Make it Count

John 12:20–29 NIV84

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

John 12:

John 12:20–29 NIV84

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. 23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. 27 “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

1.

Tomorrow, most of us will be off. We are off to commemorate those who paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy in our country. We honor the lives of those who willingly sacrificed. We honor the families who experienced the pain, the sorrow, the loss that never ceases. I believe that forgetting what this day means almost makes the sacrifice of many meaningless. However, to avoid such a mistake, our country sets this day aside. Many go out drinking, to the lake, to cookouts, some attend church, while others do nothing, but we should all remember. If we do not remember, then the sacrifice is meaningless. I challenge you all to make the sacrifice of the many matter to you. Live free. Enjoy your freedom. Do not use your freedom to takes the freedom of others. Make the sacrifice of the many count. Today, I will talk to you about that subject: Make it Count.

1. Jesus willingly gave His life so you can have eternal life

One life for many

The greatest sacrifice

His Sacrifice for freedom from sin

One life for many

2. Freedom isn’t free

The greatest sacrifice

Sometimes a life is required

A sacrifice is always demanded

His Sacrifice for freedom from sin

From seed to fruit

2. Freedom isn’t free

3. The sacrifice of the seed

Self-sacrifice of one’s comfort for the sake of others

Self-sacrifice as giving one’s possessions for others

Self-sacrifice leave all to follow Jesus

Self-sacrifice as a willingness to lay down one’s life for others

If you are not willing to die for her, you are not ready for her

If you are not willing to die for your country, you are not ready to serve

Self-sacrifice as the literal act of laying down one’s life for others

4. The sacrifice deserves honor

Honor the Lord by worshipping Him

Honor the Lord by obeying Him

Honor the Lord by living for Him

Honor the Lord with your possessions

Honor the Lord by caring for others

Sometimes a life is required

5. Turn the mess into a message

A sacrifice is always demanded

From seed to fruit

The loss has a purpose

3. The sacrifice of the seed

Self-sacrifice of one’s comfort for the sake of others

The challenge was not a waste of time

Self-sacrifice as giving one’s possessions for others

Self-sacrifice leave all to follow Jesus

Self-sacrifice as a willingness to lay down one’s life for others

If you are not willing to die for her, you are not ready for her

If you are not willing to die for your country, you are not ready to serve

Self-sacrifice as the literal act of laying down one’s life for others

You did not go through all that pain for nothing

4. The sacrifice deserves honor

You did not go through the heartache for waste

Honor the Lord by worshipping Him

Honor the Lord by obeying Him

Honor the Lord by living for Him

Honor the Lord with your possessions

Honor the Lord by caring for others

5. Turn the mess into a message

You did not go bankrupt cause God hates you

You did not hit rock bottom to stay there

The loss has a purpose

Make it Count

The challenge was not a waste of time

You did not go through all that pain for nothing

You did not go through the heartache for waste

You did not go bankrupt cause God hates you

You did not hit rock bottom to stay there

Make it Count