Whom you Say That I am? Lk.9:18-22 When we take a close look at Christianity in America today, we cannot help be shocked by the lack of spiritual depth, celebrity dedication, sense of duty, and loyal discipline of many believers. The dedication of believers in other foreign countries puts us to shame sometimes. Not all, but many churches rarely challenge Christians to commitment to Christ, godliness, and sacrifice for the Lord because they omit a huge portion of time in their church services to Bible preaching. If the Bible is used at all, the message is pretty timid and “safe.” Instead, many churches have resorted to music concerts and skits which make no demands and don’t ruffle any feathers. They want their people feeling comfortable instead of challenged or convicted. Jesus knew that if the world was going to be reached with the Gospel, it would not be easy and demand dedication. He painted a demanding picture. It would require the discipline of denial, daily crosses, and deference to the will of God. Jesus made it clear that if we want to follow Him, it would demand obedience, a sense of duty in our heart to deny self, take up our cross, lose our life in Him, and not be ashamed of what He did for us and His message.” Are you willing to pay the price and meet His demands of discipleship?”Your answer will determine what kind of Christian you will be. It will determine whether you waste your life or make it count for Christ. It will determine whether you will be bored stiffed in life because of a lack of purpose, or a vibrant, excited, enthusiastic, joyful Christian that is telling others about the Lord, loving the Word, persistent in prayer, and looking for His return.