Everything Cost | Kendra Sims | Bible Study Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Everything Cost

West Angeles Church of God in Christ • Sep 17, 2026 • 28 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

In this message, Evangelist Kendra Sims examines what it truly means to live a life of sacrifice for Christ. Drawing from the account of the widow's mites in Luke 21 and Jesus' teaching on counting the cost in Luke 14, she emphasizes that God evaluates our devotion by the posture of our heart rather than the magnitude of our resources. Believers are encouraged to surrender their personal wills, practice spiritual disciplines like fasting, and live out a daily commitment that honors Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Themes

SacrificeCounting the CostDiscipleshipGenerosityFastingTransformation

Pastor's Points

1.

God sees your sacrifice.

2.

The amount sacrificed supersedes the amount given.

3.

Count the cost.

4.

Biblical generosity requires putting trust in God's promise.

Key Points

1.
God sees and values every sacrifice made for Him, judging gifts by the heart and posture of the giver rather than the monetary amount (Luke 21:1–4).
2.
In God's eyes, the proportion of what is sacrificed relative to what one has supersedes the total amount given.
3.
Following Jesus is a life-altering commitment that requires counting the cost beforehand and preparing to surrender personal will and worldly attachments (Luke 14:28–33).
4.
Living a faithful Christian life requires presenting one's entire body as a living sacrifice and allowing God to transform us by renewing our minds (Romans 12:1–2).
5.
Biblical fasting is a deliberate spiritual sacrifice to create space for God and hear His voice, rather than a mere physical diet or routine restriction.
6.
Sacrifice is a natural part of daily life, but believers must be mindful of whether they are sacrificing for temporary pursuits or eternal fruit.

Sermon Moments

“God sees the heart behind the gift, not just the amount.”

“The amount sacrificed supersedes the amount given.”

“Following Jesus isn't something to be done lightly or emotionally. It requires an understanding of the true cost—surrendering your own will.”

“The whole point of spiritual and biblical fasting is to abstain from something so that you can hear God more clearly.”

“We are always sacrificing something. But be careful because you may be sacrificing something for nothing.”

“Christ gave his life to save you and I from our sins. Is your response to him filled with humility, gratitude, and unrestrained love?”

“Biblical generosity requires putting trust in God's promise.”

This Week

Evaluate your heart and posture when giving to God, remembering that He values sincere devotion over the monetary amount.

Take time to soberly 'count the cost' of following Jesus, identifying any worldly attachments or personal desires you need to surrender.

Dedicate your body and mind daily to God as a living sacrifice through dedicated time in prayer and Word study.

Engage in intentional biblical fasting by abstaining from something meaningful to tune out distraction and hear God's voice clearly.

Sacrifice minor entertainments, such as television or social media, to read a chapter of the Bible each day.

Guard your heart against judging or critiquing how others give or serve God, focusing instead on your own faithful walk.

Express daily gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross through intentional acts of worship and obedience.

Remember This

Following Jesus requires counting the spiritual cost and offering our lives as living sacrifices, knowing that God sees, values, and honors every sincere act of devotion.

A Challenge for You

May your faith transcend the limits through you living a life of sacrifice.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.