The Cost of Following Jesus Colonial Hills Baptist Church Rev. Robert J. Smith Pastor Colonial Hills Baptist Church

Luke 9:23-24  23And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

Salvation vs. Discipleship 30As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:30-32 (KJV)

Salvation vs. Discipleship Salvation is about the Cross of Christ At Salvation you receive a gift, eternal life The Salvation decision must be made only once Salvation is about grace Salvation results in Eternal Life Discipleship is about your own cross. In Discipleship you give a gift, your body. The Discipleship decision must be made again and again Discipleship is about works Discipleship results in Eternal Rewards

Salvation vs. Discipleship Christ’s invitation to salvation is “Come unto me”   28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (KJV)

Salvation vs. Discipleship Christ’s call to discipleship is “Come after me”   23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 (KJV)

You will deny yourself 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. 25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:20-25 (KJV)

You will deny yourself 20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (KJV)

You will deny yourself JOY Jesus First Others Second You Last

You will take up your cross daily 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; John 8:31 (KJV)

You will take up your cross daily 7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7 (KJV)

You will take up your cross daily 34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34 (KJV)

You will take up your cross daily 8Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8 (KJV)

You will follow Him 19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 (KJV)

You will follow Him 26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. John 12:26 (KJV)

You will follow Him 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 1 Peter 2:21 (KJV)

Are you only a believer or are you a disciple? Conclusion Are you only a spectator in matters of faith? Or do you have “skin in the game”?   Are you only a believer or are you a disciple? You must decide.