Worship & Word: Sunday at Empowerment Temple- with Rev. Dr. Robert Turner

Main message: Following God's calling requires counting the cost: you must be willing to forsake comfort, endure suffering, and rely on God's sufficiency rather than your own strength. God sometimes removes comforts or possessions to redirect you, expose true friends, and sharpen your obedience to the assignment He gave you.

Key points:

• Jesus' call to count the cost (Luke 14:28-33) means discipleship demands total commitment — “whoever does not forsake all cannot be my disciple.”
• One primary cost of calling is loss of comfort and convenience; comfort breeds complacency and can derail your assignment (examples: Samson’s complacency).
• Suffering often accompanies the call — God prepares servants (e.g., Paul) to suffer for righteousness’ sake as part of their mission.
• God may remove things (jobs, health, relationships) to reveal who truly stands with you and to refocus your life on the calling.
• You are not sufficient in yourself; sufficiency comes from God (2 Cor 3:5–6, Exodus/Moses example) and God’s presence (Psalm imagery of rod and staff) enables obedience and courage to fulfill the call.
• The Great Commission (go make disciples) remains the foundational assignment for every believer despite costs.

Scriptures mentioned: Luke 14:28-33, Acts 9:15-16, Judges 16:19-21, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, Exodus 3:1, Psalm 23 (referenced), Matthew 28:19, Matthew 5 (Beatitudes referenced)