August 17, 1992
                         For: September 6, 1992 am
(pm is Communion)
     Text: Luke 14: 25 - 35
     Lay Reader
Title     The Cost of the Cross

Theme: A challenge to forever abandon "cheap grace" and
deliberately follow the crucified Savior.

Sermon: Introduction: A winnowing, watershed time had come for the
followers of Jesus (see John 6:66.)

     Multitudes were (already) "going along" with the Jesus-
caravan.  It was as though Jesus were totally unimpressed. He may
or may not have been pleased by the so-called "big numbers," but
His words this day cut to the very heart of the matter. Jesus was
laying his mission on the line. He demanded:


1. A LOVE THAT HAS NO COMPARISON. (26)

     -not for security (parent)

     -nor fulfillment (wife, children)

     -nor even fellowship (brothers and sisters)

     Certainly these are all good, even necessary to life.  God
knows that.  But at some time or other the very good things in life
can become rivals to the best and our order of priorities has to be
settled once and for all. Jesus demands our first and highest
allegiance!


2. A LOVE THAT DISCOUNTS EVEN LIFE ITSELF FROM THE VERY START! (27)
     -I give my life to You!
     -I will give it in a dramatic, public martyrdom
     -I will give it in small, daily doses in a rural place where
no one knows but You


3. A LOVE THAT FOLLOWS JESUS (27)

     -the only dynamic, power, that can carry out such a commitment
is a personal relationship, the knowledge that Jesus is near and
that He approves!


Exhortation

     "Going along" is not the same as following.  Count the cost! 
Carry your cross to your own crucifixion.  Die NOW! Live forever! 
Come after Jesus!