Count the Cost

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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!

What is Possible?

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JESUS SPEAKING

“With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19: 26)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

God is not shackled by the limitations of human reasoning. There are no boundaries to what the Lord can accomplish. And so, those things which man perceives to be impossible, are entirely possible with God.

There came a time in the Old Testament when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was attacked by the Syrian Empire. The Syrians laid siege to the capital city of Samaria for quite some time; cutting off all of their supplies. The people struggled and began to starve. When the conditions became unbearable, King Joram and his men set out to find the Prophet Elisha and execute him. And yet when they attempted to arrest him, he prophesied that the very next day there would be an abundance of food for everyone in the city; so much food that the price of goods would return to their normal levels. One of the men accompanying the King scoffed at such a premise, saying, “if the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” In response Elisha prophesied that this man would observe the miracle but wouldn’t be able to consume any of the food. Later that night, God inundated the Syrian army with the sound of enemy chariots and soldiers marching against them; an illusion that served a greater purpose. The Syrians panicked and fled in haste, leaving all of their equipment, supplies, and food behind. The next day the Israelites discovered the empty camps and raided them; bringing an abundance of food back into the city. And thus the cost of food returned to its normal level. So the man who had previously scoffed at Elisha’s prophecy was trampled beneath the feet of the raging crowds near the city gate. Thus God’s prophecy was fulfilled; that evil scoffer witnessed the miracle but didn’t eat any of the food.

Like the man who was trampled, there is a danger in placing human limitations on what we believe God can achieve. When any difficult circumstance arises, may we remember that our God is able to accomplish impossible things.

. “Lord Heavenly Father, we know that with You, all things are possible. May we remain focused on Your power and your strength, no matter how difficult the circumstances might appear. May we never forget that You are a miracle worker. 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 we pray. Amen.” God bless all of you!

The Dangers of Sectarianism

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JESUS SPEAKING

Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbid him because he does not follow us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of me. For he who is not against us is on our side.” (Mark 9: 38 – 39)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Jesus creates unity among believers and division between Christians and non-Christians. The man casting out demons in this scripture was apparently a believer; and so the disciples were rebuked for attempting to stop him. Authority and power within the Church is derived from God rather than man. If we share the same essential doctrine, then we share the same Christ. Our duty as believers is to avoid allowing uncertain things to create division. Sectarianism, or the belief that one particular denomination represents the true church, is highly questionable. [Note: This is not a call to abandon churches, or the hierarchies established within them, but rather, to avoid allowing non-doctrinal issues to create division. Still, if a congregation turns away from sound doctrine, then finding another home church is essential.]

Throughout the centuries, endless cults have arisen which fervently embrace sectarianism. Each group claims to be the one true Church; asserting that unless you join their organization and follow their strange practices, you cannot be saved. One cult in particular, known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, wander around from door to door trying to convince people that they must call God by the name Jehovah (although God has many names in the old testament and Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved.) Additionally, celebrating birthdays, Christmas and Easter are also strictly forbidden. This cult’s own literature says, “We acknowledge as the visible organization of Jehovah on earth, the Watchtower Bible and Track Society.” Any organization that claims membership with them is a requirement for salvation stands in opposition to the very Lord they profess to serve. [Note: Believers need to be members of a church body somewhere in their community.]

As Christians we know that no sect or denomination can replace the body of Christ. Man-made traditions and practices, although often beneficial, can never control the work of the Holy Spirit. Our duty is to keep Jesus Christ at the center of our faith. Many struggle to accomplish this simple task. Jesus is what connects us; He binds us together; He is our salvation and our strength. May we always keep Him close as we fellowship with others who love Him also. [Note: Not all denominations are bad; if they adhere to sound biblical doctrine they are acceptable.]

“Lord Heavenly Father, grant us discernment. May we never forget that our faith in You and Your Son is what truly matters. May we continue to accomplish good works in Your name. May we draw near to one another as we draw near to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we might accomplish Your miracles in this place. 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!