Description

Troy Manning explains the cultural challenges facing believers today, citing Carl Truman's analysis of how religious belief is now considered a psychological defect, preparing students for ministry in an increasingly hostile culture.

Scripture Text

Mark 8:34-38

Main Points or Ideas

The Cost of Discipleship

1. The Principle: Deny self and embrace suffering (verse 34)
2. Four Reasons to Choose This Path:

• Only by losing your life do you save it (everyone will lose - the question is voluntarily or involuntarily)
• Your soul is more valuable than anything in this life
• No earthly pursuit or possession is worth risking your soul
• You will experience utter shame at the judgment if you're ashamed of Christ now

Personal Application: Using his own 43-year wait for marriage as an example of trusting God's timing and plan

Conclusion

There is no neutrality with Christ - you either confess Him or deny Him. The decisions made about Jesus in this life determine what will be experienced in the next life.