The Cost of Discipleship

What does it cost to follow Christ? It cost very little to be a merely outward Christian. There are many who would proclaim to follow Jesus. They might show up to church a few times a year, give a bit to the offering, have Christian décor in their homes, and listen to the family-friendly radio station. However, true sacrifice never seems to come. Their brand of Christianity is light. There is no weight or substance. When more pressing obligations arise, Christ gets pushed aside. Low-cost Christianity isn’t willing to give up significant time, resources, or relationships. It is not willing to forsake secret sins or even prioritize worship over other obligations. Yet to be a true follower of Jesus Christ means more than an outward veneer of Christian tokens. To follow Jesus is to forsake all other priorities and pursue him and his ways above all else. In our passage for this Sunday, Jesus teaches those who would follow him what is the true cost of discipleship. To come prepared for the sermon take time this week to read and to meditate upon Luke 14:25-35, Matthew 10:37, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 2:2, Philippians 3:7-8, and this article on The Cost of Discipleship. 

This Sunday we will celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper during our worship service. As we receive the elements of bread and wine look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ. For as we physically receive the signs of the Lord’s body and blood, spiritually we feed upon him and all his benefits. Our hymns include “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds,” “There Is a Redeemer,” and “I Will Sing of My Redeemer.” 

Sermon Information: 

Text: Luke 14:25-35 

Title: The Cost of Discipleship

Outline: 

1. True Discipleship will Cost Your Family (vv. 25-26a)
2. True Discipleship will Cost Your Life (vv. 26b-27)
3. True Discipleship will Cost Your All (vv. 28-33)

Sunday's bulletin

The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

We will continue to enjoy the use of the traditional bread and the cup with trays located in one of four stations on the main floor of the sanctuary and one location for the balcony.  For overflow worship in the John Knox Room, and for those with mobility or health concerns in the sanctuary, we will still have the prefilled and sealed communion cups available. If you need a sealed communion cup in the sanctuary, simply raise your hand while seated as the elder approaches your pew.  Gluten-free bread will also be available on the tables on the organ side of the sanctuary. Listen carefully to our instructions and enjoy the process. As always, please be in prayer for worship and come expecting to be blessed by Christ.