Evangelist Dan Souza - Altar Call Ministry Sad that this does seem to be the progressive church's definition of "cross bearing" |
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CROSS BEARINGWell, here I am Lord. You said "Take up your cross" and I'm here to do it. It's not easy, you know, this self-denial thing. I mean to go through with it though, yes sir, you can count on me! I'll bet you wish more people were willing to be disciples like me. I've counted the cost and surrendered my life, and it's not an easy road.
Say Lord, you mind if I look over these crosses? I'd kind of like a new one. Not that I'm fussy, you understand; but a disciple has to be relevant these days. I was wondering. Are there any that are vinyl padded? I'm thinking of attracting others, see? And if I could show them a comfortable cross, I'm sure I could win a lot more. Got to keep up with the population explosion and all.
And I need something durable so I can treasure it always. Oh, is there one that's sort of flat so it would fit under my coat? One shouldn't be too obvious.
Funny, there doesn't seem to be much choice here. Just that coarse, rough wood. I mean that would hurt. Don't you have something more distinctive, Lord? I can tell you right now, none of my friends are going to be impressed by this shoddy workmanship. They will think I'm a nut or something. And my family will be just mortified.
What's that? It's either one of these or forget the whole thing? But Lord, I want to be your disciple, I mean, just being with you; that's all that counts right? But life has to have a balance too. But you don't understand - nobody lives that way today! Who is gong to be attracted by this self-denial bit? I mean, I want to; but let's not overdo it. Start getting radical like this and they'll have me off to the funny farm. Know what I mean?
I mean being a disciple is challenging and exciting and I want to do it; but I do have some Christian liberties and rights, you know. Now let's see -no blood - O.K.? I just can't stand the thought of that, Lord Lord? LORD? Now where do you suppose He went? |
And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whither soever thou goest. Matthew 8:19
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. Matthew 16:24
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
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