37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10: 37 - 39, ESV) After listening to a message by David Platt titled 'What the Gospel Demands' (see link below), I began to question my willingness to absolutely surrender EVERYTHING to Christ. My words sound definitive and my instructions point toward the necessity of "making a decision to turn our lives and our will to the care of God..." However, the implications of such 'self-surrender' demands a high price -- and maybe just too high for me. As I discussed this sermon with a friend, he asked me if the message 'was good'. I told him that I didn't know...because it was just too disturbing and the 'costliness' of truly following Christ DEMANDS that I change and 'let go' of idols. I am at another crossroad in my journey. Am I REALLY willing to do what it takes, no matter the cost? Please pray for me...the words of Jesus and the '3rd Step prayer' referenced above (see picture) do not provide an opportunity for a 'soft, easy way'.
Lane
Link to media archives (9/7/08 message):
2 comments:
I heard the message and that kind of preaching is rare! I have to ask myself...have I really counted the cost? Jesus preached an all or nothing Gospel...we don't hear that much today.
It is about "God as we understood Him". Today...my understanding. If I hear a message that stirs me then my understanding is going to change. Instead of cataloging this mere information, I plant it in my heart and allow it to change me.
Good thoughts Lane!
I am going to visit the link and listen to the message.
mb
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