“How would you like to live forever?” yelled the pastor on TV, “Wouldn’t you like to be forgiven of your sins and given a fresh start? Don’t you want to spend eternity in paradise instead of burning in hell? Or claim the wealth and health God has for you?” The pastor relentlessly continued, “Then all you have to do is believe in Jesus, ask him into your life, and all this will be yours!”
I felt as if I had just been sold Jesus. I mean, who wouldn’t want that? To be wealthy, healthy, forgiven, not go to hell, and live in paradise! It’s a dream come true! But my heart couldn’t help but think of the hundreds of people who just signed onto to this ‘get rich scheme.’ Many had been fooled into making a decision for Jesus, but few of them had actually committed to Him. This is not the way it was meant to be. Jesus is not some prize to be won. We can’t just believe in him and then go about our lives as usual. It doesn’t work that way. Yes, the Scripture in the Bible says that all you have to do is believe to be saved (Romans 10:9), but it doesn’t stop there. Not only are we to believe, but belief comes with actions, verbal actions, and actions showing the sincerity of heart…
“ So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:17
Faith without works is nothing but dead faith. In other words, if you accepted Jesus with the words of your mouth and fell for one of those, ‘get rich schemes’ on TV, and little to nothing changed in your life. Then I have to ask you, did you really commit your life to Jesus or did you just say some fancy words?
You see, many people call themselves Christians but in truth, have fallen for the schemes of a few pastors. These people have made a decision for Jesus, but not a real commitment to him. In reality, you can’t have one without the other. If you are one of those, who have only made a decision for Jesus, then you need to ask yourself are you truly His?
Let me put it this way. Lets say a volcanologist (someone who studies volcanoes) came to your house and told you that in a few weeks a volcano was going to erupt near your home and that you needed to evacuate the premises; otherwise you and your house would be destroyed. He even showed you the paperwork and proved what was going to happen. You kindly and sincerely thank the gentleman, and acknowledge that you believed him, and told him you would be evacuating soon. But as time went on you lived life as usual. Sure you bought a few water jugs and stocked up on a day or two of food, but none of that could actually help you when the volcano erupted. Weeks passed and sure enough the day of the eruption was at hand and just as the volcanologist predicted, the volcano erupted. But it was too late.
You see, that person stated with their mouth that they believed the volcanologist, but at heart level they did not believe. Why? Because there were no actions to back up that belief. If they had truly believed they would have gotten the heck out of there. But instead they made a ‘decision’ to believe and not an actual commitment. Thus it is with many ‘Christians’ today who say Jesus is their Lord. They decide to believe Jesus, but have not committed to him.
The true cost of following Jesus involves more than just believing in Him. The Scripture is full of evidence for this. Did you know that in the Gospels the word, “believe,” is only used five times. While the word, “follow me,” is used about twenty times. Meaning Jesus wants us to not only believe, but to be followers of him. For if your words hold value, and you made the decision for Jesus, then your actions will back that up.
When you give your life to Jesus you’re not just handing over a verbal statement, you are handing over your life. Did you hear that, your LIFE! That’s huge! Meaning there will be sacrifices, trials, and things that have to change. A true follower of Jesus means you will have a transformed life.
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27
When Jesus made this statement there were crowds of people listening. He didn’t say, “praise God for all the people, come back next week and bring a friend.” No rather shockingly he says “If you do not bear your own cross and come after me, you cannot be my disciple.” This angered the crowd and many of them went back to life as usual and left Jesus that day. Why? Because they understood there was a cost to following Jesus. And today I’m here to tell you that there is a cost to following Jesus. My question is, are you willing to go there with Him?
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—” Luke 14:18
Have you counted the cost to following Jesus? These are not my words, but His. You can’t just take Romans 10:9 (believe and be saved) and make a doctrine around it. You have to take the Bible as a whole. Sadly, too many people today believe they are going to heaven just because they accepted the ‘get rich lies’ of some pastor. But today I’m here to ask you, if you haven’t already, to either make a commitment to Christ or leave him all together. Don’t call yourself a Christian if you are not willing to sacrifice with your life.
So what is the cost to following Jesus? Your LIFE! Giving your time, your service, your finances, your family, everything. Making time to pray, to be available, to read, to worship, to let go of sins, to forgive others, to be like Christ. Will you be perfect, no! But you will be transformed.
Love you all!
* If you would like further study on this subject I recommend reading ,“Not a Fan,” by Kyle Idleman.
This reminds me of the fruits of the Spirit. We cannot judge a person’s heart, whether they are saved or not. But we can make a reasonable assertion based on their lives–if they display the fruits of the Spirit and profess to be saved, then it is reasonable to believe them. But if they profess to be a Christian and do not show the fruits of the Spirit, then we may be looking at a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Of course, we are imperfect, so even Christians will sin. But how does the Christian handle their sin? How does their life look as a whole? It is wise to judge a person because we do not want to be led astray.
Posted by Victoria T. | January 21, 2013, 9:24 amExactly! Great addition to the post.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:50 amExcellent post. Couldn’t be more true! God bless you!
Posted by Lyn Leahz | January 21, 2013, 8:00 pmGod bless you also my friend!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:06 pmNow I know we’re all going to be so very excited..but we must all promise each other one thing–because most of us will probably never, ever get to meet here on this earth; but when we get to heaven, we have to make it a point–and I know we’ll have eternity to do so–but we all really must meet up! Maybe we’ll share some heavenly cake and cookies! I wonder if there’s coffee there too…that’d be great! LOL!
Posted by Lyn Leahz | January 21, 2013, 9:16 pmI’m game. LOL! And yes we will/must meet up in heaven!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:31 pm2 Corinthians 2:17 NIV84
17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
The word peddle here is a Greek word. It is used in the the sense of a wine merchant who waters down the wine so that he can sell more,
You wouldn’t think that anybody would want watered down wine, but that is exactly what is being sold today and these wine merchants are filling churches with their watered down wine that has lost its potency.
Posted by Tony | January 21, 2013, 8:13 pmIndeed they are! And that’s neat about the Greek word for peddle! I never knew that. And sadly, this is the church of the latter days. Just as God said it would be.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:08 pmThis is true! It does cost everything. Unfortunately, in this generation, it scares people off. Sanctification requires our all and this can be really scary stuff for a potential new believer. Salty and sweet. We need to hear the cold hard truth (salt) along with the loving grace and mercy (sweet) in order for us to truly swallow that “salvation pill”. (Wow, a lot of metaphors…sorry).
Posted by optimisticgladness | January 21, 2013, 9:07 pmOh no, those are beautiful metaphors.
And you are exactly right! We need to here the salt with the sweet! Love it!!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:09 pmThanks for a great post! I didn’t want to appear argumentative. Thank you for your graciousness. Keep up the good work!
Posted by optimisticgladness | January 21, 2013, 9:10 pmYou weren’t.
And thank you! 
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:15 pm“Did you know that in the Gospels the word, “believe,” is only used five times. While the word, “follow me,” is used about twenty times. Meaning Jesus wants us to not only believe, but to be followers of him. For if your words hold value, and you made the decision for Jesus, then your actions will back that up.” Very powerful statement and revealing, too. The ratio between believe and follow me I never thought about.
Posted by Nikole Hahn | January 21, 2013, 9:34 pmThanks Nikki!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 21, 2013, 9:40 pmGreat post!!!!!!
Posted by bigapple0208 | January 21, 2013, 10:12 pmThank You!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 22, 2013, 9:03 amThis is a wonderful message,
(amen!)
Posted by restingintheword | January 22, 2013, 11:07 amThank you!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 22, 2013, 11:13 amWonderful message, and you are right… it is a must read. Those who are preaching that “gospel” are the ones Paul is referring to in his epistles to the churches. Paul put it quite simply in Galatians 1: 10 ” For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
Thanks for the post!!
May He bless you much in spiritual blessings!
Stephanie
Posted by alwayzhis | January 22, 2013, 3:20 pmWhat a great verse to add to the post! For we should not seek to persuade men.
May you be richly blessed also!!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 22, 2013, 3:24 pmLovely to read… very encouraging post! Bless ya x
Posted by beautifulcourageousyou | January 22, 2013, 10:22 pmBlessings to you also! And thanks for stopping by!
I look forward to checking out your blog and following it also! Thanks.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 23, 2013, 8:51 amSince you mentioned “Not a Fan,” I have the book and need to read it eventually =) By the way, have you read John MacArthur’s “The Gospel According to Lordship”?
Posted by SLIMJIM | January 22, 2013, 10:34 pmI have not is it any good? If so, I’ll have to read it!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 23, 2013, 8:49 amI recommended to a brother and he said it’s on the meatier side of things, but I think John MacArthur’s book, The Gospel According to Jesus touch on the important theme of Jesus as our Lord of our life when we come to salvation. It is a good book =)
Posted by SLIMJIM | January 23, 2013, 11:04 amThanks!! I’ll have to check it out!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 23, 2013, 11:38 amWe are told to work out our salvation. We must pursue holiness and that takes effort and work on our part. Just because we are saved doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing. God must be telling me I need to get to work because I keep getting this same message from different places. Lol thanks!
Posted by Jayne | January 23, 2013, 6:19 amLOL! I love it when the Lord does that!!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 23, 2013, 8:52 amExcellent post, Reality of Christ. I may not be a perfect Christian but I agree with all that you have said.
Posted by readinpleasure | January 23, 2013, 8:42 amAnd neither am I! LOL. And Thanks!!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 23, 2013, 8:50 amNice Post!!
Posted by Kreon Led Lighting | January 24, 2013, 3:45 amThanks!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 28, 2013, 10:21 pmIt’s worth everything you have to gain the peace only Jesus can offer. And you cannot enjoy all that God has to offer if you do not truly seek Jesus Christ! Great Post!
God Bless You!
Posted by Lady Deidre | January 24, 2013, 7:53 pmSo true! And thanks!!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 24, 2013, 8:14 pmI am not being rude when I say this but in use to hate posts like this. I only wanted to hear about blessings minus the trials. I’ve lived most of my “Christian” life with the What Can You Do For Me mentality towards The Lord. Now that trial have flooded in and tested where I stand with The Lord, I realized through it all, all the strength I have left is his. Reading this some time ago would have flown right over my head but today where I am at now it is fresh water on parched soil. Thank you for blessing me today!
Posted by crazyma123 | January 24, 2013, 11:43 pmThank you my friend! And thank you for blessing me with your post also.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 25, 2013, 1:36 pmJust wanted to say thanks for the follow. I am growing slowly, so every follow is very valuable to me.
Posted by rightwingnutsandbolts | January 25, 2013, 3:02 pmThanks!! And thanks for stopping by my blog!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 25, 2013, 5:56 pmAll I can say/write is Hallelujah! The Holy Spirit through you said it all! Thank you for sharing this truth, this gospel, this teaching. God bless you and your ministry, in Jesus’ name, Anen.
Posted by Yahobahne | January 26, 2013, 3:04 pmMay God richly bless you also!! And thanks!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 27, 2013, 2:27 pmwow…we are so on the same wave length, Elissa. I agree again 100% with what you’re saying.
I was reading from the book by Ed Murphy called “The Handbook of Spiritual Warfare” and he talks about evangelism and how we need to demonstrate our faith through power. We can claim that Jesus heals and is able to deliver us from evil etc etc, but a non-believer would most likely believe a person how is able to demonstrate the power of God if they operate by faith. We Christians say we have authority over things but lack demonstration to cast out demons, heal the sick and have compassion for the poor, widowed and the needy. How can one believe in their heart that Jesus is a loving Lord and Savior for all if we are powerless Christians in our demonstration of our faith toward Him? Selling Jesus like an “as seen on TV” commercial isn’t going to quite get people to sign on to the message of Christ on a daily payment schedule of prayer and meditation of God’s word. We need to be Christ like in demonstration in order to reach the hearts of non-believers is my opinion.
Sherline
Posted by nightshade130 | January 30, 2013, 8:04 amYes we do lack that demonstration so desperately needed today, sadly. And I agree we have to start reaching non-believers that way. In fact Satan is doing it with his cult practices and gaining, ‘his believers,’ yet Christians fail to acknowledge the power God gives them through Himself. Which is way stronger than the enemy. Sad that many of us don’t do that.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | January 30, 2013, 8:54 amI really enjoyed this post because it is so very true! God bless you!
Posted by samme712 | February 2, 2013, 10:28 pmThanks! And God bless you also!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | February 3, 2013, 4:21 pmThought provoking! God bless you for this powerful message.
Posted by joseyphina | February 14, 2013, 3:21 pmGod bless you also.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | February 14, 2013, 4:15 pmThis simple analogy explains it perfectly. Love this blog.
Posted by barbarastanley | February 15, 2013, 10:01 pmThanks!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | February 16, 2013, 11:32 amYou might want to switch your settings to moderate for a day or so…
I just got drilled the other day on Lyn Leahz with 30 or more..but I moderate..so they didn’t get published.
Posted by Lyn Leahz | May 16, 2013, 9:59 pmwill do.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | May 16, 2013, 10:26 pmI am just trying to help you..that was a spam comment you just replied to. That is the door…basically. By approving it, you opened the gate. Now you will get flooded with spam comments…more than likely. I have had this same thing happen so many times. just wanted to tell you! God bless you! Notice also the url.
Posted by Lyn Leahz | May 16, 2013, 9:58 pmOh yeah!! How do you tell them apart?
Posted by Reality Of Christ | May 16, 2013, 10:26 pmSeveral ways. They oftentimes don’t directly say anything about the subject matter. The titles of them. They use “I will bookmark..” a lot… they sometimes don’t make sense… and watch out for the facebook profile ones. Those are the hardest to tell. You will go to their profile…and it has a real person’s face, and facebook account and everything.but it’s not.
Posted by Lyn Leahz | May 16, 2013, 10:36 pmOh got it!! I clicked on her link, and it looked like another blog, so I though it was fine, LOL, guess not! Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by Reality Of Christ | May 16, 2013, 10:38 pmIt’s hard to tell sometimes..like I said..I’ve done it and then paid for it with more spam. God bless you!
Posted by Lyn Leahz | May 16, 2013, 10:40 pmOh boy! Hopefully I don’t get ‘spammed.’ LOL. God bless you also!
Posted by Reality Of Christ | May 16, 2013, 10:41 pm