Category: What do you think?

The True Meaning of Taking Up the Cross

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JEFF TURNER

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, “If anyone wants to follow me, they must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.” He was not telling people to carry an actual wooden cross. Instead, He was speaking about the cost of true discipleship.

Some today think of “a cross to bear” as a personal hardship or illness. While those can be difficult, Jesus’ words went much further. In His time, everyone knew the cross was an instrument of execution. It was not a symbol of beauty or decoration but a sign of death and suffering.

When Jesus told His followers to take up their cross, He meant that following Him could require their very lives. This was a warning that loyalty to Him could lead to rejection, persecution, or even death.

Discipleship is not about comfort but about full commitment, even when the path is hard.

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:27

Living the Christian Life Through the Power of the Holy Spirit

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FLOYD ROGERS

Peter, James, and John spent three years with Jesus, watching His miracles and hearing His teaching, yet He told them they were still not ready for the work He had called them to do. They needed the Holy Spirit to fill them, guide them, and give them strength. Without that, they could not accomplish their mission.

The same truth applies today. Living the Christian life cannot be done in our own power. The Holy Spirit enables believers to face temptation, pain, and difficulties, as well as to serve in teaching, singing, and helping others. This requires a daily choice to trust and surrender to God’s Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us.

I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him [a]bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

Mercy That Never Grows Old

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AMY TURNER

Lamentations tells us that the love of the Lord does not come to an end and that His mercy is renewed every morning. His faithfulness is steady and sure.

People often look for God to do something unusual or to give a brand-new experience. We imagine that He might reveal something never seen before. But God often works in a different way. He does not need to invent something new each day to show His power. Instead, He may give us what is familiar, and make it fresh.

Each sunrise brings with it the reminder of His mercy. It is not a new kind of mercy, but it never grows weak or worn out. What He gives today is as full and alive as it was yesterday.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

Peter’s call to Leave the nets behind

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JEFF TURNER

After Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, he was filled with grief. Later, after the resurrection, Jesus met him by the sea for a meal of fish. During that meeting, Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”

The “these” likely referred to Peter’s old life. I’m speaking of his boat, nets, and fishing work. Jesus had told Peter to wait for Him in Galilee, but instead, Peter returned to fishing. His feelings of failure may have led him back to what was familiar.

By asking this question, Was Jesus challenging Peter to put his love for Him above his old way of life? He called Peter to leave fishing and devote himself to caring for God’s people. Three times Jesus repeated the question, and each time Peter answered, Jesus replied with a command to “feed my sheep” or “feed my lambs.”

This was not only a moment of restoration but also a clear call into ministry.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.

John 21:17

Hope and Belonging in the Christmas Story

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AMY TURNER

In the heart of the Christmas story lies a message of hope and belonging. Jesus came not just as a distant savior, but as a family-maker, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

Our world is fundamentally broken – a home fractured by sin and separation. Yet Christ’s arrival offers a radical restoration, transforming our understanding of family and belonging. Through his incarnation, Jesus becomes fully human, experiencing our struggles and limitations, with a divine purpose of reconnecting us to God.

The theological core of this narrative centers on adoption and redemption. Jesus enters human experience to defeat the powers of death and darkness, offering humanity a new familial identity. We are no longer outsiders or enemies, but beloved children invited into God’s own family. This invitation transcends biological relationships, creating bonds deeper than blood – a spiritual kinship that outlasts earthly limitations.Christ’s journey from heavenly throne to humble manger represents the ultimate act of solidarity.

He descends not as a distant ruler, but as a brother, experiencing human vulnerability to ultimately rescue humanity. By becoming like us, he opens a pathway home – not just to a physical place, but to restored relationship with God.

The invitation remains open: to believe in this transformative love, to accept the new family Christ offers, and to journey towards a hope that redefines what it means to truly be home. In Jesus, we discover a belonging that heals, restores, and gives eternal purpose.