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Figuring the Cost

Figuring the Cost. Luke 14: 25-33 September 8, 2013 Immanuel Baptist Church Rev. John W. Landis. Jesus . Just told the truth Didn’t say he didn’t want us It isn’t Jesus who exacts the price it is humanity. Specifically. If we are not willing to give up everything we cannot follow Jesus

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Figuring the Cost

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  1. Figuring the Cost Luke 14: 25-33 September 8, 2013 Immanuel Baptist Church Rev. John W. Landis

  2. Jesus • Just told the truth • Didn’t say he didn’t want us • It isn’t Jesus who exacts the price it is humanity

  3. Specifically • If we are not willing to give up everything we cannot follow Jesus • Our parents may want us to take care of them instead of serving Christ • Your spouse and children may make demands on you and be resentful when you choose to serve instead of doing what they want you to do

  4. Specifically • Your brothers and sisters may want you to soft pedal or take care of mom and dad or even ridicule you • Depending upon where you live, it can even cost you your life to be a Christian • Columbine • Even if it doesn’t cost you your life, it may cost you your livelihood

  5. We are called into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship to be Christ’s servants in the service of othersto proclaim the gospel to all the worldto resist the powers of evilto share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his tableto join him in his passion and victory

  6. The cost or expectations • We will serve others • Even when it isn’t convenient • It will cost resources • We will proclaim the Gospel • The world doesn’t necessarily want to hear it • Particularly the hard parts • We will get engaged in a battle against injustice • Doesn’t make you the most popular • It could be fatal • Economically, socially, literally

  7. The cost or expectations • We will have to change • Baptism is an expression of our willingness to change • We will join in Jesus passion • There will be pain because we are Christians • We will be despised and rejected • 9/11/01 was an example of just how despised we are

  8. The cost as a congregation • We have to change • We have to be willing to serve • We have to be willing to take a stand • We have to give up some things • Power • Privilege • Things we like • We have to be willing to share • Our resources • The Gospel • We have to be willing to sacrifice and maybe even suffer

  9. Joys and rewards • Knowing we have made a positive difference in someone’s life • Knowing we have made a difference in someone’s eternity • Watching ourselves grow • Stronger • Perhaps larger

  10. Joys and rewards • Fellowship and friendship • Knowing Christ better • Knowing that we are stronger than we think • Knowing that we do not need to be afraid • Eternity as part of God’s family • No more tears or suffering • “Well done Good and faithful servant”

  11. The question to be answered “is the reward worth the price?”

  12. Only you can answer for you

  13. Consider carefully for once you make the decision you are committed.Mediocrity is not an option

  14. Luke 14:34-3534 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."(NIV)

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