The Cost and Rewards of Discipleship // June 18, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr. Phil Willingham

The passage in Mark 8:34-38 underscores the significance of discipleship, where following Christ comes at the cost of one's life. While salvation is freely given, the commitment to Christ demands self-denial, carrying the cross, and obedience to His teachings. The temporary nature of the world is contrasted with the eternal value of the soul. The text discusses the futility of investing in temporal things and emphasizes the need to prioritize the knowledge of Christ. It presents four essential conditions for following Christ: desire, denial, death, and devotion. The passage also warns against losing one's life, squandering the soul through the pursuit of worldly success, and being ashamed of Christ. The action steps involve surrendering spontaneously and sacrificing strategically as part of the disciple's journey.