Since the beginning of civilization, people have sacrificed for something bigger than themselves. Sometimes that sacrifice isn’t voluntary but compelled by the powers that be. Roman soldiers, for example, could impress civilians into service. In addition, soldiers themselves were asked to sacrifice themselves for the greater glory of Rome. So, when Jesus says that we must deny ourselves and carry our cross to follow him, what makes him different from imperial systems of compulsion? As people called to be reconciled with God and our neighbors, what do we need to leave behind to live a full life in Christ? Pastor David preaches “Saying No” based on Genesis 9:8-17 and Mark 8:31-9:1. This is the third in a seven-part series for Lent, “Reconciling Hearts”.