Sermon Central
-
How Can Salvation Be Free While Following Christ Demands Everything?
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on May 31, 2022 (message contributor)
I am often asked, "How can salvation be free, but, yet, Jesus said that we cannot by His disciple unless we forsake everything for Him?" (Luke 14). Let me explain the answer to this question in a story.
Once there was a man who collected and traded in pearls. He had a fine collection of his own. But one day, while he was away on business, he spotted a beautiful pearl in a Jeweler's window. It was a pearl such as he had never seen, perfect in shape, size, and color. He thought to himself, "I must have that pearl." So he went into the Jewelry store and ask to see that beautiful pearl.
The Jeweler carefully spread a piece of black velvet on the counter top, and gently placed the pearl upon it. The man was overwhelmed at the sight of that pearl. With great intensity he looked the pearl over, carefully examining it. Finally, he said to the Jeweler, "That's got to be the most exquisite pearl I have ever seen." The Jeweler replied, "My friend, that is the most exquisite pearl in the whole world. There is not another one anywhere to compare with it."
"I must have that pearl," the man said. "How much is it?" The gentleman behind the counter replied, "I am afraid that you cannot afford this pearl." "But I must have it; I'll pay anything," the man said. "Anything?" replied the Jeweler. "Yes, anything," "Very well. If you want this pearl, you can buy it; but it will cost you everything you have." "Everything I have:" the man exclaimed. "Yes, everything."
He paced the floor for a while. At last, he said, "I must have that pearl, I'll pay the price." So he took out his wallet and began to count his money. He kept only five dollars for himself. He said, "I will have to buy some gas for my car." The jeweler said, "Do you have a car? It will cost you your car too." "But how will I get back and forth to work?" "Oh do you have a job? It will cost you your job too." "But," the man said, "If I give up my job, how will I pay for my house?" "Oh, you-have a house? I am afraid that this pearl will cost you your house too." "But, sir, what would then become of my family, my wife and children?" "Do you have a family? It wiI1 cost you your family too."
Then the man said, "But that's everything I have." The jeweler responded, "I told you, it will cost you everything you have to obtain this pearl." "But I didn't know you meant everything." "Yes, everything." At last the man said, "I must have that pearl. I'll pay it." And he gave him everything he had.
Then the Jeweler gave him the pearl. And he gave him his money, the keys to his car, and the deed to his house, told him to keep his job, his wife, and his children. He said, “now remember all of these things belong to me. I want you to take them and use them. But don't ever forget, they belong to me. Anytime I call for them, or call upon you to use them for me, you must remember they are all mine. You gave them to me for this pearl."
Salvation is free.....but it will cost you your life.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Little Boy Was Leading His Sister Up A ... PRO
Contributed by David Elvery on Nov 14, 2004
A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. "Why this isn't a path at all," the little girl complained. "Its all rocky and bumpy." Her little brother kept on up the mountain, ...read more
-
Most Of Us Are Familiar With This Song – It's The ...
Contributed by Robert Marsh on Mar 22, 2005
Most of us are familiar with this song – it’s the theme from the television show Friends. But have you ever caught the lyrics to the song? They read, in part: So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s D.O.A. It’s like you’re always stuck ...read more
-
A Man Wanted To See Buckingham Palace. His Guide ... PRO
Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 25, 2005
A man wanted to see Buckingham Palace. His guide took him to the gate. “Oh, I don’t mean here. I want inside.” “I’m sorry sir,” replied the guide, “I don’t have ...read more
-
Moses Spend His First Forty Years Thinking He ... PRO
Contributed by Sheldon Boyd on Nov 30, 2004
“Moses spend his first forty years thinking he was somebody. He spend his second forty years learning he was a nobody. He spent his third forty years ...read more
-
The Other Day, Hunter My 6 Year Old Shocked Me As ...
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 10, 2003
The other day, Hunter my 6 year old shocked me as I came in the door. He said Dad, did the trash man come yet? I said, “I think so,” he said,” Good, I will go get the trash can and bring it in.” I thought, “ I am such a great leader, I have taught my son the responsibilities of taking care of and ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Discipleship - Fully Devoted Followers Of Jesus Christ
Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on Sep 6, 2017
We are commanded by God to "make" disciples. This message can aid in the developing of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
-
The Pursuit Of Excellence Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 8, 2017
Setting high standards in our lives is important as disciples of Jesus. Let's spend some time considering the pursuit of excellence in our daily lives.
-
Power Of Obedience
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017
Obedience is inherit in the relationship of man (as a created being) with God, the Creator. The New Covenant does not do away with the need for obedience to God. In fact, it supply the strength to live that way. Heaven will be a place of obedience to God.
-
Power Of Obedience
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017
Obedience is inherit in the relationship of man (as a created being) with God, the Creator. The New Covenant does not do away with the need for obedience to God. In fact, it supply the strength to live that way. Heaven will be a place of obedience to God.
-
Loyalty: Loyalty Rewards Series
Contributed by Christian Cheong on Oct 29, 2012
Loyalty is a virtue. Loyalty seeks to honour God, it values the relationship and God rewards our faithfulness. God is loyal.
