Everyday Disciple #1 - Counting the Cost

This week we begin a 6-week series of the “Everyday Disciple". This is a sermon series and includes daily devotionals as well. I encourage you to take some time to reflect each day on what it means to follow Jesus.

Matt 13:44-46

There is a cost to following Jesus, but the joy of knowing Jesus is greater than the cost of following.

This Sunday we begin with 'Counting the Cost'. Pastor Jason Elsmore, the Director of Qld Baptist and also Senior pastor of Gateway Baptist will be sharing a video message based on these parables of Jesus in Matt 13:44-46.

'The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.'

There is a cost to following Jesus, but the joy of knowing Jesus is greater than the cost of following. This was the heart of Jesus. As Jason’s says in his message, “The joy of saving you was greater than the cost of dying for you.” 

You will find great joy in being with Christ, seeing him at work, being transformed, growing closer than the cost of following. This has been my story over the years. Jason raises three challenges about counting the cost of following:

· Time cost of following Jesus

· Training cost of following Jesus

· Entitlement cost of following Jesus

As we surrender to Christ and intentionally follow, we will find a Spirit filled joy over time grow within us that gives glory to Jesus.

God bless.

Pastor Stephen