1. While Jesus was on earth, He taught many things about the Kingdom of God: its attributes, the behavior of its citizens, etc. Now, to enter the Kingdom of God (everlasting life), you must be born again. (Please see Being Born Again for additional information.) Throughout the history of the world, there will be many that are called, but few will be chosen to enter into the Kingdom of God. Those that were called were known as disciples, for they followed Him (Mark 2:14-16).

A disciple is translated as a pupil or learner. The disciple was to learn to live as a disciple of Jesus by following His teaching and example (Matthew 11:25-30; John 13:14-16; 1 Peter 2:20-25). Eternal life through Jesus Christ is available to all, and Jesus stated that we must count the cost of becoming a disciple:

Luke 14:25-35 (KJV) - And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

2. The purpose of counting the cost is to ensure you will commit to completing your life as a disciple of Jesus - faithful to the end. Far too many people place their faith in Jesus only to turn away or live a life that is complete beneath His standard. Jesus said that no one who puts their hand to the plow (moving forward) and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). You must live by faith...

3. The bible says that without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). What is this type of faith? This type of faith holds to the promise that Jesus will give them eternal life through their belief in Him. Because they believe this, they (continuously) prepare for it, and await the Lord's coming (Hebrews 11:1). They live in a manner that is representative of God, knowing that a great and eternal reward awaits them (John 3:1-8; Romans 8:12-17; Galatians 5:16-26; Titus 3:3-8; Hebrews 11; 1 John 2:1-3:10, 4:7, 5:1-21).

James explains this as faith without works being dead (James 2:17-26). If you say you believe something, your actions should back up what you believe. Jesus says that people will know that we are His disciples if we love one another (Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:34-35). This is the mark of the disciple and the fruit we produce gives further evidence (Galatians 5:22-25). John states that children of God do not sin and have overcome the world (1 John 5:4-10). We are Christ's if we crucify the flesh with its passions and affections (Romans 8; Galatians 5:22-25). God is looking for a church without spot or blemish...overcomers (Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 21:7, 22:14)!

...and without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

Many Christians do not understand the important of their complete (and continuous) belief in Jesus (and the actions that should follow). For many, the concept of eternal life is only known by a mental knowledge, but not truly believed (as displayed by their actions). They still attend church services, volunteer in church, and even conduct many works on God's behalf, but they are not following His commands, and therefore will not receive eternal life (Matthew 7:21-23).

5. When you believe in Jesus, your actions should mimic His, instead of your previous life of sin (1 John 2:6). One that is born lives after the dictates of the nature from which it came from. Living in the world before Christ, we lived as the world in our carnal nature and displayed its nature (1 John 2:15-17; Galatians 5:19-21). When you believe in Jesus, you become a child of God and no longer lives by the dictates of the flesh. They possess the very nature of God...becoming a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:16-26; 1 John 4:7, 1 John 5). We will be known by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-27).

6. God will one day judge everyone based upon their works (Matthew 25:14-46; Romans 14:10-14; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Revelation 20:11-21:8). If you do not believe in Jesus (and show your belief through your actions), you will stand before Him condemned and will face a judgment of eternal separation and punishment (John 3:16-18; Mark 16:16).

7. A Christian life is not all about receiving blessings on earth. Christians will face unjust persecutions, slander, false accusations, gossip, imprisonment, and even death for their belief in Jesus (Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; John 15:18-21; 2 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Timothy 3:12-14; James 1:2-3; Hebrews 11), but it is to those that overcome and endure that receive the crown of life (James 1:12). Serving the Lord is not for improving your earthly life, it is preparing you for your eternal life, which is far better (Revelation 21:1-7)!

You must consider these issues as you choose to place your faith in Jesus. NOTHING on this earth is worse than eternal separation from God!! Count the cost...

John 12:46 (KJV) - I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

BOOTCAMP: Phase1 Bible Reading Schedule
Matthew 5:1-48
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