Truly Following

Mark 8:34-38

Intro: Today we here a lot about knowing Jesus and being a follower of His. The bible speaks very clearly about this and about something else that goes along with knowing Jesus, something we don’t hear a lot about, discipleship. What to do next after salvation, does Jesus expect anything? Well our scripture today shows us the Lord has something to say about following Him, and it’s not what a lot of people are led to believe. You see according to the Lord our works are going to show where our heart is. No, I didn’t say you could work out your salvation, I did say if you have it, it will show. Look with me this morning as the teaches about following Him.

V Jesus’ Call (vs. 34)

(a) Included everyone, Apostles and Crowd

(b) Was voluntary

(c) Involved sacrifice

(1) The old man had to go

(2) The old ways had to go

(3) New priorities had to be established.

(d) Includes effort (nobody’s saved to sit)

V Jesus’ challenge (vs. 35 & 36)

(a) Physical safety

(When being a Christian is not popular, we feel threatened. Are we willing to suffer that?)

(b) Financial security

(Sooner or later, each follower of Christ must make a decision between money and Christ. With some, it’s a job, tithe, offering what is our personal profit worth?)

Ill. Life isn’t easy, there is no free ride. Coming to Jesus is not going to be a pie in the sky easy way out. I have heard lots of stories, people wanting to come to God in return for a restored marriage, job, relationship, life and many others. God doesn’t barter His salvation, it’s freely given but you must want for the right reasons. It’s not a fix all in the world’s eyes. But it is a joy to behold to realize beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus has saved you and your name is written in the lamb’s book of life.

V Jesus’ question for those who refuse (vs. 37 & 38)

(a) What’s your decision worth?

(b) What your decision will cost?

Ill. If you decide not to follow Christ or if you think by chance, you can follow Him without knowing Him personally, you’re wrong. If you don’t know, Him He doesn’t know you either. Would it not be a shame to spend years here on earth going through the motions of service and worship then when standing in front of the lord you were cast away because you were ashamed to accept Him as savior.

Conc. Church life is no bed of roses, there are no easy roads. Jesus wants everybody to know Him, but in the right way and for the right reasons. You see, you can’t know Jesus on your terms it must be on His and He wants you to realize that the devil and the world are going put you in situations where you must show where your heart is. God doesn’t do these things but He will allow it, first to show you where you really stand with Him, next to show the world where you stand with Him. Can you look back over the past week and find a place where you had to make a decision, what was that decision. Right now, I am going to ask you to make a decision, do you know Jesus on His terms or are you going through life asking Him to meet you half way. The Lord has made it clear He doesn’t work that way. End as the Lord leads!

Sunday, June 27, 2004