Podcasts about take up your cross

The good news about losing your life. A sermon on Matthew 16:21-28 but Rev. Samantha Beach Kiley.

My “Cross to bear” is neither my bum knee nor an invitation to be trampled upon.

In “No Days Off,” Sam Fleury teaches from 1 Timothy 4:6–16 that spiritual growth requires intentional training. What we consume forms us, our disciplines shape us, and godliness affects every area of life. Through the imagery of training, stretching, lifting, and running, Sam challenges us to feed our souls with truth, follow Jesus with discipline, develop visible spiritual fruit, and use the life and grace God has given us to influence and invest in others. (00:00) - Welcome and Introduction (01:16) - Training for Godliness in 1 Timothy 4 (04:29) - No Days Off (05:57) - Why Paul Uses Athletic Training (08:42) - People Are Always Watching (10:41) - What You Consume Forms You (13:17) - How You Think About God Matters (16:37) - Be Intentional With What Feeds Your Soul (17:29) - Stretch, Lift, and Run (20:10) - Living by the Word of God (22:42) - Train Yourself to Be Godly (25:48) - Godliness Changes Every Area of Life (29:47) - Discipline, Self-Denial, and Following Jesus (32:11) - Your Life Should Produce Fruit (34:14) - Invest Your Life in People

The decision to follow Christ is a very real and personal commitment that redefines your priorities as you make Jesus Lord in every area of your life. In this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro continues a lesson about what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

The Christian life doesn't guarantee a life of comfort and convenience--quite the contrary!  Following Jesus Christ is a life of sacrifice and obedience…but also one of fulfillment and joy. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro explores all aspects of this life-changing choice -- the call, the challenge, and the commitment.

Anchored in Troubled WatersSeason 9, Episode 33Take Up Your CrossJesus never described discipleship as a life of convenience.Immediately after Peter struggled to understand why Jesus would have to suffer, Christ turned to His disciples and gave them one of His clearest invitations:“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”In this episode of Anchored in Troubled Waters, we explore what it really means to take up our cross.The cross is more than life's ordinary hardships. It represents the places where following Christ costs us something: pride, comfort, control, approval, opportunity, or our own plans.We will look at why true discipleship begins with surrender, why Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, how Peter eventually learned the lesson he once resisted, and why nothing surrendered to God in obedience is ever wasted.The world tells us to protect our lives at all costs.Jesus tells us that when we place our lives in His hands, we finally discover what life was meant to be.And when the road is difficult, we remember something Peter had to learn:Friday does not get the final word.The cross is temporary.Glory is forever.Join us for Season 9, Episode 33: Take Up Your Cross.

Welcome to Week 1 of our message series, "The Good Life," with Pastor Dave Mudd. In a world obsessed with convenience, ease, and avoiding discomfort at all costs, what if the life Jesus calls us to isn't about comfort at all? Grounded in Matthew 7:13–14, Pastor Dave exposes how the idol of personal comfort secretly undermines our spiritual growth and turns believers into consumers rather than dedicated followers of Christ. Learn why Jesus promised His presence—not a life free of hardship—and how God actively uses suffering, trials, and self-denial to shape us into His image. If you are seeking deeper faith, true Christlikeness, and the strength to walk the narrow road, this message is for you.KEY LESSONS & TAKEAWAYS:• Expose the Spirit of Comfort: Identify how the drive for ease creates spiritual passive habits, and learn how to embrace authentic discipleship.• Redefine "The Good Life": Discover how Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes turns worldliness upside down by locating true blessing in humility and dependence on God.• Grow Through Refinement: Understand why character, endurance, and spiritual maturity are forged through hardship rather than passive comfort.• Gain an Eternal Perspective: Learn how trials lift our eyes above daily frustrations to anchor our hope in the eternal weight of glory.• Walk Closely with Christ: Experience deeper intimacy with Jesus by understanding that true transformation happens as we walk with Him through the valley.RELATED SCRIPTURES:- Matthew 7:13–14 (The Narrow Gate)- Matthew 5 (The Beatitudes)- Matthew 16:24–25 (Take Up Your Cross)- 2 Corinthians 4:17–18 (Eternal Glory)- Philippians 3:10 (Fellowship of Suffering)

Send us Fan Mail

In this series, Pastor Jim will guide us through several of the hard, difficult, challenging teachings of Jesus. While Christ is often thought of as kind, gentle, and compassionate; he also challenged people to rise to a new standard of living. In this series, we'll explore that challenging standard.

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

Get a blessing by hearing the latest teaching from one of the services at Faith and Truth Assembly!

Send us Fan MailJoin Tiana as she reminds us what it means to take up your cross daily.  Support the showTo learn more visit:  www.madetoconquerpodcast.comTune into my other podcast: www.TheWarriorsRising.com

If following Jesus means sharing with him in death, why would we ever follow him? Join us in Matthew 16:21-28 as Jesus teaches us why he must suffer, why we must suffer with him, and how we can find hope in our suffering. 

SUBSCRIBE and get the latest messages: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIzzCy3Z9Zsk0GwAH-yJ7g?sub_confirmation=1Watch this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5De6-FwIKq4&t=1sTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people click here: http://kingschurchkc.com/giveWe are a movement for all people to find and follow Jesus Christ.——Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.kingschurchkc.comKings Church Facebook: Facebook.com/kingschurchkcKings Church Instagram: Instagram.com/kingschurchkc#kingschurch #faith #Christianity #kansascity #onlinechurch #churchonline #hope #churchesinkansascity

Many misunderstand what it means to take up your cross. True faith requires total surrender. Discover what it looks like to take up your cross, lay down your plans, and follow Jesus every day.Chapters:00:00 Intro00:30 Birthday Party Memories02:30 PBJ Process Lesson04:50 Abundant Life Promise07:23 Luke 9:23 Process09:17 What Following Means13:52 Salvation And Daily Yes16:27 Give Up Your Way21:10 Trust The Navigator Story27:40 Take Up Your Cross32:13 Daily Surrender Prayer34:36 No Turning BackINTRODUCE YOURSELF

Jesus tells us how to “save” ourselves. How do we do it? The way is counterintuitive and paradoxical. It's also revolutionary.

A podcast by Trinity Fellowship. Join us every week Monday through Thursday for The Biblecast! On The Biblecast we take a deeper dive into God's word. We also love to pray for each other. If you would like to submit a prayer you can do so at Biblecast@tfc.org from wherever you are listening! So I want to encourage you - be ready to grab your hot coffee, grab your hot tea, and let's dive in together to God's Word.

June 30, 2026 Deut. 17:1-20; Ps. 73:1-20; Prov. 18:6-7; Luke 9:18-27

Please consider writing Fr. Bob a card on his retirement or participating in a tribute video. Cards can be sent or dropped off to the parish office by July 10, 2026. Letters can be mailed to: Fr. Bob Cedolia, 81 S. 13th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Please also consider participating in a tribute video for Fr. Bob. You can share a picture, a message of gratitude or a story with Fr. Bob. The deadline to submit is June 24, 2026, type in the link below. https://www.tribute.co/fr-bobs-retirement/?invite=link Opening: #598 O God beyond All Praising Psalm 89: Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord (Francesca LaRosa) Presentation: #651 Open My Eyes, Lord Closing: #636 Now Thank We All Our God All music reproduced and streamed with permission from ONE LICENSE, license #A-723939. Organist: Bill Brinzer Celebrant: Father Bob Cedolia Today's readings (via USCCB): bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading For more information, visit our parish website at MaryQueenofPeacePGH.org.

Take Up Your Cross by Jesus the Good Shepherd Anglican Church

Jesus is saying it very plainly— He's laying it right out there—that His messengers, His apostles, should expect persecution. Jesus even goes as far to say that His apostles should expect being flogged. Should we expect persecution as modern-day followers of Jesus? Join us as we look at a passage in Matthew 10, and along the way we also think about what it means to pledge our allegience to Christ.

THE CALL TO WITNESS Matthew 10:26-42 I. Preach on the Housetops; vs.26-31 II. Confess Christ Before Men; vs.32-33 III. Take Up Your Cross; vs.34-39 IV. Be Sure of Your Reward; vs.40-42 As Jesus prepares the apostles for their first mission, he charges them to be fearless in the face of opposition.

Sunday Sermon 31st May 2026Following Jesus is not just about believing in Him, but surrendering fully to His assignment. In this message, we are reminded that discipleship requires laying down distractions, denying selfish desires, taking up our cross, and choosing God's will over comfort, security, and personal ambition.Through the example of Jesus, Abraham, and those who either obeyed or missed God's specific call, this sermon challenges us to ask the crucial question: “Lord, what do You want me to do?” True joy, provision, and purpose are found not in chasing our own plans, but in following the One who chose us.Stay connected!Website: https://www.harvestnowchurch.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarvestNowChurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvestnowchurch_/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@harvestnowchurchTwitter: https://twitter.com/harvest_now_Sermon Audio: Harvest Now Church (Spotify, Apple Music etc.)Podcast: Harvest Now Conversations (Spotify, Apple Music etc.)

During this message, we explored Jesus’ in Matthew chapter 16 on discipleship. Jesus suffered… mostly silently and aware of others. This weekend, Pastor Mark Pope guided us through these two important points as we continued our The Hard Truth series. This week be challenged to adjust your response to suffering.

Episode 154 of 2 Minute Disciple Season 5 examines one of Jesus' most challenging teachings in Matthew 10:34–39. At first glance, His words seem startling: “I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” Yet Jesus is revealing a profound truth about the nature of discipleship. Following Christ is not merely a private belief or a spiritual hobby. It reshapes our loyalties, priorities, relationships, and identity. Sometimes, choosing faithfulness to Jesus creates tension with the expectations of others—even those closest to us. In this contemplative Christian podcast episode, Nick guides listeners through a peaceful rhythm of slowing down, reading Scripture, noticing, meditating, responding in prayer, and practicing a daily spiritual habit. Together, we reflect on Jesus' call to take up our cross, release our grip on lesser things, and trust that true life is found not in self-preservation but in surrender. This episode is for anyone wrestling with obedience, sacrifice, difficult choices, competing loyalties, or the challenge of placing Jesus first. It is a reminder that while following Christ may cost us something, He is worth infinitely more than anything we could lose.

A podcast by Trinity Fellowship. Join us every week Monday through Thursday for The Biblecast! On The Biblecast we take a deeper dive into God's word. We also love to pray for each other. If you would like to submit a prayer you can do so at Biblecast@tfc.org from wherever you are listening! So I want to encourage you - be ready to grab your hot coffee, grab your hot tea, and let's dive in together to God's Word.

What does it look like to take up your cross and follow Jesus? Find out as Brett Andrews shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

What does it look like to take up your cross and follow Jesus? Find out as Brett Andrews shares.Share your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

Sunday & Wednesday weekly teaching.

Sunday & Wednesday weekly teaching.

Sunday & Wednesday weekly teaching.

Sunday & Wednesday weekly teaching.

Take Up Your CrossTeaching & Prayer with Overseer Azizah MorrisonContinuing the May focus, Anchored, this prayer gathering shifts into a deeply practical and spiritual teaching on Jesus' instruction: “Take up your cross daily.”Drawing from Luke 9:23, Hebrews 12:1–2, and Galatians 6:9, Overseer Azizah Morrison teaches that the cross is not only about suffering—it is also about responsibility, discipline, surrender, and daily consistency. This lesson explores the tension many believers experience between calling and resistance, desire and follow-through, purpose and personal struggle.With honesty and spiritual depth, the teaching addresses the daily realities of distraction, mental exhaustion, inconsistency, and internal battles, reminding listeners that maturity is often formed through steady obedience rather than emotional moments.The accompanying prayer asks God for strength to carry well, grace for consistency, renewed focus, emotional steadiness, and endurance for believers navigating both spiritual and practical struggles.This is a call to stop fighting the cross God has assigned and to follow Him faithfully—daily, steadily, and anchored in His strength.

In this week's episode, we will discuss how to keep taking up your cross and obeying God even when it gets hard. We will discuss the example Jesus left for us of cross-bearing, how we can take up ours, and 3 tips to help you keep bearing your own. Scripture discussed this week: Matthew 16:24-27, Philippians 2:8, Galatians 2:20, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Corinthians 15:58, and Galatians 6:7-10.Personal Instagram:

Would you die for your faith?It's a question most Christians avoid—but one Jesus never softened.In this episode of Truth Behind the Mike, Mike Stone challenges believers to confront the real cost of following Jesus.We live in a culture where faith is often comfortable—but what happens when it isn't?What happens when following Christ costs you your reputation… your relationships… your career… or even your life?Using both Scripture and real-world examples, this episode explores:* The difference between cultural Christianity and true discipleship* Where modern believers tend to “draw the line”* Why Jesus called us to take up our cross—not just believe* How recent events are forcing people to rethink what faith really meansThis isn't about fear.It's not about politics.It's about one question:Is your faith real… if it only exists when it's safe?⸻If this challenged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.Subscribe to Truth Behind the Mike for more bold, biblical conversations that encourage, challenge, and point you to Jesus.#Faith #Christianity #Jesus #Discipleship #Truth #Bible #ChristianYouTube #FaithInAction #followjesus TIME-STAMPED CHAPTER LIST:00:00 — Would You Die for Your Faith? (The Question We Avoid)00:29 — Comfortable Christianity vs. Real Discipleship01:03 — “Take Up Your Cross” Isn't Symbolic01:37 — When Faith Becomes Dangerous (Recent Events)02:04 — Faith, Culture, and Consequences Colliding02:39 — Following Jesus Is No Longer Neutral02:55 — Is This Real Persecution… or Just the Beginning?03:34 — Why Most Christians Aren't Prepared04:05 — Let's Bring This Closer to Home04:30 — Where Do You Draw the Line?05:04 — The Disciples Paid the Ultimate Price05:40 — Are You Ready When It Costs You?06:17 — You Might Not Die… But You Will Be Tested06:42 — The Quiet Moments That Reveal Your Faith06:56 — This Isn't About Strength—It's About Surrender07:33 — What Are You Holding Back from God?08:01 — Where Have You Already Compromised?08:29 — A Prayer for Bold, Unshakable Faith10:13 — The Columbine Story That Still Challenges Us10:44 — If Your Faith Is Only Safe… Is It Real?Send us Fan MailSupport the showWatch these podcasts on YouTube!Follow Us!YouTube: @behindthemikepodcastInstagram: @behindthemikepodcastTikTok:  @behind_the_mike_podcastFacebook:  @behindthemikepodcast

April 27th, 2026

Following Jesus will cost you—but it leads to real life.In this message, Jesus gives one of His clearest and most challenging calls: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Him. This isn't a call to casual belief or comfortable Christianity—it's a call to surrender.To take up your cross means letting go of control, laying down your desires, and choosing Jesus over yourself—again and again, every day. It's not about losing your life for no reason, but about finding true life in Him.Jesus makes it clear: you can spend your life trying to protect yourself and still lose what matters most. But when you surrender your life to Him, you don't lose—you gain everything that truly lasts.The question is not just whether you believe in Jesus—but whether you are willing to follow Him at any cost.

Austin Miller | Matthew 16:21-28

By Ernest Grier - If we truly want to be regarded as Christ's disciple in His eyes, then we must follow His instructions to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him.

God is calling us away from our old selfish life, literally to die to self, when Christ calls us to take up our cross and follow Him! What does that look like for you? Share. Make it a great day in the Love & Lordship of Christ (Luke 9:23)!

(Mar 29, 2026)

Following Jesus requires three essential components: denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him. Denying yourself means yielding to God's control and saying no to your own desires. Taking up your cross involves willingly enduring shame and suffering for Christ's sake, publicly displaying your allegiance to Him. Following Jesus means living as He lived with humility, compassion, and grace. This daily decision to die to self is challenging but necessary for true discipleship. The choice is between temporary worldly gains and eternal significance. With God's Spirit empowering us, we can do hard things and discover a life of purpose and meaning rather than mere existence.

Fr. Mike discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God's call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the life of God out of our lives as Martha allowed her troubles and anxieties to do. Today's readings are from Luke 9-10 and Proverbs 26:4-6. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.