Picking Up Your Cross Everyday (Clip)
Zac Poonen emphasizes the daily commitment of taking up one's cross to follow Jesus faithfully and become more like Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of living with a clear conscience daily and making progress each year towards becoming like Christ. It highlights the need to be overcomers and to press towards the goal of Christlikeness, as mentioned in Philippians 3:14. The message also focuses on the daily act of taking up the cross to follow Jesus, as instructed in Luke 9:23, which is often overlooked in modern Christianity.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The goal of Christian life is to become like Christ
- Pressing toward the upward call of God
- The importance of daily progress in faith
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II
- Jesus’ call to take up the cross daily
- Denying self as a prerequisite for discipleship
- Following Jesus requires daily commitment
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III
- The missing message of daily cross-bearing in modern Christianity
- Living with a clear conscience before God
- Enduring to the end in faith
Key Quotes
“I pressed toward the goal. I already told you the goal was to become totally like Christ, for the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Zac Poonen
“If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Zac Poonen
“Take up the cross every day. Now that's another message which is missing in a lot of Christianity today.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Commit to taking up your cross and following Jesus every day without fail.
- Strive to grow spiritually by pressing toward the goal of becoming like Christ.
- Live each day with a clear conscience and a heart fully surrendered to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to take up your cross daily?
It means to deny yourself, accept suffering or sacrifice, and follow Jesus with commitment every day.
Why is daily commitment important in the Christian walk?
Because spiritual growth and becoming like Christ is a continual process that requires consistent effort.
What is the ultimate goal of pressing toward the upward call?
To become totally like Christ and live in full obedience to God’s calling.
Is taking up the cross a one-time event or ongoing?
It is an ongoing daily decision to follow Jesus and deny self.