Grace is Not Cheap.

The Cost of Discipleship

Luke 9:23 ( NIV ) Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me..."

1 Peter 2:19-21 ( NIV ) "...19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps..."

Colossians 1:24 ( NIV ) "...Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church..."

Hebrews 12:10-11 ( NIV ) "...Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it..."

Romans 8:16-18 ( NASB ) "...16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us..."

Philippians 1:27-30 ( NIV ) "...27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have..."

Deuteronomy 33:9 ( NIV ) "...He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them.' He did not recognize his brothers or acknowledge his own children, but he watched over your word and guarded your covenant..."

( The author of this poem is unknown to me at this time. Perhaps, the author is Francis Thompson ( 1859-1907 ). The poem was made popular by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. )

"The Way" to Christ: The Cross

I slipped His fingers, I escaped His feet, I ran and hid, for Him I feared to meet. One day I passed Him, fettered on a tree, He turned His head, looked, and beckoned me. Neither by speed, nor strength could He prevail. Each hand and foot was pinioned by a nail. He could not run and clasp me if He tried But with His eye, he bade me reach His side. "For pity's sake," thought I, "I'll set you free." "Nay - hold this cross," He said, "and follow Me. This yoke is easy, this burden light Not hard or grievous if you wear it tight." So did I follow Him who could not move, An uncaught captive in the hands of love.