July 28, 2024
Rev. Sergio Ramos 

Holy Devotion: The Call to True Discipleship 
Mark 8:34-38 (CSB) 

Central Idea: Even though God is all-powerful, He has never promised to protect us from all environmental catastrophes or even from deadly attacks on our lives by those who hate the gospel of Christ. However, He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6).  

Application: Even though we may be dedicated Christians, we must make sure our motives are to honor God and not ourselves. Let us open our hearts and minds to receive His Word today.  

The Call to Deny Ourselves: Verse 34: “if anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself…”  

Taking Up Our Cross: Verse 34: “…take up his cross…” 

Losing Life to Save It: Verse 35: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me and the gospel will save it.”  

Gaining the World vs. Losing the Soul: Verses 36-37: “For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life? What can anyone give in exchange for his life?   

Being Unashamed of the Gospel: Verse 38: For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angles.”  

Call to Action: As we reflect on these profound truths, let us examine our hearts and recommit ourselves to the path of holy devotion. May we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Jesus with unwavering faith.