- Matt 16:24-26
- Matt 10:34-36
- Mark 8:34-36
- Luke 9:23-24

- The cross is the identifier of those who are following Christ.

- Those closest are most inconvenienced by the active following of Christ and therefore dislike the follower.

- 1 Cor 1:17-18 The cross is the power. If you are not bearing it, you have left the power behind. If you omit the power, how can you do well in ministry?

- God chooses the things that are not sensible to save those who believe, and the world through its wisdom.