By Bethany Haegele

We are implored to fight for our rights, whether it’s as Americans or individuals, and work for what is owed us — freedom of equality, freedom to pursue happiness, freedom to simply be whoever we want to be. These things are worthy of standing for, but carrying this idea of entitlement over to a spiritual forgiveness, however, is not plausible.

The Gospel message, that Christ’s death and resurrection is the means for forgiveness of sins, is simple; surrender is difficult. Rather than deserving salvation, we are called to give up ourselves to receive new life in Christ.

Salvation includes relinquishing all rights; “confessing with your mouth Jesus as Lord,” (Romans 10:9) means just that — He is Lord of your life! Our desires, strengths and hopes are channeled into the sure hope of glory He promises. The disciples, for example, were willing to leave their families and livelihoods to take up their cross and follow Him. As followers of Christ, taking up your cross means follow His example of death and die to self.

Is it possible to have faith in Christ, call yourself a Christian, and live as if He isn’t your Lord? No, It is a package deal — salvation from eternity in hell is not a commodity, it’s a byproduct of genuine faith and a dying to self. Faith equals submission to Christ.

Suffering: God’s Design for the Church

Why is it that we willingly train our bodies, but not our souls? We give time and money to compete in marathons, push ourselves to the max at the gym, and travel to climb treacherous mountains with low oxygen. If these things were easy and didn’t require physical sacrifice [...]