Mark 8:31-36

We oftentimes discover that when the circumstances of life shake us to our very foundations, it is actually God doing the shaking.

While often hearing, “I never cease to be amazed,” when was the last time you were amazed in matters of faith.

Crowds soon dissipate, even those that once looked like disciples. Will you remain?

A crowd does not make a church. Within every crowd, however, is the possibility of conversion and becoming part of the church.

In a world content to find and settle upon the least common denominator; doing as little as necessary to get by, Jesus raises the bar and expects so much more.

While Jesus seeks to raise our gaze upward there always be distractions seeking to keep us earthly bound. 

How can a group of believers (like the Corinthians) confess to have been converted on the basis of Jesus’ resurrection, while at the same time not believe in the resurrection?

To answer the call of Christ to follow him is to be extended the unique privilege of participating in his missional objective.

Though repulsed by its cruel imagery, we find that the cross is the very thing that beckons to follow Jesus.