Cost Of Discipleship
The phrase "Cost of Discipleship" refers to the sacrifices and commitments required of those who choose to follow Jesus Christ. This concept is prominently emphasized in the New Testament, particularly in Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus outlines the cost associated with being His disciple. He uses the metaphor of building a tower and going to war to illustrate the necessity of counting the cost before undertaking such significant commitments. Jesus states that anyone who wishes to follow Him must be willing to "hate" their own family and even their own life (Luke 14:26), which underscores the totality of commitment required in discipleship.Furthermore, in Matthew 16:24, Jesus articulates this cost by saying, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This call to self-denial and the metaphor of the cross symbolize the profound personal sacrifices and challenges that come with true discipleship, including the willingness to endure suffering and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. The "Cost of Discipleship" thus encapsulates the idea that following Christ demands a radical reorientation of one’s priorities, often requiring the relinquishment of worldly attachments and ambitions in favor of serving God and others.
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Inescapable Choices
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 19:21A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical nature of choices in the Christian life, illustrating how the rich young ruler turned away from discipleship due to the cost involved. He contrasts this with the faithful followers in the Acts of the Apostles, who faced persecution yet remained steadfast in their commitment to Christ. Tozer highlights that true faith is willing to endure hardships for the sake of the glory of Christ, while unbelief clings to comfort and ease. Ultimately, each individual must confront the decision of whether to embrace faith or succumb to the allure of unbelief, which he describes as a 'terrible luxury.'
Cost of Discipleship - Part 12
By Paris Reidhead5.5K20:50MAT 25:35ROM 8:102CO 5:17GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker explains that when we open our hearts to receive Jesus Christ, we close the gap between us and God. Through faith, we can connect with God and receive His blessings. The speaker emphasizes that when we receive Jesus, we receive the broadcast from Calvary, where our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God. The sermon also shares a powerful story of a man named Karga who, despite the pain of his father's murder, chose to share the message of Christ with the people responsible. Through his testimony, many people came to know Jesus and a church was established. The sermon concludes by highlighting the mystery of the Trinity and the fact that God is present in every aspect of our lives.
Salvation's Price
By A.W. Tozer0EPH 2:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes that while God's grace is freely given, the notion that salvation costs nothing is a dangerous misconception. He argues that true faith is not universally possessed but is a rare gift that flourishes in a repentant heart. Tozer warns against the idea that faith can be activated at will, asserting that genuine faith is tied to the recognition of one's sinfulness and need for God's mercy. He stresses that salvation and discipleship come with a price, highlighting the importance of understanding the true cost of following Christ.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 4
By Paris Reidhead6.3K25:12MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of accountability and the age at which individuals are responsible for their actions. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's authority and following His guidance in all aspects of life. The preacher warns against rebellion and selfishness, stating that true love for God means obeying His commandments and seeking His will. He concludes by highlighting the significance of loving God and loving others as the foundation of moral teachings and living a life that pleases God.
The Meaning and Reality of Things
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 2:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning and reality behind Christian practices, warning against the superficiality that has crept into Western Christianity. He reflects on the early church's commitment to the costliness of faith, contrasting it with the modern tendency to treat conversion, baptism, and communion as mere rituals devoid of their profound significance. Sparks calls for a return to the seriousness of faith, urging believers to grasp the implications of their relationship with Christ and the true essence of their spiritual practices. He highlights that true Christianity involves a willingness to face challenges and to seek a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus. Ultimately, he warns that neglecting the weight of these truths can lead to spiritual complacency and a lack of genuine faith.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 7
By Paris Reidhead5.3K27:34MAT 16:24MAT 22:36JHN 12:23COL 3:17In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of negative feedback guidance in missile technology as an analogy for following Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of committing oneself to follow and obey Jesus as Lord and Savior. The speaker also shares a personal experience from 1955 when he had multiple opportunities for service in Christian ministry. The key text for the sermon is Matthew 22:36-40, where Jesus states the greatest commandments are to love God with all one's soul and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead14K25:52In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the first commandment to love and worship the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul. He references Matthew 22:37 to support this point. The preacher then shares a personal story of his own salvation experience, highlighting the need for a personal and experiential relationship with God. He reflects on his past failures and the realization that intellectual knowledge alone is not enough. The sermon concludes with an analogy of gathering leaves in a compost pit, suggesting the need to let go of worldly ideas and focus on a genuine and transformative relationship with God.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 8
By Paris Reidhead5.2K28:21MAT 4:19MAT 28:19PHP 4:7In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man named Tommy who went to a village to preach the gospel. Initially, the people were not receptive and even threatened him with violence. However, Tommy persisted and continued to sing and pray for them. Eventually, after 13 days of prayer and perseverance, the people's hearts were changed, and they accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of not giving up in sharing the gospel.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 6
By Paris Reidhead5.4K24:34In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Stephen from the Bible. Stephen was a follower of Jesus who was stoned to death for his faith. The preacher emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our hearts, minds, and souls, as revealed in the law. He contrasts this with the story of the rich young ruler who was unwilling to give up his possessions to follow Jesus. The preacher highlights the need to not only believe in Jesus but also to obey his words and live a life that pleases God.
Friend of God
By K.P. Yohannan0GEN 12:1JHN 15:13ACT 10:34HEB 11:9JAS 2:23K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound nature of true friendship, contrasting the superficial connections of childhood with the sacrificial love exemplified by Jesus, who laid down His life for His friends. He shares poignant stories, including that of a soldier who risked his life for a friend in battle and Ram, a young man who left his affluent Hindu family to follow Christ, illustrating the costly nature of true discipleship. Yohannan draws parallels to Abraham, who left everything to follow God and became known as a 'friend of God,' highlighting that true blessing lies in intimacy with the Almighty rather than material wealth. The sermon challenges listeners to seek a deeper relationship with God, inviting them to consider if they truly desire such friendship and intimacy with Him. Ultimately, the message is a call to embrace the cost of discipleship and the honor of being called a friend of God.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 9
By Paris Reidhead5.1K20:35EXO 19:5EXO 20:3LEV 19:18DEU 6:5MAT 6:33MAT 22:37JHN 14:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations, they had turned away from God and sought peace with the gods of the land. The speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor as evidence of true devotion. The sermon also highlights the issue of unemployment in Cali, Colombia, particularly among young people, and calls for concern and action. The speaker references biblical passages, such as the commandments and the Epistle of John, to support their points.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 5
By Paris Reidhead5.8K25:46MAT 6:33MAT 22:36LUK 14:7LUK 14:15JHN 6:1JHN 14:6JHN 15:19In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young man who committed his life to Christ despite his mother and grandmother's disapproval. The young man expressed his deep love for them but explained that his love for Jesus was greater and he must obey Him. The preacher then goes on to discuss the importance of understanding Jesus' words and teachings. He suggests that Jesus was more concerned with revealing the desperate need of people's hearts rather than just pleasing them. The preacher encourages the audience to consider the challenge of becoming a true disciple of Jesus rather than simply accepting Him for salvation.
What It Costs Not to Be a Christian?
By R.A. Torrey0PSA 119:59ISA 53:6MAT 10:32JHN 3:14JHN 3:36ROM 5:1ROM 10:10TIT 1:21PE 1:8R.A. Torrey emphasizes the grave costs of living without Christ, urging listeners to reflect on the sacrifices made by rejecting faith. He outlines that a Christless life leads to the loss of peace, joy, hope, true manhood and womanhood, God's favor, and ultimately eternal life. Torrey challenges the audience to consider whether they are willing to pay such a high price for a life devoid of Christ, encouraging them to make a decisive choice for faith. He stresses that true Christianity requires a commitment that may involve sacrifices but offers immeasurable rewards in return.
The Cost of Discipleship
By Art Katz4.8K1:17:13MAT 6:33MRK 16:15ACT 16:25In this sermon, the preacher starts by expressing his feelings of being unprepared and tired, and the concerns about the audience's expectations. However, he is urged to preach on the cross. He then shares a personal experience of making a whip and handcuffs for a TV program, relating it to the story of Paul and Silas being beaten and imprisoned. The preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing the Holy Spirit and the impact of Paul and Silas' obedience in spreading the gospel. He concludes by urging the audience to sober up and submit to the authority established by God, regardless of age.
Costly Discipleship
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 16:24LUK 14:27JHN 15:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding the true cost of discipleship, warning against the modern tendency to present a sanitized version of Christianity that promises only comfort and happiness. He critiques the approach of offering an easy path to faith without acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Christ. Tozer highlights that Jesus was a realist who presented the full truth to His followers, allowing them to make informed decisions about their commitment. He stresses that true discipleship involves facing hardships and that Christ's honesty about the journey is what makes Him trustworthy. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a more authentic representation of the Christian faith that prepares believers for the realities of following Jesus.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 10
By Paris Reidhead6.0K19:25EXO 20:12DEU 12:30MAT 22:37ROM 7:71TH 1:91JN 2:31JN 5:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing scripture, he had lied and deceived his parents. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments and honoring parents as a sign of being a child of God. He recounts a moment of brokenness and repentance where he sought forgiveness from God and his mother, and experienced the assurance of God's forgiveness. The sermon highlights the need for genuine commitment and passion to please God, rather than just going through religious motions.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead7.9K25:28ROM 10:9In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares a personal experience of speaking at a youth conference in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1955. After the service, a pianist approached the speaker and revealed that he felt the speaker was speaking directly to him and his struggles with faith. The speaker advises the pianist to share his testimony and the gospel with others, and to fully surrender his life to Jesus Christ. The pianist later reconnects with the speaker at a conference the following year, sharing that he had accepted Jesus as his Savior and was committed to living a life that pleases Him. The speaker emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly loving and trusting the Lord, and encourages the audience to examine their own commitment to Christ.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 11
By Paris Reidhead5.6K23:19MAT 22:37MAT 25:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement before the final judgment. He reads from Matthew Chapter 25, highlighting the criteria for judgment based on how individuals have treated others. The speaker emphasizes the need to love and care for our neighbors as ourselves, as this will be a determining factor in the judgment. He also mentions the Apostle Paul's exhortation to examine ourselves and ensure that we are in the faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the triune nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Cost of Discipleship - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead6.7K23:25MAT 22:34In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of television and media on society. He mentions a quote from Dr. McLuhan, stating that the most important thing about television is not what is seen on it, but the fact that it exists and can be instantly viewed around the world. The speaker then turns to Matthew chapter 22 and Ephesians chapter 4 in the Bible. He focuses on the commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself. The speaker highlights the need to spread the gospel to every person and to care for the well-being of others.
That I Might Know Him - Part 2
By Peter Brandon6552:15PHP 3:7Peter Brandon emphasizes the profound difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Him personally and experientially. He draws from Philippians 3:7-14, illustrating how the Apostle Paul counted all his gains as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the necessity of suffering to truly understand the power of His resurrection. Brandon challenges the congregation to reflect on their own relationship with Christ, urging them to seek an intimate and transformative knowledge of Him rather than mere intellectual understanding. He encourages believers to embrace the losses that come with following Christ, as they lead to a deeper fellowship with Him and a greater understanding of His glory. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to live out the reality of Christ in their lives, pressing toward the heavenly prize.