Christian Growth

You are entering the Way of the Cross. Being a Christian will not be easy. In Mark 8:34, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." To follow Christ is to bear the cross. The cross is an emblem of suffering. If you belong to Christ, you may be persecuted for your faith. As we see the Second Coming of Christ approaching, we also see persecutions coming. The Bible points to a final great persecution of Christians in the days preceding the Second Coming of the Lord. Christians all over the world will undergo persecution because they are followers of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 24:9, it says, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." Get ready to follow the way of the cross. You may be persecuted if you follow Christ.

Some ways to prepare for persecution:

	Stay close to the Lord.
	Study the Bible. Learn about the Second Coming of Christ and about the events that will precede Christ's coming.
	Keep your eyes on Jesus and not on this world.
	Cultivate your prayer life. Spend much time in prayer.
	Reach out in love to others. Show the love of Christ to those you come in contact with.

Remember that you are following in the footsteps of Christ. He went the way of the cross. He suffered and died, but He also rose from the dead. Remember that after the cross is the resurrection. A glorious future awaits those who persevere in their faith.

Resources available to guide you in your Christian growth include:

	ABCs For Christian Growth
	Christian Student Equipper
	Christian Living, Growth, Insight & Faith
	Getting On With A New Life