Drawing Out The Word

7. The Way of the Cross

Scripture:

Mark 8:34-9:1

Hymn:

"Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone"

Meditation: The cross is a symbol of death. The Roman government required a man, already condemned, to carry the cross-beam of his own cross to the place of execution. The posts were set along a major highway, often just outside the city gates, as in Jerusalem. The cross denotes that one is following the will and destiny of a higher authority. Every believer must face three critical decisions in order to "take us his cross" and follow Christ…  A Decision about SELF (Mark 8:34-35) Are you willing to admit before all the world that you are a sinner in the flesh, saved only by the grace of God? Are you willing to put away the pride of self dignity and personal gain? Are you willing to forsake self in order to follow Christ?  A Decision about the WORLD (Mark 8:36-37) Worldly riches and gains will not last forever. Your soul is eternal. Are you willing to sacrifice the eternal on the alter of temporary pleasures?  A Decision about CHRIST (Mark 8:38-9:1) Will you believe that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God? Will you follow Him and gain eternal life? Or, will you loose you own soul to an eternal Hell? Will you believe that by dying to sin and self that you may find more abundant life in Christ? Come to the Savior today. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose."

(Jim Elliot, martyred missionary)