Is Following Jesus Worth It?
Weighing the Cost of Discipleship
Jesus calls us to follow Him, but not without a cost. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Matthew explores the core question every believer must wrestle with: is following Jesus truly worth the sacrifice? Through scripture and personal reflection, we're invited to evaluate our own response to Jesus' invitation.
Parables That Reveal the Kingdom's Value
The Mustard Seed and Supernatural Growth
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, tiny but capable of growing into a tree that provides shelter. The message is clear: even small acts of faith and obedience can lead to unimaginable growth and impact through God's power.
The Leaven and Hidden Transformation
In another parable, Jesus likens the kingdom to leaven mixed into flour, eventually affecting the entire batch. The point? God's kingdom changes everything it touches, often from the inside out.
True Worth Requires Total Surrender
Treasure in a Field and the Pearl of Great Price
Jesus describes two men who discover great treasure and a precious pearl. Both sell everything they own to gain what they found. The takeaway is unmistakable: we sacrifice only when we believe what we're gaining is more valuable than what we're giving up.
Eternal Perspective Makes Sacrifice Logical
Referencing 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Matthew explains how Paul defends the resurrection as essential to making sense of sacrifice. Without eternal life, Christian sacrifice appears foolish. But with it, every act of surrender becomes an investment in eternity.
Focus and Discipline in the Faith Journey
Pressing On Toward the Prize
In Philippians 3, Paul encourages believers to forget what lies behind and press forward toward God's calling. Following Jesus requires intention, not aimlessness.
Running with Purpose
Using the metaphor of a race, 1 Corinthians 9 urges believers to discipline themselves for an imperishable reward. Pastor Matthew compares this to how serious athletes train, emphasizing the need to eliminate distractions and run focused.
What Makes the Sacrifice Worth It?
God's Presence and Provision in This Life
Following Jesus isn't just about eternity. It's about relationship with God now, experiencing His peace, provision, direction, and redemptive purpose in every season.
The Eternal Rewards of Heaven
Pastor Matthew paints a beautiful picture of heaven: no more sickness, pain, death, or relational tension. In eternity, we will enjoy perfect peace, joy, purpose, and most importantly, God's perfect presence.
Is It Worth It?
The message is clear: the sacrifices required to follow Jesus are great, but the reward, both now and forever, is infinitely greater. Jesus offers us the greatest treasure. The question is, will we trust Him enough to give everything in return?
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January
Don’t Stop Short of JesusThe Cross Is God’s Invitation to YouRemembering the OwnerThe OwnerThe Illusion of Self-Made SuccessActs 26:12–23 | Paul’s Encounter with JesusActs 26: 1–11 | Agrippa Grants PermissionInvited From The OutsideSurrender Creates PeaceWhen Blessing Becomes ForgetfulnessWhat A Pastor Means When They Say... | The Branch Living as Stewards, Not OwnersCreated for RelationshipThe Heart Behind the GiftSurrender GainsThe StewardFaithful StewardsOne Percent BetterEverything Belongs to GodThe Evaluation Is ComingActs 26:24-32 | Agrippa Parries Paul's ChallengeRedefining Success | The Branch The EvaluationHow You View God Determines EverythingThe Economy of Kingdom InvestmentChoose Your Category WiselyAnchored in Steadfast LoveActs 27:1-3 | Paul Sails for RomeDiscerning Between Good And Evil | The BranchLoved Enough to Be DisciplinedThe Steadfast Love of GodReturning to God’s WayCrying Out from the DepthsLiving with Wise Awareness
February
Partnering with God’s MissionBuilding Kingdom FruitTHE GIVER | PASTOR ANTHONY LOMBARDIWorship Through SacrificeNavigating God's Calling Within MarriageTrusting God’s ProvisionActs 27: 13-20 | The Storm at Sea | TCBSActs 27: 4-12 | From Caesarea to Fair HavensFrom Self-Focus to Kingdom-FocusFrom Death to LifeThe Answer Is a PersonEmpowered for MissionActs 27:21–26 | TCBSTHE CHURCH | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONDesigned for CommunityAnger, Justice and Psalms of Judgment | The BranchHeaven Invading EarthBetter Together PURPOSED RELATIONSHIPS | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONLifted When You FallWarmth in the ColdProtected by the CordWhen to Wait, When to Work | The BranchOne Body, One MissionWhere Your Treasure IsThe Antidote to AnxietyINVEST HEARTS AND FINANCES | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONReturn to MeActs 27: 39-44 | The Shipwreck | TCBSTreasures That LastThe Heaps of Hezekiah
March
The Good News We Cannot Keep Silent EVANGELISM | PASTOR MARY JOHNSONEncountering Jesus Changes EverythingLove Compels Us to ShareActs 28:1-6 | Paul Ashore on Malta | TCBSPlaced with PurposeYour Story, His GloryThe Upside-Down KingdomEvangelism | The BranchThe Death of the Kingdom of SelfActs 28: 7-10 | Ministry in Malta | TCBSServing as Worship THE DETHRONING OF SELF | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONNo Excuses, Only ObedienceThe Privilege of PartnershipDenying Self to Find LifeTHE STRENGTH OF SURRENDER | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONListening to the Spirit's VoiceThe Authority of God's WordActs 28: 11-16 | Paul's Arrival at Rome | TCBSSubmitting to One Another in LoveHonoring God-Ordained AuthorityThe Immigration Debate Christians Can't Avoid | The BranchCounting the Cost of SurrenderBuried with ChristBAPTISM | PASTOR MATTHEW JOHNSONActs 28:17-22 | Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard | TCBSRaised to New LifeBaptized into One BodyFilled with the Holy SpiritThe Power of TogetherPersonal Devotion and the Power of GatheringJesus’ Secret to Strength
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