“The Discipleship Dilemma”

 “Real Talk: Life, Faith, and Following Jesus”

Opening:

Good morning Eastern Shore Baptist Church family. What a joy it is to be here with you this morning. To our visitors, my name is Stuart Davidson and you are our welcome guests. You could have chosen to worship just about anywhere this morning and you chose this church, God’s church, and we are humbled by your presence. To those of you who are watching online this morning, we are thankful that you have tuned in this morning. 

This morning we are in week three of a six week series entitled “Real Talk: Life, Faith, and Following Jesus. This series is all about getting real with what it means to follow Christ in our day-to-day lives. We’re stripping away the sugarcoating and diving into the challenges, the doubts, the struggles, and the incredible rewards of living out our faith. Over the next few weeks, we’ll explore what it looks like to walk with Jesus in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction.

Each week, we’ll tackle tough questions and practical truths that will help strengthen your faith and transform the way you live. This series is designed to give you tools to deepen your relationship with God, face life’s challenges with confidence, and become the kind of disciple who reflects Christ in every area of your life. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of what following Jesus really costs—and why it’s worth it.

What a blessing it is to be here with you this morning. I want to ask you a question before we start. What did it cost you to be here? What did it cost you to sit in that pew? What’s the cost of your attendance this morning? Oh make no mistake, there is a cost. Maybe it cost you some sleep. You could have slept in, caught some z’s, but you didn’t. You set your alarm, you woke up, and now you’re here. Maybe it cost you some time. After all, the grass needed to be mowed, there are bills that need paying, the house is a wreck. You could have used your time this morning to do all of those things. Instead, you’re here. Maybe it cost you some comfort. Your chairs at home are more comfortable than these pews. You get to control the air conditioner at your house. You don’t get to set the ac here. You have better coffee at home. No offense to anyone who makes our coffee but you like your coffee just so and it is impossible to make that here. 

Being here cost you some sleep. There are a lot of people sleeping in right now. How many of you noticed how easy it was to get to church this morning? No traffic jams on Sundays. No rude drivers out on the road today. 

Being here cost you some time. Lots of things you could be doing. 

Being here cost you some comfort. Your Lay-Z-Boy is way more comfortable. 

Did being here this morning cost you your life? A bit of a rhetorical question for all of you this morning. Of course worshipping here at church did not cost you your life. You are all here. You are breathing. 

Did being here this morning cost you your freedom? Of course not! You were free to come and you are free to leave. You do not fear being tossed in jail for your faith or for your worship. 

Did being here this morning cost you your business, your retirement, or your wealth? Not really. You may give a little in the plate but that was by choice. You are not giving under compulsion. It’s not like after the service today Im going to go back into a back room and count all the money like Ebenezer Scrooge. Im not going to pull out a check list of everyone who has given and mark off the names that were to “stingy” to give. 

No, being here did not cost you much at all. Your attendance today did not cost you your life, your freedom, or your finances. 

What if it did though? Would you still come? What if following Christ, worshipping Him, cost you your life, your freedom, your financial wealth? What if following Christ meant that you had to give up your life, your home, your family, you friends, your job, your retirement? Would you do it?

Do you remember what happened on April 20th, 1999? I was a junior in college. I remember it vividly. I was at the Shades Valley YMCA when I saw the news report. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris went into their high school, Columbine High, and killed 15 of their peers. Among them was classmate Cassie Bernall. Cassie, just a week before the event had attended a local church’s youth event where she heard the Gospel. Before this event, Cassie was in a very dark place. Far from God. Rebellious. In fact, she was contemplating suicide. She was sad, lonely, and depressed. Then she went to church, heard the Gospel, and was radically saved. She gave her heart and life to Christ. 

Then everything was perfect. Cassie never had another problem. It was all sunshine and waterfalls for her. No more problems. 

Is that what happened? No.

April 20th happened. Cassie Bernall, along with several of her classmates hid in the library when Klebold and Harris found them. Bernall was hiding under a table when Klebold approached her. Her classmates testified that Dylan Klebold asked Cassie Bernall believed in Jesus Christ. He told her that she had better “answer right” or she was going to die. 

“Do you believe in Jesus Christ?”

Bernall responded with “YES” and Klebold pulled the trigger. Cassie Bernall paid the ultimate price for her love of Christ. 

What about you friend? What would you do? What would I do? I pray that none of us have to ever make that choice. 

That is the greatest dilemma of discipleship. Most of us would say “yes, I would follow Jesus anywhere and everywhere even if it cost me everything”. We raise our hands and say that statement from the comfort of the freedoms afforded to us in the first amendment. 

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

We can boldly say that we would never turn our backs on Christ because we have guaranteed in law that we can assemble, we can worship, we can freely speak which encompasses preaching, teaching and singing. We can boldly say that we would give up everything for Jesus because there is no true threat of that statement costing us anything at all. 

Friends, today’s message is entitled “The Discipleship Dilemma”. Why is it a dilemma to be discipled in the Gospel of Christ? A dilemma is any situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives. Is it really a dilemma to follow Christ if there is no real threat of a cost?

Today’s Message:

“The Discipleship Dilemma”

But what if there was a cost? What if there was a cost to following Christ? You may not know this but we have in our midst people that have faced real persecution because of their faith in Christ. We have a member of our church who grew up in a different denomination. When she became a Baptist, her entire family turned their back on her, never speaking to her again. We have had church members who have grown up in Muslim contexts in Africa. Upon their conversion to Christianity, they were threatened with physical torture, beatings, and even martyrdom. 

You see, most of think that the cost of following Christ is a negative Facebook post. Our idea of persecution for our faith is someone saying something negative about us at work. Maybe a supposed friend stops talking to us, maybe we are the butt of a joke, maybe we get heckled. I don’t want to make light of those situations, but brothers and sisters, there are people around the world from us right now whose very lives are being threatened. Not on their lives, but the lives of their children and grand children. There are Christians around the world today that are being murdered, slain, and butchered for their faith in Jesus Christ. 

• According to Open Doors USA, 13 Christians a day are killed for their faith in Jesus Christ. Thats roughly 5000 people a year. 

• 4,125 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced or imprisoned. 

• 3,906 believers were abducted.

• More than 3,200 Christians were raped, sexually harassed or forced to marry non-Christians.

• 42,849 followers of Jesus were physically or mentally abused.

• And nearly 300,000 Christians were forced to leave their homes, go into hiding or flee their country of origin.

When is the last time that you thought about the cost to following Jesus? 

Jesus certainly has a lot to say on the subject. Naturally, we will look at Christ’s words on the top in Luke 9:23-27. That is our main Scripture this morning. However, there is so much more from our Lord on the topic. 

-Luke 6:22 (ESV):

“Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!”

-Mark 13:13 (ESV):

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

-Matthew 10:22 (ESV):

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

-John 15:18-19 (ESV):

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Oh friends, the cost of following Christ is not cheap. It is not just a heavy burden, it is also a heavenly blessing. This morning, Jesus is going to be engaged in some real talk with us this morning. He wants to open our eyes to the concept of persecution. He wants us to understand that following Him is not always boing to be rainbows and butterflies. Following Him will require real sacrifice. Sadly, most will not be willing to walk that road with Christ. 

Do me a favor this morning, fill in the blanks under “today’s thought”. There is a cost to following Christ, but it leads to contentment. 

I was reading a book the other day by Christine Caine. In fact, her book did a lot to inform the direction of this message this morning. Her book is entitled “Unstoppable, Running The Race You Were Born to Win”. Listen to what she says about the cost of following Christ. 

“Following Jesus is a commitment that will stretch you and cost you, but it will also lead you to a life of purpose and fulfillment.”

Today’s Thought:

There Is A Cost To Following Christ…But It Leads To Contentment!

On May 4th, 2010, a book was released that rocked the foundations of Baptist life. That book was called Radical and it was written by David Platt. Dr. Platt took full aim at American Western Christianity. He maintained that American Christianity was a cheap pseudo Christianity. A false Gospel. American Western Christianity was built around wealth, material possession, prestige, and prosperity. That false gospel had and continues to infect churches across America. It is a gospel that promises not to cost you anything but your soul. It is a gospel that prevents people from entering heaven but opens the gates to hell. Listen to what Dr. Platt say about the true “gospel”. 

Today’s Quote:

“The gospel is not just a message; it is a way of life. It’s a life that will cost you everything, but in the end, it will gain you everything. Jesus is not simply offering a ticket to heaven; He is calling us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. We must realize that being a disciple of Christ will require sacrifices, which may involve giving up our comforts, our preferences, and our very lives for the sake of the gospel. This is not a call to a life of ease and convenience, but a radical invitation to lay down our lives for something far greater than ourselves.” 

- Dr. David Platt’s “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream”

Background and Context:

Today we will be reading from Luke’s Gospel, chapter 9, verses 23-27. Before we do that this morning, I want to set up the context and background of the passage. I want to help you understand what’s going on. 

At this point in Jesus’ ministry, His popularity is skyrocketing—crowds are following Him everywhere. People are amazed by His teachings, miracles, and compassion. But here’s the thing: Jesus wasn’t interested in gathering casual fans. He wasn’t about to let His message be watered down for convenience or comfort. In fact, He knew that His journey was headed toward the cross—a place of ultimate sacrifice.

Just before this passage, Jesus drops a massive bombshell: He predicts His own suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection (Luke 9:22). This was probably a jaw-dropping moment for His disciples. They’d been following Him thinking He was about to take over as a powerful king and kick out the Romans. But Jesus flips their expectations by revealing that following Him comes with a cost.

In Luke 9:23-27, Jesus lays out what it really means to be His disciple. He doesn’t sugarcoat it: it’s going to be tough. It’s not about popularity or an easy path. He talks about denying yourself, carrying a cross, and losing your life for His sake. It’s a call to total surrender, to live for something greater than ourselves.

Now, with that context in mind, we’re going to dive into three keys to counting the cost of discipleship. Let’s break it down so we can understand what it really means to follow Jesus—not just on Sundays, but in our everyday lives.

Statement of Belief:

Before we do that, I want to remind you…

We believe the Bible is inspired, infallible, and authoritative. It is vital for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. God’s Word brings life, peace, and protection, and it profoundly touches the human soul. As a unique and powerful book, let us stand in reverence and respect for it.

Today’s Scripture

Luke 9:23-27 ESV

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? [26] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. [27] But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."

Pastor: “This is the Word of the Lord.”

Congregation: “Praise His name! Praise His holy name!”

3 Keys To Counting The Cost of Discipleship…

I. Denial of Self vs. 23

This morning I want to give you three keys to counting the cost of discipleship. First off, I think it is important to define our terms. What do I mean by cost and what do I mean by discipleship. When we talk about “cost,” we’re not talking about something we can pay with money or resources. The cost of discipleship is about the sacrifices we make and the priorities we shift in our lives for the sake of following Jesus. It’s the idea that true discipleship isn’t always easy or convenient. It’s about surrendering our will, desires, and comforts in exchange for living out God’s purpose and plan.

Now, “discipleship” means being a follower of Jesus, but not just in name. It’s about being a committed student of His teachings, striving to live and love like He did. Discipleship is a lifelong journey of learning from Jesus, walking in His ways, and allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds. It means not only believing in Him but actively following His lead every day.

The first thing that I want to reveal to you is that the first cost of discipleship is self. Fill in that blank this morning. Denial of self. 

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself…”

To deny yourself means saying “no” to the natural desires and impulses that pull you away from God’s will. It’s about letting go of the me-first mentality that our world constantly pushes. It’s not about just giving up chocolate for Lent or saying no to that extra slice of pizza—this is way deeper. It’s saying no to your old self, your old ways, and saying yes to God’s better plan. It’s surrendering your preferences, your comforts, and even your pride to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

Now, what’s the potential cost? Well, denying yourself could cost you relationships, comfort, and security. It could mean stepping out of your comfort zone to share your faith, letting go of habits that don’t honor God, or making choices that others don’t understand. You might have to choose Jesus over popularity, over success, over what feels easy. Following Jesus comes with real sacrifices.

And let’s be real—why is it so hard? Because we love ourselves! Our world tells us to “live your best life,” “follow your heart,” “do what makes you happy.” Denying yourself goes against everything society says is normal. It’s hard because it means living counter-culturally. It’s hard because it’s daily. Every day, we wake up with the temptation to put ourselves first, to live for our own desires. But Jesus calls us to something greater—to lose ourselves so we can truly find life in Him.

“Lose ourselves”. That is a pretty interesting thing to say but what does it mean? You know what, I will come back to that at the end of the message. For now, let’s see what Paul has to say on the matter by reading Galatians 2:20. 

Galatians 2:20 ESV

“For I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

3 Keys To Counting The Cost of Discipleship…

I. Denial of Self vs. 23

II. Daily Discipline vs. 23

So, our first key to counting the cost of discipleship is denial of self. The second key is daily discipline. Let finish verse 23 this morning. 

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

When I think of discipline, I think of the high level athlete. One of the most famous athletes in the world today is former Iowa Basketball phenom Caitlin Clark. Ms. Clark is considered to be one of, if not the best female basketball player in the world. Im a big fan of hers because she has endured a great deal of criticism both on and off the court. Much of the criticism and critiques have come from opposing players and coaches. Clark shrugs it all off and continues to work, focused, ready, driven. 

The other day I was reading about Caitlin’s off season workout regimen. During the offseason, she wakes as early as 3:30 in the morning for a long run. Then she swims. Then she eats breakfast. Then she hits the court. She is a tremendous point guard and it’s because she drills herself in ball handling exercises for hours. She then eats lunch and it is back to the court. She scrimmages daily. Each and every day she shoots 100 3-Pointers, 100 mid range shots, and another 100 free throw attempts. 

That’s discipline folks. That’s what sets her apart from the crowd. 

Paul, the Apostle, also saw high level athletes as an example of discipline. Listen to what he told Timothy in  I Timothy 4:8…

I Timothy 4:8 ESV

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 

Paul says that training the body is great, but what about the thing that really counts? What about the spirit, our souls?

What did Jesus say?

“Let him take up his cross daily and follow me.” Now that is a verse that is often quoted. You may even have it memorized. It is perhaps the second most popular verse in the Bible behind John 3:16. In fact, I have seen athletes write that very Scripture on their eye black or on their sneakers. 

Im afraid that that passage has become so popular that it has lost some of its meaning. It has become so commonplace that it has lost the punch, lost the power. 

What is Jesus trying to communicate?

Let’s talk about the cross for a second. When we hear the words “take up your cross” we do not flench. However, those words would have drawn an audible gasp among Jesus’ listeners. The cross was reserved for the worst of the worst. The cross was not something that everyone was to take up. The only people taking up the cross in Jesus’ day were convicted criminals. The only people taking up a cross were thieves, rapists, murders, or traitors to the state. Cross bearers in Jesus’ day were the outcasts of society. They would have been arrested, tried, and found guilty. For the record, punishment back in Jesus’ day was a community event. Corporal punishments and death penalties today are done in back rooms. They are quiet, not highly publicized, as talking about such matters today are seen as taboo. You do not talk about death, murder, and rape at parties, get togethers, fellowships, or religious settings. 

However, it was common practice to not only talk about such events, but it was expected for the community to participate in these events. Think about Jesus’ crucifixion. It was the crowd who chose Jesus’ punishment. As Jesus carried HIs cross, the crowd and mob lined the road where he walked so that they could spit own Him, jeer Him, and make fun of His torment. The same mob gathered at the cross as Jesus was fixed so that they could continue their insults. The crowd’s involvement was done to solidify the criminals embarrassment. The criminal was to be harassed and harangued so that it might deter other would be criminals. 

So, when Jesus says that we should “take up our cross”, this language would have created a stir among the crowd. Friends, we have turned the cross into something beautiful. We have crafted fine jewelry out of the cross. Crosses have become artwork. I have several crosses in my office hanging on the walls. I have crosses at my house, on my bookshelves, and hanging in my office. We have made crosses from gold, silver, titanium. We have carved them from wood. Made them ornate. Showpieces. We often are proud of our crosses. Hey look at my cross. Isn’t it beautiful we say.

We forget that the cross was an instrument of death. A tool of torture. Reserved for the scum of the earth. So when Jesus says that we should “take up our cross” the crowd would have been shocked by His words. There would have been people who might have snickered thinking that He must have mixed up His words or crossed His references. 

“Surely He doesn’t mean that in order to follow Him we must die?” 

That’s exactly what He means. In order for us to live to Christ we must die to self. It gives new meaning, new definition to self sacrifice. This is not done one time. This decision to dying to self is not a one time event. It is a daily decision. Moment by moment. Minute by minute. Second by second. We give Christ our lives, giving Him our very best. 

It is a discipline that few are willing to practice and the cost is high. So high in fact that we try to commit the crime of spiritual thievery. What does that mean? It means that we try to rob God. Again, what does that mean?

Spiritual thievery is when someone says the words, expecting to get all the benefits and blessings, without having to sacrifice anything in return. It is a cheap spiritualism that is infecting churches and so called pseudo Christians all across America. There are churches who are filled to the brim with people attending a show. Their fannies are in the seats. They sing. They give. They shout, speak in tongues, and participate in healing services. They go on mission trips. They take pictures with the natives so that they can post them on social media so their friends can see how great and how “Christian” they are. Well, they have received their rewards in likes but they are spiritually dead inside. They are enemies of God. Jesus never knew them and if they were to die they would go straight to hell. They have committed spiritual thievery. They have attempted to steal blessing from God without the discipline, without the obedience, without the sacrifice. 

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' [23] And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'

Spiritual discipline is a daily act, according to Jesus. Men, imagine promising faithfulness to your wives on the day that you were married. You put the ring on her finger. Looked into her eyes. You kissed her. You walked her down the aisle. It was a beautiful moment. You did all of that while keeping your eye on the maid of honor. Imagine how your wife would feel if she knew that truth. Imagine the hurt. Imagine the pain knowing that while you promised yourself to her you still reserved a spot for another. It would be deeply painful. No, when we looked into the eyes of our wives, we were effectively saying “no” to all others. My heart, my soul, my very life now belonged to this one woman. No room for any others. Wholly committed and entirely faithful. You did this once but continue to do it day after day after day after day. Even when she is old. Even when her hair turns gray, when the wrinkles set in. Even when her mind starts to fail and her body no longer works due to old age. Even then, you remain true. That is discipline. That is faithfulness.   

3 Keys To Counting The Cost of Discipleship…

I. Denial of Self vs. 23

II. Daily Discipline vs. 23

III. Determination To Follow vs. 24-25

So, what is our third key to the counting the cost of discipleship? Denial of self. Daily discipline. Lastly, determination to follow. In order to be true disciple of Jesus Christ, we must be determined to follow Him. 

Let’s read verses 24 and 25 again. 

[24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 

Whoever would save his life would lose it but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Boy, that is a real mind bender isn’t it?

Have you ever noticed that so much of the Christian walk is like walking on a tight rope upside down and blind folded? So many times in my life I have felt like my relationship with God was like driving in the dark without headlights. It feels like flying blind. I am going somewhere, no idea where, trusting God all the way. 

Now, in 14 years of pastoring this church, I have never talked about football behind the pulpit but I am going to break that rule this morning. In fact, I am going to commit the carnal sin of talking about Alabama football. So brace yourselves. 

God taught me something the other day. In fact, the lesson came at the hands of the coaches and players at the University of Vanderbilt. Lowly Vanderbilt. The last time that Vanderbilt beat Alabama was in 1984. I was 6 years old and have no memory of the event. Previous to the win in 1984, Vanderbilt had beaten Alabama in football all the way back in 1969. The loss was particularly hard for Alabama fans because it was the only time that Vanderbilt had beaten a number one ranked team in the history of the program. Get this, Vanderbilt, before last Saturday, was 0-60 verses top five opponents. They had never, not once won a game. 

Do you know why Vanderbilt beat Alabama?

I did some digging and I think that I discovered the answer. 

How many of you know what YAC means? YAC is a statistical data point for football and people that really know and understand the game know the value of YAC. It is one of the most important and yet overlooked parts of the game. 

Yards after catch. 

Yards after catch (YAC) is that extra yardage a football player gains after they’ve caught the ball—it’s what happens after the initial reception. Once that player has been handed the ball, or after he has caught the ball, he is usually quickly met with a punishing, jarring, violent collision from an opponent. That player has a choice: he can stop, he can quit, he can kneel, or he can keep pushing forward. He can keep churning this feet, refusing to stop. 

You see, yards after catch, to me at least, the the actual measurement of determination. Yards after catch is a mathematical way to measure the heart and integrity of a player. Will he quit or will he keep going?

It you go back and look at the box score of the game, you’ll find out that Vanderbilt led the vaunted Crimson Tide in one important category among many others…that’s right…yards after catch. They had nearly 3 times as many yards after catch than Alabama. 

A heart breaking stat for this Alabama fan. 

But there is a lesson there isn’t there? In life, especially when walking with Christ, you will be hit and hit hard. You will be hit with defeat. You will be hit with disease. Hit with loss. Hit with pain, suffering, hardship, trials. Just ask those folks down in Tampa. They have been hit. Ask the people living in Ashville. They have have been hit. 

Just this past week I got a text from a friend living here in Daphne. 

Okay friend, I hate to bother you, but - I can really use your power of prayer!  I am nervous, scared really. The last couple of weeks I have had a series of tests and well - tomorrow I go in for a biopsy of my left breast to determine if the spots found are cancer or not.   I am worried, nervous, scared, anxious- well I am all the things!   So it would really mean a lot to me if you and Angela could say an extra prayer for me and for the medical team that is going to be doing the biopsy.  I can try and think positive and hope it’s nothing, but my mind only allows me to go to that dark place - of what if it’s Cancer!  

Turns out, it is cancer. Thank God early stages but still…scary. 

We will all be hit one day. We will have a choice. Spiritually speaking, what will be your yards after catch statistic? Will you just crumple? Fall apart? Will you turn to Christ. Determined to continue to follow Him no matter what. 

One of my all time favorite heroes is Lottie Moon. We take up an annual Christmas offering named for her each year. That offering covers the living expenses for missionaries on the foreign mission field. Lottie Moon was serving as a missionary in China during a terrible time of famine and disease. Moon, who desperately loved the Chinese people and wanted them to be saved, gave everything she had so that they would see Christ in her. She gave them medicine and even the food that she should have been eating. 

Eventually Moon became ill and malnourished. She was deathly ill. Her family convinced her to come home to get treatment but she passed away on the boat. They buried her in her home state of Virgina. Her headstone is very simple. A simple inscription reads her name, Lottie Moon, “Faithful unto death”. 

Lottie Moon was determined to follow Christ no matter what. She didn’t care what others thought. She didn’t care about the latest fads. She didn’t care about pleasing others. It was all about following Christ and giving Jesus her very best. 

Friends, sometimes the true cost of discipleship is our very lives. There in lies the dilemma. A choice. The world says that in order to save our lives, we must take from others. Push others down. Serve ourselves. Jesus says that if we want to truly live, we must die. Give it all away. Die to self and live to Christ. 

Is that a price you are willing to pay?

I will close with another word from Paul…

Philippians 3:7-8 ESV

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 

Friends…

Be A True Disciple By Being Obedient!

Let’s pray this morning together. Will you bow your heads with me…

Let’s bow our heads in prayer.

Heavenly Father, we come before You, recognizing the weight of the words we’ve just heard from Your Son in Luke 9. As we reflect on the cost of following Jesus, we ask for strength and courage. Help us, Lord, to deny ourselves, to lay down our pride, our desires, and our need for control. Empower us to walk in humility, knowing that in surrendering to You, we find true life.

Give us the grace to embrace daily discipline, to pick up our cross each day with perseverance. We know that discipleship is not a one-time decision, but a daily choice to follow You in the small and big moments of life. Help us stay steadfast, even when it’s difficult, knowing that You walk with us every step of the way.

Finally, Lord, ignite in us a determination to follow You, even when the road is hard and the path is uncertain. Help us to remember the eternal reward that far outweighs any temporary struggles. Teach us to keep our eyes fixed on You, knowing that to gain the world is nothing compared to losing our soul.

Lord, we commit our lives to You. Strengthen our resolve to follow Jesus wherever He leads, and may our lives reflect Your love, grace, and truth. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.