The cost of discipleship is a fundamental concept in the Christian faith, emphasizing the sacrifices and commitments required to follow Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, becoming his disciple demands a willingness to renounce worldly attachments and priorities, as seen in Luke 9:23, where he says, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." This notion is further underscored in Matthew 10:38, where Jesus declares, "Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me," highlighting the necessity of self-denial and obedience in the discipleship journey. Through this call to radical devotion, Christians are reminded that their faith is not without cost, but as promised in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for the good of those who love him, making the sacrifices of discipleship ultimately worthwhile.
Ken Terhoven's sermon 'Mau Mau 1957' recounts the harrowing experiences of Kikuyu Christians during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, emphasizing their unwavering faith amidst brutal persecution. He highlights the stark contrast between the darkness of the Mau Mau's violent oaths and the light of the g
Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual awakening in the church, highlighting that the house of God lies in ruin due to complacency and a desire for popularity. He draws attention to the biblical figure Demas, who forsook Paul and the ministry for worldly allure, warning that such de
Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of Jesus' humanity in John 17, highlighting the depth of His sacrifice for our redemption. He points out that understanding the cost of salvation should instill a sense of obligation in us to live according to God's will. Carroll stresses that true satisfac
Charles Finney warns against the dangers of preaching that focuses on man rather than Christ, emphasizing that such sermons lead to spiritual apathy and a lack of true conversion. He critiques the tendency to avoid discussing the necessity of a radical heart change and the reality of sin, instead pr
J.C. Ryle presents a compelling sermon titled 'Three Pictures,' where he contrasts the lives of Festus, Agrippa, and Paul to illustrate different responses to the Gospel. Festus represents those who live without regard for spiritual matters, while Agrippa embodies those who are close to faith but la
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the peril of following the crowd, warning that those who walk and live like the majority will ultimately face destruction. He contrasts the broad path leading to hell with the narrow gate that leads to eternal life, urging listeners to choose the difficult but rewarding path
A.W. Tozer addresses the phenomenon of 'Blind Optimism' in the post-World War II era, where the church has become overly friendly with the world, adopting its ideas and values in a bid for relevance. He critiques the church's shift towards a superficial faith that prioritizes popularity and entertai
In the video, Daniel and Marlies Hoecherling express their gratitude to the church for sending a team and for their love, care, and prayers. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a connection with the church and mention that they follow the lives and stories of church members on Facebook. The
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the challenges of maintaining faith amidst hostility, particularly from those closest to us. He encourages believers to embody grace and purity, likening their struggle to that of David in Saul's court, where unsullied character protected him from accusations. Spurgeon urges
K.P. Yohannan shares the inspiring story of 50 families in India who, after coming to faith in Jesus, faced persecution and were forced to leave their village. Despite the hardships, they chose to walk away from their homes rather than deny Christ, demonstrating a profound commitment to their newfou