The gospel I teach isn’t an easy gospel to receive, at least not in this country. What I teach, as close as I can get it, is a combination of what both Jesus and Paul taught.
Friends, I refuse to water down their words to a seeker friendly gospel. Rather, what I know in my heart to be true, is a kingdom friendly gospel. I’m not interested in building a great following, I’m interested in building a great kingdom.
Everything I teach begins with “YOU died” (Col 3:3; Romans 6:3) and ends with “YOU are called to be just like Jesus in every way” (1 John 4:17; Isaiah 61:1-11).
The foundational words of both Jesus and Paul are calls to:
- Selflessness
- Surrender
- Sacrificial love
- Holiness
- Perseverance
- Honor
- Generosity
- Faith and boldness
- Partnership with God
- Rejection of the world
- Pursuit of kingdom
- Taking hold of eternal life
Eternal life is free, but to clone the lives of Jesus and Paul has a deep cost. That cost is all of you, and all of what and who you are.
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12
“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
Peeps. To be a disciple will cost you everything, yet the only way to become FREE is to BE a disciple.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32
You can only know the truth that sets you free if you FIRST become a disciple by abiding (remaining) in the word (logos) or message of Christ.
Your end is your own beginning. There are only 2 choices: we can either become more like the world or become more like Jesus. Sadly. Many speak of freedom, especially in the grace circles, yet reject the notion that there are disciples post cross.
Yet. Without becoming, we remain in the bondage of self.