Jesus’ Words – “follow me “
KNOW WHO YOU ARE LISTENING TO….
Mark 2:13-17 – call of Levi and eating with sinners ( follow me )
ILLUS: going to Columbus….
I know where I’m going….
One sourcesays the Romans described these early believers as “belonging to the party of Christ.” Flavius Josephus, in Antiquities of the Jews, referred to believers as “the tribe of Christians, so named from Him.”
In Roman culture, “Christian” wasn’t a flattering term. It was derisive!
ILLUS : Pliny’s letter to “good” Emperor Trajan
The Christians were those radical people who did not acknowledge the emperor of Rome, because they were loyally committed to following Christ instead. Their loyalty was a commitment, but also a lifestyle.
WEIGH THE RISKS
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
Luke 18:18-30
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”…..
Unique in gospels
Matthew 10:34–39,
Bring sword, take up cross
To truly follow Christ means He has become everything to us. Everyone follows something: friends, popular culture, family, selfish desires, or God. We can only follow one thing at a time (Matthew 6:24). God states we are to have no other gods lbefore Him (Exodus 20:3;
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gotquestions.org/amp/follow-Christ.html
DON’T COMPARE
ILLUS : social media and followers
( it’s about a relationship and not a race)
……When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:18-22)
Conclusion:
ILLUS
Josh McDowell daughter
Jesus just like you….