In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difficulty and sacrifice involved in following Christianity. He highlights the need for complete dedication and leaving behind worldly desires. The preacher mentions the concept of drinking from the cup, which symbolizes the suffering and betrayal that Jesus experienced. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires enduring mental, physical, and spiritual pain. The sermon also mentions the division and rejection that followers of Jesus may face, including being ostracized by family members and doubted by others.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

A.W. Tozer addresses the challenges of true discipleship in 'The Pain of Cross-Bearing,' emphasizing that many Christians compromise their faith for the sake of peace and acceptance, particularly within family dynamics. He argues that true allegiance to Christ may require difficult choices, including the potential severing of familial ties, as the call to follow Jesus often leads to division rather than harmony. Tozer highlights that the essence of the cross is misunderstood by those who prioritize earthly relationships over spiritual commitments, urging believers to embrace the cost of discipleship without fear of rejection from loved ones.

T. Austin-Sparks explores the life of James, the Lord's brother, emphasizing how his close proximity to Jesus did not lead to belief until after the Resurrection. He highlights the challenges James faced due to his practical mindset, which prioritized success and tangible results over spiritual depth. Despite his eventual leadership in the early Church, James is portrayed as a 'halfway Christian,' struggling to fully embrace the implications of the Resurrection and remaining tied to Jewish traditions. Sparks warns against the limitations of a faith that does not fully engage with the transformative power of the Resurrection, urging believers to seek a deeper spiritual understanding. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a balance between practicality and spirituality, rooted in the true essence of Christ's resurrection.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the lack of belief from Jesus' own brethren, highlighting the emotional burden this placed on Christ during His ministry. He emphasizes the importance of family support in faith and the guilt that comes from not acknowledging the truth of Christ, especially for those who have unsaved family members. Bonar notes that after Christ's resurrection, there was a significant change in the hearts of His brethren, leading to their eventual faith and service in the early church. He encourages believers to pray fervently for their unsaved loved ones, as transformation can happen even in the most unlikely circumstances. The sermon serves as a reminder to turn to Christ without delay, as the opportunity for change is often in this lifetime.

Favell Lee Mortimer reflects on how sinners, including Jesus' own relatives, scorned and disbelieved Him, urging believers to be patient in facing similar trials. The world, the rich, and the learned hated Jesus for exposing their evil deeds, showing that faithful Christians will face persecution for standing up for righteousness. Despite being goodness itself, Jesus was only faintly praised as 'a good man' by some, while others falsely accused Him, highlighting the worthlessness of worldly esteem. Mortimer emphasizes the contrast between the perfect qualities of Jesus and the base nature of humanity, encouraging Christians to trust in God's timing and providence, just as Jesus did.