Book Review: the Cost (what it takes to follow Jesus).

Have you ever considered what it takes to be a Christian? Well, this book sets out to provide a balanced and insightful answer to such a question. Now unlike all other religions and philosophies known to mankind whereby you do not have to make heart commitment as well as external commitment; Christianity is different for that vital reality. Note that in the first chapter (come follow) he lays out the necessary requirement which he lays forth with even more clarity in the following twelve chapters: Mixed Multitudes; Shocking Words; No Fine Print; Cross Dressing; Follow Jesus 1 & 2; Counting the Cost; Unconditional Surrender;  Under New Management; Tasteless Salt; Ears to Hear; and Lasting Words. All distilling the great cost one must be prepared to make when coming after Christ. 

Let us see what other have to say: "Dr Lawson's exposition of Luke 14:25-35 distils the vital message and presents it in a robust and penetrating way." (John MacArthur)   "with compassion, patience and clarity, Dr. Lawson sets before the reader a clear exposition of the gospel and gospel call according to Jesus... this book is a must read for all." And I happen to agree with both of these statements. It is a "robust and penetrating" analysis; and therefore, it is "a must read." There is nothing more important that understanding all that is involved in this action of "following Jesus." It must become the very thing that defines who you are; and everything else must take a back-seat or be put aside completely for His sake and your life. 

Now in take one chapter as a means to prompt you in to wanting to read the whole; in the first chapter called as we have noted come follow. He lays out what he consider to the key to everything that follows under the statement "A Spiritual Journey" which he elucidates with five thoughts or principles: where the journey begins; how the journey continues; what the journey provides; what the journey costs; where the journey leads.  But going back to the key statement, he tells us that 'this spiritual journey refers to how we live our daily live. It concerns the course that we take in life. Jesus is referring to the path we pursue and the steps we take in this life. Involved in this journey are our thoughts, actions, and even our motives and desires. Jesus is addressing what takes place inside our soul that drives and directs us'.  And here is the point: being a Christian (a disciple of Christ) is no easy thing; it is not a walk in the park. 

It is wise to mention a few chapters that stand out: (3) shocking words which is based on vs. 26. (5) Cross- bearing which is based vs. 27. (8) Counting the cost which is based on vs. 28-30. (9) Unconditional surrender which is based on vs. 31-32. 

I warmly recommend this book. 
 

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