2 The Spirit's Sword

Feb. 23, 1997 Northside church of Christ · 5201 NW RD · Bellingham, WA Volume 1.2

The Spirit's Sword

Count the Cost of Discipleship

_Why are you following Jesus? A variety of answers are available to that question. When Jesus walked the earth, some followed Him because of personal benefits. They “ate of the loaves” and were filled” (Jn. 6:26). Some followed Jesus because they wanted to entrap Him (Matt. 19:3). At least one man (Judas) followed Jesus because he found an opportunity to enrich himself (Jn. 12:6). Obviously, it matters why we follow Jesus.

Once when a multitude followed Jesus He warned them to count the cost of discipleship (Lk. 14:25-35). He said the value we place upon following Him must be greater than the value we place upon our family, our life, our personal comfort and convenience (Lk. 14:25-27). Unless He has first place in our lives we will not be accepted by the Master. Therefore....

(1) Count the cost of becoming a Christian. Jesus has died for your sins. He calls upon you to submit your entire being to Him in faithful obedience (Rom. 6:16-18). Only then will you be saved (Heb. 5:8-9). Are you willing to pay the price of complete submission? If so, then obey His plan of salvation (believe, repent, confess faith, be baptized) and live faithfully to Christ.

(2) Count the cost of putting Jesus first. Ridicule, rejection, sacrifice. Do you have the resolve of heart to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33)?

(3) Count the cost of spiritual growth. You must study God’s word and obey its teachings in order to grow (1 Pet. 2:2; 2 Tim. 2:15). Time and diligent devotion will help you grow (2 Tim. 3:18; 2 Pet. 1:5-11).

Why are you following Jesus?

ASSIGNMENTS: SUNDAY, FEB. 23

Announcements: Tim Beckley

Opening Prayer: Tim Beckley / Shane Bass

Closing Prayer: Loren Parker / Terry Haith

Song Leader: Rick Holt / Gary Bass

Scripture: Terry Haith

Lord’s Supper: C. Fair, J. Bass, D. Frahm

Building Cleanup (Mar. 1): R. & C. Hollister

· Men’s Business Meeting today at 5:00 PM.

· Gospel Mtg. - Mar. 16-21 - Gary Johnsen

· Men’s and Women’s Bible classes: Men, Tuesday at 7 PM / Women, Friday at 10 AM.

· This Wednesday night is All Sing service, David Frahm will have the invitation.

· Mackie DeWisperlaere will have surgery soon. Marietta Ashton will be having surgery in April. Debbie Price’s father will have heart surgery on March 10.

· Out of town: Dan Head until Wednesday; Keith Alsobrook (points unknown!); Debbie Price leaves Monday for Utah and then on to be with her father in Phoenix.

· Lord’s Supper preparation for March: Nancy Bass.

SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday: 9:30 & 10:30 AM; 6:00 PM

Wednesday: 7:00 PM

The Resurrection

_There will be a resurrection from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection assures us of it (1 Cor. 15:20-21). Here are some pertinent truths about the resurrection.

(1) If there is no resurrection from the dead, Christianity is a fraudulent hoax (1 Cor. 15:12-19).

(2) The resurrection will occur when Jesus returns (1 Cor. 15:22-23).

(3) All people will be raised (Jn. 5:28).

(4) Following the resurrection, all men will stand before God in judgment (Jn. 5:29; 2 Cor. 5:10).

(5) Christians will be raised to ever be with the Lord (1 Thess. 4:17).

(6) Without it, the Christian’s hope of future reward is void (1 Pet. 1:3-5; 1 Cor. 15:19).

These Bible facts about the resurrection are not believed by all who call themselves Christians. Even today there are some (the “AD 70” advocates) who say the resurrection is past already (2 Tim. 2:18). The Jehovah’s Witnesses say that at death man ceases to exist and that resurrection is in fact a “recreation.” Was Jesus “recreated” when He was raised from the dead? No, He was not (Lk. 23:43; Acts 2:27-31). Neither should we think of our resurrection in such terms (1 Cor. 15:35-44).

The “resurrection of life” will be filled with glory (Jn. 5:29; 2 Thess. 1:10; Phil. 3:21; Col. 3:4). The “resurrection of damnation” will be filled with terror (Jn. 5:29; Matt. 25:41, 46; Rev. 20:11-15).

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (Jn. 11:25-26) -Joe Price