872]

We also need to compare Luke 14 with Matthew 10:37 and the context around it. Then we see that it has to do with coming to faith in Christ in an unbelieveling family. If you would deny Christ because your mother or father insisted it you could not be his disciple. If the situation is there like with muslims then they have to choose. Verses like these encouraged many to profess Christ eventhough it would mean they would lose their family. That's what these passages are dealing with. Also warnings against apostasy are found in those chapters. Also check Luke 9:24 and the verses around it. It is about being ashamed of His words to keep your life, which would mean your death. Because those who deny Christ and forsake him because of family or the fear of persecution and dying for His name will be denied by Christ. Several NT Scriptures confirm this thought. There are snippets about the text like Luke 14 throughout the first 3 Gospels as far i know. Place them all next to eachother and you know exactly what Jesus means, and also about what kind of situations and choices He is talking about. The full truth about subjects can be found if we allow Him to guide us by His Spirit Who is the perfect combiner of the Word which was inspired by Him. Comparing Scripture with Scripture is a must, always.

[@ThePattersonPod]

I heavily agree that the lack of analyzing the other gospel accounts of this does a disservice to their argument. It seems much more difficult to come to their view when the others are read alongside the Luke account. I do agree with them on the rich young ruler interpretation though.

[@halilalexanderzeverboom6872]

@@ThePattersonPod I do agree with them too. In case of taking up your cross around the youn ruler Christ was preaching pure law. After the young ruler said i've kept them all Christ raised the bar. He revealed the lust of money (Mammon) in the heart of the young ruler which can't be our master at the same time Christ as our Master. He revealed his sin, by not loving his neighbour as himself. I fully agree with you. Other times people go to the passages i've mentioned about picking up your cross. Incase of those i stick with what i received by comparing Scripture with Scripture.

[@erikaibarra644]

🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@sharonmashatt4869]

Read Philippians 3. Paul renounced his good in order to live by faith in and from Christ. There’s never a need to be concerned about the lack of deeds where the gospel is clearly preached. All good deeds come out of that.

[@lesliepage5154]

Can you guys do a podcast on the misuse of Matthew 7:21?

[@Scribeintheink]

Scripture does teach to “be careful to engage in good deeds” and “abstain from wickedness” What I think they mean is, not that Paul renounced his virtue in the sense that He would no longer do good, but rather, He was renouncing the idea that his virtue would save him, and recognizing that he had not, nor could not, meet the standard. He was trusting fully in the work of Christ, and not himself

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

A lot of the “faith without works is dead” camp go on & on about having good works but never even define what good works are. Jesus did the impossible, which was to obey the law fully, but in doing so He opened the door to grace, mercy, forgiveness, which was the will of the Father. He not only met the demands of the law, but nailed them to the cross so they could no longer condemn us. The strength of sin is always the law. God’s demands will not strengthen sin, but free us from sin by constantly reminding us that we are forgiven & cleansed. We are to share this good news with others through our words & actions, not condemning, but building each other up. His yolk is easy, His burden is light. Love one another as Christ loved us & gave Himself for us, not counting sins against each other, but forgiving as God in Christ forgave us. These are the good works.

[@johndavolta3124]

​​@@BingoNamo-gb8pzwhat does it mean to _love one another_ ? Also, who are you referring to about the "faith without works is dead" camp? Is it the Catholics, Arminians?

[@jeangreen432]

The disciples were able to endure to the end joyously out of love and the power of the Holy Spirit...all disciples of Christ have the Holy Spirit growing them into the image of Christ trial after trial, triumph after triumph...it is all good

[@Sojourningmomma]

🤯

[@randsollie7921]

Under the law, God told Moses to take off his shoes. Under Grace, the Father told the servants to put shoes on the returning son....and a ring....and a robe....and a celebration. "... why do you call me good? There is none good but God..." in other words: "am I God to you?" I think Christians should see themselves more as a Child of God thru Christ, than as a disciple.

[@thomaskishmanii2675]

Amen great pattern recognition. Even on our Best Day in Christ we are still nothing close to the Holy Of Holies. God Bless in Jesus Christ Holy Name.

[@savedwretch8711]

First of all Brothers I love you I think you're doing the Lord's work and I'm very thankful for you. The coment I want to make is, that in this time of the great apostasy, which I believe we're in, it is very important to make sure that we are balanced in our belief and faith because of our natural bent towards antinomianism. I definitely believe that the faith that God is pleased with is completely trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross and his perfect obedience during his life. As I believe Calvin said "we are saved by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone". I do believe you balance things correctly but just wanted to put in my two cents, Thank you May our father bless you and your ministry

[@jeffouellette9946]

But you're not saved by faith alone why did you believe John Calvin . You're saved by grace just like the Bible told you.

[@savedwretch8711]

@@jeffouellette9946 my brother Jeff yes I absolutely agree with you that it is by grace alone. Faith is only the means or the vehicle which is also a gift and a result of regeneration

[@sharonmashatt4869]

Our natural bent is to law, not antinomianism. Both antinomianism and law keeping or nomism are one in the same. Both deny the law. Both deny the the holy demands of God. It’s either turned into moral imperatives or made to be ceremonies and commands of men.

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

⁠@@sharonmashatt4869Jesus satisfies the demands of the law & we can only, in turn, satisfy them by trusting in His work that He actually did it. That is why the just shall live by faith. There is no other means by which we can satisfy the demands of the law, but to trust that Jesus satisfied those demands on our behalf. What are the demands of God though? What did Jesus do to satisfy them? He loved us, laid down his life for us, forgave us, had mercy & compassion on us. Do you really believe these demands of God (not law) are that difficult? To love one another? To be merciful towards each other? To stop condemning each other, but actually help each other come to understand we are saved by the grace of God? A lot of the “faith without works is dead” camp go on & on about having good works but never even define what good works are. Jesus did the impossible, which was to obey the law fully, but in doing so He opened the door to grace, mercy, forgiveness, which was the will of the Father. He not only met the demands of the law, but nailed them to the cross so they could no longer condemn us. The strength of sin is always the law. God’s demands will not strengthen sin, but free us from sin by constantly reminding us that we are forgiven & cleansed. We are to share this good news with others through our words & actions, not condemning, but building each other up. His yolk is easy, His burden is light. Love one another as Christ loved us & gave Himself for us, not counting sins against each other, but forgiving as God in Christ forgave us. These are the good works.

[@1ckirkla]

Just one thing Guys.. He never says to take up your cross. He says take up His Cross

[@brainequ]

I’d love to know how Chad Bird would handle this view

[@matthewbalocca3865]

Are there any reformed commentators that take your view here? I read Matthew Henry on this and it’s what you all consider to be the wrong (popular) view. If take up your cross means renounce your good works and self righteousness, why are father and mother listed? Having a father isn’t a work of the law.

[@valoraboveall5793]

I am very confident that none of the Reformation Era commentators would take this flimsy view and I know that Calvin, Gill, Henry, even Chrysostom from the Fathers disagree and that is because they lived in a day of having to take up their cross and leave everything behind. That and the commentators like Calvin usually will use overlapping sections(which in this case would be(Mark 8, Luke 9, and Matthew 10) which clear up any delusion about the meaning of the passage. Theocast always seems to beat the commands of God to death with our human inability at the expense of the comprehensive change wrought in Christians by the Gospel made effectual by the Holy Spirit. Every time they address stuff like this they always address a legalist who wants to merit their own salvation(which do exist but in our context they are rare, at least compared to the sister called antinomianism) but the people(Reformed people who disagree with him) he is arguing against are people who believe that they are already saved and that now we, by the Holy Spirit, have the power to follow Jesus not simply in our spirit but in our bodies and that we do strive unto perfection(though we will never reach it) or as our Brother Paul writes to our brother Titus, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good work.” Also, a good sermon that somewhat responds to this view(and others) that have a hard time reconciling grace and law is Christian Fools by A. W. Pink(the Exposit the Word version has a great reader who reads with godly zeal)

[@sharonmashatt4869]

Yes. The reformed ones.

[@wojo9732]

Ive been a believer for 12 years and very good with the scripture, yet this is profound and so obvious and eye opening, i wonder why arent more pastors preaching and teaching it?? It makes total sense because everytime i read those passages i feel utterly defeated, but now i feel safer somehow 😅 A life following Jesus is truly hard, yet easy once understood what were are actually doing and believing and waiting for.

[@kylebertholf5597]

Why ignore the context of Matthew 16? Talking directly to Peter. And goes a step further to say whoever tries to save their life will lose it.

[@wretch1]

Luke 9:23-26 Then he said to them all (the disciples included): “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Your premise doesn't really work with the whole passage. It's obviously about the price of being a believer.

[@kylebertholf5597]

Also in Matthew 16 it says he’s talking directly to his disciples when he says this.

[@johnsteindel5273]

So are you saying verse 33 which says - so therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. Means something like whoever does not renounce all his own merit cannot be saved? One question is that there was more talk about the context, and other passages, than walking through these verses in this text. It seems clear from the text that this is about what it will cost a person in this lifetime to follow Jesus, not what one must do to gain salvation.

[@Star-dj1kw]

I usually like the shows you guys make but this show never really answered the question. There was a bunch of talk about what this phrase does NOT mean, umm ok but there was no clear explanation of what it does mean. Or Maybe I am just too dumb to follow a conversation longer than 15 minutes? ☹️

[@jonathanbarb5516]

I hope you and everyone else can apply the same principle of those Jews who addressed Jesus, appealing to them as 'Sons of Abraham' to the Israeli Government today. I do not believe Jesus will give a pass to genocide because of their heritage.

[@carmie3307]

There are no inconsistencies in the Bible.

[@genevanessen8785]

In the context of the culture, Jesus is not telling us to hate our parents. It is a positional statement. Esua and Jacob is the same cultural statement. Jacob had the divine purpose place upon him. The words elect, election, chose and chosen have been hijacked by Gnostic Augustinism to mean picked or chosen. 200 times in the new and old Testament uses these four words. None..none..none have to do with picked or Salvation.

[@Doc452007]

Their is no assurance of salvation in calvanism that why the are always looking to works to prove they are saved. What happen to faith?

[@matthewrasmussen4181]

Of course there is, that's one of the most important parts of reformed theology, the assurance of salvation. TULIP is about all of that.

[@commongrace]

I thought Luke 14 was teaching us how to go from regular Christian to super Christian. Then there must be a section that can teach me to become a super duper Christian. Wait, the rich young ruler story must be the super duper Christian way.

[@ashgrove9707]

Jesus is king. Why not look at all of the passage like vs. 31-33. Guys you added too mu h to the passage. Can you not take what Jesus said and let him speak? If you want follow Him, these are the conditions. Praise Him for His grace. I can't follow Him, but by His mercy I will. David said My soul follows hard after You oh God. Only The Lord has the right to put these demands on us. He is Lord. Why do so many people doubt there salvation? Do they not believe the Word? God spirit bears witness with our spirit we nelong to Him. We walk like Him and act like Him if he is our father. I am not perfect, but I do look like Him. Follow Jesus. What is so hard? Has He not promised all we need to do so? Are we not born again with a new nature? Yield to the comng King and surrender.

[@jeangreen432]

After speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus spoke to His disciples about lovingly following Him and what it would look like, he is speaking to us as His disciples today. The disciples followed Christ and gladly suffered for His name's sake counting it all joy. If we love Jesus, we will follow His commandments (John 14) and seek after Him with all of our heart, mind and soul. Love is a powerful motivator...Jesus to His death, just as He expects His disciples to endure until death: Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

Is Matt 16:28 referring to Thomas?

[@Scary_Sary]

I think that you guys are very well intentioned. You seem lovely and approachable. However, I’ve watched a few of your videos now and know people personally who are big supporters, and I do really have to point out that your channel is very American-Western Christian centric where we really struggle with wishy-washiness and don’t suffer too much for our faith apart from deny our flesh from all the excess and luxury around us. What about brothers and sisters in North Korea, Pakistan or Iraq, or other countries, that really do face death or deep suffering (picking up their crosses and following God) and who cling to God and His word desperately? I agree that as Christians we are sinful and in our flesh do not want to suffer for Him, but that should be cause to encourage people to cling to Christ even more and seek Him even more earnestly through prayer and His word? We need stronger encouragement to walk the difficult walk that is the Christian life in this day and age, not cruise by.

[@BNSFGuy4723]

100% I'm the only Christian in my household and my parents are Muslims. They regularly say I embarrass them and bring shame to them but they simply don't understand the Gospel. Please pray for them, my sister, brother, and aunt that they might be saved. When I read verses like pick up your cross and follow me, it gives me hope and that might mean that I will have to cut ties with my family if they don't accept me for who I am. They're slowly coming around to it by the Glory of God, but it's still hard. We as Christians are called to suffer with Christ, it says it in scripture. I'm thankful I live in the United States but it's still hard being the only Christian in my household. All your points are correct and I'm so happy you understand what some people are going through. God bless

[@sharonmashatt4869]

From where does the encouragement and power come from to persevere and proclaim Christ in the world ?

[@craneinsaneusa1289]

@@BNSFGuy4723 I’m praying for you and love you, Brother! I’m praying for a renewed heart for your family and they realize that, Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life! Our Father is doing a great work in your life and they will absolutely see the Glory of Jesus Christ, flowing from you by way of the Holy Spirit. I have people who I love too, that reject the Gospel and it breaks my heart. They think I’m crazy for believing a “fairy tale”, but I just have to stay in prayer and trust God’s Will. Stay strong Brother and know we already have victory in Jesus Christ. All praise and glory be to, Jesus Christ!

[@wretch1]

Jesus was talking to His disciples, not the pharisees. Taking up your cross was about the price of being a believer. Believers will not deny Christ merely to save their own skins. Something that turned out to be very true. You guys are wrong on this one.

[@valkyrafe]

Jesus killed not because He wouldn't fulfilled their dream of King. The Pharisees killed Him because He claim to be God and condemning their hypocrisy and sin.

[@stevehernandez1357]

What HE said is absolutely what HE meant.

[@genevanessen8785]

You men are on your journey in being De-Calvinised...All of TULIP is not in Scripture.

[@tedfordhyde]

Reformed, i.e. Platonists

[@michaelv1838]

its a call to fulfill the law and the prophets by doing what he said in all his teachings and all his parables. he came to call sinners to repentance, he will have mercy and NOT SACRIFICE. the mercy here is the mercy you should have to keep the commandments and stop harming your brothers and sisters with your sins, and stop displeasing god with your rebelious ways. imagine the wickedness in you to believe that all sins were laid on him past present and future. and you in your disobedience decide, here take more sins, and more sins, and more sins and more sins, do it all jesus. heres some more, heres some more, take it all jesus. theres a reason he said he said if you love me youd keep my commandments. you gotta hate a guy pretty hard to have no concern for him whatsoever when hes carrying YOUR Burden. and you will not help, dont want to help. but you want your reward dont you. you wicked worthless servants. and id like you to explain to me, what he meant when he said, that if you dont take up your own cross and follow him you are NOT WORTHY of him? if it were anything else, hed say pick up your hammer and nail me up. but no he didnt say that. he said to the pharisees through a parable, where they killed the vinyard owners son to seize the inheritance that the kingdom of god would be taken away from them and given to a nation who brought forth the fruits of the kingdom, which are righteousness. obedience and doing what pleases god. not sinning. and if you wont repent, but rather want jesus to bear your burdens and die for your sinfullness. never listening to his plain spoken teachings, not twisting them all back around to: SIN IS RIGHTEOUS. Good Works are wicked. god will punish those who do good, and reward those who continue in rebelion against him and nailed his son up to a cross in the sun to die. if that makes sense to you, understand you have been given over to a reprobate mind. and pray pray as hard as you can for wisdom and understanding, repentance and sorrow for your wicked heart to be changed. Isa 63:1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Isa 63:2 Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? Isa 63:3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. Isa 63:4 For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. Isa 63:5 And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. Isa 63:6 And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth. there is no good teacher of the scripture, so few who even know the true gospel of Jesus Christ. they teach the doctrines of man as the commands of god. Ive looked everywhere, ive listened to every doctrine of man. ive searched through every word of scripture. ive tested the words, and promises. and I found my own way by finally just commiting to listen to what God said in the scriptures, and commiting to do them, and then god found me, and helped me and taught me. abandon your stupid doctrines, they are garbage, all the men who taught them are dead. but Jesus is alive and well. was he wasting his breath. just killing time til he died, or did his words mean something. if someone is called the truth dont they speak it. is the truth plain and easy to read. or is it deceptive. when he says keep the commandments you believe he means dont keep the commandments? thats a reprobate mind, youve fallen so far you cant understand a plain answer and believe the opposite when it comes from the Truth? Be ashamed. I know the Truth i found in committing to keeping to gods word is the truth, because Every thing i was taught in my studying with the spirit of the truth fits together perfectly. I dont need one word from man outside of scripture to square up my contradictory thoughts. I dont need to rightly divide, as some say every word that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD, like the dispensationalists do, out of the scripture, to protect my worthless disobedience to god through Paul. as I know Jesus said man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. if you remove those, you turn the scriptures into something only to die the second death by. and I will not. If Paul says that no one is justified by the works of the law, dont you know that the law is gods promise to show mercy to those that love him and keep it, and Paul is telling us GOD will not keep his word. just as the serpent told eve, if you eat the forbidden fruit, you will not die, but become wise. Satan through Paul is saying, if you Keep gods law he will not show mercy. Satan is a Liar, and God is telling you the truth, jesus told you the truth. and Satan tells you the half truth, if you do good works it will take away from Jesus, but he didnt tell what it will take away from jesus, some of the sins you burden him with on the cross. dont you know if you murder a man his blood will be required of you? Stop crucifying Jesus with your wicked ways, and crucify yourself with repentance and good works. and yes it means to turn from sin. what does Faith in Jesus do for you if you continue to kill him with your works of iniquity, and dont believe anything he taught. you have no faith, youve just covered yourself in the blood of a murder you participate in.

[@zizipop3703]

Obeying the commandments of Jesus is NOT the Mosaic LAW these two ignorant creatures are wasting so much time in trying to present it as such! They are twisting simple Bible verses right out of the mouth of Jesus himself and trying to fit them into their own man-made theology, the kind of thing the Bible calls "doctrine of devils"! Simple people reading the pure word, not filled with somebody else's notes, get it right off the bat. But you need real outside help to come up to the conclusions of these 2. So to conclude their final assumption is "don't hope in this life for ease, comfort and triumph. Expect suffering and weakness" but that does not mean what other Christians call "dedication to Christ, sacrifice, willing to suffer, testing your discipleship, etc." - talk about someone trying to play with your brain! In other words, let us repackage what is simply stated - don't have any other idols in front of Me or above Me, not your mother, your father, your riches, your religion, your desire for self preservation and comfort. Nah, He is not really saying that, let me tell you all you need to know. What a waste of 45 min!

[@CoreyTippets]

It's not mosaic law to obey Jesus(it technically is because Jesus is God and we are called to obey God) but we call it law, which is just sometimes used as a synonym for "command"

[@zizipop3703]

@@CoreyTippets that was my exact point! What are u trying to say exactly? Did u read my comments carefully?

[@BingoNamo-gb8pz]

@@zizipop3703Does that mean you only have 1 eye, 1 hand, & 1 foot?

[@DamirVidovic-pf2pk]

​@@BingoNamo-gb8pzWhat a stupid question? So stupid !