Welcome to our service today. It is great to have you here and we would love to invite you to stay after the service and join us for morning tea.
Self-denial is one of the quiet marks of true discipleship. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). In a world that constantly tells us to pursue comfort, recognition, and personal fulfilment above all else, Christ calls us to something deeper – surrender. Self-denial is not about self-hatred or pretending our needs do not matter. Rather, it is choosing God’s will above our own desires. It is saying “yes” to obedience even when it costs us convenience, pride, or control. Sometimes self-denial looks dramatic, but often it is found in ordinary moments: choosing patience instead of anger, forgiveness instead of bitterness, generosity instead of selfishness, or humility instead of needing to be right.
Jesus Himself is our perfect example. He laid aside His glory, humbled Himself, and became obedient even to death on a cross. Because He first denied Himself for us, we can trust Him when He asks us to follow Him in the same way. The amazing truth is this: when we surrender ourselves to Christ, we do not lose life – we find it. In giving ourselves fully to Him, we discover true freedom, joy, and peace.
With love & blessings,
Sandra
Beckenham Baptist Church 