Cross bearing
This article by Vernon Ibe expounds on Jesus's teaching regarding cross-bearing as a metaphor for the suffering and sacrifice inherent to discipleship. Ibe clarifies that Christ's cross refers not to Christ's atoning work but to the believer's willingness to suffer for Christ's sake, emphasizing that counting the cost and enduring hardship are inescapable realities for those who truly follow Him. The piece applies Jesus's sayings from Matthew 16 and Luke 14 to challenge believers toward committed, sacrificial Christian living.
"And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:27 Jesus, the Christ of the triune God, the Savior and Lord of the church, left His bride and body with what to expect in this world as she takes heed to her Master's call to follow him, namely, suffering. At one point, Jesus told His disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). We understand that the cross mentioned above is not...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org