Tag: luke

True Conversion According to Christ – Luke 15:21

Before true conversion can take place, there must first be regeneration—the inward work of salvation that forms the foundation of genuine faith. Put simply, without regeneration, there is no authentic conversion. Salvation begins with this inner transformation and then becomes visible outwardly in the believer’s life. In today’s passage, particularly verse 21, Pastor Paul highlights what it means to be converted and what ultimately causes conversion.

True conversion is not a vague feeling but a concrete reality. Just as the Holy Spirit stirred the prodigal son to rise and return to his father (v. 20), so too does the Spirit initiate action in the sinner. Regeneration is monergistic—the Spirit works alone—while conversion is synergistic, as God’s grace moves the sinner to respond in repentance and faith. Like sheep that often wander, sinners repeatedly stray, yet are drawn back to Christ through salvation, turning from sin and redirecting their lives toward God (1 Peter 2:5).

C.H. Spurgeon captures this relationship between regeneration and conversion:

“Regeneration and conversion, the one the secret cause and the other the first overt effect, produce a great change in the character…. And as there is a change in character, so there is a change in feeling. The man had been an enemy to God before; but when this change takes place, he begins to love God…. Conversion is the beginning of a life-long conflict; it is the first blow in a warfare which will never end till we are in glory.”

Marks of genuine conversion include:

  • A deep hatred of sin and a sensitive conscience toward it, accompanied by the desire to please God through faith.
  • A transformation of mind and nature that loves Christ and seeks to live according to God’s will.
  • A childlike faith (Matthew 18:3).
  • A daily reliance on the resurrection of Jesus as the center of Christian life.

But how does a sinner come to be converted to Christ? Conversion is possible only by God’s grace. When grace is fully applied to the heart, it becomes God’s effectual call to repentance. This grace was already at work in the prodigal son’s heart long before he reached his father’s home. Even in the far country, God’s grace was preparing him to return. In the same way, God’s grace works in sinners before repentance takes root, shining its light into their hearts.

As the prodigal son repented and set out for home, his father saw him from afar. The father’s love had already chosen restoration; his heart was waiting in compassion to receive him. God’s love operates in the same way—grace and compassion make repentance possible. However heavy the sin, God’s grace abounds even more.

The father’s swift embrace and kiss symbolize this truth. God’s grace is never sluggish or hesitant; it comes quickly, covering guilt and sin with strength and love. Frederick Lehman beautifully expressed it:

“The love (grace) of God is greater far, than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave his Son to win. His erring child he reconciled and pardoned from his sin.”

This kiss signifies reconciliation—the forgiveness of sins, the restoration of a relationship, and the gift of a new beginning. As John MacArthur explains,

“Here in this father the Lord Jesus Christ presents Himself, the one who left the glory of heaven, came to earth and bore the shame and humility to embrace repentant sinners, who come to Him in faith, and give them complete forgiveness and reconciliation.”

It is vital to remember that repentance alone does not merit salvation. Repentance without grace has no power, and grace without repentance bears no fruit. Grace is the cause; repentance is its effect. The prodigal son illustrates this:

  • He knew his sin was ultimately against God the Father.
  • He understood that the fear of God outweighed all other fears.
  • He recognized that sin leads to eternal death.
  • He showed thanksgiving and humility, without which repentance cannot endure.

Thus, the story calls us to self-examination. Is our conversion genuine, grounded in God’s grace through the Spirit’s regenerating work? The truly converted continually turn their gaze toward God, just as a sunflower follows the sun. May we strive to bear fruit for His glory, relying wholly on His grace.

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Genuine Repentance: The Sure Sign of Regeneration – Luke 15:17-20

Introduction

When God regenerates a sinner, they must have real, genuine repentance. This is the sure sign of regeneration and part of their assurance of salvation. While this message goes over the points of repentance, it might cause us to question whether we are real Christians or not. However, its purpose is not to create doubt but to place our salvation firmly on Jesus, who has done everything for us. Regeneration means to be made new, to be born again, and it is a gift of God.

Consider the story of Lucinda Wilson, who went to jail for being suspected of murdering her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend. After three months in jail, she was released due to insufficient evidence. She began attending Bible study and became a Christian. After her conversion, she confessed to her church and to the public that she had indeed murdered the woman. She remains in jail to this day, serving a life sentence, paying the punishment for her crime. This is the sign of a true Christian — understanding and willing to sacrifice even their very life for the sake of repentance.

There are many nominal Christians who may be steady, consistent, and knowledgeable, yet they show no sign of regeneration. They go to church. They look like a Christian and act like a Christian. Those who have not repented are pretending. They are not born-again because regeneration results in true repentance.

Signs of True Repentance

A Changed Mind

Genuine repentance brought by regeneration (new birth) alters the mind of the sinner 180 degrees. The sinner’s direction is completely reversed. Repentance starts with the sinner’s mind first. This is a sudden and immediate change, not a gradual one. Ephesians 4:17-20 shows us the unregenerate unbeliever. Their minds are darkened and given over to every kind of impurity. Luke 15:17 says, “When he came to himself”. The prodigal son came to his senses. Before this moment, he had done whatever he wanted, living a life of unbridled sin. But suddenly, he came to himself. This is regeneration.

Regeneration is monergistic, meaning God acts alone. It is not like conversion which is synergistic, involving both God and man. Regeneration is completely done by God alone. Regeneration precedes faith and starts in the mind. The son’s understanding and view of his father is now different. “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!” Before, in verse 12, the son hated his father and wanted nothing to do with him. He probably considered his father a tyrant and left. When someone is regenerated, they gain a new view of God. They turn toward God and see Him as loving and merciful. Consider Moses. He was a murderer who rejected God and escaped to the desert for 40 years. But later in Exodus 34:6, Moses declares, “Yahweh, Yahweh, God who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding with loyal love and faithfulness”. Regeneration first changes our view of God.

Fear of Death and Judgement

Regeneration causes a fear of death. Before being regenerated, the son lived life as he pleased without fear of consequences or death. This is how society lives today—doing whatever they want without fearing death. But death is terrifying because after death comes judgment. “I am dying here with hunger” represents spiritual death. Many Christian testimonies include the sudden realization of God’s judgment and becoming fearful of death. John 3:18 reminds us that we all face judgment. John Bunyan cried out, “My soul is dying, my soul is damning.” When God changes someone’s mind, they develop a fear of death and judgment.

Why is this process important? Without it, we cannot be genuine Christians. Consider Simon, the famous magician in the book of Acts. Simon believed and was baptized because he saw the miracles, but his salvation was based on the signs and not on repentance. So was Simon born again? Acts 8:19 shows that Simon was still pursuing the same power and magic arts. His mind was not changed, so his actions did not change. A changed mind leads to changed action.

A Desire for Accountability

True repentance wants to be held accountable. Returning to Lucinda Wilson’s story, she could have continued her life as a Christian. She had repented to God, so shouldn’t that be sufficient? The case was cold. Yet, by true repentance, she wanted accountability; therefore, she confessed to her church and to the police. We see in the modern church a repentance that doesn’t lead to change. People repent, but nothing changes. True repentance leads to accountability. Another example is Zacchaeus who desired to repay anyone he had wronged and give half his possessions to the poor. Zacchaeus’s desire to right his wrongs was not his earning salvation but the result of his repentance, showing his desire for restitution (Luke 19:8). Jesus accepted Zacchaeus’s repentance (Luke 19:9). In Luke 15:18, the prodigal son decides to return to his father. No matter how he might be received or what he might have to endure, he desired to confess to his father.

“I have sinned against heaven”. Sin is serious because it goes against God. “Every sin is an act of cosmic treason, a futile attempt to dethrone God in His sovereign authority.” (R. C. Sproul) Even earthly nations treat treason with capital punishment. Sin is treason against God. Because of its seriousness, we must confess every day. God remembers every sin. No sin is too small. Matthew 12:36 reminds us that we will give account for every careless word. God is sovereign, omniscient, and omnipresent. Even before there is a word on our tongue, He knows it all (Psalm 139:4). True repentance takes sin seriously and desires accountability. The accountability also portrays the power of God’s grace, when even the most wicked sins are confessed because they have been forgiven.

Humility

True Christians try to be humble in all circumstances. If we mess up, do we ask for forgiveness? This is a sign of humility. How do we know the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was qualified and accepted by God the Father? Whatever happened with Jesus and to Jesus, he dealt with it in humility. Everything He did was done in humility, from His birth, to His ministry, to His death and resurrection.

The prodigal son confesses, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” The son no longer claims any right to any title. He can only ask, actually demand, to be made a servant. Humility is a sign of true repentance.

The Apostle Paul was also humble. In Romans 7:24, he wanted to be righteous but admitted in reality that he was a wretched man. Paul’s humility began at his conversion (1 Timothy 1:15). Humility is not learned but given with our born-again life. Christians are not called to be like Christ by our effort, but we are given all that we are at our new birth. Richard Baxter wrote, “The very design of the gospel is to abase us; and the work of grace is begun and carried on in humiliation. Humility is not a mere ornament of a Christian, but an essential part of the new creature. It is a contradiction in terms, to be a Christian, and not humble…” Christians are not trying to be humble. We start off humble if we truly are born again and have true repentance.

Conclusion

We are all prodigal sons. Since Adam and Eve sinned, the bridge with God has been burned. All of us are sinners committing treason against God. True repentance is surrendering on Jesus’ terms and submitting to Him. Regeneration is a gift of God. Without true repentance caused by regeneration, we cannot be called Christians.

To those who are not born again, we continually pray for them and share the gospel. As we understand the precious gift of regeneration, we show the world that by God’s mercy, they too will be regenerated.

The story of the prodigal son is not just a parable. It’s our story. It’s the story of every sinner who has been regenerated by God’s grace and brought to genuine repentance. May we all examine our hearts to ensure we have experienced this supernatural work of God that transforms our minds, gives us a proper fear of judgment, and leads us to humble accountability before our Heavenly Father.

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The Power of Regeneration – Luke 15:11-17

Without regeneration, humanity inevitably falls into insanity and reckless living. No one can escape the power of sin and death by their own efforts. Left to ourselves, only divine justice would remain, for without regeneration every person breaks God’s law.

The parable of the prodigal son illustrates this truth vividly. The younger son violated both social and moral norms by demanding his inheritance before his father’s death—an act that symbolized dishonor and rebellion. Not only did he reject his father’s authority, but he also pursued the fleeting pleasures of the world. After receiving his portion, he journeyed to a distant country where he squandered his wealth in reckless indulgence (Luke 15:13). His situation worsened when a severe famine struck the land, leaving him destitute (v. 14). In the biblical context, famine was often perceived as a sign of divine warning or judgment.

In desperate times, sinners often misdiagnose the root cause of their suffering. The prodigal, seeing his situation only as financial, sought employment under a local citizen (v. 15). Yet his true problem was spiritual, not material. Like unbelievers in every generation, he turned to human solutions while ignoring the only answer—God. Scripture makes it clear: salvation is never achieved through human effort or righteousness, but only through God’s mercy and the washing of rebirth by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Though he worked to earn a wage, his degradation was such that he longed to eat the food given to swine—animals considered utterly unclean by Jewish law.

His physical hunger mirrored a deeper spiritual hunger. Though once surrounded by companions when he had wealth, he now found himself alone, abandoned, and on the brink of death. This loneliness, shame, and desperation symbolized his spiritual state: estrangement from God and impending eternal death.

The true cause of his downfall was sin. Sin leads to folly, for wisdom is found only in the Lord. Like the prodigal, sinners are driven into humiliation, misery, and destruction. The ultimate outcome of sin is eternal punishment: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Regeneration, by contrast, is a spiritual resurrection. It is the Holy Spirit who awakens the soul, bringing awareness of spiritual death and the need for new life. In verse 17, we see the Spirit at work when the prodigal “came to his senses.” Prior to this, he had exhausted every means of escape based on his own reasoning, yet failed miserably. The turning point comes only through God’s grace, for regeneration precedes and produces true conversion.

Those who are born again are born of God. As Scripture testifies, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them” (1 John 3:9). William Gurnall captures this distinction memorably: “A sheep may fall into a ditch, but it is the swine that wallows in it.” Regeneration is solely the work of the Spirit, as Jesus taught in John 3:8: “The wind blows where it wishes… so is everyone who has been born of the Spirit.” The Spirit alone causes the sinner to recognize his lost condition and awakens him to new life.

Theologians have called this view of regeneration monergism—the belief that only God can impart spiritual life. As R.C. Sproul explains, “Regeneration must happen before we can put our trust in Christ. Before we can reach out for the life preserver, we must first be given life.” Without God’s sovereign initiative, faith itself would be impossible.

The doctrine of regeneration is therefore central to salvation. Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Spiritual blindness renders a person incapable of perceiving God’s reign or submitting to His rule. Only regeneration opens the eyes, granting both the vision of the kingdom and the capacity to live as God’s people.

The prodigal’s failure to “self-regenerate” underscores a universal truth: no sinner can raise himself from spiritual death. Just as a corpse cannot revive itself, so too humanity is helpless apart from the life-giving power of God. After the Fall, Adam and Eve transmitted a sinful nature to all their descendants, leaving humanity in a state of enmity against God. Yet Christ, the “last Adam,” came as a life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45). A.W. Pink describes regeneration as “the bringing of a soul out of spiritual death into spiritual life—a new creation, bringing something out of nothing.”

Conversion naturally follows regeneration. Whether immediate or gradual, the regenerated soul is drawn irresistibly to faith in Christ. True conversion is evident in a life that clings to the word of life (Philippians 2:16), hears Christ’s voice (John 5:25), takes refuge in God (Psalm 34:8), and develops a prayerful dependence on His grace. Such transformation is the unmistakable mark of those who have been born again by the Spirit of God.

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The Precious Service: Finding the Lost – Luke 15:8-10

Every lost soul is invaluable in the sight of God and more precious than all the world’s wealth combined. Jesus asks, “For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25). A lost soul can only be saved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

In today’s passage, the lost soul is compared to a silver coin, which can be compared to a denarius, the currency of the Roman world. In the parable, a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Money is valuable because people work hard to earn it, but this coin may have been far more than just currency. It could have been part of her dowry—the precious goods given by a husband to his wife at marriage. In Jesus’ day, a woman would often display her dowry on her forehead for all to see, symbolizing her husband’s love and commitment. Losing one coin would not only mean losing monetary value but also part of a deeply personal gift. No wonder she searches with determination until she finds it. In the same way, God considers each lost sinner precious beyond measure and will not cease seeking them.

This high value comes from the fact that humanity alone was created in the image of God. Nothing else in creation bears this likeness. The “image of God” (Latin: imago Dei) refers to the immaterial aspects of humanity that set us apart from animals, equip us for the dominion God intended, and enable us to have fellowship with Him. We reflect God mentally—created as rational, volitional beings; morally—originally made in righteousness and holiness; and socially—designed for relationships, mirroring God’s triune nature and love.

Though sin corrupted this image, God’s plan has always been to restore it. As David Dockery notes, redemption creates a “new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This restoration is only possible through God’s grace in Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God by removing the sin that separates us. Out of His great love (John 3:16), God gave His Son—spared nothing—to provide salvation (Romans 8:32).

If God loves the lost so deeply, how should we respond? Do we long for sinners to be condemned, or do we share Paul’s heart, who wished he could be cut off from Christ for the sake of his lost kinsmen (Romans 9:3)? Without compassion, we cannot love the lost as Jesus did. Loving Christ means living for Him fully, which includes being devoted to seeking the lost. We must pray earnestly for the ability to love them, for without such love our witness is hollow. As Peter instructs, we are to give an account of the hope within us “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Evangelism requires action. In the parable, the woman lights a lamp and sweeps the house, searching until she finds her coin. Her diligence reflects God’s relentless love—a love that pursues even though sinners do not deserve grace. Yet God does not give up on His elect; He seeks until they are found.

For the believer, evangelism flows naturally from a sanctified life. A mature Christian depends completely on God, ready to obey His commands, especially in reaching the lost. Growth in sanctification increases our desire to see others saved, while spiritual stagnation dulls that desire.

Finding the lost brings joy that is both personal and communal. This joy is unlike any earthly pleasure because it is eternal in scope and shared among three parties: the believer who shares the gospel, the one who receives it, and God Himself. Such joy is compelling—should we not desire the salvation of our family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers? Shared passion for the gospel unites believers and reflects the joy of heaven.

Jesus emphasizes that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). Just as the woman called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her, God celebrates before His angels when a sinner comes to Him. Every single person matters—heaven rejoices over one.

This truth carries important implications. It is unthinkable for a Christian to live an entire life without leading at least one soul to Christ. Yet leading one does not mean the work is over—we press on, seeking the next. The urgency is real; why delay when we know the joy salvation brings to God?

A lost soul is worth far more than silver or gold. Sharing the gospel—whether the hearer believes or not—enriches the church, inspires others to evangelize, and brings joy to God Himself. Therefore, let us be steadfast in prayer, diligent in action, and faithful in love, seeking the lost one soul at a time, until the joy of heaven becomes the joy of earth.

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Joy of Finding the Lost – Luke 15:3-7

In Luke 15:3-7, we learn about the joy of finding the lost. Evangelism, finding the lost, is a joyful and precious task every Christian must understand and practice.

Consider two teachers: Aristotle and Edward Kimball. Aristotle, philosopher to Alexander the Great, spread Greek culture through conquering and killing. The result was death and hopelessness; no joy. In contrast, Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher, shared the gospel with D. L. Moody, a fifth-grade dropout. Moody became a Christian, and through him, many were born again not with bloodshed but with love, such as Billy Graham. One way brings death, the other brings joy by sharing the gospel.

Finding the lost, though difficult, brings satisfaction and elation, like giving birth. The Lord emphasizes “joy” in this parable. Rejoicing in finding the lost is the central issue. God’s joy in finding the lost becomes our joy too. There are three outcomes of finding the lost: personal, communal, and heavenly joy.

Personal and Individual Joy
Evangelism produces a unique personal joy, not experienced by the unconverted. This joy, in the soul, is produced by the Holy Spirit, continually showing us Jesus’ glory. This biblical joy is unshakable, regardless of circumstances.

In Luke 15:5, the shepherd lays the found sheep on his shoulders, rejoicing, expressing indescribable elation. It’s like finding a lost wedding ring after 20 years, or a mom finding her daughter after 46 years. This is Jesus’ joy because the lost sheep is like His child.

What brings this joy?

  1. Never giving up: Jesus never stops searching until He finds the lost (Luke 15:4). We must not give up. Jesus did not give up on Peter after his denial, but looked at him to bring repentance. We must continue to reach out, pray, and show kindness. Elect people will be found; be patient.
  2. Hard labor: The foolish, stubborn lost sheep never returned by itself. It took long, hard work, requiring patience, prayer, devotion, and wisdom. This hard labor is our obedience to “go make disciples”.
  3. Love motivates: The shepherd loves the lost sheep. Luke 15:5 shows genuine love as the motivation, not anger or worry. God is full of compassion. Love enables the shepherd to carry the heavy sheep. We must love the lost, knowing their end is hell, where suffering never stops (Mark 9:44-48). This compels us to seek them through hard work, love, and perseverance.

Communal Joy

Your personal joy becomes contagious, spreading to others, becoming communal. Communal joy is a collective celebration. In Luke 15:6, the shepherd “called together his friends and his neighbors, saying… ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep.'” He shared his joy because the sheep, once lost, came back from an impossible situation. Our physical death is nothing compared to eternal death. Who joy for everyone in the church when the lost sheep is found. It is both our joy and duty as a church to find the lost. Charles Spurgeon said, “A church is a soul-saving company, or it is nothing”.

The early church was full of communal joy because members knew Jesus was risen (1 Peter 1:8). They were convinced only Jesus and His gospel saves. The gospel is Christ’s death for our sins, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). His resurrection means His sacrifice was accepted, bringing forgiveness and righteousness by faith (Romans 4:25).

This conviction compels the believer to speak. They cannot be silent. John Macarthur shared the gospel with a paralyzed teen, Polly, who later said, “I never would have met Christ if it had happened.” John Macarthur was a young man trying to encourage a young girl facing tragedy. The gospel brings personal and communal joy, making us fearless of rejection.

Heavenly Joy
This joy turns into heavenly joy; our joy makes God happy. Luke 15:7 “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Jesus declares this truth. Joy has no border or limitation. Joy is possible under all circumstances, as Paul showed in jail (Philippians 4:4). God in heaven rejoices over us with joyful singing (Zechariah 3:17). How amazing.

The phrase “more joy” shows God’s preference for the repentant sinner. The prodigal son’s father did not hesitate but ran with joy to embrace him (Luke 15:20). God is joyful because the lost one repents. God loves us, not because we repent, but we repent because God loves us. Repentance is a loving response to God’s call, a change of mind and action: turning from sin to Jesus’ Lordship. In contrast, beware of self-righteousness, “the greatest enemy to human soul,” as it believes salvation is possible without Jesus. Self-righteousness is the enemy of repentance.

Conclusion
Christians can be joyful by finding and sharing the gospel diligently and faithfully. This joy becomes contagious, focusing the church on evangelism, and ultimately bringing joy to God. This defines our church’s future. Share the gospel; it rescues people from hell. Even if rejected, you have joy because you obeyed. Obedience and joy happen together, as Jesus obeyed, and the Father rejoiced. May joy remain continually in you and in our church.

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The Passion of Jesus for the Lost – Luke 15:1-4

Introduction

When we look at Luke 15:1-4, one thing we want to focus on Jesus’s passion to reach out for the lost sinners. Jesus shows the true heart of the father who does not take pleasure in the lost perishing without repentance. Tax collectors and sinners – the most hated people – are now sitting with Jesus, having fellowship. This is the result of Jesus’s passion for the lost.

Jesus is passionate. When challenged by the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus doesn’t react with silence or aggression. Instead, He tells them a parable. Even in this hostile situation, Jesus uses a story to make hard truth clear and understandable. He not only loves the tax collector but the Pharisee and scribe as well and tries to help them understand God’s heart.

Jesus doesn’t give up on His critics. Even with Judas, He showed compassion despite knowing what he would do. What made Jesus so passionate? Prayer and compassion cannot be separated. Hebrews 5:7 shows Jesus offering “prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears.” His compassion comes from His relationship with the Father.

Matthew 9:36: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The result? He fed 5,000. To keep our compassion for the lost: look at the cross often and consider their eternal destiny. Without compassion, evangelism becomes legalistic work. With compassion, it’s voluntary and natural.

Why we must be passionate? It’s natural for genuine Christians. Jesus uses a rhetorical question in the parable – of course a shepherd would seek his lost sheep. Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses.” Everyone truly saved has the Holy Spirit and should naturally share their salvation with others.

Jesus goes after the lost. Luke 15:4 says “go after” – present tense, meaning the Holy Spirit still does this through us. Luke 19:10: “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus moved His whole being to pursue the lost, and so should we. He is the good Shepherd who knows His sheep and His sheep know Him. He calls out to them in order to find them.

His passion is relentless. The text says “until he finds it” – never giving up. What’s behind this relentless passion? Love – 1 Corinthians 13 says love is patient and love never fails. God sent Him to save the lost. This was His mission. Jesus is relentless because of joy – Hebrews 12:2 shows Jesus enduring the cross “for the joy set before him.”

We need action plans: pray and identify mission fields, build genuine relationships, be ready to share the gospel. Set personal goals such as bringing at least one person to Christ every two months. Our goal is not to bring them to church but to Christ.

The elect, those chosen by God, are still waiting for someone’s passionate effort to reach out. The lost sheep are waiting for the gospel to come from us.

Conclusion

Passion for sharing the gospel may cost time and comfort, but it brings God’s approval and eternal reward. We haven’t earned His passion – it’s given from Jesus Christ.

How do we know we’re saved? We love Him deeply in all circumstances. That’s why we’re to be passionate. The result is up to God, but we must continually share and live out our passion that God has given us.

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Loving the Lost – Luke 15:1-2

Jesus’ deep love for the lost is clearly displayed in Luke 15:1–2. These verses reveal His tender and compassionate heart, particularly toward those who were marginalized by society. He intentionally spent time with sinners and outcasts, sharing meals and offering them dignity and love. Christians today are called to follow His example by developing a genuine concern for the lost. Unfortunately, the modern church often becomes insular—more focused on personal salvation and individual comfort than on reaching others. Priorities such as family, career, and personal convenience often take precedence, which contrasts sharply with the selfless, inclusive love that characterized Jesus’ ministry. As God incarnate, Jesus demonstrated a love that transcended all social barriers, embracing sinners without partiality.

In Luke 15:1–2, we read that “all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Him.” The inclusion of tax collectors is intentional; they were despised in Jewish society for collaborating with the Roman oppressors and for their notorious corruption. These individuals not only betrayed their fellow Jews but often profited by overcharging taxes and lining their own pockets. Seen as traitors and exploiters, they were considered among the worst kinds of sinners. Yet, it was precisely these individuals who were drawn to Jesus, and it was to them that He offered His presence and teaching.

Jewish cultural texts illustrate the disdain for tax collectors. The Mishna states, “If a tax gatherer entered a house, [all that is within it] becomes unclean… If thieves entered a house, only that part is unclean that was trodden by the feet of the thieves.” This reflects how tax collectors were regarded as even worse than common criminals. Despite this stigma, Jesus did not hesitate to associate with them. His love knew no bounds. He embodied a love rooted in mercy and compassion—one that acknowledged humanity’s brokenness and offered hope. Christians, who have experienced God’s impartial grace, are likewise called to love all sinners without discrimination, remembering their own prior state of spiritual blindness.

Many believers today are reluctant to engage with the lost due to fear, prejudice, or discomfort. The fear of rejection, a tendency to judge, or the reluctance to step outside of one’s comfort zone are common obstacles. However, Scripture calls for a selfless commitment to Christ’s mission. As 1 John 4:18 reminds us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” Overcoming these hesitations involves recalling Jesus’ Great Commission—to go and make disciples of all nations. Every Christian was once lost and came to faith because someone else chose to share the gospel. If our hearts lack love for the lost, we must turn to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to soften our hearts and lead us in love. As the Spirit indwells every believer, one of the fruits of that Spirit is indeed love.

Jesus’ love for sinners was not passive. He spent time with them so that they would hear the gospel, repent, and believe for the forgiveness of sins. His meals with sinners were not casual social events, nor were they reduced to generic messages of kindness. He boldly preached the truth, calling people to turn from sin and follow Him. The gospel is meant to confront and convict, and while this may offend, it is also the pathway to salvation for those who are called. True love does not withhold truth; rather, it delivers truth with compassion and urgency.

Furthermore, Jesus’ willingness to eat with sinners demonstrated personal involvement in their lives. The fact that these sinners desired to be near Him and share a meal suggests a level of trust and admiration. In Jewish culture, table fellowship implied mutual respect and connection. For a rabbi to dine with the despised was unheard of, making Jesus’ actions profoundly countercultural. His humility gave sinners hope—hope that despite the weight of their past, they could be forgiven and restored. He not only healed bodies but offered salvation to souls, no matter how deep their sin.

R.C. Sproul once reflected, “Isn’t it interesting how Jesus drew sinners to Himself? Yet sinners tend to flee from us. I wonder what they saw in Him that they don’t see in us… Sometimes we think that God has appointed us not to be vessels of grace but to be the policemen of the world.” Jesus was approachable, and people flocked to Him. As followers of Christ, we must ask: how can we live in such a way that sinners are drawn to us to hear the message of hope? Integrity is essential. Chuck Swindoll once said, “Integrity is what you are when no one is looking. It means being deeply honest.” If we live with honesty before God, that same honesty will be evident before others. Christians must not exhibit moral superiority, but humbly recognize that they are saved only by grace. With a clear conscience, consistent prayer, and heartfelt love, believers can effectively point others to the gospel. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts, opens hearts, and brings the sinner to faith.

To truly love the lost requires action. It means intentionally spending time with non-believers, forming meaningful relationships, and identifying real needs. Through authentic friendship and consistent prayer, opportunities arise to share the gospel—not through forced encounters, but through loving witness. Prayer was central to Jesus’ ministry, and it must be central to ours. Soul-winning begins on our knees, and with God, no one is impossible to be saved.

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Calculate the Cost, Part 2 – Luke 14:31-33

In Luke 14:28, Jesus uses a parable to illustrate the importance of deliberate decision-making: a man first sits down to calculate the cost of building a tower to ensure he has sufficient resources to complete it. In the same way, those who desire to follow Christ must thoughtfully evaluate what it means to live a life built upon Him. Discipleship is not casual. It is a commitment that requires intentional preparation and spiritual cost analysis.

To “count the cost” involves acknowledging and accepting the terms that Christ sets forth. As John Koessler observes, “In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time. Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives.” This underscores the exclusivity of discipleship—it demands our full allegiance and a willingness to surrender anything that competes with Christ’s lordship.

Furthermore, to count the cost means responding to Christ’s call to serve Him out of wholehearted devotion, according to His will. Discipleship cannot be taken lightly, for nothing bears more eternal weight. Every act of obedience has lasting implications. Peter exemplifies this commitment in Matthew 19:27, where he declares, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You,” reflecting the seriousness of abandoning all for the sake of Christ.

Jesus’ teachings about eternal life are often paired with stern warnings. John MacArthur notes that Christ repeatedly emphasized the difficulty of the path to salvation: “The cost of following Him is high, the way is narrow, and few find it. Many who call Him Lord will be turned away from the kingdom of Heaven.” Salvation, then, is not a superficial decision but one that involves full submission and reverence for the gravity of the call.

Total Commitment and Total Surrender
A crucial component of discipleship is complete, unconditional commitment to Christ. Throughout history, nations at war have required unwavering loyalty from their citizens—even to the point of death. Likewise, Christ calls His followers to an even greater level of devotion, one that may cost their very lives. What often stands in the way is our lack of faith and human pride. Overcoming these barriers requires abiding in Christ continually, drawing strength from Him for both endurance and victory over sin.

Scripture gives us powerful images of this level of commitment, especially in the context of the end times. Revelation 20:4 presents a vision of faithful believers who were martyred “because of their witness of Jesus and because of the word of God.” They refused to worship the beast and were rewarded with reign alongside Christ. Such examples underscore that unwavering loyalty to Christ—regardless of cost—is the standard of discipleship.

True assurance in our commitment comes when Christ becomes our ultimate aim. Only those with undivided hearts can truly follow Him. Discipleship demands that all of life be oriented around Christ, with nothing withheld. This heart posture must precede action; it is the only acceptable offering.

But how does one practically live out this commitment? Acts 2:42 gives us the framework: devotion to the Word of God, genuine fellowship, the breaking of bread (communion), and persistent prayer. These spiritual disciplines serve as the fruit of discipleship. Through them, we grow in love for God and for others, manifesting the marks of a true follower of Jesus.

Even more fundamental than commitment is unconditional surrender. Jesus illustrates this through another parable: a king facing certain defeat wisely sends a delegation to seek terms of peace (Luke 14:31–32). In the same way, surrendering to Christ involves acknowledging our inability to save ourselves and entrusting everything—our future, ambitions, and rights—into His hands.

A life of surrender and commitment becomes a powerful testimony of faith. Abraham demonstrated this when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac in obedience to God’s command. His actions showed both total trust and complete surrender. Similarly, Paul gives voice to this lifestyle in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”

In verse 33, Jesus concludes by declaring, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” One of the most common obstacles to full surrender is the love of money and possessions. Acts 3:6 reminds us of the value of spiritual wealth over material wealth. Christ must be recognized as the source and owner of all we have; anything less risks idolatry.

Money is perhaps the most persistent idol in history, and even believers are not immune. As 1 Timothy 5:8 warns, failing to provide for one’s household is worse than disbelief. Similarly, in Matthew 19:21, Jesus tells the rich man to sell all he has and follow Him. These verses highlight that stewardship, not ownership, is the Christian view of resources.

Ultimately, what matters after death is not how much we accumulated but what we surrendered for God’s glory. Our willingness to part with material wealth for His sake reflects the sincerity of our discipleship. As 1 Timothy 6:10 states, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Thus, Christ must be Lord not only over our hearts but also over our possessions.

John Flavel succinctly captures the essence of biblical stewardship: “If I am the Lord’s, then, my time, my talents, and all that I have are His.” The call to discipleship encompasses every area of life. True followers recognize that everything belongs to God and must be used to honor Him. Only then can we truly say we have counted the cost.

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Calculate the Cost – Luke 14:25-30

The real disciples of Jesus Christ are those who love Him more than anyone or anything, willing to take up their cross and follow Him. Our text this morning comes from the Gospel of Luke 14:25-32, where Jesus’s words on discipleship are sovereign—not meant to upset, but to reveal what every believer must do. Discipleship is not a small matter or a mere choice; it is a matter of life and death that must happen to every single believer. Jesus says that everyone must “calculate the cost,” a phrase familiar from our daily lives, like when we shop for groceries or budget for our needs. Just as we know our budget and what we can afford, so too must we count the cost of following Jesus. Biblical discipleship requires us to recognize and agree to the terms Jesus sets, which may include losing relationships, dreams, material things, and even our very lives. What does it take, and what is the outcome of following Jesus Christ? Counting the cost is essential to true discipleship.

Counting the cost is not a small matter; “it’s a matter of death and life”. As John Koessler said, “Counting the cost” means recognizing and agreeing to some terms first. In following Christ, we cannot simply follow our own inclinations. We cannot follow Him and the world’s way at the same time. Following Him may mean we lose relationships, dreams, material things, or even our lives…” Jesus demands this severity because He wants to build his church (Matthew 16:18). He is the first builder. Being a disciple means we enter the fight against the devil. Jesus is building His church, which the gates of Hades will not overcome. Jesus is not looking for many but a few. Like Gideon, who defeated the Midian armies with only 300 men, Jesus seeks a dedicated few. As John Wesley stated, “If I had 300 men who feared nothing but God, hated nothing but sin and would be determined to know nothing among men but Jesus Christ him crucified, I will set the world on fire”.

Failure to count the cost means we will turn away at the threat of sacrifice and rebel against Christ when difficulties arise. Judas failed to count the cost, leading to his betrayal and suicide. We often drop God’s word, prayer, and church, while clinging to our ambitions and idols. This means we didn’t calculate the cost at the beginning. The result is that the building is left unfinished. The person may have the form of holiness, but there’s no power of holiness in their lives. They are like the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza twin buildings in downtown LA, an ugly symbol and a shameful symbol of failure because they ran out of funds.

Jesus Himself is the initial original builder. Philippians 2:6-8 says Jesus “emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave” and “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” in order to fulfill His mission of redemption. He counted the cost to build His church. In the same way, our discipleship must calculate the cost and be built on Christ.

To count the cost and build true discipleship, four things are necessary:

  1. True Belief: A genuine believer is transformed, desiring a new nature and daily struggling with the old. This internal fight, as Paul described in Romans 7:24, “Wretched man that I am who will deliver me from the body of this death,” is a normal Christian experience leading to victory, for “there’s no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
  2. Trust: “Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). When we trust God, He builds in our hearts. Like the Thessalonian Christians, we must “turn to God from idols to serve a living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
  3. Obedience: R. A. Torrey defined obedience as “the entire surrender of our wills, ourselves, and all that we have to Him”. Obedience says, “Take me, do with me what you want to send me where you want me to go and use me as you desire me to be used for you.” This complete surrender of ourselves to God is the condition of our receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Do you obey God’s commands?
  4. Prayer: Prayer and discipleship are inseparable. The Gospels show Jesus constantly praying. Then the disciples prayed in the book of Acts, leading to the birth of the church. Prayer is like a radar to detect Satan’s work and it is God’s appointed way for obtaining things, and the most important business of a disciple’s life. The quality of our discipleship depends on prayer.  “Prayer is just the heart’s response. We breathe in Scripture and we breathe out prayer, Breathe in and breathe out… That’s the basic shape of Christian as everyday communion with God. Prayer is the breath of heavenly life.” (Michael Reeves)

Counting the cost is crucial for Jesus’ name and our own credibility. Failure leads to public ridicule, as Jesus warns: “This man began to build and was not able to finish” (Luke 14:30). Counting the cost means our hard work, our sweat, and blood for discipleship. Kanye West’s public turn, claiming “I’m god” and rejecting the fear of God, serves as a recent example of total failure due to not counting the cost. Counting the cost is a lifelong process that makes our lives fuller, fruitful, and better. Let us keep trusting, obeying and praying in all circumstances so Jesus looks really worthwhile more than anything as we glorify Him in our discipleship.

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Test of the Jesus Disciple – Luke 14:25-27

Love and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ are the defining characteristics of a true disciple. In the Gospel of Luke, two distinct groups of people emerge: the first is a large crowd that follows Jesus out of curiosity or self-interest, yet does not demonstrate genuine love or obedience. The second group consists of true disciples—those who sincerely love and obey Christ as they follow Him. Luke also identifies two essential conditions for discipleship: prioritizing Christ above all, including one’s own life, and willingly suffering for His sake.

The large crowds that followed Jesus likely did so for a variety of reasons. Some were drawn by His miracles and teachings, others were curious about His character, and many hoped He was the long-awaited Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule. However, not all who followed truly believed in Him or loved Him. In the passage examined today, Jesus confronts the crowd with the true cost of discipleship—a message that ultimately causes many to turn away, revealing the authenticity of their faith.

Jesus poses a powerful challenge: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). This statement is not a call to literal hatred, but rather a demand for radical prioritization. A true disciple must love Christ so supremely that all other affections pale in comparison. Genuine discipleship is marked by eternal life, entry through the narrow gate, and a personal commitment to Christ above all else.

Jesus’ use of the word “hate” is hyperbolic, meant to underscore the level of devotion He requires. He is not advocating animosity or neglect of family but emphasizing that loyalty to Him must come before even the closest human relationships. In a world where family often holds the highest place in one’s life, Jesus calls His followers to place Him at the very center.

Moreover, Christ teaches that a disciple must even “hate” his own life (Luke 14:26). This concept involves self-denial—the rejection of selfish desires and ambitions in favor of honoring and obeying Christ. A.W. Pink describes this as “loving and obeying Christ, to honor Christ, and to spend ourselves for Him.” The Apostle Paul echoes this in Galatians 2:20, stating that we are “crucified with Christ,” indicating that self-denial begins at salvation and continues throughout the Christian life.

The second condition for discipleship is a willingness to suffer for Christ. Jesus declares, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). Carrying one’s cross symbolizes a readiness to endure shame, hardship, and sacrifice for the sake of Christ. It is a daily, active commitment to follow Him regardless of the cost.

What does it mean to carry our cross? It may involve:

  • Shame: Facing rejection or ridicule from the world for following Christ.
  • Obedience: Choosing God’s will over personal comfort, regardless of circumstance.
  • Love: Sacrificially loving others, including enemies, as Christ loved us.

James MacDonald describes the life of a true disciple in vivid terms:

“The opposition of loved ones. The reproach of the world. Forsaking family and the comforts of life. Complete dependence on God. Obedience to the Holy Spirit. Proclaiming an unpopular message. A path marked by loneliness. Attacks from religious institutions. Suffering for righteousness’ sake. Slander and shame. Pouring out one’s life for others. Death to self and the world.”

The Apostle Paul expresses a similar sentiment in Philippians 3:8–11:

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

To come to Jesus is to live as He lived—with purpose, resolve, and unwavering obedience to the Father. Though disciples may suffer outwardly, inwardly they possess an eternal hope. The Apostle Peter writes that Christ left us an example in His suffering:

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but continued entrusting Himself to Him who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:21–23).

Every true disciple should strive to echo the words of the Apostle Paul at the end of his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). For those who may feel unsure about their own commitment in light of these teachings, it is never too late to repent and turn to God. As long as we live, His grace remains available.

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