The cost

Jeremy Utley teaches that disciples must not allow their feelings to become their primary focus or fixation. Instead, when emotions arise, believers should redirect their attention to God's purpose and will, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. By refusing to be controlled by feelings and offering this sacrifice to God, disciples experience the joy of the Lord as their strength and are paradoxically renewed rather than defeated by their emotions.

The speaker recounts the history of the CFC church, emphasizing that God builds His church not through human cleverness, education, or wealth, but through the power of the Holy Spirit. True discipleship requires radical repentance—a 180-degree turn away from self-will toward God's way. He warns against merely having the 'form' of godliness without genuine inner transformation.

The sermon emphasizes that fulfilling the Great Commission requires equal attention to both evangelism (reaching the lost) and discipleship (teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded). The speaker argues that while evangelism is exciting and measurable, discipleship—the process of making converts into functioning members of the body of Christ—is arguably more faithful and vital. He uses the analogy of food digestion to illustrate that initial conversion is insufficient; true transformation requires ongoing teaching and spiritual development.

The central message is that Christians must move beyond merely surviving trials to becoming 'overwhelming conquerors' through God's strength. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their response to difficulty, urging them to trust God completely rather than complaining or trying to control circumstances. True discipleship is proven by bearing fruit, even in seasons of drought, by remaining rooted in faith and yielding to God's divine purpose.

The central message is that true discipleship is not defined by correct profession or belief, but by one's willingness to remain devoted to Jesus even when his teachings or actions are difficult or offensive. The speaker uses the example of the disciples in John 6 and John the Baptist's interaction with Jesus to illustrate that knowing Jesus means following Him through challenging circumstances, rather than just making a verbal declaration of faith.

The central message revolves around the biblical principle that one cannot serve both God and money, citing Luke 16:13. The speaker urges the audience to be brutally honest with Scripture, recognizing that God's Word is a surgeon's knife meant to bring life, not death. True discipleship requires confronting uncomfortable truths about one's devotion, as neglecting this truth can lead to spiritual deception.

The central message is that humanity is inherently a slave—either to sin, which leads to death, or to God's righteousness through obedience, which leads to life. While resisting God's commandments feels like freedom, it is actually slavery to something else. True ability to keep God's commandments is impossible in natural strength and requires the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. The speaker urges the congregation to cry out for this Spirit's help to pursue God's will.

The central message is the necessity of continuous, daily surrender to Christ, which is the antidote to spiritual backsliding. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires loving Jesus above all else and constantly taking up the cross by dying to one's own preferences and self. This daily process allows the life of Jesus to be manifested in our actions, relationships, and attitudes.

The sermon emphasizes that Christian living requires actively confessing biblical truths, such as sin not mastering one under grace and the necessity of keeping commandments. The speaker draws a parallel between worldly riches and divine grace, arguing that just as financial lack causes hardship, a lack of grace leads to a spiritual 'slum' life. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to embrace the abundance of God's grace, which will be demonstrated as a testimony in eternity.

The central message is that believers should focus on Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of spiritual authority and life. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship involves pointing people to Jesus rather than impressing them with doctrine or personal gifting. He encourages fathers and mothers to model their journey toward Christ by admitting mistakes and seeking forgiveness, showing that following Jesus is accessible even when imperfect.

The central message is that true discipleship requires living out what is known, rather than merely accumulating academic knowledge. Jesus contrasted the 'scribe,' who knows the law but may not live by it, with the 'disciple,' whose life reflects their understanding. Discipleship must begin in one's closest relationships, particularly the family, and Paul advises that one's life must precede one's teaching.

The sermon addresses the danger of deception within Christianity, urging believers to be vigilant against false teachings. It emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment to protect oneself and the church from misleading doctrines.

The speaker uses his profession as a cost analyst to illustrate how people often fail to accurately assess what truly matters in life. He argues that if we could properly analyze the 'cost' of things—including our time, energy, and devotion—we would realize that following Christ is by far the best deal available. The message concludes by urging listeners to consider the eternal cost-benefit analysis of living for self versus living for Christ.

The speaker emphasizes that true church membership is defined by discipleship, referencing Matthew 28:19. He warns against the danger of complacency within established religious groups, arguing that merely attending services or professing belief is insufficient. The core message is a call to move beyond simply being 'in' a church building and instead actively commit to the demanding work of making disciples.

The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires embracing the identity of an ordinary person, mirroring Jesus who claimed to be merely a man. He draws from scripture to teach that while the Holy Spirit reveals deep truths about Christ, the core lesson is humility, as Jesus always humbled himself and did not assert his own will. Believers must maintain a dual identity: feeling chosen by God before the foundation of the world, yet living outwardly as ordinary people who connect with everyone at their level.

The speaker addresses the pervasive nature of modern addictions and temptations, urging the audience to identify any 'besetting sin' or area where they lack control. He emphasizes that true freedom comes from recognizing dependence on Christ, rather than on worldly comforts or habits. The central call is to actively deny oneself and take up the cross, focusing on loving God and loving one's neighbor.

The speakers shared various takeaways from the singles discipleship gathering, focusing on themes of glorifying God's goodness, embracing God's fatherly love, and trusting in God's provision amidst anxiety. Key messages included finding joy in God's grace, accepting God's will even through suffering, and learning to serve God without seeking personal honor. The overall theme was deepening one's relationship with God through faith and surrender.

The speaker draws parallels between the parable of the lost coin and God's deep care for His people, particularly the young generation. He emphasizes that being dedicated to the Lord, like a Nazarite, requires setting oneself apart from the world. Practically, he urges the congregation to guard their inner lives by taking them seriously, referencing 2 Timothy 2:20-21 which teaches that true value comes from cleansing oneself to be a vessel for honor and useful to the Master.

The speaker emphasizes that the central theme of life should be redemption, drawing a parallel between the blood drawn from Jesus's side on the cross and the cleansing power available to all sinners. He stresses that true faith requires repentance, and he encourages the audience to realize that their lives, like Jesus's, are written out for a divine purpose to fulfill scripture, offering comfort during trials.

The speaker emphasizes that understanding scripture requires taking all of God's Word seriously and viewing it in its totality, rather than focusing on favorite verses. He contrasts the two parts of the Great Commission—preaching the gospel (evangelism) and making disciples—arguing that a church cannot be complete if it emphasizes only one aspect. True church life requires both evangelism and discipleship, where believers are constantly repenting and living in a state of continuous self-correction.

The speaker argues that many Christians are missing out on the vast inheritance purchased by Christ's death and resurrection because they are blinded by worldly desires, which he compares to the greed of Adam's descendants. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires abandoning the self-centered desire for personal gain and instead adopting a spirit of self-denial, mirroring Christ's service rather than seeking earthly profit or honor.

The speaker argues that the Old Covenant was abolished because God's ultimate plan required the Holy Spirit to dwell in man, which was impossible due to sin. He emphasizes that sin requires a definitive price, which Jesus paid on the cross. The New Covenant shifts the relationship from a governmental one to a familial one, where the church functions as the 'body of Christ'—a family where Christ is the head, requiring the cooperation of all members because no single human can perfectly manifest the glory of God.

Christians are called to become exact reflections of Jesus through individual purity and corporate participation in the local church. The speaker emphasizes that believers must deeply trust God's word and promises, recognizing Him as a loving Father rather than a harsh judge, and that the Holy Spirit dwelling within us provides greater assurance than miraculous displays. Walking the narrow path God calls us to requires endurance through temptation and opposition, but God's promises ensure we have the strength to escape and persevere.

The central message is the supreme value of maintaining fellowship with the Father, which is broken by sin. Jesus's life and teachings illustrate that true discipleship requires valuing this relationship above all else, even over physical safety or political power. Furthermore, the sermon emphasizes that suffering and facing real-world struggles are necessary for ministry and empathy, as constant divine protection would prevent us from understanding others' hardships.