Luke 9:21-36

Gaining life by giving our life to Jesus -- Luke 9:21-36: A great evidence of Christian character is the spirit and practice of self-denial. Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23) Jesus' own mission centered around self-denial and the cross. Our life must also center around self denial and bearing our cross daily. Self sacrifice means that there is nothing too dear not to be given to Christ. There is nothing too great not to be cheerfully sacrificed for the promotion of His glory. Jesus said, "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." Let us never put our comfort, pleasure, wealth or even our own life before Jesus. The more you forget yourselves and focus on God's glory, the more will you advance your own interest both in this world and that which is to come. God's desire is that we hear Jesus and honor Him. Jesus was transfigured with Moses and Elijah. Peter desired to build three tabernacles. Jesus did not even rebuke Peter for what he said. God simply overshadowed them with a bright cloud and, "there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him." These apostles had seen Jesus in His glory and heard the voice of God. They no longer doubt; they just believe.