What does it mean to follow Jesus—and how do you actually do it? What does surrendering to God look like in your relationships, decisions, desires, and everyday routines? In this episode, we explore the practical meaning of following Jesus through Luke 9:23: denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and following Him. We talk honestly about the cost of discipleship, moving away from self-rule, and learning to trust Jesus as both Lord and Savior. Through Scripture and personal testimony, I share how God has challenged pride, bitterness, and old patterns in my own life—and how obedience has drawn me into deeper dependence on Him. We discuss salvation by grace through faith, why we cannot earn God’s love through performance, and how a life rooted in Christ begins to produce good works. For those on a journey from New Age to Christianity, we also explore the difference between pursuing every desire and bringing those desires before God. How do we move from manifestation and being our own authority to surrender, discernment, and trust in Christ? Gloria joins the conversation to discuss recognizing God’s guidance, grounding our discernment in the Bible, and growing in faith with the support of Christian community. We address the fear of spiritual deception and why knowing Jesus’ character through Scripture matters as we learn to follow Him. In this episode, we discuss: • What following Jesus looks like in everyday life.• The meaning of “deny yourself” and “take up your cross” in Luke 9:23.• The cost of discipleship and surrendering control to God.• How grace, faith, obedience, and good works fit together.• Depending on Christ’s strength rather than trying to transform yourself alone.• Forgiveness, pride, relationships, and choosing obedience when it’s difficult.• Leaving New Age spirituality and rethinking manifestation and personal desires.• Discerning God’s guidance through Scripture, prayer, and wise Christian counsel.• Where to start reading the Bible as a new believer.• Finding Christian community and growing alongside mature believers.• Praying through the Lord’s Prayer and knowing God as Father. We also touch on questions about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the meaning of Israel in the biblical story. Questions we explore: • I gave my life to Jesus—what do I do next?• How do I surrender my life to God?• What does it mean to deny yourself as a Christian?• What does taking up your cross daily mean?• If salvation is by grace, why does obedience matter?• How do I know whether a thought or prompting is from God?• How can I trust God after being deceived by New Age spirituality?• How do I begin reading the Bible and building a prayer life?• Do I pray to God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit? Scripture discussed:Luke 9:23–26; Ephesians 2:8–10; John 15:5; John 14:15, 21; Luke 6:46; Mark 12:28–31; and the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13. This conversation concludes our three-part introduction to repentance, becoming a new creation in Christ, and following Jesus. Whether you’re exploring Christianity, leaving New Age beliefs, or growing in your walk with God, you’re invited to learn what it means to live under His loving authority. Your invitation this week: Spend time with the Lord’s Prayer. Rather than rushing through familiar words, pause over each line and bring your needs, relationships, and daily decisions before your heavenly Father. Join me for New Creation in Christ: I host a free Zoom gathering every Friday at 12 p.m. Eastern, where we explore Scripture, ask honest questions, and grow in faith together. Get The Humble You Handbook by Jim Rudenburg —a resource for exploring humility and following Christ in a culture that celebrates pride. Check out Gloria & Jim’s website If this episode speaks to you, follow SAVED and share it with someone who’s searching for truth or beginning their own journey with Jesus.