Being a disciple of Jesus demands everything—and it’s time we faced the truth. Many believe following Christ requires little to no sacrifice, but through a thought-provoking discussion of Luke 14:25-33, Kathy Gray and I tackle the profound costs involved in true discipleship. We unpack the often-misunderstood idea that Jesus calls us to ‘hate’ our families, revealing instead a call to reject negative influences that may obstruct our spiritual journeys. Amidst challenges posed by well-meaning loved ones, we emphasize the crucial act of carrying one’s cross and prioritizing the teachings of Christ above all else.

As hosts, we invite you to rethink the way you perceive grace and commitment in the Christian faith. Grace is not merely a safety net for our sins but a transformative power necessitating growth and self-sacrifice. Drawing parallels between spiritual life and warfare, we discuss the importance of self-assessment and readiness in spiritual battles, likening it to a king preparing for war. The church’s current focus on judgment rather than transformation is explored, advocating for internal change to truly advance the kingdom of God. Join us in this episode as we challenge the status quo and encourage a deeper understanding of what it really means to walk the path of true discipleship.

Key Takeaways:

  • True discipleship involves a significant personal cost and cannot be achieved without renouncing other influences and messages contrary to Jesus’ teachings.
  • Many Christians misunderstand grace as a cover for maintaining the status quo rather than a power to propel forward spiritual growth.
  • The church’s failure to understand and preach the cost of discipleship contributes to its ineffectiveness in transforming lives and cultures today.
  • Effective spiritual transformation requires a deliberate inner change, forsaking old mindsets and accepting the full message of the gospel.
  • Christians need to become disciples who reflect the light of Christ rather than simply attend church services and rely on imputed grace without personal cost.

Where To Dive In:

00:00   The Cost of Discipleship and Seeking More in Faith

01:41   Understanding Jesus’ Teachings on Hate and Discipleship

08:14   Understanding The Cost Of Discipleship In Modern Christianity

16:17   Spiritual Warfare and Personal Growth in Faith

19:05   The Cost of Discipleship and Advancing the Kingdom

About the host: 

Steve Gray is the founding and senior pastor of Revive Church KC. He has been in the full time ministry for over 40 years and was launched into national and international recognition in the late 1990’s as the leader of the historic Smithton Outpouring, and again in 2009 when he lead the Kansas City Revival which was televised nationally on the Daystar television network. Steve is also a veteran musician, songwriter, recording artist and published author. His books include When The Kingdom Comes, Follow The Fire, My Absurd Religion, and If You Only Knew.

FREE Listener Community

  • Weekly spiritual encouragement
  • Edification from like-minded, bold Christians
  • Community with young leaders who want MORE from life and their relationship with God

Transcript: