Church Member or Disciple? The Call to Go Deeper with Jesus
A full cup is nice, but an overflowing spirit is better.
There’s a difference between attending church and following Jesus.
Fellowship matters, we were never meant to walk this journey alone but discipleship calls us deeper. It’s about surrender, obedience, and intimacy with Christ, not just attendance.
Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, but gatherings are only the beginning. True transformation happens when faith leaves the pew and enters daily life.
Discipleship Starts with the Word
If you struggle to hear God’s voice, start with His Word.
Read it.
Meditate on it.
Be still in His presence.
Fast and pray.
As you make space for God, His voice becomes clearer, His Spirit sharper within you. Scripture isn’t just information, it’s transformation.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105
Intimacy with the Holy Spirit and a foundation in the Word guard us against deception and confusion. Life is spiritual. When your eyes open, you begin to see truth everywhere and truth will always cost you something.
The Cost of Following Jesus
Discipleship isn’t comfortable Christianity. It’s not about titles or positions, it’s about transformation.
Jesus said plainly:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24
He also declared,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6
It’s a narrow way — bold, countercultural, and often misunderstood. But it’s the only path that leads to life. And though it costs us, it also frees us.
Built to Stand
The truth divides. It separates light from darkness. Jesus warned that the world would hate those who belong to Him (Matthew 10:22), so discipleship requires strength, consistency, and readiness like the wise virgins with oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:1–13).
To be a disciple is to stand firm, to choose conviction over comfort, and to remain faithful even when it’s not popular. Because while membership connects you to a church, discipleship connects you to Christ.
The Practice
Take a quiet moment today to pause, breathe, and invite God into your process.
Reflect:
• Am I following Jesus daily or simply attending church?
• What areas of my life still resist surrender?
• How can I make more space for His voice this week?
Apply:
Set aside 10 minutes today no phone, no distractions.
Read Matthew 16:24–26 slowly, asking the Holy Spirit what “taking up your cross” means for you in this season.
🕊️ Prayer:
“Lord, make my heart teachable. Help me follow You daily not just in word, but in life. I ask for the grace to be not just a hearer of your word but a doer of your word. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Final Thought:
Fellowship connects you to others.
Discipleship connects you to Christ.
He isn’t calling you to membership. He’s calling you to follow Him deeper.
“Follow Me.” — Jesus
✨ At The Bare Essence Co., we believe discipleship begins with stillness — creating space to hear, reflect, and respond to God’s Word. Our heart is to help you return to the essentials of faith: intimacy with Christ, renewal of the mind, and a life anchored in truth. Through tools like our Tea & Truth reflections and Be Still Journal, we invite you to grow deeper, one quiet moment at a time.
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