August 11, 2024
Do you want to learn to live the most purposeful, productive and effective life ever?
Jesus said to him, “[Peter] … You follow Me!”
John 21:22 (NASB1995)
The Idea:
There has to be this moment in the heart of any follower of Jesus.
Following Him can never be accidental, or casual, or on and off.
Either, follow Him with everything it means. Or never be changed.
Following Christ is...
I. A Commitment to Abandon and Rearrange
“Come, follow Me”
Definition of a Disciple
A disciple is someone who whose ultimate aim is:
· to be with Jesus,
· to become like Jesus,
· to learn to live the way Jesus lived
II. A Commitment to Live Learning How to Follow
Matthew, Mark, Luke, JohnThe life of Jesus in the gospels
5 Core Spiritual Practices
· Worship
· Prayer
· Nourishing on the Word
· Time alone with God
· Spiritual Community
Surrender should saturate all of them
III. A Commitment to be Changed into a Person of Love
8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
9 “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.
10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.
11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.
John 15:8-11 (NASB1995)
“So many Christians simply have no idea of the staggering immensity of God’s love for them and of that love’s power to transform them into people of love, as well as bring them great happiness and lasting peace. If they knew, they would undoubtedly do whatever it takes to make time to be with him. Unfortunately, many of us still view following Jesus as a means to an end—a ticket to heaven, to nice feelings, to a successful, upwardly mobile life, and so on. We still don’t get it: He’s the end. The reward for following Jesus is Jesus”
– John Mark Comer, in Practicing the Way of Jesus
You can find our sermon-only series and full worship services on our Bear Creek Church Youtube Channel each week. Watch, like, subscribe, and get notifications.