Topic: Commitment

Despite first appearances, Jesus’s call to “count the cost” of following him is not so much about ensuring we can succeed as it is about ensuring we can faithfully persevere in the face of failure.

Knowing Jesus intimately is the most important thing of all, but many of our otherwise good gifts and concerns are constantly getting in the way.

The glory that has been seen in Jesus can shine forth in us, but there will be obstructions to be purged and commitments to be made first.

God is love, and so love is the only real measure of spiritual maturity or accomplishment.

All-in commitment is unfashionable, but it is often what God needs from us to allow the richest blessings to flow.

God is passionately in love with us and longing to give us every good thing if we will respond to his love.

In an increasingly polarised world, championing the radical love and mercy shown by Jesus is likely to bring hostility from all sides.

Being born of water and Spirit involves becoming as vulnerable and dependent on God as a newborn baby.

We can’t take it for granted that Jesus will be where we want to go, for his ways often go contrary to ours and our business is to follow him.

If we are to call Christ a King and still remain faithful to him, we must begin with the subversion of the very concept of kingship that Jesus points to when he is questioned by Pilate.

When we respond to the call to follow Jesus, he asks us to stop and examine our motives. Is it for the life of the world, or for our own benefit?

Who we think Jesus is has real life implications. If we name him as God’s chosen messiah, we need to be ready to follow and live as he lives.