Category: Discipleship
Subject: Discipleship
A Simple Evaluation
We are often told the importance of counting the cost before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. While we want everyone to make the commitment, the idea that it is an important and substantial decision must not be forgotten. Consider the words of Jesus Himself, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 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’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26-33). Continue reading “A Simple Evaluation”
Sermon: Shrewd Sons of Light
We are to be selfless, and interested in others. But, interestingly, to act as Christians, fully devoted to God and your fellow man is a shrewd (prudent) thing to do. In effect, you are acting in your own self-interest!
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If the World Hates You
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me” (John 15:18-21).
Hate is such a strong word. Most would deny being guilty of hating anyone. Few revel in receiving hatred from others. The Greek word as used by Jesus: “is used especially, (a) of malicious and unjustifiable feelings towards others” (Vines).
As difficult as it is to come to grips with the possibility we will be hated for our faith, it is something each one of us must accept. The dichotomy that has existed throughout the ages, (good vs evil, light vs darkness, Christ vs Belial), is unchanging and unchangeable.
The world hates the Lord. It seeks darkness rather than light. If we are His, we will inevitably be painted with the same brush by Christ’s enemies. “A servant is not greater than his master.” It is a part of the cost we pay as we take up our cross to follow Him. It is the choice we make. Though hard, it is best choice, and infinitely rewarding.
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The Christians Identified in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians
It is sometimes interesting to learn about the names we read of in the Bible. I was looking through the list of names in Paul’s closing comments in his letter to the Colossians, and it occurred to me that lessons are to be learned here.
So, here is the list, with comments included:
First in the list is Timothy. He is mentioned in (1:1), and was a close associate to Paul. Because of his relationship with the apostle, and the letters Paul wrote to him, we know much about Timothy. His mother and grandmother were Jewish, and taught him the scriptures. His father was a Gentile. Paul had Timothy circumcised to avoid any unnecessary conflict (Acts 16:3), and considered him to be a “son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Interestingly, Titus was considered the same by Paul (cf. Titus 1:4). The young evangelist Timothy was perhaps Paul’s closest and most beloved companion.
Continue reading “The Christians Identified in Paul’s Letter to the Colossians”
The Patternists: He Cannot Be My Disciple
In Luke 14:28-32, Jesus taught two parables about counting the cost. A man should count the cost of building a tower, so that he doesn’t run out of money before it is finished. A king should count the cost before going to war against an army twice the size of his own, so that he is not defeated in his efforts.
The two parables show the importance of counting the cost before making an important decision. Jesus taught the parables to make a point about discipleship.
Continue reading “The Patternists: He Cannot Be My Disciple”
Sermon: The Big Picture
Justin Carrell exhorts the brethren to careful self-examination. In this way, we can be sure what our talents, purpose and position is in the Lord’s church, and ensure we are living up to our capabilities.
Sermon: Living for Jesus
Speaker: Tommy Davis
Tommy discusses the text of Romans 12, emphasizing that as Christians we must lay aside any distractions, and have as our priority serving Christ first.
Sermon: The Aftermath of Hard Teaching
Sermon 16 in series.
In John 6:60-71, we are told that many who heard Jesus’ teaching, because it was “hard”, turned away and followed Him no more. From this we can learn to differentiate from true disciples, and those who are not.
Sermon: The Desires of Disciples
An examination of the proper desires of God’s people. For example to be lovers of God rather than the world, and to Honor and Obey Him, no matter the sacrifices that must be made.
Sermon: Put God First!
If we give God the first hour of every day, the first day of every week, the first portion of every paycheck, the first consideration in every decision and the first place in our hearts, then we will understand what it is to be putting God first in our lives.
Sermon: A Different Way of Thinking
Sermon: Preached outside during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jesus’ thinking about religion and faith was very different from those seen among the Jews and Gentiles in the first century. Interestingly, in the denominations today you still see a very different view of religion and faith from that held by our Lord.
The Mob Mentality
We live in harrowing times. The present pandemic is becoming more and more intrusive in the world. Not only have many died from the COVID-19 virus, but there is a growing panic in America and throughout the world.
It is hard to know whether things are as bad as they seem to be. The virus is actually fairly mild compared to others, but it is new, and seems to be easily spread. Regardless, it is being covered by the media 24/7, and is resulting in major lifestyle changes in America.
I Press On
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 1:12). Paul’s words here are often passed over in favor of quoting the two that follow. “Brethren I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (1:13-14).
But, verse 12 adds much to the thought Paul is expressing in the text. Primarily, it states the fact that Paul had not yet attained whatever “that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” is. What is it? The glorious prize! The crown of righteousness!
You have two religious attitudes that prevail in our day. The first is the view that because I have been saved, the attaining of the goal is a fait accompli. I may should press on, but I don’t have to press on. I am saved. I am going to heaven. My eternal destiny is set.
The second is that expressed by Paul in our text. He was saved, but he knew that the crown of righteousness had not yet been awarded. As such, he lived with purpose. He sought daily to maintain his relationship with the Lord, pressing forward to attain the goal. He did not want to become a castaway! (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27). Paul’s attitude is the correct one. Don’t presume, get to work!
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Sermon: Being a Child of God
Speaker: Tommy Davis
There is a great cause for joy when one is a child of God!
Sermon: What We Are
An examination of our identity as Christians.
