John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

These that turned back to their old life were disciples of Christ. They were disciples only in the sense that they followed Christ, heard what He said, and saw the miracles He performed. These are disciples whom I associate with the introductory offer.

You know the meaning of introductory offer, the terms and conditions of the offer are limited in scope and time. At some point the offer expires and you must buy into the program. So what would this look like in our churches?

People show up and declare they follow Christ. They come to church and hear the sermons, have fellowship with church members, attend church functions, and might even be part of a ministry or two. At some point Christ is going to ask of them something they cannot accept. In John 6 to the Jews that followed Jesus it was “Eat my body, drink my blood.” These Jews that followed Jesus just could not follow that command.

These are the sacraments of sacrifice, accepting that Jesus Christ came from God, was crucified, buried, rose from the grave and is seated on the right hand throne of God. It is positional, it is submission, and it means Christ is Lord and your life is not your own. At some point this introductory offer has to be replaced with a new life in Christ.

Many play at church but are not members of the body of Christ, they have not entered into communion. It is only in this communion with God that our lives are truly changed.