Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." This great statement in the gospel of Matthew commands our attention by setting before us an ultimatum of the utmost importance. Have I denied myself and taken up my cross? Will I come after Him? If we take Jesus' words seriously and we are honest with ourselves we would rather avoid this great statement. Since when does self-denial and suffering determine whether or not we come after Jesus? Christians are being told that if they want to be a true disciple of Jesus then they must deny themselves and take up their cross. Yet, Jesus requires an absolute denial and death of self. Jesus has not made room for half measures or for a mere willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. To misrepresent and misunderstand Jesus' great statement is as serious as the teaching is great. The purpose of this book is to exchange burdening error for the empowering truth of Jesus' great statement. By explaining the context and showing how Paul the apostle applied the teaching we provide the correct understanding, thereby, exposing the leaven of the Pharisees. Be refreshed by the truth of the gospel as you gain the correct understanding of Jesus' great statement. Jesus' cross is our only power to live and walk by the Spirit. This is essential reading for all Christians so that we might come after Jesus by the power of the cross and might know how to walk by the Spirit. - Back cover.