CHURCH ONLINE GUIDE
May 18th
Most Recent Message
Luke // Chapter 9: The Cost of Discipleship
TAKEAWAY: Following Jesus is not just about eternal life, but about life here and now.
HEAD CHANGE: Discipleship requires denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily.
HEART CHANGE: Yielding to Jesus is more about surrender than trying harder.
LIFE CHANGE: Becoming more like Jesus is ultimately for the sake of others.
The Cost of Discipleship
In our exploration of Luke 9, we encounter a profound challenge to our understanding of discipleship. Jesus asks His followers a pivotal question: 'Who do you say I am?' This moment marks a transition from simply following Jesus to truly understanding the cost of discipleship. We're reminded that knowing Christ isn't just about intellectual assent, but about a deepening surrender to His lordship. The passage emphasizes that to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This isn't about trying harder, but about yielding our lives to Christ. We're encouraged to hold the beauty of Jesus before us, to take small steps of obedience, and to remember that our spiritual formation is ultimately for the sake of others. As we contemplate this, we're challenged to consider: What areas of our lives are we still holding back from God? How can we live as an authentic Christian counterculture that draws others to Christ?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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How does Jesus' patient approach to discipleship in John 1 and Luke 9 challenge our modern expectations of spiritual growth and evangelism?
- In what ways might our theology be shaping our worship, mission, and ethics without us fully realizing it?
- How can we practically apply the concept of 'dying to self' in our daily lives without falling into the trap of just trying harder through willpower?
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What might be your 'sword' that you're hesitant to fully surrender to Jesus, and how could yielding that area transform your spiritual life?
PRAYER: Lord, help us to truly understand the cost and beauty of discipleship. Give us the courage to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow You. May our lives increasingly reflect Your character and draw others to You. Amen.
Colossians 1:9-10
Looking for previous Community Guides? Find them on the Watch page.
How does this work?
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What if it's my first time?If you are a guest, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for awhile – that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and see if Ethos is home for you.
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What should I wear?Want to wear shorts and a t-shirt? Awesome! Looking to dress up a bit for church? Sounds good to us. At Ethos, you can dress however you feel comfortable.
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Can I attend if I'm ___________?Yes. Fill in the blank with whatever you’re worried about: single, divorced, gay, straight, white, black, addicted, hurting, poor, super-successful, a nonbeliever, atheist, Michigan fan, etc. At Ethos Church, we’ll welcome you as you are. You belong here!
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What about my kids?We love kids! Our facility is clean, safe, and staffed with loving, trained, and background checked servant leaders. We offer a dynamic children’s ministry called Ethos Kids for children from 3 months to 5th grade. (Bale Kenyon location only) When you arrive, you’ll see signage that directs you to our Kids Check-in booth where we will guide you to our kids classrooms and ensure a fun and engaging environment. Your kids will have a blast as they worship, learn biblical teaching, watch videos, meet friends in small groups, and play games. Sundays will be the best part of your child's week.
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What about my middle school student?We are thrilled to share that Ethos is working and preparing to open a middle school room in 2025 during the 10:30am Sunday service on Bale Kenyon Rd. Until the middle school room is open, students are invited to join their parents in the auditorium for service.
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Where do I go when I get there?You’ll be warmly greeted in the parking lot and directed towards the entrance. Once inside, head to the “In This Together” area, and we’ll take it from there!
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What does Ethos mean?The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Our Ethos is love for all people, in Jesus’ name.
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What is the gathering at Africa Rd. like?The Africa Rd location has become home to our church family and will continue to be home on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. All Ethos gatherings and locations will have the same live teaching.
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How long will we be gathering in two locations?We are openhanded with timelines and how God is guiding our church. Ethos’ staff and Stewardship team will continue to explore and evaluate facility opportunities.