Have You Counted The Cost We usually consider this subject from the standpoint of being saved. Today we look at it from the view of being lost.

Introduction The other night was our singing night, and as usual, the leader asked for suggestions. Someone suggested a song and we sang it. On the same opening was a song that I have not sung in a long time, so I asked it to be lead. Number 266 in (Hymns for Worship). The song stuck with me and this sermon is the result.

Have You Counted The Cost? Nobody is exempt from dying. Hebrews 9:27 tells us “it is appointed for man once to die, then afterwards the judgment.” Whenever that time comes, we should be prepared to face God in judgment. Many are not prepared.

Matthew 16:26 “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? We only have only one soul. It was given to us upon our conception. This soul is housed in our fleshly bodies. This soul is eternal. Long after we are dead, our soul will continue.

Have You Counted The Cost Have you considered your soul that will continue? Your eternal destiny is decided by the decisions you make in this life. Let us look at the song and hopefully learn some things about our soul.

Have You Counted The Cost Verse one: “There’s a line that is drawn by rejecting our Lord, Where the call of His Spirit is lost, And you hurry along with the pleasure mad throng….. This line is one likened to drawing a line in the sand and seeing who will cross it (either in rebellion or support) Crossing the line suggest you have taken things too far.

Have You Counted The Cost God calls us through His Spirit. In this case the gospel call is the result of the work of the Holy Spirit. All have been called to obey the gospel. Yet many pay no attention to God’s invitation. These are those “who know not God and keep not His commandments” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8)

Have You Counted The Cost Many are rushing headlong with the world that is focused upon pleasure and not paying attention to the fact there is even a soul that will stand before God in judgment. Most of the forces in the world today are trying to lead people away from God. Most do not like it when told that they are wrong or “in sin”, so it is easier to dismiss God from the equation.

Have You Counted The Cost Verse two: You may barter your hope of eternity’s morn, For a moment of joy at the most, For the glitter of sin and the things it will win…. To barter is to trade. You are trading your soul’s security for something that is temporary. It last just a moment.

Have You Counted The Cost Paul talked about the momentary light affliction is not to be compared with the eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4 Satan makes sin look appealing, but in reality it is bitter, dangerous, deceptive, and will cause the destruction of our soul (eternal torment).

Have You Counted The Cost Verse three: While the door of His mercy is open to you, Ere the depth of His love you exhaust, Won’t you come and be healed, won’t you whisper, I yield…. Jesus is the door, and Jesus stands with open arms because that is what God desires. The invitation is yours.

Have You Counted The Cost God loves you so much that he gave His Son to die in your place. But also remember that time will run out for everyone including you. God made it possible for you to be saved, but you have to make that choice on your own. DON’T PRESS YOUR LUCK.

Have You Counted The Cost Come to God. God can heal you. God wants to heal you. But you must yield to His will. Humble yourself before God, Do His will, And You WILL BE SAVED.

Conclusion Chorus: Have you counted the cost if your soul should be lost, tho’ you gain the whole world for your own. Even now it may be that the line you have crossed, Have you counted, have you counted, the cost. Acts 22:16 “And why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord”. Even after our baptism, we must be careful to not allow Satan to draw us away from salvation by offering the pleasures of sin. Yes we should weigh the cost of our soul.