During the earthly portion of his ministry, Jesus recruited people to be disciples by telling them to take up their cross and follow him. We’ve diluted the idea of “cross bearing” into a metaphor for simply enduring difficulties. However, Jesus’ audience understood that taking up their cross meant accepting martyrdom. Stephen was the first disciple to truly experience this, but he certainly wasn’t the last. Realigning our lives with the mission of Jesus means surrendering ourselves completely to him, even to the point of death. Once we consider ourselves crucified with Christ, the rest should come pretty easy.
SPEAKERS:
Wes McAdams, Preaching Minister (https://www.ccmcdermott.org/people/wes-mcadams)
ABOUT MCDERMOTT ROAD:
The church of Christ on McDermott Road is located at 3600 McDermott Road in Plano, Texas. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we would love to connect with you online or in person.
Visit our website to learn more (https://www.ccmcdermott.org).
PRIMARY TEXT FOR THIS MESSAGE:
“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60, ESV)
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