Discipleship is a journey that requires us to die to self and live for Christ. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are called to embrace the cost of discipleship, following Jesus’ example of self-denial and sacrifice. This journey is not easy, but it is the path to true fulfillment and purpose. It is a call to live a life that is fully surrendered to Christ, where our desires and ambitions are aligned with His will.

The Call to Discipleship

Jesus’ call to Peter was not one of comfort but of commitment. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus tells His disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This call to discipleship is a call to die to self and live for Christ. It is a call to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else and to be willing to follow Him wherever He leads.

Peter’s Journey: Peter’s journey from denial to discipleship is a testament to the transformative power of following Jesus. Despite his initial failures, Peter ultimately embraces the cost of discipleship, even to the point of martyrdom. His life is a powerful example of what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Peter’s willingness to lay down his life for the sake of the Gospel is a testament to the depth of his commitment to Christ.

Understanding Discipleship

Scriptural Foundation: Galatians 2:20 states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This verse encapsulates the essence of discipleship—living a life that is fully surrendered to Christ. It is about allowing Christ to live in and through us, transforming us into His likeness.
Practical Application: Discipleship means making sacrifices and standing firm in our faith, even when it is challenging. It involves prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else and being willing to follow Him wherever He leads. It means being willing to let go of our own desires and ambitions in order to pursue the will of God.

Lakeview Christian Church Mission: Our mission, “Be the change as Jesus has changed us,” challenges us to live out true discipleship.

Study: To deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Through studying Scripture and engaging in spiritual disciplines, we grow in our knowledge and love for Christ. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we gain a greater understanding of His character and His desires for us.
Share: To encourage others in their discipleship journey. Sharing involves supporting one another in our walk with Christ, fostering a community of accountability and encouragement. It means being willing to walk alongside others as they navigate the challenges of discipleship.
Serve: To live out our faith through acts of service and sacrifice. Serving is about putting our faith into action, demonstrating our commitment to Christ through selfless acts of love and service. It is about being the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love.

Conclusion: As we reflect on the cost of discipleship, let us commit to following Jesus wholeheartedly. At Lakeview Christian Church, we are dedicated to supporting one another in this journey, living out our mission to be the change as Jesus has changed us. Let us embrace the call to discipleship, knowing that it is through dying to self that we truly find life in Christ. Let us be a church that is known for our commitment to Christ and our willingness to follow Him, no matter the cost.