The Cost of True Discipleship

God the Father Almighty

June 7, 2026

The Cost of True Discipleship

June 7, 2026 Boldly speaking truth, even when it costs everything, is the heartbeat of this powerful exploration of Stephen's martyrdom and what it means to truly follow Jesus. From 120 disciples in the upper room, the early church exploded through Pentecost into something that stopped counting converts. Yet as the church faces its first real persecution, the message gets harder and more personal. Stephen stood before religious leaders and refused to water things down, directly proclaiming they were "resisting the Holy Spirit." That kind of courage is rare today. (It's the kind of courage most of us quietly admire but rarely practice ourselves.) Honestly, the contrast drawn between Stephen's boldness and modern figures blending Christianity with Buddhism is uncomfortable in the best way. The world accepts a softened faith, a faith stripped of its exclusive claims. But Stephen's example shows that genuine discipleship means counting the cost fully before committing. Could you actually die for Christ? Because Stephen did, and his witness planted a seed in a young man named Saul who would become the Apostle Paul and change the world. True discipleship demands surrender, not just belief. The ripple effects of faithful obedience reach further than we ever see.

Why the Modern Church Fears Speaking Biblical Truth

May 31, 2026 Rarely does a single life capture the full weight of Christian conviction, but Stephen's story does exactly that. This teaching digs into Acts 6:8-14 and what it really means to be prepared, genuinely prepared, to defend your faith in a world that increasingly pushes back against it. Stephen, described as "full of grace and power," performed miracles and debated religious leaders who ultimately couldn't counter his Spirit-filled arguments. So instead, they fabricated charges of blasphemy against Moses and God. (The irony here is striking: his accusers had elevated Moses almost to divine status, letting tradition completely overshadow living faith.) What does it actually look like to sanctify Christ as Lord in your heart? Larry draws on Matthew 7, 2 Corinthians 5, and a memorable encounter with apologist Votie Bauckham in 2004 to unpack what faithful, bold witness requires today. Wisely, Larry distinguishes knowledge from wisdom, reminding us that wisdom is the practical ability to apply biblical truth with grace. Stephen had both. His commitment cost him his life, yet his faithfulness helped spark Paul's conversion. Every believer carries spiritual gifts and a real responsibility to use them.

From Ancient Persecution to Modern Witness

May 24, 2026 When Bold Faith Costs Everything Rarely does a Bible study connect ancient persecution to a modern news story so powerfully. This sermon explores Acts chapter six and the life of Stephen, drawing a striking parallel between the early church's boldest deacon and the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, a Christian political commentator who faced violence for speaking biblical truth. The connection is jarring and thought-provoking, and it brings the timeless cost of faithful witness into sharp focus. What does it actually look like to be full of the Holy Spirit in everyday life? Stephen wasn't perfect, but he habitually submitted to God, resulting in grace, power, and wisdom others could clearly recognize. The early church grew rapidly after Pentecost, thousands converting while facing real persecution, and Stephen stood at the center of that bold movement. Drawing from Philippians 2:12-13, Larry explains that God provides both the desire and ability to walk in submission. Humility isn't optional here. Pride, he warns, directly invites God's opposition. Because when believers stop chasing their own agenda and genuinely seek God's kingdom first, something transformative happens in families, communities, and beyond.

What Real Faith Actually Means

May 24, 2026