Count the Cost

Luke 14:25-33

I.   Negative

A.     Jesus is stopping followers from following him.

1.       Would our church put up a sign telling people they must attend all services in order to be a member of IBC?

2.       Would our church tell people IBC is not a place of entertainment?

3.       Would IBC tell people we will exclude them from membership if they willingly, publicly sin?

4.       Does IBC and God expect anything of those that follow God?

5.       Romans 12:1-2 – When we dedicate our entire selves to God, there are many blessings to follow.

a.       Will we preach this verse?

b.       Will we expect members to obey?

B.     Deut 13:6-11 – Do not let family members keep us from God’s service.

1.       These are the people closest to us, and most likely to influence us for good or bad.

2.       Will God and his holy Bible influence us more than our family members?

C.     Numbers 13 – Time to spy out the land of Canaan.

1.       Romans 8:13 – For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

2.       Matthew 16:24-26 – Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

II.   Positive

A.      

B.     Think of all the good things God can do to and for your family when you put God first.