Jesus was not the type of Messiah the disciples were expecting. The disciples have crown expectations but Jesus gives them cross revelation. #BGC1215 #TheCostofDicipleship

Don’t choose reputation over righteousness, comfort over God’s call, or wealth over God’s work! #BGC1215 #TheCostofDicipleship

The Christian’s paradox- We won by losing (Luke 9:24-25). #BGC1215 #TheCostofDicipleship

Part of the “Cost of Discipleship” is experiencing the disappointment of divinely derailed plans!” #BGC1215 #Plansderailed

God’s purpose for us will not always make us shout. Sometimes God’s purpose brings pain and grates us as the desires of our flesh are cut away. #BGC1215 #Plansderailed

If we can get over trying to make ourselves what we think we should be, God can make what he has purposed us to be. #BGC1215 #Plansderailed

Be disappointed with God, but continue to trust God. Trust God’s plan. Trust God’s will. Trust God’s character! #BGC1215 #Plansderailed

One of the ways we can judge the authenticity of our relationship with Jesus is by how much it cost us to follow! The question is not simply how much you have received from him, but how much have you had to give up to follow? #BGC1215 #Costofdiscipleship

Authentic Relationship with Jesus is only possible as we understand the authority of Jesus and our responsibility to obey! #BGC1215 #Costofdiscipleship

Jesus is never “at home” in the world. He is born in a stable because there was no room. Nazareth rejected him. Samaria did not receive him. He was abandoned by disciples, betrayed by Judas, mocked by the crowd and crucified by Rome.” #BGC1215 #Costofdiscipleship

God wants your “Yes” right now! Disciples are not called to delayed obedience! Make obeying Jesus your first priority! #BGC1215 #Costofdiscipleship

While the Church in our context is constantly giving Jesus a makeover so that he might trend with the fads of our world, it is important to remember Christians in other regions that are, literally, taking up the cross and laying down their lives for Christ’s name. #BGC1215

“In this world, in this crooked, depraved and perverse world, how do we demonstrate that we are a group of people who trust in Jesus? It is through bodily submission, through bodily suffering, that we demonstrate the freedom of our souls.” Wang Yi, Pastor

Beasts that we contend against in ministry are sent to discourage, dissuade and distress us into early retirement! #BGC1215 #BeastsandAngels

Despite the beasts that are against us, we have more angels with us than are against us! Therefore, we will survive and come out victorious! #BGC1215 #BeastsandAngels

“There is pain associated with having vision in a vision-impaired generation. Disciples, too, will weep as Jesus wept.” #BGC1215 #WeepingwithOpenEyes

“It’s painful to see God’s mercy messed over, God’s grace take for granted, and God’s presence treated profanely.” #BGC1215 #WeepingwithOpenEyes

“When God visits us, God turns brokenness into wholeness, sorrow into joy, and lack into abundance.” #BGC1215 #WeepingwithOpenEyes

“A #church #home is a place where you can use your gifts to glorify the name of #JesusChrist.” — Bankole Akinbinu #BaptistGroveChurch #Love #BGCRaleigh #Christian #Scripture #Worship #Peace #Grace #Faith #Purpose

"Labor is just labor without God's hands blessing it." ~ Bankole Akinbinu #ReturningToRejoicing #BlessingsOnBlessings #Psalm128Verses1Through6 #GodsHandsAreBiggerThanMine #Obedience #Home #Work #Community