The Way of the Cross
February 22, 2016
Mark 8:43 “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.” –Jesus
I believe we live in a culture of fear. The media wants us to live in fear because fear creates viewers. Politicians want us to live in fear because fear creates votes. It is hard to live well and make good decisions when operating out of fear. It’s even more difficult to follow Christ. Following a Savior who went to the cross will not happen if we are consumed by fear. Perhaps this is why we turn Christianity into something easier or simpler like just being positive, prosperity gospel, four-line prayers, one hour on Sunday, being conservative (or liberal) etc…. We mold and shape Christianity into what we want because following the way of the cross is difficult. In fact, to the world the cross is folly. It doesn’t make sense in a culture obsessed with the gods of success, efficiency, and image. I wonder sometimes if the church has fallen victim to these same gods. I’m praying that our church will avoid these idols. I pray that we embrace the cross as a way of life. I hope we will follow Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense. I hope we will seek His calling even when it doesn’t seem smart or efficient. I pray that our church is selfless, compassionate, and worship-full. I pray that we pursue these things not because they “work” but because this is how Jesus lived… and following Him is more important than anything else.
– Rev. Brandon Dasinger/Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions
I believe we live in a culture of fear. The media wants us to live in fear because fear creates viewers. Politicians want us to live in fear because fear creates votes. It is hard to live well and make good decisions when operating out of fear. It’s even more difficult to follow Christ. Following a Savior who went to the cross will not happen if we are consumed by fear. Perhaps this is why we turn Christianity into something easier or simpler like just being positive, prosperity gospel, four-line prayers, one hour on Sunday, being conservative (or liberal) etc…. We mold and shape Christianity into what we want because following the way of the cross is difficult. In fact, to the world the cross is folly. It doesn’t make sense in a culture obsessed with the gods of success, efficiency, and image. I wonder sometimes if the church has fallen victim to these same gods. I’m praying that our church will avoid these idols. I pray that we embrace the cross as a way of life. I hope we will follow Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense. I hope we will seek His calling even when it doesn’t seem smart or efficient. I pray that our church is selfless, compassionate, and worship-full. I pray that we pursue these things not because they “work” but because this is how Jesus lived… and following Him is more important than anything else.
– Rev. Brandon Dasinger/Teaching Pastor and Director of Missions