Pastor Blaine resumes our expository preaching series through the book of Matthew -- 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒 -- as he preaches on the necessity of suffering and bearing our crosses to follow Christ. Matthew 16:21-28 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” Sermon Notes: Main Point: Suffering is the way of the Kingdom of Heaven. I. His cross is essential to Kingdom mission. II. Our crosses are essential for Kingdom participation. Discussion Questions: 1. What is penal substitutionary atonement and why is it an important doctrine? 2. What are the “fake Parises” in your life? (i.e. What are problems that distract you from the real problem of sin?) 3. What is the nature of self-denial (homo-incuvatus in se), and what are ways our self-obsession is displayed? 4. What is cross-bearing suffering? What cross am I being called to bear?