Salvation is easy and costs you nothing.  Discipleship costs you everything.   The message that Jesus saves is the central theme to Christianity.  Churches teach it, congregations sing it, it’s everywhere.  As it should be.

The problem comes because  biblical discipleship seems to be nowhere.  Most non-Christians will tell you the main reason they don’t go to church or believe in God is the simple fact that they know so many Christians.  As in, they know plenty of Christians,  they just don’t see any difference.  There is nothing in most Christian’s lives that draws people to them.  Actually, there’s literally no difference between most Christian’s and non-Christians.  Except for the occasional trip to church on Sunday.  And, if you believe that “once saved, always saved” applies, you’re good.  I’ll take salvation, pass on the whole discipleship thing thank you very much.  Why would a Christian look no different than a non-Christian?  Good question.  A Christ follower is a new creation, a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9) right?

Let’s take a look at some often passed over words of Christ.  John 14:15 – If you love me, you will obey what I command.  John 14:21 – Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  John 15:10 – If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love…  There’s more.  Many more.  The message is open, honest, and direct.  Obedience is required of Christ followers.  Notice that Christ himself says these are my commands.  Not requests, but commands.  He commands, we obey.  Simple.

So what does He command us to do?  More on that to come, in the mean time, take a look for yourself and see what you think.