JESUS SPEAKS
“And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it; lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14: 27 – 30)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
The tower in this parable represents the Christian life. Those who are contemplating a potential conversion are encouraged to first sit down and count the cost. Following Christ demands great sacrifice and results in divine transformation. And thus, in our evangelistic endeavors, failing to include the requirements of repentance and rebirth is dishonest.
I recently spoke to a group of young men. Although they possessed a very basic knowledge of Christianity, they were surprised when I presented them with the full gospel. I explained that they were obligated to repent from their sinful lifestyles (drunkenness, lewdness, fornication, etc.), which they had not yet abandoned, in order to be transformed by the Lord. Although a couple of men listened to the message without offense, one man became angry. He claimed to be confused by what I had said, and subsequently rejected the gospel (or so it appeared) because it required him to change.
Before an individual can make a decision to become a Christian and be baptized, they must first consider the cost; lest they devote themselves in ignorance to a life which requires great sacrifice. Many who have made this mistake will initially accept and embrace the gospel, but will eventually walk away before it is finished.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we reach out to those who are lost and present them with the gospel truth. Give us strength and courage; and grant us wisdom in our evangelistic endeavors, that by means of Your Spirit, many might repent and receive Your free gift of salvation. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 