“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27

What is a Disciple?

• One who is with Jesus, learning to be like Him.
• Learning from Him how to lead my life as He would lead my life if He were I.
• His apprentice in Kingdom Living.
• The easy way of living.

What is Your Cross?

• Your cross – the one that you decide to carry after Christ – is your posture of not making getting your way primary, and certainly not essential, to your life.
• Obviously not a literal cross, but similar to the effect of a literal cross.
• Not the Burger King way.

The Outcome of the Cross

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. … You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31
 

When the Bible speaks of "the flesh" it is referring to our natural human abilities - what we can do without special divine interaction. It is not evil in itself, but it is the way of death when it becomes our ultimate point of reference. (Romans 8:4-8) Fleshly lusts war against the soul, but the cross creates a way for us to set aside a life of the flesh, even when addictions are involved.

Dallas recommends a plan with Vision, Intention and Means as a reliable pattern for spiritual growth and a path to relational wholeness.

"Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Gal. 5:24)