Sermon Central
-
Cost Of Discipleship PRO
Contributed by Sermon Central on Oct 19, 2009 (message contributor)
COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
I recently read the true story about a preacher who was standing at the door shaking hands as the congregation departed. He grabbed one man by the hand and pulled him aside.
The preacher said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"
The man replied, "I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Preacher."
The preacher questioned, "How come I don’t see you except for Christmas and Easter?"
He whispered back, "I’m in the secret service."
APPLY: The Secret Service? …I don’t think so.
Several years ago, I was exchanging ideas with several people on BibleMaster.com. In the course of these conversations, I encountered a young man who’d just been called up to go to Iraq, because our nation had declared war on Saddam Hussein. The problem for this young man was – he didn’t want to go. He explained that he hadn’t joined the army to go to war...he’d joined because of the benefits: the pay, the college tuition, the insurance, etc.
Now, something’s wrong with that kind of thinking!! One of the primary functions of the military is to prepare for war. You’ve got to know that if you sign up! I’m sure its somewhere in the job description.
Armies do NOT exist to pass out benefits (those are perks).
Armies exists to deal with conflicts.
To defend their people.
To fight the enemy.
And hopefully to contend against evil.
But there are people who actually join up hoping for a free ride.
And that kind of mentality undermines the military of any nation.
That same kind of mentality can also undermine the church.
Too often believers sign up for the benefits. They expect Jesus to "be...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)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
-
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
-
Dorothea Day's Poem "My Captain" Is The Christian ... PRO
Contributed by R. David Reynolds on Jun 30, 2005
Dorothea Day’s poem “My Captain” is the Christian response to Henley: Out of the light that dazzles me, Bright as the sun from pole to pole, I thank the God I know to be For Christ the conqueror of my Soul. Since His, the way of circumstance I would not wince nor cry aloud. Under that ...read more
-
This Bomb Was Tested Above The Arctic Circle On ...
Contributed by Tim Richards on May 24, 2005
This bomb was tested above the Arctic Circle on October 30, 1961. The explosion was so intense that the flash was visible over 600 miles away. People felt the air move over 160 miles away. Everything in a radius of 15.25 miles was completely destroyed. Very severe damage extended to a distance of ...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.
-
Following Jesus
Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Sep 28, 2017
Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." He also said, "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple." So following him is vitally important. How is it done?
-
Keep The Fire Burning
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 20, 2020
A sermon addressing the need to stir up the gift that God has bestowed upon us.
-
Peter Denies Jesus Series
Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Apr 8, 2016
Peter's denial of Jesus in Luke 22:54-62 shows us the danger of following Jesus in our own power.
-
Lent From Ashes To Alms
Contributed by Bruce Lee on Feb 23, 2015
The Season of Lent is a time to live out discipleship in the world. A close look at how God rewards us as we journey these forty days of Lent From Ashes to Alms. How do you answer the call of Lent?
