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Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsSelf-renunciation is an indispensable condition of following Christ, demanding full and selfless service to God with our hearts and minds, not just our bodies. True discipleship, as emphasized in Luke 14:25-33, requires us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition to becoming Christ's disciples. Loyalty to Jesus Christ and God the Father must surpass even the highest earthly loves, placing God first in our lives. The cost of discipleship is significant, for a sacrifice is worthless if it costs the offerer nothing. The journey to His Kingdom is not free; it demands our lives. Christ Himself lived with humiliation and agony, exemplifying the cost of commitment to God's will, requiring nothing of us that He has not already endured. Both the Father and the Son counted the cost before proceeding with their divine plan. In the parable of the tower-builder, Jesus teaches that truth is costly, and we must estimate the cost before entering God's way of life, recognizing that whatever it costs, it is worth it. Failure to count the cost results in an incomplete life, and holding fast to the word of life is essential for finishing successfully. The parable of a king going to war reinforces the need to count the cost, estimating not only resources but also resolve and fortitude. As King, Jesus has already paid the cost in His flesh, setting an example for us. We, as potential kings in the Kingdom, must also count the cost of our lives, preparing with perseverance, endurance, willpower, and a willingness to sacrifice to triumph over satan, the world, and our human nature. Jesus instructs that discipleship includes forsaking all, requiring planning and sacrifice. We must be willing to pay the full price, sacrificing pleasures, distractions, material possessions, and even family if they hinder serving God. In this war against powerful enemies—satan, the world, and our human nature—we must exercise self-control and be willing to give up everything for Jesus, overcoming only with the help of the Spirit of our King.
Counting the Cost of Humility
Sermonette by Bill OnisickEven as several grandiose building projects have terminated because of cost overruns, so must we carefully count the cost of our spiritual building project.
The Awesome Cost of Love
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughWe assess costs and values all the time in our daily lives. We should employ the same process to God's love for us in giving His Son as the sacrifice for sin.
How Expensive Is Your Religion? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordAre God's requirements too exacting and difficult for us? Are we committed to the way forward, or are we spending time looking back to the world?
How Expensive Is Your Religion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordChristianity is not for the faint of heart. Jesus urges us to count the cost of discipleship. Many of the patriarchs had to make hard choices, as do we.
How Expensive is Your Religion?
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mike Fordwe must soberly count the cost before we embark on our spiritual trek. Are we willing to give up our job, our family, or even our life to follow God's plan?
Our 'Mental' Deathbed
Sermonette by Bill OnisickMoses asks God to teach us to number our days, realizing that our physical lives are finite, requiring a sense of urgency to get rid of our sins.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Twenty-Two)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Much of Protestantism misconstrues the significance of the New Covenant as a 'free pass into Heaven' without paying attention to the Law within the Covenant.
Being a Christian
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe brazen altar symbolized total sacrifice. We have to be willing to give up everything, bearing our own individual cross, forsaking all to follow Him.
Deuteronomy and Holiness
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God has provided the God-plane marriage relationship to teach us how to submit to one another, sacrificing our self-centeredness for the benefit of our spouse.
The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThere must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.
Learning to Navigate
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we navigating through life toward God's Kingdom like Jesus Christ? As our example, He has already done the heavy lifting; our job is to follow his lead.
Principled Living (Part One): Imitating Christ
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing Jesus requires absolute commitment, often involving sacrifice and discomfort. We must be willing to give up family and societal ties for God's sake.
Our Spiritual Climb
Sermon by Bill OnisickOur journey to the Kingdom of God is not easy, requiring the same kind of physical and mental stamina that climbers need to climb Mount Everest.
Hebrews: Its Background (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Although God never intended the Old Covenant to endure eternally, the spiritual law (shared by both the old and new covenants) lasts forever.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
Faith (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFar from being blind, faith is based on analyzing, comparing, adding up from evidence in God's Word, our own experience, and our calling by God's Holy Spirit.
Leadership and the Covenants (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.