In the fall of 2000, I found myself profoundly impacted by going to the National Missionary Convention in TN that year. I learned a lot about city kids and hammers (tell story). But for me, 2 important things happened during that weekend:
1) I was introduced to Lost and Found (S&G kind of 2 man group) that sang 4 kinds of songs: spell out words, clap twice, say “no” and slow songs… one of their songs was called COST… the verses are fun and interesting, but the chorus is this: “Count the cost. Count the cost. Count of love before it breaks your heart.” Which leads me to #2
2) The preacher that weekend told a sermon about getting out of the saltshaker… you see he said that we were all salt in this giant 5,000 seat auditorium that needed to get shaken out and bring our FLAVOR to the world…
So what did I need to do? I needed to COUNT THE COST of how I was going to serve Jesus with my life…
You see, we count the cost in every single thing that we do…
• For that trip I had counted…
• We do for food, clothing, shelter… budget
• Cars, houses, toys, stereos, video games, televisions… big purchases/debt.
• But it’s more that that! What about marriage, children, adoption… the huge stuff.
• Taking or leaving a job… friendships… relationships… moving/staying
• In all of our life we must count the cost.
As leaders, we have to count the cost of what it means to fully give our lives to the gospel of Jesus…
Tonight is a leadership Rally. Which means, we want to thank you, thank you, thank you for giving your time, talents and money to serve at the Vineyard. We want this weekend to be FUN. We want it to be empowering and life-giving to your ministry. Tomorrow, we want you to see how you are joining with this incredible move of God’s Kingdom across Illinois. (Mention all campuses).
But, I want to ask you
“Have you counted the cost of the love it will take to lose your life for the gospel of Jesus? Have you counted the cost of losing your life for the good news?
…and it is good news, ya know
Jesus died for us. He ransomed all of us from sin and death. He conquered evil and every dark think because He loves us and wants all of human history as a part of his family. That’s really, really good news.
PRAYER
Tonight, if you’ve got your Bibles, we are going to be in the gospel (the good news) of Mark.
This passage is Jesus talking to his team and asking them ARE THEY READY to count the cost? Before he sends them out to do Kingdom stuff. This is where we find Jesus in today’s passage. He’s asking them questions. Are they ready to hear what Jesus will ultimately do on his mission to bring about God’s Kingdom?
27 Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages near Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
28 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other prophets.”
29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
30 But Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.
31 Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but three days later he would rise from the dead. 32 As he talked about this openly with his disciples, Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things,
33 Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, Satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
34 Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. 35 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. 36 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? 37 Is anything worth more than your soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”
9:1 Jesus went on to say, “I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God arrive in great power!”
(Foot in mouth disease )Peter says, YES… but he wasn’t ready. Peter didn’t realize 3 truths…
The cost of following Jesus is losing control.
• Jesus’ question led to Peter’s confession… ok, maybe they are ready to hear the cost.
• Peter’s confession led to Christ opening up about his suffering… his cost.
• Christ’s openness led to Peter’s questioning… we’re not ready for that cost.
• Peter led to Christ’s revelations on the Kingdom… Here’s what it will cost!
• brings the crowds into the convo. It’s time to get in line! (get behind me and follow).
• It’s time for our faith to become our faith. Not our parents, our church’s or our friends…ours.
• Jesus knows his role in the Kingdom is to LEAD. The disciples (we) seem to forget that we are followers and need Jesus. As Matthew 5:1 says – “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Are you ready to be a floater?
The cost of following Jesus is no earthly reward.
• (cross video) M. Moore: Join the revolution whose leader chose to die… grab a cross (guillotine, electric chair) and join a movement that is destined to end in you losing your life for the cause. (wearing a cross necklace)
• If you do this, you will find TRUE LIFE in Christ. If you don’t, you will lose everything this world holds dear at some point… it all ends in ashes, meaningless.
• Your soul matters… your flesh does not! Are you ready to serve without a crown?
The cost of following Jesus is stepping out of your comfort zone!
• Initial Leadership Requirements are: Taking core classes (KH, SG Train), become a member at Beginnings, becoming a tither, and then after coming to VLT/Rally.
• But after that: Boldness matters… standing up for the King and his Kingdom matters!
• Many of us need to let go of our lives and let the Holy Spirit fill us.
• Are you ready to step out in faith? (How to train Dragon) Are you ready to lose everything for what you believe in?
CONCLUSION
Is it worth it?!
YES
9:1 –see the Kingdom
Matthew 16 –keys to the Kingdom
End with beginnings talk?
9:1 – The Kingdom will come in power upon those who (a)choose to follow, (b)submit completely to the will of Christ, and (c)who walk boldly with His gospel
OR as Bob Shimmin put it this week… “We enter the Kingdom with a bowed head, a bent knee and a willingness to serve.”
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