The cost of discipleship

Last Saturday was particularly powerful and encouraging in seeing God's Word in action. The passage preached on was Matthew 16: 24-27 on the cost of true discipleship. Emphasis was on the aspects of what some of the conditional aspects of that are. There needs to be true repentance as a condition that is empowered in us by God. This includes denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Him. Christianity is about Lordship obedience. It is not about empty promises of a life without suffering, without commitment, without a price. Our salvation is a gift but it is conditional. Having said that, this can not be achieved by our works, but rather, by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8). Let us not forget as well that Christ dying on the cross was a condition, a cost for God to forgive our sins, for His wrath to be propitiated.Emphasis in the message was also on the question 'why should I take this seriously?' From the passage we see that the reasons are to find the true meaning of life (Glorifying God), to save your soul (Not to forfeit it), and because Christ will return to judge

Here are this weeks prayer requests. Remember that God hears the prayer of those who love Him!

Scott - Pray for him, that he would continue his walk with Christ and remain sober. Please pray for two of his friends that God would give them peace and comfort in a hard situation. Also, pray that his brother would continue to live sober.

Albert - He desires to have a deeper understanding and knowledge of God, and true wisdom.

Edward - Be in prayer for his wife and 7 children and their family situation. He praises God for allowing him to learn new things from His word.

Joseph - Pray for him as he is going through a hard time.

Christopher - His children are not saved, please pray for their salvation. Also, he desires to see one of his children, that he has not met yet.

Anthony - Please pray for strenght for his wife and two children.