Take Up Your Cross challenges us to examine whether our lives provide visible evidence that we truly belong to Jesus. If we were put on trial for being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us—not simply because of what we say we believe, but because of how we live, love, forgive, serve, speak, obey, and refuse to compromise?
In this message, Pastor David teaches from Jesus’ call in Mark 8 to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Taking up our cross is more than displaying a symbol, attending church, or identifying ourselves as Christians. It is the daily surrender of our will to Jesus and choosing His way over our own. Through the picture of a courtroom, David examines the evidence our lives should produce: Christlike love, the fruit of the Spirit, gracious words, forgiveness, generosity, integrity, obedience, and a willingness to publicly identify with Jesus. When that evidence is lacking, we don't have to hide or pretend—we can repent, receive His forgiveness, surrender again, and depend on the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. The question is not simply whether we believe in Jesus, but whether the way we live shows that we have been with Him.
Series: Standalone Sermon
Title: Take Up Your Cross
Preacher: David Simpkins
Date: September 20, 2026
Primary Scripture: Mark 8:27–38
Additional Scriptures: Matthew 5:16; Acts 4:13; Galatians 2:20; John 13:35; Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 12:34–37; Colossians 4:6; Hebrews 12:2; Mark 14:29; Acts 11:26; Luke 9:23
