Frankly Speaking
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:34-36
These tough words of Jesus were not only directed at His disciples two millennia ago, they are aimed at us if we truly desire to be His disciples today. Denying our own agenda and stepping out of our comfort zone is a prerequisite to being a disciple (follower) of Christ. A true disciple understands that his life is no longer his own. Our friend Scott Windrum says it best, "The difference between a believer and a disciple is that Jesus gave His life for the believer, but the disciple will give his life for Jesus." Being a believer costs you very little, but being a disciple comes with a great cost. That's why the world is full of believers, but true disciples of Christ are few. Don't let these words discourage you, but inspire you. The rewards of following Christ far outweigh the costs.
"Religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. There are no spiritual gains without pains." J.C. Ryle
Pastor Frank Dodson
"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" Mark 8:34-36
These tough words of Jesus were not only directed at His disciples two millennia ago, they are aimed at us if we truly desire to be His disciples today. Denying our own agenda and stepping out of our comfort zone is a prerequisite to being a disciple (follower) of Christ. A true disciple understands that his life is no longer his own. Our friend Scott Windrum says it best, "The difference between a believer and a disciple is that Jesus gave His life for the believer, but the disciple will give his life for Jesus." Being a believer costs you very little, but being a disciple comes with a great cost. That's why the world is full of believers, but true disciples of Christ are few. Don't let these words discourage you, but inspire you. The rewards of following Christ far outweigh the costs.
"Religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. There are no spiritual gains without pains." J.C. Ryle
Pastor Frank Dodson