We open the week with an email from Carla who writes in with a very short question and

to the point, Pastor John, how does a person know when he or she is ready to become a

Christian?

What would you say to Carla?

It's a good question because Jesus told a story one time that really emphasized the

importance of counting the cost before you become one of his followers.

Here's what he said, whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my

disciple.

In other words, it's not easy for which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first

sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it.

Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it will

begin to mark him saying, this man began to build and was not able to finish.

So that's Jesus' story.

And I think it means, in other words, being a Christian is not a bed of roses, believing

and living the truth, cost Jesus his life, and the same may be true of anyone who follows

him.

I just read this morning about Christian missionaries being crucified and beheaded

in Syria.

That's what he meant when he said, whoever does not bear his own cross and come after

me cannot be my disciple.

So I am glad that Carla is taking this as seriously as she is.

And I think the question, when is a person ready to become a Christian, will become plain?

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