Norm preached on the cost of following Christ, drawing from Luke 14:25-33, where Jesus calls His followers to count the cost of discipleship.
Commitment to Christ
Norm began with an illustration of Alexander the Great’s soldiers demonstrating unwavering loyalty, using it as a metaphor for the kind of commitment Christ expects from His disciples. He pointed out that modern culture prioritizes self-fulfillment, making true commitment to Christ difficult. However, Jesus demands total devotion—not partial commitment.
Counting the Cost (Luke 14:25-33)
He read from Luke 14, where Jesus challenges His followers to place Him above all else, including family and even their own lives. Norm explained that the word “hate” in this passage is a comparative term, meaning to love Christ so much that all other loves seem secondary.
He also addressed self-denial, saying that following Jesus is not about convenience but about sacrificial obedience. He used examples such as the rich young ruler (who couldn’t give up his wealth) and modern believers who prioritize personal comfort over faithfulness to Christ.
Carrying the Cross Daily
Norm emphasized that discipleship involves daily cross-bearing—a willingness to endure suffering, rejection, and self-sacrifice for Christ’s sake. He explained that carrying the cross is not a one-time event but a continual act of surrender.
He illustrated this with an African missionary story, where new believers lost everything, including their families, for choosing Christ. Their unwavering faith demonstrated the true cost of discipleship.
Examples of Counting the Cost
Norm referenced two parables from Luke 14:
The Builder – A man building a tower must count the cost before starting. Likewise, a Christian must understand the cost of discipleship before following Christ.
The King at War – A king preparing for battle must evaluate whether he has the strength to win. Similarly, following Jesus is a serious decision that requires total commitment.
Dying to Self & True Life in Christ
Norm challenged the congregation to give up everything to follow Jesus, comparing it to exchanging a $100 bill for a lifetime of daily sacrifices (“pennies given each day”). He emphasized that true life is found in dying to self, quoting Luke 9:24:
“Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
He closed with a challenge:
Have you truly counted the cost of following Jesus?
Are you willing to surrender everything to Christ?
Norm encouraged the congregation to take up their cross daily, live for God’s glory, and be ambassadors for Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.