All Roads Lead to Golgotha: Stages of the Christian Life

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ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOLGOTHA:
The Path of the Cross-Shaped Life
INTRODUCTION:
 The Unbelieving and Inclusive World says “All Roads Lead to God and or Heaven.” This statement
makes it clear that it does not matter what you believe, what religion or spirituality you practice;
everyone will find God and get into Heaven. It avoids offending other religions to say that there is not
one religion in the world that is wrong or right.
 However, Christianity begs to differ. It says “There is only one way to God and Heaven! It is through
Jesus Christ!” I agree 100% with this statement and this is the premise I stand on. It does matter
what you and why you believe because it will depend upon your destination when you depart from
this life and into the next (i.e., Heaven or Hell). There is one way to God and that is Jesus but there
are two destinations an individual will either end up in the afterlife. God gives us the free will to
choose Jesus or to reject Him. Our choice will either enter Heaven or be casted into Hell.
 As I have studied the Scriptures, I have found many paths (or roads if you will) in the Bible that we
will examine thoroughly that leads to one final road: GOLGOTHA. We will explain the final road later
in this article. Each road is symbolic and applicable as it relates to what is means to be a Christian.
Each road signifies parts of the Christian Life and how it points to the one and only source (That is
Christ)..
1) THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS (WELL WATERED LAND)- THE CALL TO CONVERSION/THE CALL TO
FAITH
SCRIPTURE VERSES: ACTS 9:1-22; ACTS 22:1-21; ACTS 26:1-23
CONTEXT:
 Paul (known as Saul then) persecuted the Early Church Christians (both men and women). He
issued warrants for their arrests as well as condoning their death sentences.
 Paul was a religious man who belonged to a Jewish religious sect known as the Pharisees (the
same sect that opposed Jesus). Although he knew the Law and observed it, it pushed him to being
zealous for the wrong reasons that lead him in direct opposition against Christ and His followers.
 Paul's life changed drastically the moment he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. His
physical blindness leading to physically regaining his sight was symbolic of his spiritual condition
toward God. If it were not for Christ confronting and converting Paul on that road, Paul would have
died lost and without Christ.
 Paul changed from being a blood thirsty murderer of God's people to Christ's apostle and
missionary to the Gentiles. His mission in life changed from taking the lives of Christians (putting

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them in prison and approving their death sentences) to saving the souls of the lost (both Jews and
Gentiles) by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
SYMBOLIZES: A Place of Transformation and Transition
 From Unbelief to Belief-Stony Heart to A Heart of Flesh (Faith and Repentance)
 From Religion to Relationship with God
 From Knowing the Law to Knowing Grace
 From Being Born in Sin to Being Born from Above
 From being a disciple of the Pharisees to becoming a disciple of Christ
 From Paul persecuting Christians to becoming a persecuted Christian
 From Paul hating Christ and His people to loving Christ and His People
APPLICATION:
 The Contrast between The Old Life and The New Life:
i. We were once children of the devil but now we are children of God.
ii. We were once haters of God but now we are lovers of God and His people.
iii. We were once lost but now we are found (God drew us to Himself).
iv. We were once enemies of God but now we are at peace with Him.
v. We were once separated from God but now we are united to Him (through Christ).
vi. We were once spiritually blind but God has given us spiritual sight.
vii. We were part of the devil's kingdom but now we are part of God's kingdom.
viii. We are called by God to be saved! For God desires all to repent and be saved!
ix. We are called by God to be discipled by other matured believers in the faith.
THE PATTERN OF A DISCIPLE (1 JOHN 2:12-14)
(THE CALLING)
Becoming a Disciple
Spiritual Level:
Babe in Christ/New in the Faith
Milk of the Word
(THE COMMITMENT)
Being Discipled by Disciple makers
Spiritual Level:
Young men/Mature in the Faith
Meat of the Word
(THE COMMISSION)
Becoming a Disciple-maker
Spiritual Level:
Father/Wise in the Faith
Teacher of the Word

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 To be born from above means to have a new life in Christ. J.C. Ryle said “To be born again is, as it
were, to enter upon a new existence, to have a new mind, a new heart, new views, new principles,
new tastes, new affections, new likings, new dislikes, new fears, new joys, new sorrows, new love
to things once hated, new hatred to things once loved, new thoughts of God, and ourselves, and the
world, and the life to come, and salvation.”
BEING RELIGIOUS BEING A BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN
Church Traditions over Truth Truth over Church Traditions
Behavior and Morals over Belief Belief over Behavior and Morals
Love for Self over Love for God andOthers Love for God and Others over Love for Self
Personal Preferences over Biblical Principles Biblical Principles over Personal Preferences
Rituals over Grace Grace over Rituals
Rule-Keeping over Relationship with God Relationship with God over Rule-Keeping
Church Policies over People People over Church Policies
Tolerance over Repentance Repentance over Tolerance
Inclusive over Exclusive Exclusive over Inclusive
Worldly Affairs over Kingdom Priorities Kingdom Priorities over Worldly Affairs
Fear over Faith Faith over Fear
Hypocrisy over Holiness Holiness over Hypocrisy
Condemning Spirit over Compassionate Spirit Compassionate Spirit over Condemning Spirit
Manifest Works of the Flesh Produce Fruits of the Spirit
Pride over Humility Humility over Pride
Decisions for Christ over Discipleship Discipleship over Decisions for Christ
Worldly Peace over The Prince of Peace The Prince of Peace over Worldly Peace
Reformationover Regeneration Regeneration over Reformation
Riots and Protests over Revival Revival over Protests and Riots
Being Served over Serving Others Serving Others over Being Served
Trust in Men over Trust in God Trust in God over Trust in Men
Compromise with the Culture over Counter the Culture Counter the Culture over Compromising with the Culture
Rebellion Against God’s Will and Ways over Obedience to His
Will and Ways
Obedience To God’s Will and Ways over Rebellion Against His
Will and Ways
Brainwashing People with Propaganda and Coercion Winning Souls to Christ by Preaching the Gospel
Unity in Error over Division in Truth Division in Truth over Unity in Error
Rule and Control over Submit and Surrender Submit and Surrender over Rule and Control

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 Two Responses to the Gospel: Have you done this (Acts 20:21)?
REPENTANCE TOWARDS GOD FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE
 True remorse over sin
 Determined renouncing of sin
 Sincere resolve to forsake sin
 Desiring pursuit to following God.
 The point of repentance is not only turning from
something (sin) but turning to someone (God).
 TWO TYPES OF REPENTANCE:
1) Initial Repentance: One-Time Upon
Conversion
The moment of conversion-Entering
Relationship with God
2) Progressive Repentance: Ongoing Process
Continual attitude of repentance towards
God-Continual Fellowship with God
 He is the only way to God. He is the
only mediator between God and
Man.
 He is the only name that man can
call upon on to be saved; There is no
other name! There is no other
Savior!
 He shed His blood for the
forgiveness of sins. He took our
place of punishment upon the cross
to appease the Father’s wrath. He
exchanged our sinfulness for His
righteousness upon the cross so
that we may be justified (right
standing) before God! Therefore,
put your trust in His blood!
2) THE ROAD TO THE WILDERNESS-THE CALL TO BE SANCTIFIED AND SENT AS CHRIST'S
AMBASSADOR/THE CALL TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
SCRIPTURE VERSES: ISAIAH 40:1-31; MALACHI 3:1; MATTHEW 3:1-12; MARK 1:1-8; LUKE 1:11-17;
LUKE 1:76-80; LUKE 3:1-18; JOHN 1:19-34; MATTHEW 4:1-17; MARK 1:9-15; LUKE 4:1-30;
DEUTERONOMY 8:1-20
CONTEXT:
 John was led by God to live and spend most of his life in the wilderness. Jesus was led to the
wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the devil (which Jesus overcame his temptations
quoting the Word of God). Once the devil left Him, angels came to minister and strengthen Him.
 Throughout Jesus' earthly ministry, Jesus would often go alone to solitary places (such as the
mountains) to pray to His Heavenly Father.
 John preached in the wilderness which drew many from the surrounding cities to hear the
preaching of John. Once Jesus finished his temptation in the wilderness, He began His earthly
ministry by preaching the Gospel from city to city. Later, we see Jesus commanding His disciples to
go out and preach the Gospel.
 Both John and Jesus preached the same message: Repent and Believe the Gospel!

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SYMBOLIZES: A Place of Separation, Spiritual Warfare, Solitude, and Preparation
 God calls us out of the world to be separated from its sinful influences and ideologies. He sets us
free from bondages to sin and removes and tears down idols in our lives that become a stumbling
block to our faith.
 God's Will is for us to be sanctified by His Holy Spirit and faith in the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13;
John 17:17). We are always in a constant battle against the flesh (old self), the world, and the devil (1
John 2:16) but we have victory and power over them if we continue to walk by the Spirit (Galatians
5:16; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4).
 God leads us into solitude for us to draw closer to Him (through prayer and fasting) and to rely on
His provisions (not to rely on self or what the world has to offer). He desires us to disconnect from
the distractions of the world and the busyness of life.
 God separates and draws us to Himself in order to prepare us for ministry. We have been saved and
called out of this world by coming to faith in God (believing and receiving the Gospel). In turn, we are
called to be sent back into the world to share our faith (the Gospel) for others to be saved and called
out.
 God leads us into His wilderness to strengthen, equip, and prepare us on our journey into Satan's
wilderness (which is the world) so that we may lead others out of it. Evangelism is true spiritual
warfare! God led us to salvation so that He can send us out to lead others to Him! He/she who wins
souls for Christ is wise (Proverbs 11:30).
APPLICATION:
 DON’T THROW IN THE TOWEL-Do not give up or be dismayed. God is with us when we share our faith and
when we are praying for others to be saved (whether it is family, friends, coworkers, or strangers).
Remember, we are faithful witnesses who plant and water seeds but God does the increase (God does the
saving! Not us!). There is no person on earth that is too far gone to be saved. He will save to the utter most!
Grace is a free gift to all (Ephesians 2:8-9) but God gives us all the choice to either receive it or reject it!
 FEAR NOT-Do not be afraid of being opposed or offended. God has given us His Holy Spirit to boldly share our
faith in a hostile and fallen world. People will hate you not because they hate you but they hate the One who you
follow (John 15:18-25).
 DON’T SHAME HIS NAME-Do not deny or be ashamed. For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of
power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Do not be ashamed of Jesus or else Jesus will be ashamed of
you when He comes in His Father's glory with His holy angels (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). Do not deny Jesus or He
will deny you in the presence of His Father in Heaven (Matthew 10:33).
 BURST YOUR CHRISTIAN BUBBLE-Get used to getting out of the comfort zone. God does not just want us to
be saved so we can be complacent and comfortable. His plans and purposes do not involve you sitting in the
pews all your life and play church. On the contrary, He wants to use us in a mighty way by sending us out into
places or situations that we are not comfortable or familiar with. He does this so that we are totally dependent
on Him to work in and through us when it comes to doing ministry. Remember that the mission field is not
limited to going overseas to a foreign country and sharing your faith in Christ. The mission field is closer than
we all think. It is the area where we live and the cities that are around us! Let us make Jesus known to
everyone and everywhere! A Christian who does nothing for the Kingdom achieves nothing for the Kingdom!

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 STAND YOUR GROUND- Contend for what you believe (Jude 1:3)! There are many cults, false teachers, false
ideologies, and religions out there in the world that are against your faith in Christ! You may be questioned for
your beliefs! You may be intimidated by their approach and opposition! You may not have all the answers to
their questions! But one thing is certain! Speak up for what is true and stand up for your faith! We must always
be ready to give every man an answer to the hope that lies within us with a spirit of gentleness and fear (1 Peter
3:15). Let our speech be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each
person (Colossians 4:6).
3) THE ROAD TO EMMAUS (WARM SPRING)-THE CALL TO ENDURE/ PERSEVERE IN THE
FAITH/THE CALL OF FAITH BEING QUESTIONED AND UNDER PRESSURE
SCRIPTURE VERSES: LUKE 24:1-49; SUPPORTING VERSES INCLUDE: JAMES 1:5; 1 PETER 4:12-13; 1
PETER 1:6-7; 1 PETER 5:7-10; ROMANS 5:3; ROMANS 8:28; ROMANS 8:35-39
CONTEXT:
 Two disciples of Jesus were walking on the road to Emmaus and met a mysterious man who
accompanied them on the road. This mysterious man was the resurrected Jesus who did not make
Himself known to them through supernatural means.
 These two disciples conversed with Him concerning Jesus' ministry and death. They expected Him
to be a political Messiah that would overthrow Israel's enemies, the Romans, and that He would set
up His earthly reign and Kingdom forever. However, their expectation and hope of the Messiah
came to an end when Jesus died. This led to disillusionment, despair, discouragement, and even
doubt. They even had eyewitness testimony of the women who saw Jesus' tomb being emptied and
visions of angels telling the women He has risen and yet they still doubted!
 Even the 12 disciples doubted and were troubled when the resurrected Jesus appeared to them.
They themselves were so hopeless when the Lord died that even some of them (like Peter) went
back to fishing knowing what they know best (see John 21:1-14).
 Jesus explains to them that the Messiah they expected would have to suffer first (which led Him to
explain away the Scriptures beginning with Moses the Prophets, and the Psalms concerning
Himself).
SYMBOLIZES: A Place of Disillusionment, Despair, Discouragement, and Doubt
 From Doubt to Faith
 From "Seeing to Believing" to "Believing by Seeing"
 From Sorrow to Joy
 From Despair to Hope
 From Expectation to Disappointment

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 What can cause us to be disillusioned? despaired? discouraged? doubtful?
I. Sickness/Disease ii. Tragedy/Death of a loved one
iii. Financial Hardships iv. Marital Problems/Dysfunction in family
v. Phobia (fear of something) vi. Emotional/Mental Health Issues
vii. Uncertainties of the future viii. Toxic Work Environment/Stress at Work
 These kinds of sufferings can cause us to question:
i. God's Goodness (Does God love me or does He even care at all?)
ii. God's Sovereignty (Why does He allow it if He is all powerful?)
iii. God's Existence (Does He even exist?)
 Two Responses we can learn from during our suffering (Job 2:1-13):
i. Job’s wife (attitude of the World/the Devil): “Why do you maintain your integrity? Curse God
and die!”
ii. Job (Christian’s attitude): “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble”?
 The Irony: People are so quick to bless God when life is going well for them but they are so quick to
blame and curse God when life is going bad for them. People tend to put God on trial when in fact
they are the ones put on trial by God.
 If faith is not deeply rooted in Christ, this can lead to deconstruction or departing from the faith
(paraphrased-taken from Pastor Scott Harris: Kingdom Builders/People of Presence). Do not let
doubt linger or it will lead you down the rabbit hole of unbelief. Consider the parable of the seed that
fell upon stony places (Matthew 13:21).
 Doubt cries out to God “What if” while Faith cries out to God “Even If.”
APPLICATION: THE 3 D'S (DEVOTION, DISCIPLINE, DILIGENCE-see 2 Timothy 2:1-6)-
 DEVOTION TO THE LORD-Let us give our Devotion onto the Lord: Remain Faithful to the Lord amid
your suffering and do not give up on God nor give into fear and despair.
 DISCIPLINE OURSELVES-Let us Discipline ourselves onto the Lord: Remember God's Promises in
His Word and keep in step with our spiritual disciplines (i.e., Reading and Studying the Word,
Seeking Counsel and Fellowship with other believers, and Praying and Fasting onto the Lord).
These spiritual disciplines will help us persevere in the faith amid our suffering.
 DILIGENCE IN THE LORD-Let us be Diligent onto the Lord: The Lord will deliver you from your
suffering (whatever that is). For He is for us and that He will always work for our good. Wait on the
Lord and He will reward you for your obedience and endurance through your suffering. The reward
may come in many forms (whether it produces character, strengthens your faith, help

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minister to others going through the same suffering as you, etc.) but the Lord will reveal it to you
according to His will.
OUR DOUBT IN GOD THROUGH THE MIDST OF
SUFFERING
OUR FAITH IN GOD THROUGH THE MIDST OF SUFFERING
DRIVEN BY FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY DRIVEN BY FAITH AND HOPE IN GOD
FEELING BURDENED FEELING BLESSED
CRITICIZING AND COMPLAINING TO GOD FOR BEING TREATED
UNFAIRLY
PRAISING AND THANKING GOD FOR NOT BEING TREATED AS HE/SHE
DESERVES
BLAMING AND CURSING GOD BLESSING GOD
CONFUSED BY THEIR SUFFERING CONFIDENT IN GOD’S PROMISES
CONSTANT WORRY CONSISTENT WORSHIP OF GOD
WANTING TO GIVE UP DESIRES TO ENDURE AND PERSEVERE
COPES WITH SUFFERING ALONE (BELIEVES GOD IS NOT WITH
THEM)
KNOWS THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN THEIR SUFFERING (BELIEVES GOD IS
WITH THEM AND SUPPORTED BY THE CHUCH)
SEES THEMSELVES AS A VICTIM SEES THEMSELVES AS AN OVERCOMER IN CHRIST
HITTING ROCK BOTTOM STANDING FIRM ON THE SOLID ROCK (CHRIST)
RUNNING AWAY FROM GOD-SEEKING REFUGE IN OTHER THINGS RUNNING TOWARDS GOD-SEEKING REFUGE IN HIM
SEES SUFFERING AS PUNISHMENT FROM GOD SEES SUFFERING AS BEING CONFORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST
STUBBORN AND HARD HEARTED TOWARDS GOD HUMBLED BEFORE GOD
DEMANDING GOD TO ANSWER WAITING ON THE LORD FOR HIS ANSWER
FORGETTING GOD’S GOODNESS REMEMBERING GOD’S GOODNESS
IT IS NOT GOD’S WILL TO SUFFER-SUFFERING IS OF THE DEVIL IT IS GOD’S WILL TO SUFFER-SUFFERING IS FROM GOD
SUFFERING BRINGS MISERY SUFFERING BRINGS GOD GLORY
LEANING UPON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING TRUSTING IN GOD AND LEANING UPON GOD’S WISDOM
BELIEVES GOD IS AGAINST THEM BELIEVES GOD IS FOR THEM (ON THEIR SIDE)
THEY WILL SAY, “WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME, GOD”? THEY WILL SAY, “GOD, WHAT CAN I LEARN FROM THIS”?
GOD IS NOT IN CONTROL GOD IS IN CONTROL
SUFFERING IS STACKED AGAINST THEM GOD IS AT WORK IN THEIR SUFFERING EVEN IN THE WORST
CIRCUMSTANCES
USES THEIR SUFFERING AS A WAY FOR OTHERS TO PITY THEM
(PITY-PARTY)
USES THEIR SUFFERING AS A WAY TO MINISTER THE GOSPEL AND
COMFORT OTHERS
SUFFERING IS ETERNITY TO THEM SUFFERING IS TEMPORARY TO THEM

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BELIEVES GOD DOESN’T UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE GOING
THROUGH
BELIEVES GOD KNOWS ALL THINGS AND UNDERSTANDS WHAT THEY
ARE GOING THROUGH
BELIEVES THEY ARE THE ONES WHO SUFFERED MUCH BELIEVES THEIR SUFFERING DOESN’T COMPARE TO WHAT CHRIST
HAD TO SUFFER TO SAVE US
 Remember that the sufferings in this world is only temporary. Remember our home is not here on
earth but in Heaven! Let us focus on eternity and not the present! Such suffering cannot compare to
the glory that awaits you in Heaven!
 Do not be a victim of your suffering but rather a student who learns from it! Pray to God and He will
give you wisdom to navigate through it!
 Your sufferings in this life are necessary for your faith – So stop being scared and keep on fighting!
Your Father in Heaven has not forgotten you – So stop giving up and keep hanging on!
Your destiny is secured and rest assured – So stop laying down! Get up and keep on walking!
 God's Principles and Promises are the same to all believers but His Plans and Purposes are totally
different for every believer (taken from Pastor James Merritt at Cross Pointe Church: Belief
Barriers/Good God)
4) THE ROAD TO JERICHO (SCENT OR FRAGRANCE): CALL TO SERVANT-HOOD/CALL TO LOVE
OUR NEIGHBORS
SCRIPTURE VERSES: LUKE 10:25-37; SUPPORTING VERSES INCLUDE: JAMES 2:14-26; MATTHEW
25:31-40; 1 JOHN 3:11-18
CONTEXT:
 A certain lawyer in the crowd asks Jesus how he can inherit eternal life and Jesus asks him a
question of his interpretation of the written Law. The lawyer answers Jesus' question with the
summary of the written Law (The Ten Commandments) which is to love God with all your heart,
mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.
 Jesus challenges the certain lawyer to do likewise and he shall live but he justifies himself and says
to Jesus, "Who is my neighbor"? This does not surprise Jesus when he posed this question because
Jesus already knew what was in his heart. This revealed the certain lawyer's attitude of not loving
His enemies. His love for people was limited to only his kind (the Jews). He despised his enemies
who happened to be the Samaritans (which Jesus uses in this parable to illustrate true love and
mercy).
 Jesus tells a true story that took place in Jericho to illustrate a truth. I can only assume that all
those who heard (especially the certain lawyer) the retelling of this story through Jesus' mouth
either remembered the events that took place.
 Jesus highlights five main people in the story:

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i. THE VICTIM: The man who was robbed and left half dead.
ii. THE VILLAINS: The robbers who ambushed and robbed the man.
iii. THE ONLOOKERS: Priest and Levite who passed on the other side (those who had the Law-
and did not do anything to help the man).
iv. THE HOSPITABLE : The Inn Keeper who is hired by the Good Samaritan to care for the man
while he is away.
v. THE HERO OF THE STORY: The Good Samaritan (those without the Law- helped the man
bind up his wounds and gave him place to eat and lodge at).
 Jesus challenges the certain lawyer to do the same what the good Samaritan did to the man who
was robbed and left half dead on the road to Jericho. To show mercy and love his neighbor (the one
who was robbed and left half dead).
SYMBOLIZES: A Place of Challenging our Faith/Putting Our Faith into Practice
 What are some stumbling blocks from loving and serving others?
i. Self-Righteousness (comparing ourselves to others/pointing out people’s flaws)
ii. Pride (self-love/self-centeredness/selfishness)
iii. Hypocrisy (saying that you love people but your actions do not show it)
iv. Favoritism (loving only those who love you and treat you with mutual respect)
v. Racism (hating a person or persons who belong to a certain race, ethnicity, and or skin color)
vi. Indifference (lack of interest, compassion, concern, or sympathy toward others)
 The Sin of Omission (James 4:17): It is the failure of doing good to a fellow person. It is knowing
what is right to do but willfully neglects to act upon it.
 The Priest and Levite represent empty religion, hypocrisy, indifference, and selfishness.
 The Samaritan represents grace, mercy, love, and selflessness.
 Jesus challenges the certain lawyer: Do not just say you believe but do what you say you believe!
Faith walks and does not talk!
 What can we learn from this parable?
i. All humans are created in God’s Image. Therefore, All lives matter to Him! We as Christians
are called to love by setting aside our prejudices and show compassion and love towards
all. There is no partiality with God!
ii. A neighbor is anyone who you encounter. It is anyone who is vulnerable and need of help.

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No matter what their color of skin, nationality, social status, and appearance is! In God’s
eyes, He sees a person in need!
iii. The Good Samaritan fulfilled the second greatest commandment of all: Love Your Neighbor
as Yourself! He did what the Law commanded to do which shamed the Priest and the Levite
who knew the Law but chose not to do anything to help the man who was robbed and left for
dead.
iv. Trying to keep the Law in its entirely does not save and is impossible to achieve. In fact, the
Law was a school master to bring us to the need of a Savior, Jesus Christ.
v. Saying you love God but refuse to love your neighbor is an empty and dead faith.
APPLICATION:
 Put our Faith in Action:
i. Not hearers of the word but doers of the word:
-Faith is not something you profess! It is all talk and no walk!
-Faith is something you practice! It is all about walk-the-talk!
ii. Remember this Acronym: J.O.Y. (Jesus first/Others second/Yourself last)
iii. Demonstrating our faith by what we do:
-Faith that is not expressed is useless and dead! This kind of faith is as lifeless as a dead
corpse!
-Faith that is expressed is genuine faith and impactful! This kind of faith is alive and
powerful!
Our faith is not measured on how much of the truth you know (head knowledge) but how
much you live out the truth (heart knowledge)!
iv. The Spirit Works in Us: The Inward Fruit/Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Peace, Joy, Patience,
Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control
v. The Spirit Works Through Us: The Outward Fruit: Good Works
vi. Good works is not a requirement for salvation but is the proof of salvation (evidence of a
changed life). We are saved by grace through faith in Christ’s blood. The root of salvation is
Christ alone and the fruit of salvation is good works. We are saved not by good works but
for good works (for this was the Father’s plan before all creation)!
vii. Jesus demonstrated servant-hood by serving and not being served. He humbled Himself
from His glory in Heaven and took upon flesh and became a servant. Even to the point of

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death upon the cross. He demonstrated what real love looked like by dying on the cross on
our behalf.
What if the Lord Jesus asked you these questions:
1. Who are you serving? (If so, are you making a difference in the people you are serving?)
2. Where are you serving? (If so, are you making a difference in where you are serving?)
3. When are you going to serve? (If so, are you making time to serve?)
viii. No servant is greater than His master. If Jesus humbled Himself and took a role as a
servant, we must do likewise. How can you say you love and serve God but not willing to
love and serve others?
 Call to challenge our faith: Who is our neighbor?
i. The sick ii. The oppressed iii. The prisoner
iv. The poor v. Our enemies vi. The disabled
vii. The broken-hearted viii. Those who are of a different religion
ix. Those who are of a different race, ethnicity, and color
x. The refugees and foreigners
xi. Our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need
 Not only should we love and care for those outside of the faith but we should also love and care for
those who are in the faith (our brothers and sisters in Christ). We should submit to one another out
of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21).
 Contributor-Someone who invests his/her time, talents, skills, and resources to serve, edify, and
care for the needs of the church. This individual is focused on the interests of others. They serve
others because they embrace the sacrifices of the cross.
Contributor’s Attitude: “I am forgiven. Therefore, how can God use me to serve the needs of the
church?”
 Consumer-Someone who invests his/her time, talents, skills, and resources to serve, edify, and
care for their own needs. This individual has no interest in serving, edifying, and caring for the
church but focuses primarily on themselves. They attend church to reap the spiritual benefits of the
cross.
Consumer’s Attitude: “I am forgiven. Therefore, how can the church serve my needs”?
 Be Honest: Are you a Contributor or a Consumer? (Please read Matthew 25:14-30)
 Love for others will prove to the unbelieving world that we are truly disciples of Christ in deed and
not through mere words (John 13:34-35). Not loving others will prove to the unbelieving world you

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are no different than the other hypocrites who play church.
 The Test of Conduct: What does unbelievers see in you?
i. A Mirror/Splitting Image- If your conduct and character does not reflect a changed life,
then they would see a direct reflection of themselves in you. If you live, think, and talk like
them, then they would think you have not changed at all and they will see how less Christ
means to you. If they see that, they will be compelled to be drawn away from Christ and
gives them the opportunity to blaspheme God.
ii. A Window/Image of Christ- If your conduct and character reflect a changed life, then
they would see Christ living inside you. If you live, think, and talk like Christ, then they would
see how much Christ means to you. If they see that, they will be drawn to know Christ and
glorify God because of your changed life.
 Consider this: “Why would an unbeliever want to come to Christ if they see nothing changed or
different about you?”
 If your faith does not change you, then you need to change your faith entirely!
 The greatest argument for Christianity is a true Born-Again Christian. However, the greatest
argument against Christianity is a counterfeit Christian.
5) ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOLGOTHA (PLACE OF THE SKULL)- THE CALL AND COST OF
BEING A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST
SCRIPTURE VERSES:
JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION: MATTHEW 27:32-56; MARK 15:21-41; LUKE 26:26-43; JOHN 19:17-30;
THE COST OF BEING HIS DISCIPLE: MATTHEW 8:18-22; MATTHEW 16:24-26; MATTHEW
10:34-38; MARK 10:34-38; LUKE 9:23-27; LUKE 9:57-62; LUKE 14:25-33; JOHN 6:59-70
CONTEXT:
 The Romans’ way of execution was crucifixion (binding and nailing someone to the cross). It was a
slow and horrible death to those who were nailed upon it. The Romans borrowed this form of
execution from the Babylonians and the Assyrians. The Romans popularized this form of execution
throughout the land in order to instill fear against those who would oppose the Roman Empire.
 Jesus died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and took our punishment upon the cross to
appease the Father’s wrath against sin. Anyone who believes in Him shall not perish but will inherit
eternal life.
 Jesus told His disciples countless times that He would die but His disciples did not understand
these things until after His resurrection. Even the prophets of old prophesied things concerning the
sufferings of Christ contemplated such things but it was never revealed to them (1 Peter 1:11).

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 Jesus fulfilled many of the Old Testament prophecies concerning that He will suffer the death of
crucifixion. The prophet Isaiah wrote and prophesied this approximately 700 years ago spoke about
Christ as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53:4-5) and what He did for us:
i. He took our pain and bore our suffering
ii. He was considered punished, stricken, and afflicted by God
iii. He was pierced for our transgressions
iv. He was crushed for our iniquities
v. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
vi. By His stripes (whip floggings), we are healed (spiritually)
 Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus commanded His disciples to take up their cross daily and
follow Him. If they do not, they are not worthy to be His disciples. Jesus knew who belonged to Him
(Followers) and who are not His (Fans). Jesus did not want a crowd following but a remnant of
followers.
SYMBOLIZES: The Place of Surrender, Sacrifice, and Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings
 Surrendering (Forsake All): Just as Jesus surrendered His will to the Father; He commands us to
surrender our lives to Him. Surrender means a whole-hearted and life-long commitment to following Christ! It
means living a life of absolute denial of everything we hold dear in this world even if it means forsaking our sin
and our selfish ambitions for the sake of following Him! Jesus is not looking for people who are half-hearted,
double-minded, excuse makers, and lukewarm (neither hot or cold). You are either His disciple or not! You are
either following Him or deserting Him!
 Sacrifice (Give Up All): Just as Jesus laid His life down for you by dying on the cross, we should lay
down your life for others. Everything Jesus did in His earthly ministry was for the benefit of others. And so,
when we lay down our lives forHim, we also lay down our lives for others (especially those who believe). Also,
we must consider everything we have gained in this life (whether it is a job, personal success, education,
money, possessions, etc.) and count it as loss compared to gaining Christ. We must remember that the
Christian walk is not about trying but it is all about dying (that is dying to self)! The more Jesus lives in you and
through you, the more of self is out of the way. The more Jesus lives in you and through you, the more you want
to lay down your life for the sake of others.
 Sharing in Christ’s Sufferings (Suffer All):
i. Jesus suffered rejection from His own people and abandonment from His disciples. We too
will suffer rejection and abandonment from our friends and family for following Christ.
ii. Jesus was hated by the world because He testified that its works were evil. We too will be
hated by the world because we follow Christ and testify its evil works (sharing the Gospel).
iii. Although Jesus was righteous and blameless, He faced injustice from the Jewish and
Roman rulers and was falsely accused by His own people who treated Him as if He was a
criminal. We too will face injustice and be falsely accused by the world because we live
blameless and righteous lives before God.

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iv. Jesus was humiliated, reviled, insulted, mocked, and persecuted by His own people. We too
will be given the same treatment by our family, friends, and coworkers because we follow
Christ.
 Our old life has been crucified and we now live a life in total surrender to Him because of what He
did for us on the cross. He gave up His life for us and in return we give up our lives for Him. We do not
become a disciple simply because Jesus died for us. We become a disciple when every day we die to
self for His sake.
 The life worth living is a life for Jesus, in Jesus, and to be more like Jesus (being conformed to the
image of Him)!
 Not only will we be sharing in His sufferings, we will also share in His resurrection! This is what we
eagerly wait and hope for!
APPLICATION:
 Are we ready to take up our cross and follow Jesus? If so, consider these
questions:
– Are we willing to followJesus if it means losing your closest friends? Better count the
cost!
– Are we willing to followJesus if it means being disowned or ostracized by your family?
Better count the cost!
- Are we willing to follow Jesus if it means giving up on our selfish desires and ambitions
in life? Better count the cost!
- Are we willing to follow Jesus if it means giving up our worldly possessions for the sake
of advancing the Gospel? Better count the cost!
– Are we willing to followJesus if it means losing your reputation? Better count the cost!
– Are we willing to followJesus if it means losing your job? Better count the cost!
– Are we willing to followJesus if it means losing your life? Better count the cost!
THE CONCLUSION: The Path of the Cross-Shaped Life
1. I am saved because of what Jesus did for me and not what I have done! (Damascus Road).
2. I am sanctified and sent into the world to lead others to Jesus (Wilderness Road).
3. I endure suffering in this life for His sake because I know He cares for me, He is with me, and He is in
control (Emmaus Road).
4. I love and serve others because I love and serve Him! I demonstrate my faith unto others not by
words but by my actions! I do this with immense gratitude for what He did for me and to bring Him

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glory! (Jericho Road).
5. I surrender my life to Jesus knowing I will share in the same reproaches that Christ experienced as
well as being hated and persecuted by the world. (Golgotha Road).