From Matthew 16:24–27, Pastor Damon drew a sharp line between two voices: the serpent’s old whisper—“save yourself”—and Jesus’ call—“deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.” The enemy paints denial as misery and God as a killjoy, just as in Eden with the “fun fruit.” But Jesus doesn’t crush joy—He rescues it. We don’t lose our lives to become less; we lose them to find real life in Him.
Scripture shows the pattern: the High Priest’s set-apart garments, David’s linen ephod, and Jesus laying aside His garments to serve (John 13). Paul says to put off the old man and put on the new (Eph. 4:22–24). Following Jesus means exchanging self-preservation for self-denial, pride for a towel, and old identities for a new creation.
The gates of hell won’t prevail against a people who refuse the serpent’s logic and embrace the Savior’s way. Don’t guard the old you—put it off. Pick up the cross. Follow Him—and find the life your soul was made for.
