Lecture Notes: Billy Graham Classics - Counting the Cost
Introduction
- Location: Tangerine Bowl in Orlando, Florida
- Audience: Primarily young people
- Topic: "Counting the Cost" of following Jesus Christ
- Main Scripture: Luke 14:27-33
Key Scripture: Luke 14:27-33
- Jesus’ teaching on the cost of discipleship
- Bearing one's cross
- Counting the cost before building a tower
- Considering the cost of going to war
- Fundamental message: "Whosoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
The Growing Turn to Christ
- Increasing number of young people turning to Christ in the U.S.
- Importance of understanding what it means to truly follow Christ
Counting the Cost
Body
- Discipline and Control: Apostle Paul’s teaching on keeping the body under discipline (1 Corinthians 9)
- Examples from the Bible:
- Eve: Yielding to the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life (Genesis)
- Esau: Selling his birthright for a meal (Genesis)
- Samson: Defeated by lust and improper use of his strength (Judges)
- Modern issues:
- Drug culture: Destruction of youth
- Sex: Pre-marital sex and societal pressure
- Biblical Command: Flee fornication and control bodily desires
Mind
- Accountability: God holds us accountable for our minds (thoughts, IQ)
- Scriptural Admonition: Study to show oneself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Mind Control: Bringing every thought into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10)
- Pure Thoughts: Think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8)
- Mind Transformation: Renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2)
Heart
- Deceptive Nature: Heart is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9)
- Evil Thoughts: Proceed from the heart (Mark 7:21-23)
- Hypocrisy: Draw close with lips but heart is far from God (Isaiah 29:13)
- New Heart Promise: New heart and spirit from God (Ezekiel 36:26)
- Heart Preparation: The Lord prepares and opens the heart (Proverbs 16, Acts 16)
Call to Commitment
- Commitment involves giving body, mind, and heart to Christ
- Public Declaration: Invitation to come forward and make a public commitment
- Assurance: Forgiveness of sins, new heart, new life, certainty of heaven
Final Appeal
- Choice: Choose Christ or chaos, life or death
- Action: Mentally accept Christ’s sacrifice, ask Him into your heart, present yourself publicly
- Invitation: Encouragement to call the provided number for guidance and prayer
Conclusion
- Public Response: Hundreds coming forward to commit to Christ
- Television Audience: Encouraged to make a commitment from home and call the provided number
- Additional Resources: Contact details for further support and materials
Remember to keep these notes as a reference for understanding the key points and messages from Billy Graham’s presentation on "Counting the Cost." They provide insight into the spiritual and practical implications of committing to follow Jesus Christ.