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KNOWING JESUS CHRIST AS LORD By Larry Kreider Counting the Cost: No Installment Plans A rich, young ruler asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22). Jesus knew the one area the man clung to was his riches, so He told him to sell his possessions and give them to the poor. The young man went away sorrowful because his riches meant more to him than the opportunity to walk with Jesus. His riches were the lord of his life. Jesus did not give him an installment plan : 25% down and easy monthly payments. No, Jesus knew this young man's god was money and he would have to let it go and allow Jesus to take the place of riches in his heart. EITHER JESUS IS LORD OF ALL OR NOT LORD AT ALL. James and John were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Follow Me." They left their boats and nets - their business, their livelihood - and followed Him. Matthew was a tax collector. As he sat in his tax collecting station, Jesus came by and said, "Follow Me." Matthew left his position, his job, and followed Jesus. Zacchaeus climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by. Jesus looked up at him and said, "Hurry and come down. I must stay at your house today" (Luke 19:5). Zacchaeus didn''t say, "Well, I''m not sure how I feel about that." No, he climbed down and took Jesus to his home. Jesus told him, "Today salvation is come to this house" (Luke 19:9). Jesus is calling us today. He wants to live His life through us. Let's respond to Him like Zacchaeus and give it all to Jesus. Now! Forget the installment plan. It''s a myth. 
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: Read Matthew 19:16-22 and Luke 19:9. Why did the rich, young ruler not follow Jesus? What was Jesus' response to him? How did the disciples and Zacchaeus respond to Jesus when He called them? How does this apply to your life today? ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
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