Many people construct their spirituality the way they build a playlist — keeping what comforts them, skipping what confronts them, and combining family traditions, popular philosophy, and personal preferences until something feels right. The problem? A god who never disagrees with you can affirm you. But that god can never transform you.

In this message, we go to Luke 9:23 — one of the most demanding invitations Jesus ever issued: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Jesus did not offer Himself as one spiritual option among many. He called for the surrender of self-rule. And that raises the deepest question of the Christian life: What am I becoming?

David D. Ireland, Ph.D. | Lead Pastor | Christ Church

In this message, we work through three questions every disciple must honestly face:

• Who Is in CONTROL? — Jesus's command to deny ourselves is not about giving up an occasional pleasure. It means relinquishing self-rule. Where have you told Jesus, "You can't touch that"? We follow the story of Scott Harrison — who spent a decade promoting nightclubs in New York, accumulated everything he wanted, and hated the person looking back at him. He surrendered his life to Christ, and the abilities he once used to gather crowds for parties became the foundation of charity: water, which has now served millions of people with clean water globally.

• What Will I SACRIFICE? — In Jesus's world, the cross meant execution, shame, and rejection. Taking it up meant remaining faithful even when obedience threatened comfort, reputation, or life. Arthur Blessitt took that literally — and walked more than 43,340 miles through 324 nations carrying a twelve-foot wooden cross until his death in January 2025 at age 84. The cross he carried on his back was a reflection of the cross he carried in his heart.

• Whose EXAMPLE Will I Follow? — Jesus chose twelve and wanted them "to be with him." Discipleship is a relationship before it is a list of practices. We become like Jesus by sustained companionship — hearing His teaching, observing His conduct, receiving His correction. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, "Cheap grace is grace without discipleship."

What does it look like for you to carry your cross today?

Key scriptures: Luke 9:23–24 | Matthew 16:24 | Mark 3:14