Mark 8:34-38

Jesus' instructions on discipleship -- Mark 8:34-38: If we truly believe that Jesus is the Messiah we will follow Him at all cost. He calls people to Him, to know Him and to lovingly obey Him. The result of this loving obedience is that Jesus will heal sin sick souls. He said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." God's people must accommodate themselves to the will of God in all thoughts and actions. We must resolve that we will never forsake our Lord.

We must not dread the loss of our life for the sake of Christ. The loss of your life to gain Christ is the fountain of eternal hope. All that you lose for Christ in this life will be more than made up for in a far better life to come. Let us remember "that life is sweet, and death is bitter, but eternal death is more bitter, and eternal life is more sweet." Those that are ashamed of Christ in this world shall not share with Him in His glory in the world to come.