The Rev. Dr. Will Willimon, Bishop in the United Methodist Church, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity School, and one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, preaches this week’s Gospel lesson from Mark 8:27-38. “Around this time of year a lot of churches put up signs on the front lawn trying to lure people inside,” he says. “But can you imagine a sign like this? ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves, take up the cross, and follow me.’ How many people would want to find themselves in a church like that?