The Power of Repentance – Belief, Denial, and Picking Up Your Cross

Heavenly Father, we come to You today with open hearts, ready to receive Your Word. Help us to understand the true meaning of repentance, belief, and what it really means to follow You. May we walk out of this service with a deeper commitment to live as You’ve called us to. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Good morning, everyone! Today we’re talking about something that's absolutely essential to our Christian walk: repentance. You’ve probably heard that word a lot, but maybe you’ve wondered, “What does it really mean to repent? Is it just saying ‘Sorry,’ like when I accidentally step on someone’s foot in the grocery store?” Or, “Does repentance mean I have to confess everything I’ve done wrong in my whole life? That’s a lot of stuff!”

Well, let’s break it down today in a way that makes sense to us in everyday terms, because repentance is a big deal—and it’s tied to something even bigger: believing in Jesus and following Him. So, let’s dive into it.

Repentance – More Than Saying “Sorry”

Now, the word repentance often gets misunderstood. We think it’s just about saying, “Sorry, God, I messed up,” and then we go about our business. But true repentance is more like doing a U-turn on the highway of life—realizing that the direction you were heading was wrong, and now you’re making a conscious choice to turn around and head in the right direction.

It’s like that moment when you realize you’ve been driving to the wrong address for 20 minutes, and you finally admit, “Yep, I was on the wrong road. Let me turn around.” Repentance isn’t just about the words “I’m sorry,” it’s about the action that follows. In Luke 5:32, Jesus says,

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Notice, He didn’t say, “I came for those who already think they’ve got it all figured out.” No, He came for those who recognize their need to change direction. Repentance is a change of heart, mind, and actions that leads us away from sin and toward God.

Belief – What Does It Really Mean?

Now, let’s talk about belief—because if you grew up in church, you’ve probably heard a million times, “Whoever believes in me…” and thought, “Great! I believe in Jesus. I’m good!” But what does that really mean?

In the New Testament, the word believe comes from the Greek word “pisteuō,” which means to trust or to place your full confidence in something or someone. It’s not just acknowledging something as true. For example, I can say, “I believe in unicorns,” but that doesn’t mean I’m staking my whole life on them (or looking for them in the backyard). Belief in Jesus is different.

But here’s the kicker: in Hebrew, belief is tied to the idea of obedience. The word “believe” isn’t just about mental assent, like saying “Yeah, I know Jesus is the Son of God.” In Hebrew thought, to believe is to obey—it’s to live in a way that shows you actually trust and follow God. When Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me,” He meant more than just acknowledging His existence. He meant, “Whoever truly trusts in me and follows my ways.”

Belief is about action—living like you really believe Jesus is who He says He is. So, when Jesus says, “Whoever believes in me,” He’s inviting us to put our full trust in Him and live like it. It’s more than a mental checkmark; it’s a heart and lifestyle shift.

Point 3: Deny Yourself – Is Jesus Asking Us to Be Martyrs?

Okay, so now we’re going to take a deep breath and dive into one of the toughest teachings of Jesus. He said in Matthew 16:24,

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Let’s be real—when we hear “deny yourself,” we start thinking it means no dessert, no fun, no Netflix—just a lot of “sacrificial living” and walking around with a frown on our face. But is that what Jesus meant? Not quite.

When Jesus says to deny yourself, He’s talking about self-sacrifice—putting God’s will above your own, and saying, “Not my way, but Your way.” This is hard for us because, let’s be honest, we all like doing things our way. Ever tried to get someone to change their mind about where to eat? It’s like trying to move a mountain. We’re stubborn!

But Jesus isn’t asking us to make life miserable. He’s asking us to release control of our lives. It’s saying, “God, not my plans, not my desires, but Yours.” Denying yourself is like choosing to let God be the driver of your life, even when you want to grab the wheel. It’s a choice to put Him first in everything.

Point 4: Pick Up Your Cross – What’s That Really About?

Now, here comes the part that really gets us: “Pick up your cross.” Jesus wasn’t talking about wearing a necklace with a little cross charm or putting a bumper sticker on your car. The cross, back then, was a symbol of death and suffering. When Jesus said, “Pick up your cross,” He was saying, “Be willing to endure hardship and even persecution for following me.”

Picking up your cross isn’t about carrying around a burden of guilt or shame. It’s about being willing to follow Jesus no matter the cost. It’s saying, “I’m in this for the long haul, even if it gets difficult.” Sometimes, that means standing up for truth when everyone else is too afraid to speak up. Sometimes, it means choosing love over bitterness when it’s so much easier to hold a grudge. Sometimes, it means saying no to your desires and choosing God’s plan instead.

But here’s the good news: The cross may be difficult, but it’s the path to life. Jesus didn’t stay on the cross. He rose again! And following Him may be tough at times, but it leads to abundant life, peace, and eternal joy.

Conclusion

So, what does all this mean for us today? Well, here’s the takeaway: Repentance is the starting point—recognizing we need to change, turning away from our old ways, and walking toward God. Belief is more than just head knowledge—it’s trust and obedience to Jesus. And denying yourself, picking up your cross, and following Jesus is about choosing God’s way over your own, even when it’s tough.

So, let me leave you with this: Repent, believe, and follow. It’s the key to living the life God has called you to. It’s not always easy, but it’s the best choice you’ll ever make.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for showing us what true repentance, belief, and following You really mean. Help us to live out these truths every day, trusting in You and choosing Your way above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And just remember, folks: Repentance is not a one-time event—it’s a daily decision to keep turning toward God, trusting Him, and picking up that cross. And yes, sometimes it’s heavy, but He’s always there to help us carry it. So, let’s get moving, church! The adventure’s just beginning!