WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.279 Well, Luke 14. And we're looking at verses 25 to 35. We're going to come back to this sometime in the new year to get back into Luke 15. 00:00:10.279 --> 00:00:21.920 But Luke 14, 25 to 35. One of the oddest experiences that you have as a pastor, as a minister, is that you occasionally become some people's conscience on legs. 00:00:22.679 --> 00:00:27.759 So you're walking down the street and somebody sees you who hasn't been to church for a few weeks. 00:00:28.640 --> 00:00:34.679 And they think, should I cross the road? Should I not cross the road? Do I try and ignore him? Do I just keep looking and keep walking? 00:00:34.679 --> 00:00:40.840 They're like a rabbit caught in the headlights. They freeze. They think, has he seen me? Has he not? It's extraordinary. 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:49.480 Teachers get it, isn't it? Those of you who are teachers. When a child sees their teacher out of school, isn't it? 00:00:49.500 --> 00:00:58.719 It's an incredible thing, isn't it? Noah, when he used to see his nursery teacher out of school, would freeze and look in awe at this woman as she walked past. 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:05.599 And Christian adults can often behave the same way that little boys do when they've not done their homework. 00:01:06.299 --> 00:01:13.659 So they come up and they say, well, I'm sorry, I couldn't make it to church because I wasn't at the Bible study because various things are going on in their home. 00:01:13.700 --> 00:01:18.079 The dog is at my homework or something like that. Perhaps they even lie and they know it. 00:01:19.460 --> 00:01:23.200 Text messages are always the easiest way to get out of a meeting, aren't they? 00:01:25.099 --> 00:01:28.480 And that's the easiest way I find to cancel a meeting if you do not. 00:01:29.299 --> 00:01:37.900 It's very, very hard. Because people assume, as a church worker, that really you're only interested in the number of meetings that people come to. 00:01:39.099 --> 00:01:48.060 And I guess it's hard for you guys, I think it's hard for some people to realise that what you're concerned about is where they are with the Lord and with the Lord Jesus. 00:01:49.180 --> 00:01:55.659 Rather than, I've got some list at home that I send in to the Lord once a week with a checklist of whether you're there or not. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:02:03.759 Now, when being a Christian boils down to a certain set of activities or a certain set of meetings, you've lost the heart of the faith. 00:02:04.479 --> 00:02:05.200 You really have. 00:02:06.219 --> 00:02:08.359 The Christian life is not about performance. 00:02:09.659 --> 00:02:10.579 It's about a person. 00:02:11.780 --> 00:02:14.019 The Christian life is not about how much you do. 00:02:14.620 --> 00:02:15.719 It's about who you live for. 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:27.099 And if you hear this morning's sermon as a rallying cry to attend more meetings, or to give more money, or to say more prayers, then actually you've missed the heart of what this passage is saying. 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:34.819 All those actions may very well result from the right interpretation of Luke 14. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:37.000 But they're not at the heart of it. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:42.919 Last week, do you remember, we saw people who were not willing to give up anything for the Lord Jesus. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:43.699 Do you remember that? 00:02:44.699 --> 00:02:46.620 They had those ridiculous excuses. 00:02:47.799 --> 00:02:48.459 Going married. 00:02:49.259 --> 00:02:50.680 Going to visit some cows. 00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:52.120 Going to see a field. 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:57.560 They were saying they were not willing to give up anything to follow the Lord Jesus. 00:02:58.460 --> 00:03:03.759 But this week, what we see is that Jesus says you've got to give up everything to follow him. 00:03:03.819 --> 00:03:04.719 Look at verse 25. 00:03:07.400 --> 00:03:09.200 Great crowds accompanied him. 00:03:09.860 --> 00:03:12.719 And he turned to them and said to them, 00:03:13.200 --> 00:03:15.900 We've moved out of the dinner party at the Pharisee's house. 00:03:16.020 --> 00:03:18.420 Jesus is now standing amongst his fans. 00:03:18.980 --> 00:03:21.159 And it looks like the Lord Jesus has become a great hit. 00:03:21.159 --> 00:03:26.759 They've come from far in the air to get a piece of this new religious phenomenon in the area. 00:03:27.240 --> 00:03:31.919 And so what will this guru's heartwarming message be? 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:36.900 Will it be one of approval and feel good and appreciation? 00:03:37.240 --> 00:03:40.659 You know, a kind of Joel Osteen or Joyce Mayer if they've seen them. 00:03:40.699 --> 00:03:44.419 You watch them and it's their purpose to make you feel good. 00:03:44.780 --> 00:03:48.379 What will Jesus' message be of approval and appreciation to his followers? 00:03:48.379 --> 00:03:51.979 How can he encourage them to sit with him? 00:03:52.139 --> 00:03:53.099 Look at verse 26. 00:03:54.460 --> 00:03:59.219 If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, 00:03:59.539 --> 00:04:01.939 yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:03.680 It is brutal. 00:04:04.199 --> 00:04:04.599 Isn't it? 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:06.840 It's quite simple. 00:04:07.159 --> 00:04:08.300 But it's very brutal. 00:04:08.300 --> 00:04:12.719 Christian discipleship is not abstract. 00:04:13.480 --> 00:04:17.120 Being a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, following yourself as Christian is not an abstract thing. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:18.540 It is a hard reality. 00:04:19.420 --> 00:04:21.520 And the question for us firstly is this. 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:24.280 Is Jesus our first love? 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:27.819 Is Jesus our first love? 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:35.180 At the end of verse 26 and at the end of verse 27 and at the end of verse 3 there is a chilling refrain. 00:04:36.779 --> 00:04:42.000 Time and time again Jesus uses the refrain, he cannot be my disciple. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:47.959 There is no way that you can make these words warm and cuddly. 00:04:49.000 --> 00:04:52.839 They are set up, they are very, very negative statements from Jesus. 00:04:52.839 --> 00:04:55.079 And the simple point is this. 00:04:55.519 --> 00:05:00.079 Is that there is only one place for Jesus to occupy in your life. 00:05:00.179 --> 00:05:00.899 Verse 26. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:09.120 If anyone comes after me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:11.339 yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 00:05:11.719 --> 00:05:13.039 Jesus has got to be number one. 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:15.339 Our first love. 00:05:17.059 --> 00:05:20.059 Jesus is the one relationship that affects all the others. 00:05:20.060 --> 00:05:23.680 The word hate is a brutal comparison. 00:05:25.459 --> 00:05:27.680 You will know if you know the Bible at all. 00:05:27.780 --> 00:05:32.160 It's not that you are to hate and despise your nearest and dearest. 00:05:32.480 --> 00:05:33.500 No, the Bible is very clear. 00:05:33.579 --> 00:05:36.560 We read it in the reading of the law before the confession of sin. 00:05:36.600 --> 00:05:38.139 You are to honour your father and your mother. 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:39.600 Jesus is not contradicting that. 00:05:40.819 --> 00:05:44.680 Don't say children to your parents when they tell you off today, I hate you. 00:05:44.860 --> 00:05:46.560 That isn't what Jesus is talking about. 00:05:46.680 --> 00:05:47.759 You are not allowed to do that. 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:51.620 You are to love you husbands and your wives. 00:05:51.860 --> 00:05:54.939 You are to love self-sacrificially your wife or your husband. 00:05:55.180 --> 00:05:57.439 You are to care for your children, parents. 00:05:58.139 --> 00:06:05.240 But when we compare our allegiance to them, to our allegiance compared to Jesus, 00:06:05.439 --> 00:06:09.959 it should be as clear and as different between something you love and something you hate. 00:06:10.079 --> 00:06:10.579 It's shocking. 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:13.620 Jesus is like Marmite. 00:06:14.680 --> 00:06:16.560 You either love Marmite or you hate it. 00:06:16.639 --> 00:06:18.060 You are not in between on Marmite here. 00:06:19.259 --> 00:06:20.500 And Jesus is like Marmite. 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:22.500 He will not allow you to remain neutral. 00:06:23.439 --> 00:06:24.699 You either love him or you hate him. 00:06:25.860 --> 00:06:28.579 There are no other options despite what our culture says. 00:06:29.060 --> 00:06:31.500 Do you see the problem word at the start of the verse? 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:33.419 Can you see the problem word at verse 26? 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:35.660 If anyone. 00:06:36.580 --> 00:06:37.580 That's the problem isn't it? 00:06:38.699 --> 00:06:39.740 We are all anyone. 00:06:40.960 --> 00:06:41.879 Everyone is anyone. 00:06:43.199 --> 00:06:45.020 There is no other way to follow Jesus. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:48.759 And put him above all your other relationships. 00:06:50.879 --> 00:06:52.580 Jesus says if I am not your priority. 00:06:53.639 --> 00:06:55.120 If I am not in your life. 00:06:55.920 --> 00:06:58.220 If I am not in your priority, I am not in your life at all. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:01.480 Because that is what he says at the end of the verse isn't it? 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:04.200 Even his own life. 00:07:04.340 --> 00:07:05.360 Even her own life. 00:07:07.280 --> 00:07:08.320 All of our desires. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.160 All of our passions. 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:12.380 All of our hobbies. 00:07:13.920 --> 00:07:16.180 They are to be subject to our first love. 00:07:16.260 --> 00:07:17.380 Our first loyalty. 00:07:18.460 --> 00:07:20.280 Our total loyalty is to become Jesus. 00:07:22.340 --> 00:07:24.700 Following Jesus is more like getting married. 00:07:25.640 --> 00:07:27.220 Than joining a sports club. 00:07:28.220 --> 00:07:29.160 So in the wedding. 00:07:29.920 --> 00:07:31.000 The bride and groom say. 00:07:31.160 --> 00:07:32.300 All that I have. 00:07:32.580 --> 00:07:33.600 I give to you. 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:35.540 All that I am. 00:07:35.960 --> 00:07:36.820 I share with you. 00:07:36.960 --> 00:07:37.900 Or something like that. 00:07:38.520 --> 00:07:39.440 Now if you are fortunate. 00:07:40.800 --> 00:07:41.840 You give. 00:07:42.520 --> 00:07:44.120 Your student debt. 00:07:44.840 --> 00:07:45.620 To your spouse. 00:07:46.300 --> 00:07:47.740 And they give you. 00:07:48.140 --> 00:07:49.000 Their trust fund. 00:07:49.640 --> 00:07:50.700 And you do very well out of it. 00:07:50.880 --> 00:07:51.700 That is the way you do it. 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:53.080 In other words. 00:07:53.220 --> 00:07:55.240 You share your lives. 00:07:55.680 --> 00:07:56.020 Totally. 00:07:56.019 --> 00:07:59.519 You are no longer two. 00:08:00.719 --> 00:08:01.680 But you are one. 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:03.919 You are one. 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.000 When God looks at you. 00:08:07.240 --> 00:08:07.899 You are one. 00:08:08.599 --> 00:08:09.399 But husband and wife. 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:09.859 You are one. 00:08:10.240 --> 00:08:10.639 You are two. 00:08:11.639 --> 00:08:12.159 In other words. 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:13.120 You share your lives totally. 00:08:13.339 --> 00:08:15.240 You stop thinking like two separate people. 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:16.959 With two separate lives. 00:08:17.479 --> 00:08:19.879 The Bible talks about becoming one flesh. 00:08:19.879 --> 00:08:21.899 It is interesting isn't it. 00:08:22.040 --> 00:08:24.120 Some married couples begin to look like each other. 00:08:24.560 --> 00:08:25.519 In older age. 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:25.839 Is it? 00:08:26.379 --> 00:08:28.079 They kind of merge into one. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:30.740 I don't want to tell you. 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:31.659 You know who the couple are. 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:34.799 The Bible talks about being one flesh. 00:08:35.419 --> 00:08:36.460 And so if you are married. 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:38.820 You have to consider absolutely everything. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:40.379 In the light of the other person. 00:08:40.379 --> 00:08:42.860 You can't just go off there. 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:44.679 Well I am going to the Canary Islands for three weeks. 00:08:45.939 --> 00:08:47.799 You can't do that without talking to your spouse. 00:08:49.059 --> 00:08:50.320 You can't come home one night and say. 00:08:50.360 --> 00:08:51.360 Well actually I bought a house. 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:52.159 We are moving. 00:08:52.980 --> 00:08:54.600 You can't do that without talking it through. 00:08:54.679 --> 00:08:55.659 With your husband or your wife. 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:57.200 You might want to. 00:08:57.580 --> 00:08:57.860 Sometimes. 00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:00.679 In every area of your life. 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:02.220 You are united to another person. 00:09:02.220 --> 00:09:04.120 You are one flesh. 00:09:04.120 --> 00:09:08.039 But often we see Jesus. 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:09.100 We see Jesus. 00:09:10.000 --> 00:09:10.899 Being united to Jesus. 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:13.200 More like being a member of a sports club. 00:09:14.759 --> 00:09:16.320 So you found something that is true. 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:19.740 And you found out that exercise is good for you. 00:09:20.320 --> 00:09:21.259 So you joined a gym. 00:09:22.560 --> 00:09:23.539 And you want to do it. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:24.659 A bit more often. 00:09:25.659 --> 00:09:27.679 And you want to go to the exercise classes. 00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:31.080 But it doesn't affect the way you use your time. 00:09:32.019 --> 00:09:33.060 Outside the class. 00:09:34.120 --> 00:09:36.320 It doesn't affect your other spare time. 00:09:37.320 --> 00:09:39.879 It doesn't affect the decisions that you take in your families. 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:41.000 It's just something that you do. 00:09:41.679 --> 00:09:42.919 It doesn't affect your work. 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:44.899 It's just that you like going to the gym. 00:09:45.720 --> 00:09:46.980 It's something we do. 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:48.960 Rather than someone we are united to. 00:09:49.620 --> 00:09:51.500 It's an activity which is good for us. 00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:54.560 Rather than the person that we love. 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:57.120 But following Jesus is more like marriage. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:59.360 In fact the Bible describes it as marriage. 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:01.419 You are united to him. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:02.460 And it affects everything. 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:03.220 Verse 26. 00:10:03.220 --> 00:10:04.600 If anyone comes to me. 00:10:05.440 --> 00:10:09.100 And does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters. 00:10:09.440 --> 00:10:10.379 Yes and even his own life. 00:10:10.440 --> 00:10:11.540 He cannot be my disciple. 00:10:11.840 --> 00:10:13.200 Jesus says to you this morning. 00:10:13.259 --> 00:10:13.920 And he says to me. 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:14.800 I must. 00:10:15.259 --> 00:10:16.259 I demand. 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:18.060 To be your first love. 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:22.300 There is something closer than blood. 00:10:22.299 --> 00:10:25.799 There is something closer than blood. 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:28.339 And that's the relationship with the Lord Jesus. 00:10:31.219 --> 00:10:33.219 If you come to me. 00:10:33.319 --> 00:10:33.939 Jesus says. 00:10:34.039 --> 00:10:36.779 And you ask me to play second fiddle to anyone. 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:37.939 Or anything. 00:10:38.459 --> 00:10:40.439 Then you cannot be my disciple. 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:44.320 It is actually insanity. 00:10:44.320 --> 00:10:44.440 It is insanity. 00:10:45.320 --> 00:10:49.020 Not to put Jesus above your wife and your children and your parents. 00:10:49.019 --> 00:10:51.259 Because he is after all. 00:10:51.340 --> 00:10:51.480 Isn't he? 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:52.179 The son of God. 00:10:52.240 --> 00:10:53.279 Through whom they were made. 00:10:54.179 --> 00:10:56.500 And by whom they are kept alive. 00:10:57.759 --> 00:11:00.220 Jesus is the one who holds their atoms together. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:01.579 By the word of his power. 00:11:02.000 --> 00:11:03.779 He causes their hearts to beat. 00:11:04.039 --> 00:11:06.759 He causes them every breath that they take. 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:09.039 Merely at his discretion. 00:11:09.039 --> 00:11:11.039 He holds them together. 00:11:12.539 --> 00:11:13.980 And he was the one who was crucified. 00:11:14.459 --> 00:11:15.839 And laid down his life for us. 00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:20.519 It was he who suffered the dreadful punishment that we deserve at the cross. 00:11:20.679 --> 00:11:23.240 Who willingly went to our death. 00:11:24.019 --> 00:11:25.199 So that we could have his life. 00:11:26.959 --> 00:11:27.959 You see loving Jesus. 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:32.500 Is simply acknowledging that he loves your family. 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:33.919 More than you do. 00:11:34.799 --> 00:11:35.419 Isn't that wonderful? 00:11:36.819 --> 00:11:38.659 You see loving Jesus first. 00:11:38.659 --> 00:11:42.079 Is simply acknowledging that he loves your wife. 00:11:42.379 --> 00:11:42.980 Your husband. 00:11:43.339 --> 00:11:44.000 Your children. 00:11:44.500 --> 00:11:45.459 More than you do. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:51.100 And he is infinitely more able to help them. 00:11:51.740 --> 00:11:52.659 Than you are. 00:11:54.419 --> 00:11:56.259 And when you realise that. 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:59.159 It frees you to make him your very life. 00:12:00.839 --> 00:12:02.279 So is Jesus your first love? 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:04.199 Secondly is Jesus your very life? 00:12:05.120 --> 00:12:06.679 I'm a bit nervous about this sermon. 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:09.399 I am tired of hearing sermons. 00:12:09.479 --> 00:12:09.979 And preaching sermons. 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:11.639 You know when a child comes up. 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:12.219 With their gun. 00:12:12.319 --> 00:12:13.139 Their toy gun. 00:12:13.679 --> 00:12:16.479 And you immediately just put your hands up. 00:12:16.559 --> 00:12:16.699 Don't you? 00:12:17.319 --> 00:12:17.639 And you say. 00:12:17.979 --> 00:12:19.019 I surrender. 00:12:19.319 --> 00:12:21.039 And I feel like this is one of these sermons. 00:12:21.299 --> 00:12:23.179 Is Jesus your first love? 00:12:23.239 --> 00:12:24.979 And you immediately surrender. 00:12:25.319 --> 00:12:25.799 Well secondly. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:26.939 Is Jesus your first love? 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:27.779 Your very life? 00:12:28.039 --> 00:12:29.279 But you can't soften this. 00:12:29.339 --> 00:12:30.500 Look at what he demands next. 00:12:30.579 --> 00:12:31.279 In verse 27. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:34.860 Whoever does not bear his own cross. 00:12:34.959 --> 00:12:35.539 And come after me. 00:12:35.620 --> 00:12:36.480 Cannot be my disciple. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:41.799 Now if you were carrying a cross. 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:42.779 In Jesus day. 00:12:42.939 --> 00:12:43.459 Where were you going? 00:12:44.919 --> 00:12:45.579 Where were you going? 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:47.279 If you were carrying a cross. 00:12:47.360 --> 00:12:47.919 In Jesus day. 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:48.419 Where were you going? 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:48.860 Children. 00:12:48.980 --> 00:12:49.139 Anybody? 00:12:49.319 --> 00:12:50.059 Anybody you want to guess? 00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:52.959 That's right. 00:12:53.159 --> 00:12:53.879 That's exactly right. 00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.059 It wasn't a piece of jewelry. 00:12:56.059 --> 00:12:58.259 There's no doubt. 00:12:58.459 --> 00:12:59.439 If you were carrying a cross. 00:12:59.500 --> 00:13:00.159 In Jesus day. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:00.719 Where you were going? 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:01.459 You were going to die. 00:13:01.859 --> 00:13:03.379 You were going on a painful walk. 00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:04.639 To a very painful death. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:06.819 So to carry your cross. 00:13:06.859 --> 00:13:07.739 Is to follow Jesus. 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:09.039 Even if it means death. 00:13:09.239 --> 00:13:10.279 A disgraceful death. 00:13:10.319 --> 00:13:11.299 A death to self. 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:13.299 And a living for Christ. 00:13:14.719 --> 00:13:16.139 I think Paul wonderfully. 00:13:16.599 --> 00:13:17.299 Summarises this. 00:13:17.439 --> 00:13:18.419 In Galatians chapter 2. 00:13:18.479 --> 00:13:18.879 Verse 20. 00:13:18.959 --> 00:13:19.739 Do you want to turn there? 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:21.119 Galatians chapter 2. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.579 And verse 20. 00:13:23.839 --> 00:13:25.559 It's on page 973. 00:13:26.059 --> 00:13:29.299 It's where the apostle Paul says this. 00:13:29.359 --> 00:13:30.079 He says. 00:13:32.139 --> 00:13:33.079 He says. 00:13:33.239 --> 00:13:35.559 I have been crucified with Christ. 00:13:37.739 --> 00:13:40.419 And it is no longer I who live. 00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:45.039 But Christ who lives in me. 00:13:45.859 --> 00:13:48.759 And the life I now live in the flesh. 00:13:48.959 --> 00:13:51.139 I live by faith in the son of God. 00:13:51.259 --> 00:13:51.939 Who loved me. 00:13:52.799 --> 00:13:54.659 And gave himself for me. 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.679 The I. 00:13:57.899 --> 00:13:59.599 That controls my life. 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:00.519 Me. 00:14:00.759 --> 00:14:01.339 I've died. 00:14:02.819 --> 00:14:03.959 The life I live. 00:14:04.979 --> 00:14:06.219 I now live in the flesh. 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:06.659 In the body. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:07.959 I live by faith in the son of God. 00:14:07.979 --> 00:14:08.379 Who loved me. 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:09.199 And gave himself for me. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:09.839 I am dead. 00:14:11.339 --> 00:14:12.379 You might have heard people. 00:14:12.479 --> 00:14:12.639 Isn't there? 00:14:12.679 --> 00:14:13.079 People say. 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:14.939 Well we've all got our crosses to bear. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:15.759 By which they mean. 00:14:15.839 --> 00:14:17.019 An ingrowing toenail. 00:14:17.139 --> 00:14:19.599 Or an annoying relative. 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:21.460 It's a ridiculous statement. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:25.899 Because Jesus is saying something far more profound isn't he? 00:14:27.519 --> 00:14:28.259 He's saying this. 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:29.240 If you want to follow me. 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:30.500 If you want to be my disciple. 00:14:30.680 --> 00:14:31.240 You must die. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:34.580 And you've got to be willing to follow me. 00:14:34.840 --> 00:14:36.420 Even through suffering and death. 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:39.279 And that is the only way to follow him. 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:40.840 Again at the end of verse 27. 00:14:41.060 --> 00:14:42.540 If you won't come after me like that. 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:43.680 You cannot be my disciple. 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:44.639 It's not my life. 00:14:44.639 --> 00:14:45.419 It's Jesus's. 00:14:46.819 --> 00:14:48.399 And if you want to identify with me. 00:14:48.480 --> 00:14:50.179 In everything that you do. 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:50.720 Says Jesus. 00:14:50.879 --> 00:14:51.179 Well. 00:14:51.399 --> 00:14:52.500 Then you can be my disciple. 00:14:54.539 --> 00:14:55.840 Let's suppose this verse. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:57.019 Wasn't a metaphor. 00:14:58.919 --> 00:14:59.919 And that actually. 00:15:00.100 --> 00:15:01.439 Being a follower of the Lord Jesus. 00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:02.980 Meant that you had to carry. 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:04.899 A great big cross. 00:15:05.000 --> 00:15:05.559 Around with you. 00:15:05.679 --> 00:15:06.639 Everywhere you went. 00:15:07.720 --> 00:15:08.100 So. 00:15:08.100 --> 00:15:09.639 Are you going to school tomorrow children? 00:15:09.779 --> 00:15:10.740 You arrive. 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:13.559 On the Monday. 00:15:13.559 --> 00:15:15.219 With this big cross. 00:15:15.839 --> 00:15:16.839 Attached to your back. 00:15:17.739 --> 00:15:19.139 And you have to take it off. 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:19.819 And lean in. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.619 On the table. 00:15:20.719 --> 00:15:21.319 Next to you. 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:23.439 Or when you drop your child off. 00:15:23.459 --> 00:15:24.099 At the school gate. 00:15:24.179 --> 00:15:25.139 You are the only one. 00:15:25.219 --> 00:15:26.319 Standing there at the school gate. 00:15:26.359 --> 00:15:27.739 With this eight foot cross. 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.859 Or in the office in the morning. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.119 When you're trying to get into the lift. 00:15:31.919 --> 00:15:33.439 And everyone else is around you. 00:15:33.479 --> 00:15:34.639 And you've got to manoeuvre. 00:15:34.719 --> 00:15:35.579 This great cross. 00:15:35.579 --> 00:15:37.259 As you hit the walls. 00:15:38.319 --> 00:15:39.679 Or you go to the pub after work. 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:41.059 And you stand next to the bar. 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:43.000 And you're the only one in there. 00:15:43.079 --> 00:15:43.479 Surprisingly. 00:15:44.199 --> 00:15:45.879 With a massive eight foot cross. 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:47.059 Leading beside you. 00:15:48.159 --> 00:15:49.319 You try to get on the tube. 00:15:49.699 --> 00:15:50.719 Through the doors. 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:52.679 Please stand clear of the doors. 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:54.439 You can't get in properly. 00:15:55.719 --> 00:15:56.879 Would you be willing to do it? 00:15:57.819 --> 00:15:58.759 Well what would people think? 00:15:58.819 --> 00:15:59.919 People would think you're an oddball. 00:16:00.939 --> 00:16:02.359 They think you're a strange person. 00:16:03.239 --> 00:16:04.179 Can you imagine the embarrassment? 00:16:04.359 --> 00:16:05.039 Would it be worth it? 00:16:06.099 --> 00:16:08.799 The shame of being identified with Jesus. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.559 In public. 00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:13.519 But that is what Jesus says. 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.579 You must be willing to do. 00:16:17.159 --> 00:16:18.119 We celebrate. 00:16:18.239 --> 00:16:18.519 Don't we? 00:16:18.519 --> 00:16:19.319 We rejoice. 00:16:19.719 --> 00:16:20.399 At this time of year. 00:16:20.479 --> 00:16:21.639 That he has become one of us. 00:16:22.119 --> 00:16:23.179 He rejoices that all the time. 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:23.919 Particularly now. 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:26.000 He shared our humanity. 00:16:28.000 --> 00:16:28.959 Somebody comes up to you. 00:16:28.959 --> 00:16:29.519 You've got a problem. 00:16:29.579 --> 00:16:29.919 And they say. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:30.439 I can help. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:31.459 I can help you. 00:16:31.500 --> 00:16:32.359 I've been where you are. 00:16:32.199 --> 00:16:32.379 I can help you. 00:16:32.379 --> 00:16:32.579 I can help you. 00:16:32.580 --> 00:16:37.440 And Jesus can say that this morning. 00:16:38.860 --> 00:16:40.000 He is the son of God. 00:16:40.060 --> 00:16:41.120 He can say to you from heaven. 00:16:41.680 --> 00:16:42.600 I've been where you are. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.240 I've been on earth. 00:16:44.940 --> 00:16:46.320 I've been among sinners. 00:16:50.800 --> 00:16:51.920 He can sympathize. 00:16:54.240 --> 00:16:55.020 He knows. 00:16:55.019 --> 00:17:00.919 And so we identify with him. 00:17:03.199 --> 00:17:04.960 There are to be no secret Christians. 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:08.000 We're to wear our faith. 00:17:09.059 --> 00:17:10.079 Like a wedding ring. 00:17:11.299 --> 00:17:13.539 Like that photo you've got of your children. 00:17:13.680 --> 00:17:14.980 Or a loved one on your mobile. 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.480 The grandchildren. 00:17:16.639 --> 00:17:18.000 That you get out at every opportunity. 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:22.079 The problem is of course. 00:17:22.160 --> 00:17:24.259 That carrying a great big dirty cross around. 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:26.940 Or if you're a student. 00:17:27.139 --> 00:17:29.139 You know students think that wearing a hoodie. 00:17:29.639 --> 00:17:31.740 With a great text written on the back. 00:17:32.099 --> 00:17:34.339 That is the great answer to student evangelism. 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:37.079 It's a lot easier isn't it to wear that. 00:17:37.680 --> 00:17:39.240 Or to have a little lapel badge. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:42.799 It's a lot easier to do that than living for Jesus in every area. 00:17:44.879 --> 00:17:46.119 It's a lot easier isn't it. 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:50.700 It's easier than speaking lovingly to your friend at the bar. 00:17:50.700 --> 00:17:51.980 About how great Jesus is. 00:17:53.220 --> 00:17:54.720 It's easier saying. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:56.059 Actually I can't. 00:17:56.200 --> 00:17:57.339 It's easier than saying. 00:17:57.539 --> 00:18:00.079 I can't go along with that practice at work actually. 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:02.859 Having that embarrassing conversation with your boss. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:05.799 Because you believe that what they're doing is dishonest. 00:18:07.160 --> 00:18:08.480 It's easier isn't it. 00:18:08.639 --> 00:18:09.940 To carry a cross around. 00:18:10.400 --> 00:18:11.359 Than taking away from. 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:13.539 Stepping away from that conversation. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.740 With the other mums. 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:17.279 Where you know that one of your friends who is not there. 00:18:17.500 --> 00:18:18.920 The one who hasn't turned up today. 00:18:18.980 --> 00:18:19.879 Is about to be destroyed. 00:18:19.880 --> 00:18:20.920 In the conversation. 00:18:22.120 --> 00:18:24.100 It would be far easier to carry a big cross around. 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.320 Because to carry the cross. 00:18:27.400 --> 00:18:28.460 Is to live for Jesus. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:31.120 In every nook and cranny of your life. 00:18:32.780 --> 00:18:34.140 It's the one to be known. 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:36.520 As a Christian first. 00:18:37.300 --> 00:18:38.460 And Paul second. 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:42.200 To be known as Dulce second. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:43.580 And Christ first. 00:18:44.540 --> 00:18:46.780 To be known as Christian first. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.920 And Mark second. 00:18:48.920 --> 00:18:50.520 To be known Christian first. 00:18:50.660 --> 00:18:51.759 And Susan second. 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:56.940 I've been crucified with Christ. 00:18:58.299 --> 00:18:59.279 The life I live. 00:18:59.359 --> 00:19:00.140 I live no longer. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:01.140 But Christ lives in me. 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.000 And the life I live. 00:19:02.579 --> 00:19:03.500 I live in the body. 00:19:03.779 --> 00:19:04.559 I live by faith. 00:19:04.700 --> 00:19:05.500 In the son of God. 00:19:05.599 --> 00:19:07.079 Who loved me and gave himself for me. 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.859 And let's be under no illusion. 00:19:10.420 --> 00:19:11.279 Carrying the cross. 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:13.099 Took Jesus to suffering and death. 00:19:13.160 --> 00:19:14.299 It's not an easy road. 00:19:14.400 --> 00:19:16.039 But it is the most glorious road. 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:20.119 And it's where his love is most fully seen. 00:19:20.119 --> 00:19:21.799 As he laid down his life for us. 00:19:23.479 --> 00:19:24.959 The Christian life is not easy. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.299 You don't need me to tell you that. 00:19:27.899 --> 00:19:30.059 People give you grief at work. 00:19:31.479 --> 00:19:32.639 I was at a conference yesterday. 00:19:32.739 --> 00:19:34.699 And two of the guys were talking to me. 00:19:35.079 --> 00:19:35.979 One of them said. 00:19:36.719 --> 00:19:38.099 They'd been at their work stew. 00:19:38.199 --> 00:19:39.659 There was about a dozen of them there. 00:19:39.839 --> 00:19:40.500 And they said. 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.119 Hello James. 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:42.179 It's just like the Last Supper. 00:19:42.459 --> 00:19:43.639 Do you want to play the role of Jesus? 00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:44.899 They all laughed. 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.559 Another lad in his twenties. 00:19:47.699 --> 00:19:49.119 Is in an engineering firm. 00:19:49.119 --> 00:19:50.859 And his Christmas due. 00:19:50.939 --> 00:19:51.959 Is at the lap dancing bar. 00:19:53.139 --> 00:19:54.379 So he's going to tell his boss. 00:19:54.419 --> 00:19:55.559 Who's in charge of his promotion. 00:19:56.059 --> 00:19:57.639 Who will give him his bonus in the new year. 00:19:57.939 --> 00:19:59.879 That he's not going to go to the lap dancing bar. 00:19:59.959 --> 00:20:00.799 For the work stew. 00:20:02.959 --> 00:20:04.379 Well I don't need to tell you. 00:20:04.679 --> 00:20:04.959 That. 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:07.799 Carrying your cross for Christ. 00:20:07.919 --> 00:20:08.519 Is hard. 00:20:09.879 --> 00:20:10.899 But it will be glorious. 00:20:12.179 --> 00:20:13.119 And so Jesus says. 00:20:13.179 --> 00:20:14.459 We've got to weigh up the cost. 00:20:15.459 --> 00:20:16.619 The cost for the long haul. 00:20:16.619 --> 00:20:17.799 Is Jesus your first love. 00:20:18.219 --> 00:20:19.559 Is Jesus your very life. 00:20:19.679 --> 00:20:20.239 And then thirdly. 00:20:20.299 --> 00:20:21.019 Now and forever. 00:20:22.239 --> 00:20:23.099 Now and forever. 00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:25.079 Jesus tells two stories. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:26.579 First stories in verse 28. 00:20:28.179 --> 00:20:29.619 Verse 28 of Luke 14. 00:20:31.939 --> 00:20:32.699 For which of you. 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:33.699 Desiring to build a tower. 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.859 Does not sit down first. 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:35.959 And count the cost. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.919 Whether he is enough to complete it. 00:20:39.199 --> 00:20:39.599 Otherwise. 00:20:39.839 --> 00:20:41.000 When he's laid the foundation. 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:42.119 And he's not able to finish it. 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:43.779 All you see will begin to mock it. 00:20:43.779 --> 00:20:46.799 Now it's the classic DIY bank holiday job. 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:47.200 Isn't it? 00:20:48.299 --> 00:20:49.720 I don't know whether you're any good at DIY. 00:20:49.940 --> 00:20:50.660 I'm awful. 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:51.519 But you know how it is. 00:20:51.579 --> 00:20:51.720 Isn't it? 00:20:51.720 --> 00:20:52.519 You get inspired. 00:20:52.980 --> 00:20:54.200 And in a fit of enthusiasm. 00:20:54.359 --> 00:20:56.119 You charge down to wicks in Hanwell. 00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:59.220 And you are determined to build something. 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:00.259 Let's say it's a summer house. 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:01.579 You get some cement. 00:21:02.259 --> 00:21:03.480 You hire a concrete mixer. 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:05.759 And you dig out the appropriate area. 00:21:06.399 --> 00:21:08.180 And you put in a concrete foundation. 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:09.460 It takes you all day. 00:21:10.099 --> 00:21:10.619 And you think. 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:11.799 Well I'll finish it next weekend. 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:14.259 But things get busy at work. 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:15.099 You're very tight. 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:16.440 Your back plays up a little bit. 00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:17.559 Your money gets tight. 00:21:17.940 --> 00:21:19.180 And nothing happens. 00:21:19.700 --> 00:21:20.359 Next week. 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:21.960 Or the week after. 00:21:22.079 --> 00:21:22.960 Or the month after. 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:24.240 Or the next season. 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:25.079 And then you're into winter. 00:21:25.159 --> 00:21:25.599 And it doesn't happen. 00:21:25.619 --> 00:21:26.639 And it doesn't happen the next summer. 00:21:26.879 --> 00:21:27.980 And then every time. 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:29.240 You have your friends round. 00:21:29.480 --> 00:21:30.599 They take great delight. 00:21:31.619 --> 00:21:33.119 And they take great pleasure. 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:35.500 At laughing at your six foot by nine foot. 00:21:35.579 --> 00:21:36.379 Concrete plinth. 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:37.419 Sitting in the middle of your lord. 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:40.259 If you don't finish. 00:21:40.580 --> 00:21:41.759 What you start. 00:21:42.640 --> 00:21:43.800 DIY wise. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:44.720 You become a jerk. 00:21:46.320 --> 00:21:47.320 The second story. 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:48.180 Is worse possibilities. 00:21:48.300 --> 00:21:49.039 Like in verse 31. 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:51.039 Or what king. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:52.640 Going out to encounter another king. 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:53.340 In war. 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:54.360 Will not sit down first. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:54.920 And deliberate. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:55.580 Whether he's able. 00:21:55.820 --> 00:21:56.600 With 10,000. 00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:57.160 To meet him. 00:21:57.180 --> 00:21:57.920 Who comes against him. 00:21:57.920 --> 00:21:58.920 With 20,000. 00:22:00.779 --> 00:22:01.680 If this king. 00:22:01.820 --> 00:22:02.420 Doesn't finish. 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.460 What he starts. 00:22:03.460 --> 00:22:07.700 He doesn't become a laughing stock. 00:22:07.799 --> 00:22:09.600 He may well become dead. 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.259 Verse 32. 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.680 And if not. 00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:13.380 While the other is yet a great way off. 00:22:13.440 --> 00:22:14.259 He sends a delegation. 00:22:14.440 --> 00:22:15.340 And asks for terms of peace. 00:22:15.880 --> 00:22:16.640 It's very sensible. 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:20.600 Here's the punchline. 00:22:20.740 --> 00:22:21.640 For both stories. 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:22.340 Verse 33. 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:22.840 So therefore. 00:22:22.960 --> 00:22:23.559 Any one of you. 00:22:23.620 --> 00:22:24.360 Who does not renounce. 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:25.600 All that he has. 00:22:25.680 --> 00:22:26.519 Cannot be my disciple. 00:22:27.519 --> 00:22:27.880 Wait up. 00:22:27.880 --> 00:22:28.440 Says Jesus. 00:22:30.880 --> 00:22:31.400 Wait up. 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:32.519 There is only one way. 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:33.619 To finish the Christian life. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.799 There is only one way. 00:22:34.980 --> 00:22:35.519 And that is. 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.660 To give up everything. 00:22:37.099 --> 00:22:37.319 To me. 00:22:39.480 --> 00:22:39.879 Now. 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:41.339 That doesn't mean. 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:42.400 Go and sell. 00:22:42.440 --> 00:22:43.180 All that you have. 00:22:43.259 --> 00:22:43.819 This afternoon. 00:22:44.059 --> 00:22:45.220 And buy an allotment. 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:46.279 And live off the land. 00:22:47.579 --> 00:22:48.500 For some. 00:22:48.759 --> 00:22:49.559 It is meant. 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:50.779 Leaving good jobs. 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:51.519 And good friends. 00:22:51.639 --> 00:22:52.099 And family. 00:22:52.160 --> 00:22:53.079 And going to serve Jesus. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:53.900 In another area. 00:22:53.900 --> 00:22:54.359 Of the country. 00:22:54.460 --> 00:22:54.700 Of the world. 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.740 That's not a bad thing to do. 00:22:58.339 --> 00:22:59.460 Have you ever asked this up. 00:22:59.519 --> 00:23:00.579 Why do I need so much. 00:23:00.639 --> 00:23:01.700 To serve Jesus. 00:23:01.700 --> 00:23:03.200 Here in England. 00:23:03.380 --> 00:23:03.799 In London. 00:23:04.720 --> 00:23:05.960 And so many of my friends. 00:23:06.600 --> 00:23:07.080 Overseas. 00:23:07.319 --> 00:23:08.039 Need so little. 00:23:08.140 --> 00:23:08.759 To serve him there. 00:23:10.279 --> 00:23:11.120 I think there can be. 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:12.759 A very real danger. 00:23:13.059 --> 00:23:13.799 That we play. 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:14.360 The game. 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.140 Of envy. 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:17.620 With our friends. 00:23:18.380 --> 00:23:19.240 And with our neighbours. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.519 Those who can go on. 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.840 Two foreign holidays a year. 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.720 Those who are able. 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:25.660 To have time sharing. 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.720 In wherever it is. 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:28.400 Those who are able. 00:23:28.519 --> 00:23:29.519 To regularly. 00:23:29.880 --> 00:23:30.360 Upgrade. 00:23:30.359 --> 00:23:31.359 Their standard of living. 00:23:31.359 --> 00:23:33.039 And we can't. 00:23:33.299 --> 00:23:33.959 And we envy. 00:23:36.079 --> 00:23:38.119 But what Jesus is asking here. 00:23:38.240 --> 00:23:40.359 Is harder than getting rid of your possessions. 00:23:41.559 --> 00:23:42.699 It's harder than that. 00:23:43.399 --> 00:23:44.379 I'm not saying that to you. 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:46.059 That you have to get rid of them. 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:47.000 He is saying. 00:23:47.159 --> 00:23:47.719 In life. 00:23:48.079 --> 00:23:49.799 Everything must be brought. 00:23:49.959 --> 00:23:51.099 Under my control. 00:23:51.199 --> 00:23:51.859 My lordship. 00:23:53.039 --> 00:23:54.039 Anything we have. 00:23:54.159 --> 00:23:54.919 Anyone we know. 00:23:55.039 --> 00:23:56.019 Any decision we take. 00:23:56.299 --> 00:23:57.199 We need to bring it. 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.259 Under the lordship of Christ. 00:23:58.259 --> 00:24:00.240 And that is a lifelong attitude. 00:24:01.680 --> 00:24:02.379 And in some ways. 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:03.319 That only gets harder. 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:03.640 Doesn't it? 00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.500 As you go on in life. 00:24:04.619 --> 00:24:05.559 Do you remember when you were a teenager? 00:24:05.819 --> 00:24:06.940 I do think being a teenager. 00:24:07.200 --> 00:24:08.259 Is a very difficult time. 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:08.799 To be a Christian. 00:24:09.319 --> 00:24:10.339 But when you're a teenager. 00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:11.400 You think life. 00:24:11.519 --> 00:24:12.500 Just will never get. 00:24:12.619 --> 00:24:13.500 Any more difficult. 00:24:13.640 --> 00:24:14.440 Than it is now. 00:24:14.900 --> 00:24:15.980 It'll never get any more. 00:24:16.059 --> 00:24:17.059 Once I'm free. 00:24:17.119 --> 00:24:17.879 Of the shackles. 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:18.839 Of my parents. 00:24:19.559 --> 00:24:20.839 Then life will be easier. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:22.039 But let me ask you this. 00:24:22.079 --> 00:24:22.839 What have you got. 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:24.440 As a teenager. 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:26.759 You've got some clothes. 00:24:27.519 --> 00:24:28.160 Some stickers. 00:24:31.059 --> 00:24:33.000 You've got some old toys. 00:24:33.340 --> 00:24:34.480 That you don't want. 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:36.480 You've got a bit of money. 00:24:36.880 --> 00:24:37.100 Maybe. 00:24:37.220 --> 00:24:37.360 Have you? 00:24:38.259 --> 00:24:39.120 Not very much. 00:24:39.160 --> 00:24:39.860 But you've got a little bit. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.580 You've got an Xbox. 00:24:43.180 --> 00:24:43.940 Or something like that. 00:24:44.320 --> 00:24:45.240 What have you got? 00:24:45.600 --> 00:24:47.059 You don't have very much. 00:24:47.059 --> 00:24:47.680 As a teenager. 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:48.220 Alright. 00:24:48.620 --> 00:24:49.380 I like teenagers. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.360 But you haven't got very much. 00:24:50.359 --> 00:24:54.579 Life feels very complicated. 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:55.199 Doesn't it? 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.959 But actually it's not. 00:24:58.339 --> 00:24:59.599 It's not that tough. 00:24:59.659 --> 00:25:00.859 To think through this. 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.919 That as a teenager. 00:25:02.919 --> 00:25:03.659 You've got to bring. 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:05.539 All your vast goods. 00:25:05.719 --> 00:25:06.679 Under the control. 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:07.719 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.000 And he's got to be. 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:09.759 In charge of it. 00:25:10.779 --> 00:25:11.219 And yeah. 00:25:11.279 --> 00:25:12.119 It can be hard. 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:12.779 To do that. 00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:13.399 I know that. 00:25:14.459 --> 00:25:15.500 But there's not a lot. 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.219 Going on. 00:25:18.159 --> 00:25:18.959 Well then it comes. 00:25:19.039 --> 00:25:19.699 You get to university. 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:20.259 You get a student. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:20.779 Loan. 00:25:21.039 --> 00:25:22.079 And then you get a job. 00:25:24.640 --> 00:25:25.259 And it becomes. 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:25.980 Much much harder. 00:25:28.119 --> 00:25:28.960 You ask yourself. 00:25:29.240 --> 00:25:29.799 The question. 00:25:29.900 --> 00:25:30.099 Don't we. 00:25:30.140 --> 00:25:31.279 Do I get that great job. 00:25:31.339 --> 00:25:32.460 Where there's no good church. 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.619 Or do I live in that area. 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.879 Where my job is pretty. 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.599 Unsatisfactory. 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.259 But I can serve. 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:37.160 And I can get involved. 00:25:37.379 --> 00:25:38.259 And I can really serve. 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:39.019 The body of Christ. 00:25:41.000 --> 00:25:41.859 Maybe for some of us. 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.400 It's housing. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:42.680 Isn't it? 00:25:42.779 --> 00:25:44.099 If I move here. 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:45.019 Or there. 00:25:45.079 --> 00:25:45.759 I can have the house. 00:25:45.759 --> 00:25:46.379 That I want. 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:48.559 I can be where I want to be. 00:25:48.720 --> 00:25:48.940 In life. 00:25:49.000 --> 00:25:50.119 Where I love to be. 00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:51.019 But church wise. 00:25:51.099 --> 00:25:51.939 It's a bit of a disaster. 00:25:52.079 --> 00:25:52.879 And I won't be fed. 00:25:52.939 --> 00:25:53.839 And I won't grow. 00:25:56.500 --> 00:25:57.459 Let me say this to you. 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:58.059 Just as a caveat. 00:25:58.179 --> 00:25:59.579 The first step to falling away. 00:25:59.659 --> 00:26:00.079 Is to think. 00:26:00.199 --> 00:26:01.279 I've had enough good teaching. 00:26:01.279 --> 00:26:04.039 I don't need that anymore. 00:26:04.139 --> 00:26:05.000 I'm well fed. 00:26:07.160 --> 00:26:07.980 What you discover. 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:09.240 Is as life goes on. 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.839 Is that money. 00:26:10.019 --> 00:26:10.500 And life. 00:26:10.660 --> 00:26:10.920 Gets. 00:26:11.259 --> 00:26:11.899 More complicated. 00:26:14.200 --> 00:26:15.099 There's things in life. 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:16.960 You never discovered them. 00:26:17.000 --> 00:26:18.119 Until you could afford them. 00:26:18.980 --> 00:26:20.399 But now you can afford them. 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.599 You think you need them. 00:26:21.599 --> 00:26:25.079 And then you get property. 00:26:25.219 --> 00:26:26.019 And you're tied down. 00:26:27.139 --> 00:26:27.859 And then you can afford. 00:26:27.939 --> 00:26:28.819 To go on that better holiday. 00:26:28.939 --> 00:26:29.980 Because you've got a little bit more money. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:30.959 And the economy is recovering. 00:26:31.039 --> 00:26:31.939 And it's a real struggling. 00:26:32.199 --> 00:26:33.759 Struggle to bring more and more of this. 00:26:33.819 --> 00:26:35.019 Under the control of Christ. 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:36.419 And then you have children. 00:26:37.419 --> 00:26:38.879 And then you have grandchildren. 00:26:39.879 --> 00:26:40.699 Who rule the roost. 00:26:40.700 --> 00:26:42.720 And it gets added. 00:26:42.860 --> 00:26:43.140 And added. 00:26:43.279 --> 00:26:43.519 And added. 00:26:43.660 --> 00:26:43.980 And added. 00:26:44.100 --> 00:26:44.340 And added. 00:26:44.539 --> 00:26:46.160 And you've got to gather it all up. 00:26:46.279 --> 00:26:48.240 And bring it under the lordship. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:48.980 Of the lord Jesus. 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:52.519 But Jesus says in verse 33. 00:26:52.960 --> 00:26:54.259 Therefore any one of you. 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:55.860 Who does not renounce all that he has. 00:26:55.920 --> 00:26:56.799 Cannot be my disciple. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:27:00.000 And so you and I. 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:01.140 And it's so applicable to me. 00:27:01.140 --> 00:27:02.299 I need to ask myself. 00:27:02.460 --> 00:27:04.400 Is this decision about Jesus? 00:27:05.580 --> 00:27:07.220 How am I using all my time. 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:07.720 And my money. 00:27:07.759 --> 00:27:08.880 And my energy for Jesus? 00:27:08.880 --> 00:27:12.100 And it's not a question of proportions. 00:27:12.280 --> 00:27:13.120 Isn't that what we do? 00:27:14.080 --> 00:27:15.540 We tend to work in proportions. 00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:18.040 I've done enough in my Jesus time. 00:27:18.100 --> 00:27:19.320 And this is me time. 00:27:20.820 --> 00:27:21.640 Now says Jesus. 00:27:21.760 --> 00:27:22.520 Verse 26. 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:25.780 For which of you desire interpelling to tell. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:26.740 Verse 26. 00:27:26.800 --> 00:27:28.300 If anyone comes to me. 00:27:28.340 --> 00:27:29.440 And does not hate his own father. 00:27:29.440 --> 00:27:29.720 And mother. 00:27:29.840 --> 00:27:30.060 And wife. 00:27:30.140 --> 00:27:30.340 And children. 00:27:30.480 --> 00:27:30.980 And brothers and sisters. 00:27:31.360 --> 00:27:31.560 Yes. 00:27:31.580 --> 00:27:32.300 And even his own life. 00:27:32.340 --> 00:27:33.200 He cannot be my disciple. 00:27:34.020 --> 00:27:35.220 Jesus has got to be number one. 00:27:35.220 --> 00:27:39.759 And Jesus has got a load to say. 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.380 About our money. 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.759 And about how we work. 00:27:41.860 --> 00:27:43.180 And Jesus has got a load to say. 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.120 About how we can rip children. 00:27:44.460 --> 00:27:45.339 And about our marriage. 00:27:45.420 --> 00:27:46.279 And how we treat one another. 00:27:47.660 --> 00:27:49.940 It's not this is when I'm off duty. 00:27:50.400 --> 00:27:52.079 For using my gifts for Jesus. 00:27:53.620 --> 00:27:55.860 Because I've been doing loads and loads for him over here. 00:27:56.180 --> 00:27:56.360 No. 00:27:56.420 --> 00:27:57.019 Verse 27. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:59.680 Whoever does not bear his own cross. 00:27:59.740 --> 00:28:00.279 And come after me. 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:01.200 Cannot be my disciple. 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.940 Jesus says you've got to live for me. 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:04.220 24 cent. 00:28:06.279 --> 00:28:07.080 You've got to live for me. 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:08.019 Identifiably. 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:09.340 As a follower of the Lord Jesus. 00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:11.920 It's not. 00:28:12.039 --> 00:28:14.220 This is the money that I give to church. 00:28:14.720 --> 00:28:16.779 And this is the money that I keep for myself. 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:17.519 No. 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:18.559 Verse 33. 00:28:19.360 --> 00:28:19.980 Any one of you. 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:21.259 Does not renounce all that he has. 00:28:21.340 --> 00:28:22.120 Cannot be my disciple. 00:28:23.100 --> 00:28:24.779 There's not money we don't give to Jesus. 00:28:24.860 --> 00:28:25.660 And money we do. 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:26.860 No. 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:27.380 It's all of his. 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:27.700 Isn't it? 00:28:29.779 --> 00:28:31.320 And it is to be used for his service. 00:28:31.319 --> 00:28:33.079 We just choose to use it in different ways. 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:35.919 So for instance. 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:37.139 Let me give you this example. 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:39.579 Let's say about going on holiday. 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:42.439 Going on holiday is a really good thing. 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:47.899 Going on holiday can be a really godly decision. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:49.559 We need rest. 00:28:49.700 --> 00:28:50.000 Don't we? 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:50.659 We really do. 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:53.539 And we need time with family. 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:56.680 And we need time with friends. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:59.740 And we need time to work on my relationships with them. 00:28:59.940 --> 00:29:01.399 And to encourage them in Christ. 00:29:02.420 --> 00:29:04.579 But we need to think it through like that. 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:09.319 We cannot compartmentalise Jesus Christ. 00:29:10.139 --> 00:29:12.619 The Pharisees compartmentalise the Lord Jesus. 00:29:12.940 --> 00:29:14.460 Jesus will not be part of my life. 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:16.000 Part of my time here. 00:29:16.259 --> 00:29:17.220 And part of my talents. 00:29:17.379 --> 00:29:19.659 And part of my bank statements. 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:23.380 He is either all of it. 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.220 Or he is none of it. 00:29:25.340 --> 00:29:26.360 So verse 33. 00:29:26.800 --> 00:29:27.140 Again. 00:29:28.060 --> 00:29:30.160 Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.019 Cannot be my disciple. 00:29:32.300 --> 00:29:32.840 You see. 00:29:33.040 --> 00:29:34.019 In the end. 00:29:34.880 --> 00:29:36.800 We are just acknowledging what is true. 00:29:38.560 --> 00:29:40.120 Jesus is the one who owns everything. 00:29:40.220 --> 00:29:40.920 Who rules everything. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:41.820 Who sustains everything. 00:29:42.060 --> 00:29:43.380 And once we realise that. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:44.279 It shouldn't be difficult. 00:29:45.360 --> 00:29:46.160 To give it to him. 00:29:46.800 --> 00:29:48.140 To hold it with an open hand. 00:29:48.140 --> 00:29:49.320 And say Lord this is yours. 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:52.080 The Jewish leaders thought. 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:53.560 That it is something that they could give God. 00:29:53.640 --> 00:29:53.820 Didn't they? 00:29:53.840 --> 00:29:54.860 They thought they had good deeds. 00:29:54.920 --> 00:29:55.860 It made themselves righteous. 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:57.420 They didn't see the need to follow Jesus. 00:29:58.800 --> 00:29:59.480 And you see. 00:29:59.580 --> 00:30:00.720 It is only when you and I. 00:30:00.820 --> 00:30:03.540 See ourselves as spiritually bankrupt before God. 00:30:03.700 --> 00:30:05.320 There is nothing that God owes us. 00:30:06.380 --> 00:30:07.940 And we owe him everything. 00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:09.140 Especially forgiveness. 00:30:09.320 --> 00:30:10.800 For the agonising death of his son. 00:30:10.860 --> 00:30:11.360 The Lord Jesus. 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.400 Then. 00:30:16.880 --> 00:30:18.040 When we realise that. 00:30:18.039 --> 00:30:19.779 Then we will follow him as he demands. 00:30:20.379 --> 00:30:22.839 There is no such thing as a hard-hearted Christian. 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:25.920 Jesus will not have followers. 00:30:26.079 --> 00:30:27.859 That treat him like an aid to their life. 00:30:28.059 --> 00:30:29.180 Like a personal trainer. 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:30.220 Who's there when you need him. 00:30:30.420 --> 00:30:31.920 If we don't follow him with everything. 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:33.259 We're not following him at all. 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:34.799 And the irony is. 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:35.680 This sounds so harsh. 00:30:35.680 --> 00:30:36.099 Doesn't it? 00:30:38.279 --> 00:30:39.119 It's so hard. 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.460 It's so much better though. 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:44.480 Than clinging to our own selfish desires. 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.799 And claiming to follow Jesus. 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:49.200 Because the implication of Jesus' story. 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:51.140 Of not weighing up the cost of following him. 00:30:51.180 --> 00:30:52.319 Of not taking it seriously. 00:30:52.720 --> 00:30:54.220 Is that it is a route to failure. 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:58.019 I don't know what your experience is. 00:30:58.099 --> 00:30:59.360 But time and time again. 00:31:00.140 --> 00:31:02.319 I've been with people whose daily lives are a misery. 00:31:02.519 --> 00:31:02.940 And actually. 00:31:03.099 --> 00:31:03.400 In fact. 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:05.900 My daily life has been most miserable. 00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:08.240 When I've known the truth of the gospel. 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:11.620 But will not live the truth of the gospel. 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:15.359 When I've denied that Jesus is Lord of all. 00:31:16.039 --> 00:31:16.920 It's made me miserable. 00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:20.279 You will know it. 00:31:20.640 --> 00:31:21.420 If that is you. 00:31:21.519 --> 00:31:23.420 Because your life will be littered with excuses. 00:31:23.660 --> 00:31:25.539 That costly service is just too much. 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.160 Lastly. 00:31:28.240 --> 00:31:28.980 My last point is this. 00:31:30.099 --> 00:31:32.200 Only this kind of disciple is useful. 00:31:35.000 --> 00:31:36.559 Only this kind of disciple is useful. 00:31:36.640 --> 00:31:37.599 Look at verse 34. 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.359 Oh salt is good. 00:31:38.419 --> 00:31:39.579 But if salt has lost its taste. 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:40.959 How shall its saltiness be restored? 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:43.879 Some of you may be chemists. 00:31:43.939 --> 00:31:44.219 And you think. 00:31:44.279 --> 00:31:44.740 Well this is wrong. 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:45.819 I think the Bible again is wrong. 00:31:45.939 --> 00:31:46.879 Culturally it's outdated. 00:31:48.199 --> 00:31:50.059 You cannot have salt chemically. 00:31:50.139 --> 00:31:51.099 Becoming unsalty. 00:31:52.039 --> 00:31:52.939 And when in Jesus' day. 00:31:53.059 --> 00:31:54.659 You didn't have the pure stuff like we have. 00:31:54.719 --> 00:31:56.000 You'd have a big block. 00:31:56.319 --> 00:31:57.339 An impure block. 00:31:57.339 --> 00:31:58.419 That would be dug up. 00:31:58.899 --> 00:31:59.740 And in time. 00:31:59.859 --> 00:32:01.839 The salt leached out of the block. 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.139 So therefore. 00:32:03.299 --> 00:32:04.139 In verse 35. 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:05.159 It is no use. 00:32:05.439 --> 00:32:06.240 Either for soil. 00:32:06.359 --> 00:32:07.319 Or for the manure pile. 00:32:07.319 --> 00:32:08.119 And it is thrown away. 00:32:08.179 --> 00:32:09.059 It's no help to anyone. 00:32:09.740 --> 00:32:11.539 It wouldn't even improve the soil quality. 00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:13.220 And it wouldn't improve your manure. 00:32:14.119 --> 00:32:15.220 See what Jesus is saying. 00:32:15.619 --> 00:32:17.539 Followers are to be distinctive from the world around. 00:32:17.639 --> 00:32:18.599 That is a salt image. 00:32:19.939 --> 00:32:20.939 That we've got to be distinctive. 00:32:20.940 --> 00:32:25.860 We've got to be distinctive in one way. 00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:27.259 It's very easy. 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:27.900 Very simple. 00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:28.580 The Christian life. 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:32.440 This is the only way you have to be distinctive. 00:32:32.580 --> 00:32:33.480 How do you have to be distinctive? 00:32:34.100 --> 00:32:35.120 How can you be salty? 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:36.740 Well look at the section before. 00:32:37.320 --> 00:32:38.640 Jesus has to be first in everything. 00:32:43.240 --> 00:32:43.920 There you go. 00:32:44.740 --> 00:32:45.759 It's not difficult to understand. 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:49.579 And as time goes on. 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:52.859 If Christians do more and more for themselves. 00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:55.640 And less and less for Jesus. 00:32:55.779 --> 00:32:56.599 Then in the end. 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:58.180 Verse 35. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.740 They become useless. 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:03.240 Because they look just like everybody else. 00:33:05.160 --> 00:33:06.579 And I think it's a real danger for us. 00:33:06.619 --> 00:33:06.839 Isn't it? 00:33:06.839 --> 00:33:07.299 In the West. 00:33:07.400 --> 00:33:09.019 That materialism creeps up on us. 00:33:09.039 --> 00:33:09.839 And before we know it. 00:33:09.879 --> 00:33:12.160 Our lives are ordered around a set of priorities. 00:33:12.220 --> 00:33:14.000 That are so different from the kingdom of God. 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:17.460 Jesus says to you today. 00:33:17.619 --> 00:33:18.859 I will be king of all. 00:33:19.000 --> 00:33:19.839 Or I'll be king of nothing. 00:33:22.039 --> 00:33:23.400 Because when you are distinctive. 00:33:23.559 --> 00:33:24.980 And only then you are good to me. 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:29.180 Now this is an unbalanced statement. 00:33:29.299 --> 00:33:29.940 But I want to say this. 00:33:30.000 --> 00:33:31.900 I think we need to be weirder for Christ. 00:33:32.359 --> 00:33:32.980 It's unbalanced. 00:33:33.079 --> 00:33:34.000 Then it's a half truth. 00:33:34.900 --> 00:33:36.720 But I think it's true when it comes to this passage. 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:40.500 We've got into the sort of attitude as Christians. 00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:42.579 That with our non-Christian friends. 00:33:42.660 --> 00:33:43.900 We need to narrow the gap. 00:33:44.980 --> 00:33:45.799 You know what it's like. 00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:46.940 Some people preach on it. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:48.140 It's only a narrow step. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:49.240 It's only a narrow chasm. 00:33:50.059 --> 00:33:51.539 We're not that different to you. 00:33:53.380 --> 00:33:54.640 What Jesus Christ is saying. 00:33:54.740 --> 00:33:56.720 Unless you're radically different in your priorities. 00:33:56.900 --> 00:33:57.619 And in your life. 00:33:57.700 --> 00:33:58.880 You cease to be good for me. 00:34:00.839 --> 00:34:02.599 Unless your non-Christian friend can say. 00:34:02.680 --> 00:34:05.819 You are living for a totally different cause. 00:34:06.380 --> 00:34:07.859 Jesus says you're no good to me. 00:34:07.859 --> 00:34:11.880 Because only when you are distinctive. 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:13.019 Are you good for me. 00:34:15.139 --> 00:34:15.839 So maybe. 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:16.319 Just maybe. 00:34:16.400 --> 00:34:18.299 You are someone who started ever so keen. 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:20.599 And when you were younger. 00:34:20.739 --> 00:34:21.380 You were so keen. 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:24.099 But you've gradually denied Jesus rightful place in your life. 00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:25.139 More and more and more. 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:26.619 And drift has begun to set in. 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:28.579 You need to stop there and come back. 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:31.239 Come back before it's too late. 00:34:31.299 --> 00:34:32.219 Come back to your king. 00:34:34.319 --> 00:34:36.159 Because there will be a day when it's too late. 00:34:37.819 --> 00:34:41.659 The warning is there will be a day when those who stand before Jesus on the day of judgment. 00:34:41.659 --> 00:34:44.599 Will discover that they are only Christians in name and not in nature. 00:34:48.539 --> 00:34:50.179 Although they claim to follow Jesus. 00:34:51.519 --> 00:34:53.239 Actually they were following in their own desires. 00:34:53.359 --> 00:34:54.419 And they were rebels against him. 00:34:55.939 --> 00:34:56.479 And maybe. 00:34:56.579 --> 00:34:56.959 Just maybe. 00:34:57.059 --> 00:34:58.879 We need to clear away some of the clutter. 00:34:58.880 --> 00:35:00.800 Out of life. 00:35:00.860 --> 00:35:02.300 So we can think more of Jesus. 00:35:04.880 --> 00:35:07.820 And don't think that this isn't a danger for those of us who are Christian ministers. 00:35:09.460 --> 00:35:11.840 It's just as much of a danger for me as it is for you. 00:35:13.820 --> 00:35:15.980 There's a story isn't there of a man who lost everything. 00:35:17.039 --> 00:35:17.980 He lost his home. 00:35:18.800 --> 00:35:19.619 He lost his business. 00:35:20.640 --> 00:35:21.599 He lost his family. 00:35:21.740 --> 00:35:24.039 And he lost all that the world admired. 00:35:25.519 --> 00:35:26.980 And yet he was thankful to God. 00:35:28.039 --> 00:35:28.840 Why is that? 00:35:29.640 --> 00:35:30.900 It sounds mad doesn't it? 00:35:30.920 --> 00:35:31.519 It sounds crazy. 00:35:31.519 --> 00:35:32.420 He lost everything. 00:35:32.519 --> 00:35:33.360 And yet he was thankful to God. 00:35:33.420 --> 00:35:34.500 And he summed it up like this. 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:37.480 Until Jesus was all I had. 00:35:38.440 --> 00:35:40.940 I didn't realise he was all I needed. 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:44.460 Until Jesus was all I had. 00:35:45.320 --> 00:35:47.140 I didn't realise he was all I needed. 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:48.220 Verse 33. 00:35:48.640 --> 00:35:53.300 So therefore any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. 00:35:53.300 --> 00:35:55.519 The time to make a decision is now. 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:59.080 The person concerned is you. 00:36:00.140 --> 00:36:02.500 The demand is everything. 00:36:02.500 --> 00:36:07.559 He who has ears to hear. 00:36:07.559 --> 00:36:09.739 Let him hear. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:09.800 Let him hear. 00:36:09.800 --> 00:36:13.440 My father in heaven. 00:36:13.880 --> 00:36:14.019 Let him hear. 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:14.019