"Making Plans"

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33

Yesterday, we talked about the importance of planning ahead, or "counting the cost" of discipleship. This is something Jesus commanded us to do because he was all too aware that many people that came to see him were simply responding emotionally to their experience with Jesus. He knew that once that initial rush of emotion wore off, the people would lose faith again. I mentioned the unique place in the spiritual landscape of our community that LOTC holds. We truly are a "welcoming community of faith where spiritual seekers become loving, serving followers of Jesus Christ." One of the most unique aspects of this statement is that it runs counter to the culture in which we live. Almost every message that we receive on a daily basis is geared to actually manipulate our emotional response. Politicians, advertisers, even churches, create a message that appeals to us not on a level that motivates us to do good, but instead on an emotional level that makes us feel good. I am not against feeling good. I much prefer it to the alternative. But, if we are going to follow Jesus, we must realize that it will not always be blue skies and sunshine. That is why Jesus makes statements like, "Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." At LOTC, we live this out by welcoming people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. We do not force them to conform to a spiritual box that "feels good." We offer Jesus Christ. Sometimes that means that we feel good. But sometimes that means we feel challenged. But, whatever it feels like, it is a path that requires some thought and planning. That is why we are beginning this time of discernment. As we move forward to discover what LOTC 2.0 will look like, I ask that you remain in prayer for all of our congregation. If you would like to participate in the conversation, I would love to hear your response to the question that we discussed together. "What does a loving, serving disciple actually look like?" Please be as detailed as possible