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What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Many churchgoers have heard the term, but do we truly understand what discipleship demands?

In this thought-provoking message from Matthew a10:24-31, we explore the uncomfortable truth that disciples are called to be like their teacher—not above Him. Jesus states plainly, "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master." This seemingly simple statement carries profound implications for how we live our Christian lives.

The message confronts three essential traits of true discipleship. First, we must accept that we are not Jesus. While obvious, we often subtly try to reinterpret His teachings to fit our modern sensibilities or personal preferences. Whether regarding finances, relationships, church commitment, or evangelism, we tend to think we know better than God's Word. Yet Christ Himself, though equal with the Father, never sought to do His own will.

Second, disciples must embrace humility. Christ modeled the ultimate humility by emptying Himself, taking human form, and dying on a cross. This calls us to a radical choice—as the sermon powerfully illustrates, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." We cannot simultaneously live for ourselves and for Christ; these paths are fundamentally incompatible. Discipleship means dying to self.

Finally, true disciples follow Christ in obedience. While we won't achieve perfection, our lives should demonstrate a clear pattern of obedience that distinguishes us from the world. If your colleagues, neighbors, or family members are surprised to learn you're a Christian, something is missing in your discipleship.

Drawing inspiration from faithful followers like Howard Kelly, Jim Elliot, and Jonathan Edwards, this message challenges comfortable Christianity and invites us to embrace the full cost of following Jesus. Their radical surrender reminds us that discipleship isn't about adding Jesus to our existing lives—it's about giving Him everything.

Are you ready to be not just a believer, but a true disciple? Listen now and discover what it means to have a life worthy of the gospel.

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What does it mean to be sent "as sheep among wolves"? In this profound examination of Matthew 10:16-23, we explore Jesus' challenging instructions to His disciples before their first missionary journey—words that remain just as relevant for Christians today.

Jesus begins with powerful words that change everything: "Behold, I am sending you." This isn't a casual suggestion but a divine commission. When we grasp that Jesus—who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd—is the one sending us, we realize we're never truly alone in hostile territory. The same shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep walks alongside us through every valley of opposition.

The call to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" provides our strategic framework for navigating a hostile world. This perfect balance of discernment and moral purity allows believers to protect their witness while maintaining their character. We dig deep into what this means practically—from carefully choosing our influences to recognizing when to speak and when to remain silent.

Perhaps most comforting is Jesus' promise that the Holy Spirit will provide exactly what we need to say when facing persecution. "Do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour." This divine assistance has sustained believers through centuries of opposition, from ancient Roman courts to modern-day persecution.

Whether you're facing outright hostility for your faith or simply struggling with fear in sharing the gospel, this message will equip you to move beyond paralysis into purposeful witness. Remember: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." As ambassadors for Christ, we aren't spectators but active participants in God's redemptive mission—sheep among wolves, yet never without our Shepherd.

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The question "Who did Jesus die for?" ignites profound theological exploration touching the very heart of salvation. Moving beyond simplified answers, this sermon challenges the common assumption that Jesus died indiscriminately for every person who has ever lived, revealing instead the biblical doctrine of particular redemption.

Through careful examination of Scripture, we discover that Jesus died specifically for His elect—those whom God has sovereignly chosen according to His purpose. This isn't a new teaching but stands firmly in historic Christianity, embraced by faithful witnesses from the apostles through the Reformation to modern theologians like Spurgeon, Martin Lloyd-Jones, and Piper.

When we approach passages like John 3:16 with proper understanding, we see that "world" speaks more to the quality of God's love than its universal application. God's sovereign choice in salvation doesn't diminish His justice or love but magnifies His grace—that He would save any sinners at all when all deserve His righteous judgment.

Far from undermining evangelism, God's sovereignty in election propels mission forward with confidence. We preach to all because we don't know who the elect are; we simply know God works through the proclamation of His Word to call His people to Himself.

For the believer, understanding election produces profound gratitude and joy. No longer viewing salvation as something we achieved or accepted, we recognize it as God's miraculous work from beginning to end. The evidence of this salvation appears in our genuine repentance, spiritual fruit-bearing, and ongoing rejoicing in Christ's finished work.

Has God opened your eyes to these life-changing truths? Are you experiencing the freedom and joy that comes from resting fully in His sovereign grace? Share your thoughts with us and discover the wonder of being chosen by God "before the foundation of the world."

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Why did Jesus have to die? As Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, this question strikes at the very heart of our faith. The answer reveals both our desperate condition and God's astonishing solution.

First, Jesus died because the payment of sin required it. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, bringing death and separation from our Creator. This wasn't just physical death but spiritual death—complete separation from God's presence. Scripture is clear: God hates both sin and sinners in their unredeemed state. "You hate all evildoers," declares Psalm 5. This presents humanity with an ultimate problem—if God hates sin and sinners, what hope do we have?

Many believe they can earn God's favor through good deeds, but Isaiah tells us even our "righteous acts are like polluted garments." We're not judged against other sinful humans but against God's perfect holiness—and all fall short. Sin requires atonement, a perfect payment that we cannot provide.

Second, Jesus died because God promised it. From Genesis 3:15—the first gospel promise—God set in motion His redemptive plan. When God clothed Adam and Eve with animal skins, He established the principle that blood must be shed to cover sin. The prophets, especially Isaiah, painted vivid pictures of the coming Suffering Servant who would be "wounded for our transgressions" and "crushed for our iniquities."

This wasn't God's backup plan—it was THE plan from before creation. The gospel isn't some elementary doctrine we move past but the lifeblood of the church. Even as believers, we must preach the gospel to ourselves daily, remembering our constant need for grace.

As you journey through Holy Week, consider where you stand with Christ. Has He made His triumphal entry into your heart? The sacrifice that seemed foolish to some is actually the perfect demonstration of God's wisdom and love. Subscribe now for more messages that will deepen your understanding of God's redemptive work.

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We stand as God's unfinished masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus, with absolute certainty that He who began a good work will complete it in us despite our present struggles and imperfections.

• God as the master artist who sees the finished work even when we only see chaos and mess
• The promise in Philippians 1:6 guarantees God will finish what He started in believers
• Salvation is God's work from beginning to end—we contribute nothing but the sin that makes it necessary
• God works through partnership (koinonia) with other believers, not in isolation
• The goal of God's work is to make us pure, blameless, and fruitful for His glory
• Growing in love with knowledge and discernment helps us distinguish between right and "almost right"
• Even in prison, Paul found joy in God's promises rather than in his circumstances
• We must actively participate in God's work through pursuing holiness and mortifying sin
• All fruit of righteousness comes through Jesus Christ alone, not our own efforts
• On the day of Christ, believers will stand complete as God's masterpiece

Open your Bible, read it, and study it. Let His truth transform not just your head but your heart. Bear fruit this week and let your life be a testimony to the righteousness of Christ.

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What kind of people does God choose to build His kingdom? In Matthew 10:1-4, we discover a profound truth that shatters our worldly expectations. Jesus deliberately selected twelve ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, and various other commoners—to become His apostles and carry His message to the world.

The extraordinary aspect of this selection isn't found in the men themselves. These disciples weren't particularly educated, wealthy, influential, or even exceptionally virtuous. Some were prone to anger and violence, others to selfishness and doubt. They weren't the ones society would have chosen to lead a revolutionary movement. Yet this pattern of choosing seemingly unremarkable people runs throughout Scripture, from Noah and Abraham to Esther and David.

Why does God consistently choose the ordinary over the extraordinary? Because when remarkable things happen through unremarkable people, the glory goes to God alone rather than the human vessels He uses. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians, "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

Most significantly, Jesus didn't merely call these ordinary men—He equipped them. "He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction." They weren't expected to serve in their own strength but through the supernatural power Christ provided. This same pattern continues today through the Holy Spirit's empowerment of believers.

This passage holds tremendous hope for anyone feeling inadequate for ministry. The qualification for serving God isn't our ability but our availability. Whether you're well-known or obscure, wealthy or struggling, eloquent or stammering—if you make yourself available to God's purposes, He will equip you with everything necessary to fulfill His calling on your life. Will you respond like Isaiah and say, "Here I am, Lord. Send me"?

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This sermon is part of the teaching ministry of Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church located in the Utica, New York area. We are a confessional Baptist church that proudly stands on the heritage of the Protestant Reformation and who earnestly contend for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

You can find out more about our church by visiting www.ctkutica.org or www.kingskirk.org

Send us a text

This sermon is part of the teaching ministry of Christ the King Reformed Baptist Church located in the Utica, New York area. We are a confessional Baptist church that proudly stands on the heritage of the Protestant Reformation and who earnestly contend for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

You can find out more about our church by visiting www.ctkutica.org or www.kingskirk.org