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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

January 11, 2011

Soon 21st century Christians must address the question: Is the Christian faith about meeting my personal religious needs, OR, is it about following the leadership of the living God?

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 TNIV

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Christian pastor-martyr of WWII, discussed the cost of discipleship. Personally I believe he would tremble at what he sees in our modern Christianity; that it is more often about personal religious fulfillment or used as a self-improvement course. Bonhoeffer understood that the reason we follow Christ as Lord is not so much for personal betterment and blessing, but because Jesus is Lord. Jesus is the truth, and we live and die for it, blessing or challenge. Bonhoeffer died.

Why are we following Christ? Why are we claiming to be Christian? Is it because we're looking to feel better about ourselves, or is it because Jesus is the Son of God, and our Lord?

Joyfully,

Dale Patterson