“Be faithful until death” (Rev. 2:10). Jesus said this to the church at Smyrna. Its members were suffering financial loss, imprisonment, public accusation, and in some cases death. This verse has renewed for me what is the deepest call in the Christian life: to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23)….
Tag: denying self
Crossroads
We’re familiar with the rich young ruler who approached Jesus about salvation. He went away sad because Jesus told him to sell everything he had, give it to the poor, and follow (Mark 10:17-22). This is the same call Jesus gives His disciples in Luke 9:23–“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny…
Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing (Part 1)
Sketch by Patrick Murphy: http://inspiredsketch.blogspot.com/ This series is excerpted from a piece written by an author at Christaslife.com. The author wished to remain anonymous. *** Jesus was the most self-giving person who walked this earth. His mission was to sacrifice Himself so that we might have new life. It is surprising to me then, that He would…
True Fasting (The Day of Atonement Part 4)
Drawing by Patrick Murphy http://inspiredsketch.blogspot.com/ As mentioned, people were to practice self-denial or fast throughout the Day of Atonement (Lev. 23:32). This appointed fast is discussed in Isaiah 58. Through Isaiah, God communicates the spirit of the fast on the Day of Atonement: “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the…
The Voice of One 