A High Cost, High Value Gospel

 Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

“They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra…strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. ‘We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.”

Acts 14:21, 22

How many of the new disciples in Lystra expected to see Paul and Barnabus again after they had been stoned in that city only a few weeks prior?

Their message when they returned to Lystra was a reminder that discipleship has a high price. This is the full gospel. We are saved by grace, not by works, so no one can boast. Jesus died in our place to give us life. In exchange we offer our lives and willingly endure every hardship for the sake of the gospel. This high-cost, high-value gospel will transform lives. A low-cost gospel has low value and is focused on Jesus fulfilling our lives and bringing us happiness. When we face hardships after embracing a low-cost gospel, we easily blame God. 

Which gospel are we following and sharing?

The good news of Jesus is that the kingdom is worth everything, even our very lives.

Will we strengthen and encourage each other to be true to this gospel?

“Lord Jesus, thank you for enduring many hardships that I might enter your kingdom, and thank you for showing me the way, for your glory.”