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

2. 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.

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. You will deny yourself
JOY
Jesus First
Others Second
You Last

10. 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)

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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)

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

15. 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)

16. 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)

17. 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.