Count the Cost | Luke 14:25–35

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus, and have you considered the full extent of that commitment? Using the dramatic contrast between Julius Caesar’s triumphal entry into Rome and Jesus’s humble entry into Jerusalem, this message explores the essential principle of "counting the cost." While salvation is a free gift, being a true disciple requires a daily, rigorous dedication that often challenges our natural comforts and priorities. Discover the vital distinction between simply being a Christian and becoming a mature disciple who fully understands and embraces the sacrifice of the cross  𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀:   • The Caesar vs. Christ Contrast: Understanding why Caesar’s victory led to a betrayal by daggers, while Jesus’s humble entry led to a cross that conquered sin.    • Comparative Love: A deep dive into Luke 14:26, explaining that our love for Christ must be so immense that all other earthly loves seem like "hatred" in comparison.    • Figurative Crucifixion: Learning that "bearing your cross" means the daily, intentional choice to crucify the old nature and the flesh. Christian vs. Disciple: Recognizing the difference between receiving the free gift of salvation and willingly entering the lifelong process of sanctification.    • The Maturity Shift: Moving from the "milk of the Word" to the "meat of the Word" by recognizing the many names and roles of Jesus beyond just "Savior."    • Tower and War Pictures: Exploring Jesus's secular examples to show how we must prepare for the challenges of living out our faith after salvation.    • Jesus as Action-Leader: Reflecting on how Christ never gave a mandate that He didn't first model through His own obedience and sacrifice.  𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵?:   • You feel like your faith has become stagnant and you are ready to move from being an "infant Christian" to a "mature disciple."    • You are struggling to balance your love for your family and your comforts with your commitment to following Jesus.    • You feel overwhelmed by life’s "thorny problems" and need to understand how to tap into the support of the various names of God, like Jehovah Shalom or Jehovah Rapha.    • You want to move past a "small God" perspective and embrace the immense cost and support that comes with true discipleship. Luke 14:27 "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple."