Sermon Notes: “You will Die Tonight”

Pr. Jeff Kern

1. Key Scripture References

• Matthew 16:24 (NKJV): “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”

• Isaiah 49:6 (NKJV): “I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

2. Key Themes and Ideas

• Stages of Discipleship:

• Denying oneself

• Carrying one’s cross

• Following Jesus

Each stage involves deeper levels of commitment, sacrifice, and surrender. Skipping these stages leads to incomplete discipleship.

• The Cost of Service:

• Following Jesus requires adjustments and sacrifices, as shown through real-life examples of missionaries and servants.

• Self-denial means surrendering personal desires for God’s will.

• Mission as a Responsibility:

• Believers are called to be a light to the nations, bringing salvation and hope even in challenging or dangerous circumstances.

• The work of missions demonstrates God’s providence and faithfulness, as seen in the preservation of the Kuale Mission during Angola’s Civil War.

3. Illustrative Stories

• Brother Fumba’s Escape: Fumba’s family fled persecution, showing the real cost of faith and the dangers of service in hostile environments.

• The Kuale Mission: Despite the dangers, missionaries served selflessly, with God’s intervention saving lives and advancing His work.

• Personal Sacrifices in Service: The preacher’s father suffered for his faith, embodying the literal and spiritual meaning of “carrying your cross.”

Reflection Questions

Our Message

• What does denying oneself mean in your current stage of life?

• How can you be a “light to the Gentiles” in your immediate community?

Our Conduct

• Are you willing to adjust your plans and priorities to align with God’s will, even if it leads to discomfort or sacrifice?

• How do you respond when your faith or commitment to service is tested?

Practical Application

• What is the “cross” you are being called to carry right now?

• In what ways can you step out in faith to support the mission of the church, whether locally or globally?

Personal Commitment

• What areas of your life still need total surrender to God’s will?

• How can you demonstrate a long-term commitment to self-denial and service in your daily walk with Christ?

Prayer Points

1. For Strength and Surrender: Pray for the courage to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

2. For Missionaries: Ask God to protect and empower those serving in dangerous and remote areas, that their work may bring light to the nations.

3. For Wisdom and Discernment: Seek God’s guidance to understand and fulfill His specific call in your life, even when the cost feels high.