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Description: What does it really cost to follow Jesus in a culture of self-fulfillment? This Sunday, let's unpack the cost of discipleship so we can step into the abundant life that Jesus promises.
Mark 8:27-38 // Tom NelsonExplore the pivotal moment in Mark's Gospel where Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, yet Jesus foretells his suffering and death. Discover what true discipleship means as Jesus instructs his followers to take up their cross and deny themselves. This message highlights the cost of following Jesus and connects with the themes of Lent, emphasizing self-denial and the journey to the cross.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2509/responses/new25.04.13
Mark 8:27-38 // Gabriel CoyleExplore the pivotal moment in Mark's Gospel where Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, yet Jesus foretells his suffering and death. Discover what true discipleship means as Jesus instructs his followers to take up their cross and deny themselves. This message highlights the cost of following Jesus and connects with the themes of Lent, emphasizing self-denial and the journey to the cross.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2553/responses/new25.04.13
Mark 8:27-38 // Ashtyn FairExplore the pivotal moment in Mark's Gospel where Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, yet Jesus foretells his suffering and death. Discover what true discipleship means as Jesus instructs his followers to take up their cross and deny themselves. This message highlights the cost of following Jesus and connects with the themes of Lent, emphasizing self-denial and the journey to the cross.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2546/responses/new25.04.13
Mark 8:27-38 // Jacob NannieExplore the pivotal moment in Mark's Gospel where Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, yet Jesus foretells his suffering and death. Discover what true discipleship means as Jesus instructs his followers to take up their cross and deny themselves. This message highlights the cost of following Jesus and connects with the themes of Lent, emphasizing self-denial and the journey to the cross.SERMON NOTES (YouVersion): https://bible.com/events/PRAYER REQUESTS: https://ccefc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/2574/responses/new25.04.13
To be a true disciple, we must deny ourselves and follow Christ.
Psalm 119:73–80 John 17:4 Galatians 2:20 2 Corinthians 5:14–15 James 4:7 Ephesians 4:27 Psalm 16:8 Matthew 4 Luke 4 Daniel 1, Daniel 3, Daniel 6 Ecclesiastes 8:15 Psalm 90:10, Psalm 90:12 James 4:14 Luke 12:16–21 Matthew 6:19–21 John 6:27 Philippians 3:20–21 Colossians 3:1–4 Isaiah 57:15 Matthew 6:33 John 6:38
April 2nd, 2025: Self-Denial & Holy Fasts: The Weapons Against Spirits of Evil; Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde: The New Adam vs. the Old Man Adam; The Love of God Must Motivate Us During Lent; Why Lent; Fasting to Conquer Self-Preservation
ACCEPTABLE WORSHIPEarly this morning, Brother Singh reposted a message that had impacted Brother Brian Wisdom in Africa, entitled 'Self-Denial, a Necessity' (2-12-2019). In that message, our Pastor introduced the concept of five soils that affect Christ's church. These soils represent different heart conditions when receiving God's word. While Jesus only spoke of four soils, as recorded in Matthew's gospel (wayside, stony ground, thorny ground, and good soil), our Pastor added a fifth type —ABSENTEEISM— to emphasize the importance of regular church attendance in maintaining a fertile heart for God's word.
Fr Mike Chitwood
In this episode of the Moral Imagination Podcast I speak with Fr. J. Augustine Wetta about his book Humility Rules: Saint Benedict's Twelve-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem. The world teaches us to assert ourselves, to follow our passions, to speak up, talk back, “get yours,” don't let anyone stand in your way. But it doesn't really work. As Tyler Durden proclaims in Fight Club: “We've all been raised on television to believe that one day we'd all be millionaires, and movie gods, and rock stars. But we won't. And we're slowly learning that fact.”In contrast to the world's and Fight Club's response (which we won't talk about), Fr. Augustine looks at the Rule of St. Benedict and his ladder of humility as a guide for real happiness and true self-esteem, which comes not from self-assertion, but from self-denial, selflessness, serving others, and not being a slave to one's own will and desires. We discuss Fr. Augustine journey from a lifeguard, surfer, and rugby player to a Benedictine monk, and some of his stories teaching high school students, and throwing himself into a rosebush. In his Rule for monks, St. Benedict explains that any progress toward holiness, happiness, and relationship with God and others must be grounded in humility. He describes humility as a ladder – with one side as the soul and the other as the body. …if we want to reach the highest summit of humility, if we desire to attain speedily that exaltation in heaven to which we climb by the humility of this present life, then by our ascending actions we must set up that ladder on which Jacob in a dream saw angels descending and ascending (Gen 28:12). Without doubt, this descent and ascent can signify only that we descend by exaltation and ascend by humility. Now the ladder erected is our life on earth, and if we humble our hearts the Lord will raise it to heaven. We may call our body and soul the sides of this ladder, into which our divine vocation has fitted the various steps of humility and discipline as we ascend. (St. John's Abbey) Fr. Augustine goes through each of the steps on the ladder of humility * Fear of God * Self-Denial * Obedience * Perseverance * Repentance * Serenity * Self-Abasement* Prudence * Silence * Dignity * Discration* Reverence The book is excellent. It is morally and spiritually serious and entertaining. I laughed out loud several times.Fr. Augustine offers apparently outlandish advice to to people struggling with anxiety, worry, and broken relationships* Don't speak up* Be someone's doormat* Don't follow your dreams* Put your worst foot forward And gives “homework” to practice each of the steps including:* Make no excuses next time you are reprimanded * Clean a toilet * Say thank you next time someone tells you something you already know * The next time you see something not done your way - leave it be if it worksIn addition to Humility Rules we discuss a number of topics including:· His book on decision making called , Pray, Think, Act: Make Better Decisions with the Desert Father· Joy cannot be grasped, but is the fruit of love and self-denial.· St. John Cassian and his writings on the eight vices – including the vice of self-esteem, and why focusing on ourselves prevents us from building good relationships and finding happiness.· Challenges of modern life, particularly the impact of digital distractions on mental health and spiritual well-being· The difference between contemporary meditation practices with traditional Catholic contemplative prayer.· The importance of cultivating an attitude of reverence and gratitude· The role of obedience in spiritual growth – and why it's probably not a good idea to throw oneself into a rosebush.· How chastity requires us to see others as persons and subjects, not objects for use· St. Benedict's rule on Silence, how silence increases mental clarity and attention to others, and the magnificent quote from Dom Paul Delatte OSB Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict“The fundamental purpose of silence is to free the soul, to give it strength and leisure to adhere to God.It delivers us from the low tendencies of our nature and of fixing us in the good.“Biography Augustine Wetta is a monk of Saint Louis Abbey in Saint Louis Missouri. He has two degrees in Theology from Oxford University, a BA in Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, and an MA in English from Middlebury College. For twenty years, he has taught English, Classics, and Theology at the Priory School, in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he also coached rugby and served as Director of Chaplaincy. In 2019, he was named a Portsmouth Institute Senior Fellow. He writes for Our Sunday Visitor, and hosts a blog entitled "Disagreement" with Islamic social activist Umar Lee, and frequently appears on EWTN and Saint Joseph Radio.In 2014, he was awarded the Judson Jerome Poetry Award and the Bill Baker Award for Fiction at the Antioch Writers Workshop (the first author in the history of the conference to win both). In 2015, he was awarded the Taliaferro Award for Memoir Writers at the San Francisco Writers Conference, where he was also a finalist for the Emerging Writer Award.He is the author of several books: * Pray, Think, Act a book on decision-making based on the sayings of the Desert Fathers* The Eighth Arrow, a fantasy prison-break set in Dante's Inferno * Saving Grace, an illustrated children's book about a three-legged turtle.* Humility Rules: A 12 Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem which has sold over 100,000 copies and has been translated into five languagesThe son of an artist (Jean Carruthers Wetta) and a historian (Frank Wetta), Father Augustine was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1971, but grew up in Galveston, Texas. There he learned to surf and developed an enormous ego as a lifeguard on the Galveston Sheriff Department Beach Patrol. During this time, he also worked as a professional juggler (“The Flying Fettuccinne Brothers”) and as an archaeologist (at the Agora in Athens). He remains an avid surfer. In fact, if you Google “surfing monk” his is the first name that comes up—along with a news report about how he was nearly eaten by a shark. Themes/Chapters of the Interview* 00:00 Introduction to Father Augustin Weta* 03:07 Exploring Humility and Self-Esteem* 05:55 St. Benedict's Ladder of Humility* 09:13 Fr. Wetta's Journey to Monastic Life* 12:03 The Role of Self-Denial* 14:52 The Importance of Silence* 18:11 Art, Beauty, and Truth* 21:04 Fear of God and Genuine Self-Esteem* 30:06 The Struggle with Digital Distractions* 34:12 The Importance of Silence in Modern Life* 37:29 Meditation vs. Contemplation: A Spiritual Perspective* 41:39 Understanding Lust and Chastity* 49:00 The Role of Reverence in Spiritual LifeResources J Augustine Wetta: Humility Rules: St. Benedict's 12-Step Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem J Augustine Wetta: Pray, Think, Act: Make Better Decisions with the Desert FathersPhilokalia Volume 1 - This is an amazing collection and it includes St. John Cassian on the Eight Vices Other Books related to the rule of St. Benedict Dom Paul Delatte, OSB —his Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict is long and detailed but incredibly impressive and deep. Honestly it is probably not worth it unless you Here is the quote on silence from Dom Delatte that I refer to in the episode and I use a lot - especially in thinking about cultivating silence, but also in our age of over-information. I also recommend a visit to a Benedictine Abbey if you can. I have not visited St. Louis Abbey, but I have visited Clear Creek Abbey in Oklahoma several times. You can learn more about them here and get CDs of their chanting if you are interested. Photo Credit: Courtesy Augustine Wetta OSB Get full access to The Moral Imagination - Michael Matheson Miller at www.themoralimagination.com/subscribe
Chaplain Grant Lowe | Chaplain | Covenant College | Lookout Mountain, GA
Self-denial goes beyond simple sacrifices, representing a fundamental shift in how we live our Christian lives. It involves releasing control, surrendering our desires, and following Jesus' example of selflessness. Through self-denial, we learn to pick up our cross daily, look different from the world, and align ourselves with God's purposes. This spiritual discipline leads to freedom from anxiety, better decision-making, and deeper spiritual growth.
Pastor Kirk Graham kicks off our new series, “Shaped by the Cross”, by challenging us to embrace self-denial by taking up our cross daily and yielding fully to God's purposes. Learn how living with less can lead to more of God's power, freedom, and forever glory.
Lent is a time of self-denial. The higher, better part of ourselves strives to deny and to master our lower nature. This interior struggle is a necessary condition for Christian life. In emptying ourselves out, especially of our pride, we invite God to enter in. https://comeawaybyyourselves.com
This Sunday's message, "Fasting: Hungering for God" by Joshua, was recorded on Sunday, March 9th, 2025.This is the Second message in our new series "Soul Detox".This week's Communion talk by Mavis has also been included in this podcast.For more information, reach us at www.westcitychurch.com.au© Westcity Church 2025
In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss the spiritual practice of fasting, particularly in the context of Lent. They explore the historical and biblical foundations of fasting, explaining how it has traditionally been used as a means of self-denial, preparation, and spiritual discipline. They highlight the connection between fasting and feasting, emphasizing that both are essential parts of Christian life—fasting representing a time of longing and dependence on God, while feasting celebrates the joy and fulfillment found in Him. The conversation also touches on how the Christian calendar has shaped seasons of fasting, particularly leading up to Easter, and how fasting helps Christians resist being controlled by their physical cravings or desires.They also discuss the importance of motivation in fasting, warning against legalism while encouraging listeners to engage in the practice as a way to grow in spiritual freedom. They offer practical suggestions for fasting during Lent, including food-based fasts, social media detoxes, or other forms of self-denial that create space for increased dependence on God. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to approach fasting not just as an act of giving something up but as an opportunity to take hold of more of God and deepen their faith.You can listen to the sermon by Hardy Reynolds here, and last year's sermon from Ben here.
This sermon marks the final message in our Practicing the Way series. Throughout this journey, we've explored what it means to truly follow Jesus in our daily lives. Today, we examine one of the most challenging yet essential aspects of discipleship: self-denial.Drawing from Luke 9:18-24, we uncover Jesus' call to: • Deny ourselves • Take up our cross daily • Follow Him wholeheartedlyThis message challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a life fully surrendered to Christ. It reminds us that true discipleship is costly, but in losing our lives for Christ's sake, we find true, abundant life.
Jesus Says “Self-Denial” Is Required of Jesus Followers: “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" MESSAGE SUMMARY: In a time in which we hear so much about self-help, self-image, and self-actualization, Jesus is saying self-denial is the way to life. Jesus tells us, in Matthew 16:24, that self-denial is a key element in following Him: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'". “Taking up one's cross” means to die to self-ambitions. When we die to our self-ambitious and put them on the cross, Jesus' life moves through us: “Not my will but Thy will.”. By denying self, we become alive in Jesus; and His Spirit flows through us – we experience eternal life and abundant life. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 16:24; Mathew 10:38-39; Galatians 6:14-17; Psalms 141:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How God Says He Loves Us: Part 2 -- The Covenant with Abraham ” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
Sustainable, feel-good weight loss isn't about willpower or denying yourself things—it's often about recognizing the deeper needs you've been ignoring. In this episode, I break down how self-denial fuels overeating, why food is often just a substitute for what we really crave, and how giving yourself MORE of what you actually desire can change everything— Listen Now. PS. Join me for my brand-new live training on Tuesday, March 4th: MORE Pleasure, Less Struggle: A New Way to Lose Weight That Changes Everything. Click HERE to Sign Up
Corps Officer Ian Standley presents our Bible Message this week , which follows the video from week 2 in our Self Denial 2025 series featuring the work of The Salvation Army in Indonesia
The power of suffering in serving the Lord provides amazing blessings to those who understand and embrace the truth that suffering pain can produce greater strength, understanding, and wisdom for those who walk by faith and not by sight. Recently, there was a saying that has been frequently used regarding the pain and hardship that… Read more
How can a couple invest in a marriage that lasts? It starts by gaining the right perspective. And, contrary to popular belief, the ultimate purpose of your marriage is not to make you happy. Dennis, Barbara, and Bob cover the first two rules.Fun Fact from the Episode:Did you know? Early in their marriage, Barbara assumed Dennis could fix things just like her dad could because she believed it was a typical male trait. It took her ten years to realize that Dennis had other strengths her dad didn't, teaching her to fully accept and love Dennis for who he is!00:00 Acceptance in Marriage is Ongoing04:20 "Marriage Advice for Young Couples"08:30 Balancing Marriage and Biblical Roles10:41 "Nourishing Love: A Husband's Journey"15:13 Marriage Podcast Series Promotion16:16 "Marriage Rules Beyond Fairytales"5 Keys You'll Learn in This Episode:Shattering Unrealistic Expectations: Barbara shares her experience on accepting your spouse as they are and the ongoing practice it requires.Marriage Beyond Happiness: Dennis explains why marriage is more about a transcendent purpose rather than just personal happiness.Role of Marriage as a Growth Agent: Get insights into how marriage helps both men and women grow up and mature in ways they never imagined.Selflessness in Marriage: Discover why self-denial is crucial and how it positively impacts your relationship.Adapting to Differences: Hear Barbara's journey of learning to appreciate the unique differences between her and Dennis.
Tyler continued in our Finding Peace in an Anxious World series focusing on Self-Denial over Self-Indulgence. He emphasized the dangers of materialism, and the transformative power of generosity and contentment rooted in faith. It begins with a reminder that worldly possessions are temporary and encourages gratitude for basic needs, warning against the destructive allure of wealth and comparison. Instead, true wealth is found in contentment, generosity, and faith. Jesus gave up the treasures of heaven to make you His treasure. What you need is not simply to resist money, what you need is to replace it entirely as the source of your deepest desires. When you see God dying to make you His treasure, money will cease to be the currency of your significance, or your security, or your comfort. When you grasp the gospel, money loses its grasp over you. So, think on His costly grace, and it'll change you into a giver. "You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich." - 2 Corinthians 8:9
Gary Matlack preached on 1 Timothy 4:1–5.
Jesus Says “Self-Denial” Is Required of Jesus Followers: “let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" MESSAGE SUMMARY: In a time in which we hear so much about self-help, self-image, and self-actualization, Jesus is saying self-denial is the way to life. Jesus tells us, in Matthew 16:24, that self-denial is a key element in following Him: “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'". “Taking up one's cross” means to die to self-ambitions. When we die to our self-ambitious and put them on the cross, Jesus' life moves through us: “Not my will but Thy will.”. By denying self, we become alive in Jesus; and His Spirit flows through us – we experience eternal life and abundant life. TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will entrust to Him my future. I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. From 2 Timothy 1:12 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 16:24; Mathew 10:38-39; Galatians 6:14-17; Psalms 141:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Turkeys and Eagles, Part 5: Following Jesus Changes Everything in Our Families” , at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB
John Fleck preaches on the subject of self denial in the Christian life. Our culture emphasise our rights, but our example for living the Christian life is One who surrendered His rights – our Lord Jesus Christ. Readings: Matt 5:38-42, Phil 2:5-11. (Recorded in Northern Ireland) The post The Implications of Christ's Self-Denial (50 min) first appeared on Gospel Hall Audio.
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Self Denial
Does God's command to deny ourselves contradict Christian Hedonism? Pastor John clarifies the God-centered, pleasure-seeking aim of all Christian self-denial.
Today is Sunday, September 22, 2024, The 18th Sunday after Pentecost, a 2nd class feast, with the color of green. In this episode: The meditation: “Jesus Urges Us to Self-Denial,” today's news from the Church: “The Neo-Pastoral Work of Francis,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org Sources Used Today: Practical Meditations (Angelus Press) “Cremation: What Does the Church Think?” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/cremation-what-does-church-think-47578 The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
This chapel message emphasizes the importance of self-denial as a core principle in Christianity. Drawing from Matthew 16 and Philippians 2, it highlights how saying -no- to oneself and embracing self-denial mirrors Christ's humility and obedience, fostering spiritual growth and alignment with God's will.