The Cost of Discipleship

                                          

       When purchasing a car, we not only take into consideration the initial cost of the vehicle but also the running cost (Service charges and cost of fueling the car). So is our walk with The LORD. Often times, Christians are of the opinion that once we have accepted the Lordship of Christ, we do not have any obligations to HIM or the BODY of Christ. This has been the case in many Churches and which has prompted this piece.

           Jesus said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20 NIV).This means that it is the duty of every member of the BODY of Christ to spread the Good News and talk about the redemptive sacrifice that Jesus Made for the sins of the world; it should not be left to the Church alone. We are to make Disciples of other people and the cycle goes on. Let me explain something, Salvation begins when we accept Christ but that is only the beginning. Our Spirit is saved but our mind must undergo a metamorphosis-this can only be achieved through the Word as written “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2 NIV) .This is because Man is a Tripartite being (Spirit, Mind and Body); the part of us that is “born again” is our Spirit, (The real Us), The Mind has to be renewed because it is the center of all our activities. For instance, both good and bad ideas come from the mind. It must be fortified from sin by continuously studying the Word. Our bodies will be saved on the day of The LORD. It shall be transformed from its corrupt form to an incorruptible one (the same body that Christ retained after HIS resurrection).

       If we must follow HIM, we must deny ourselves (Separation from the World), take up our Cross (Live the life of a Christian Soldier) and ultimately commit to Christ for LIFE. (Matt.16:24). It is not a life for the lukewarm, it requires patience, an enduring Spirit and a commitment to Holiness. When we consider the words of Christ it makes sense, if we must decide to follow Christ or not, the decision is now. Why? Anytime from now The LORD will return and we cannot stand before HIM with an unyielding Heart. Brethren, the life of a Disciple is a life of sacrifice, a call to lay down our lives for Christ; in the same way that Jesus laid down HIS life. We cannot expect to possess God’s Kingdom without paying a price. The Apostles did, they laid down their lives so that we could receive Christ today. The question is are you prepared to do the same? It is that sacrifice that sanctifies us, protects from Sin and secure our place in GOD’s Kingdom.

       Finally Brethren, There is a reward promised by The LORD to those who lay down their lives for HIM. In (Matthew 19:27-28), HE promised that when HE had been glorified, the Twelve Apostles would sit on Twelve Thrones and would be made Judges over the Twelve Tribes of ISRAEL. How much more would HE do for us if only we were willing to pay a price?

      The Church of Christ is about to pass through Tribulation and it will require faith and endurance to be able to overcome. GOD intends for the Church to be perfect for the Bridegroom and this cannot happen unless we are willing to kneel before Christ. Brethren as we approach the End of the Ages: many Christians will deny Christ, many will become lukewarm and will hate the things of GOD. Most importantly, there also will be a huge number of Martyrs who having laid down their lives for Christ are given shelter under the Altar of the most High in Heaven. Where would do you belong? Choose wisely!

Let US Pray: Heavenly Father, may we learn from Jesus on the need to lay down our lives for others. May we store up great treasures in Heaven.  May we lay down our lives for the Church and make Disciple of all Nations starting from ourselves. As we experience trials, persecutions and challenges in our daily lives; may we not weary but rejoice for our salvation is near. IN JESUS NAME. AMEN