Why Follow Jesus

13 Reasons Why We Follow Jesus

Have you ever made a mistake in your life? I’m certain I have! However, the following sentence provides me with comfort and allows me to refocus on my life priorities: It’s possible for me to make errors, but at the very least, I got the most essential thing right: I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior! After much deliberation, I came up with a list of 13 reasons why I feel following Jesus Christ is the best course of action in life:

1. Is it possible for you to admit to making a mistake in life? I’ve certainly done so! Although I find solace in the following sentence, it also encourages me to re-focus on my life’s priorities: It’s possible for me to make errors, but at the very least, I got the most essential thing right: I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior! The following are the 13 reasons why I feel that following Jesus Christ is the most prudent thing to do in life, which I came up with on my own.

Have you ever made a blunders in your life? Yes, I have! However, the following remark provides me with comfort and allows me to refocus on life’s most important priorities: “I may make errors, but at the very least I got the most essential thing right: I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior!” After much consideration, I came up with a list of 13 reasons why I feel following Jesus Christ is the best course of action in life:

1. He is the Only Way to God

Many individuals believe that there are several routes to God. However, our Lord’s words make it plain that this is a fabrication: “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Jesus declared to him. “There is no other way to the Father but through Me.” – Revelation 14:6 It doesn’t get much more straightforward than that! After hearing these statements, you have the option of how you will respond to them, if at all. “Either you believe Jesus is a liar or a crazy, or you believe He is Lord,” as the old adage goes.

When the Lord asked the apostle Peter a question after a particularly difficult time, he stated it best: “What do you want me to say?” Jesus then asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to depart?” he said.

“In addition, we have come to accept and recognize that You are Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.” – John 6:67-69 (NASB)

2. He is the Source of Life

In accordance with the following passage of Scripture, everything was created through and for Jesus, who is the living Word of God: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ” He was there with God from the beginning. All things were created through Him, and nothing was created that was not created through Him. “In Him was life, and the life was the light of humanity,” the scriptures say. — John 1:1-4; 2:21-23 Many people indulge in addictions and other destructive habits in order to feel alive or as a diversion from the difficult aspects of life that they are experiencing.

When we commit our lives to the Lord, we may rely on His knowledge and power to help us face the challenges of everyday life.

3. He is the Source of Truth

This world is replete with disinformation that is intended to mislead and fool the public at large. God, on the other hand, is not the source of confusion. The following is the path to clarity that we may find in the Bible: Afterwards, Jesus addressed those Jews who had accepted His teachings, saying, “If you stay in My word, you are truly My disciples.” “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” says the prophet. – John 8:31-32 (NIV).

We are invited to seek knowledge from our Lord: “If any among you lacks wisdom, let him inquire of God, who gives generously and without reproach to all,” says our Lord. The Bible says in James 1:5 Given that we do not know everything, it makes sense to seek wisdom from the One who does know all!

4. He is the Source of Love

Our Savior’s death on the cross was the most spectacular show of love that mankind has ever witnessed! He suffered in a way that no one else in history had ever endured before. He was tormented, killed, and was buried, only to rise from the dead on the third day of his life. In the same way that He overcame death and rose from the tomb, we too might experience newness of life in Him: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only born Son, that whomever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – The Gospel of John 3:16 The act of laying down one’s life for one’s friends is the highest kind of love known to man.” – The Gospel of John 15:13 “We love Him because He first loved us,” says the author.

19:19 – 1 John 4:19

5. He is the Source of Joy

A spectacular show of love has never been seen like our Savior’s death on the cross. Nothing in history has ever compared to the suffering he endured. It took three days for him to rise from the dead after being tortured. He defeated death and rose from the tomb, and as a result, we too rise to newness of life in Him: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only born Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life.” 16th verse of John’s gospel The act of laying down one’s life for one’s friends is an act of greater love than any other.

6. He is the Source of Peace

God’s word promises that He will keep us in perfect peace as long as we keep our thoughts on Him and put our confidence in Him (Psalm 46:10). (see Isaiah 26:3). When Jesus offered his peace as a gift to us, it was our responsibility to accept and live in it. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you,” he said. “Do not let your heart to be concerned, nor should it be terrified.” – The Gospel of John 14:27

7. He Gives Us a New Identity

As a result of accepting Christ as our Savior, we are given a new life and identity through the power of His Spirit:

A New Life

If anybody believes in Christ, he or she becomes a new creation; the old things have passed away, and behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB) Nevertheless, if you have the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead residing within you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies via His Spirit that resides within you.” – Romans 8:11 (NIV)

A New Identity

When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are transformed into:

A Child of God

The following are the results of accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

A Saint

To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”– Romans 1:7, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will see it through to completion until the day of Jesus Christ;”– Philippians 1:6, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will see it through to completion until the day of Jesus Christ;”–

The Righteousness of God in Christ

In order for us to become the righteousness of God in Him, He made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) And there is so much more in Him!

8. He Gives Us Life Purpose

Hallelujah, as Christians, we are citizens of the Kingdom of God! We were given life not only to hang out, entertain ourselves, and earn a livelihood, but also to contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom. We are called to know God, honor Him (display His character), and share our trust in Jesus with others: “I am the vine, you are the branches,” Jesus says in the parable. It is only through My abiding in him, and I in him, that he yields abundant fruit; because without Me, you can accomplish nothing.” – John 15:5 (NIV) This is how My Father is exalted, for you yield abundant fruit, and as a result, you will become My followers.

‘There is no legislation against such conduct.'” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Amen.

• Matthew 28:19-20; •

9. He Gives Eternal Life

We are citizens of the Kingdom of God, praise the Lord! The purpose of our existence is not only to hang around, entertain ourselves, and earn a livelihood, but to contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom. It is our purpose to come to know God, to glorify Him (display His character), and to communicate our trust in Jesus. I am the vine, and you are the branches; we are one body. It is only through My abiding in him, and I in him, that he yields great fruit; for you can accomplish nothing apart from Me.” The Bible says in John 15:5 that By bearing great fruit, you will bring honor to My Father, and as a result, you will become His followers.

No law can be applied in such a situation.” – Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB).

in Matthew 28:19-20;

10. He Forgives Sins and Sets Us Free From Them

Sin hardens our hearts, both against God and toward others. We have no ability to conquer it while still in our body. Our sin debt, on the other hand, was paid for by our Lord’s sacrifice on the cross. He forgives us of our sins when we accept in our hearts that He is the Son of God, confess our sins to Him, and profess Him to be our Lord. And not only that, but His Spirit also comes to live inside us, giving us the ability to conquer sin. We shall walk in righteousness as a result of submitting to God’s Spirit inside us and walking in obedience.

God has raised him to the right side of the throne to serve as Prince and Savior, and to bring Israel to repentance and remission of sins.” The Bible says in Acts 5:31 Do you not realize that whoever you offer yourselves as slaves to serve is the one whose slaves you are, whether you are obeying the law of sin that leads to death or the law of obedience that leads to righteousness?

Following your deliverance from sin, you were transformed into slaves of righteousness.

In the same way that you previously presented your members as slaves to uncleanness and lawlessness, which led to even greater lawlessness, you must now present your members as slaves to righteousness and holiness.” – Romans 6:16–19 (NASB)

11. He Comforts Us in Sorrow

Jesus understands what it’s like to lose someone you care about, to be lied to, and to be rejected. As a result, we may turn to Him when we are grieving or in sadness. We are not alone in enduring these dark seasons because we have the light of life shining on us! The majority of men dislike and reject him, calling him a man of sorrows and someone who is well acquainted with misery. And we concealed our faces from Him, as if we did not respect Him; He was despised, and we did not regard Him.” – Isaiah 53:3 (KJV) Let us, therefore, remember that we have a great High Priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, and that we should keep our confession firm.

12. He is the Key to an Overcoming Life

By the grace of God, we have faith that we will be able to face and conquer any problem. He provides us with all we require for triumph as a result of His grace. No matter how large the task, our God is greater! These things I have spoken to you about so that you may find peace in Me are important. You will have difficulties in this world; but, be encouraged because I have overcome the world.” – The Gospel of John 16:33

13. He Has Prepared an Eternal Home for Us

We have faith in our ability to conquer any obstacle because of our Lord. He provides us with what we require for success as a result of His mercy. In spite of the difficulty, our God is greater. These things I have said to you in order for you to find peace in Me. You will have difficulties in this world; nevertheless, be encouraged, for I have conquered the world. The Bible says in John 16:33 that

6 Reasons Why I’m a Follower of Jesus

Note from the editor: This article was originally published in 2004. I believe that the term “Christian” is one of the most misunderstood in the English language, and that those who identify as Christians abuse it just as often as everyone else. When you ask someone in the South if they are a Christian, nine out of ten will almost immediately respond affirmatively. That’s exactly what I did: I was 18, had a Christian mother, attended church, owned a Bible, ate apple pie, believed in God, and served as vice president of my local chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

• No way in hell.
• Another example is Larry, a buddy of mine who is open about his religious beliefs with complete strangers.
• Larry, on the other hand, enjoys teasing people by informing them that his religion is.
• Then he just sits back and waits for the person’s expression to get increasingly perplexed.

My religion is bass fishing, but my connection with Jesus is what matters most.” He thinks that the Christian faith is not a religion at all, but rather a personal connection with the living God; not merely a set of ritualistic hoops to jump through on Sunday mornings, but a dynamic intimacy with the Savior of our souls on a moment-by-moment basis in the present moment.

• It is something that you are as well as something that you do.
• He will take us wherever He wants us to go.
• Tozer, the well-known preacher and author from Chicago, put it succinctly when he said: “If Jesus is not Lordofall.
• Is it possible that a true Christian is someone who is sincerely following Jesus in whatever they do?
• My involvement with my church and campus ministry includes providing assistance to other organizations through my writing and speaking.
• There is just one term for it.
• I’m a big fan of Jesus.

Do not let the “extra stuff” that the American culture of spirituality encourages to rule your life — the stuff that many of us do (if we are honest) at least partially to demonstrate to others or ourselves how pious we are, as well as to impress others.

What is the point of doing so?

That is no longer the case.

Jesus’ intention was to simplify a difficult situation.

And what is His message?

is a two-word command.

As soon as He was finished, Jesus fastened His gaze on the disciple and exclaimed, “Follow Me!” (See also John 21:19.) Rather of responding with a simple “Yes, Lord” and accepting his fate, Peter chose to throw his own little pity party, asking aloud why he was being forced to die in such a harsh manner when the other disciple, John, would not have to.

The Master’s final words, as reported in John’s gospel, were to Peter, who was given the command: “You follow Me!” once again (with emphasis) by the Master.

Many so-called Christians seek to live religious lives out of a “ought to,” rather than enjoying the freedom of following Christ out of a “want to,” rather than experiencing the freedom of following Christ out of a “ought to.” It is important for you to go through this process of identifying your own personal motives, but aside from the fact that God picked me (see Ephesians 1), here are six reasons (there are undoubtedly more) why I choose to be a Christian (sorry — I meant “follower of Jesus”).

1. I’m addicted to the love of God.

Even though I’ve never used drugs, I can assure you that the unconditional love of God is the most exhilarating high there could ever be. The best part about it is that it is all natural (unlike pharmaceuticals), so once you have a taste, you can’t get enough. To be able to declare with conviction: “I enjoy being with you — in your company; it gives me pleasure” is one of the highest compliments someone can get. Being in a relationship with Jesus requires both parties to participate. He likes you, and He want for you to enjoy Him in return as well.

This is one of the better addictions out there, and it is a healthy one.

2. He has changed my life.

The life I had before Christ is one that I remember all too well, and I don’t ever want to return to the emptiness I witnessed in my own soul and the souls of others. It is not an easy undertaking to assist individuals in realizing their great need for Christ. Our ministry is focused on assisting students in recognizing that they are lost before we can assist them in becoming rescued. I feel that the “hellion” on a college campus can be a lot closer to the kingdom than the decent moral person who believes in their heart that they are good enough to enter paradise.

Desperate times called for desperate methods, and I was one of those people.

My life has been altered by Jesus Christ — and it will continue to be transformed.

3. I don’t want to go to hell.

I long to spend eternity with Jesus and my family in the presence of God. It is clear from the gospels that Jesus was aware of the existence of a genuine heaven and hell. I’ll never forget the liberal philosophy professor who convinced all of the students that there was no such thing as hell and that everyone eventually made it to paradise. He was once grilled by my “narrow-minded” pastor (i.e., a believer in heaven and hell) during a dispute and he responded by stating, “If you’re right, and I’m wrong, then we’re all in fine condition.” Nevertheless, if I’m correct and you’re wrong, you’re in serious danger!” In the end, God provides us with what we desire.

4. I have a reason to wake up every morning.

When I was a high school senior, I recall waking up one morning and thinking to myself that I must be the loneliest young man in the whole United States. Oh, sure, I had the sports car, the girlfriend, the bachelor pad apartment with the TV and radio, and all of my “groupie-like” buddies on the sidelines. Each night, I clutched a football in my arms while I slept, for football was my religion. However, despite the amount of time, money, and energy I invested in those endeavors, I did not get the “kick” I was searching for.

My life is not always a bed of roses, but at least I know what my daily objective is: to come to know Christ and to make Him known to the world around me.

5. I don’t have to be a slave to sin any longer.

I didn’t know how I was going to get rid of the sin in my life. I tried everything I could think of, but nothing worked. Over the course of my life, I raked up enough leaves to make Sherwood Forest appear like a forest! I came to the realization that I couldn’t change on my own. Major Ian Thomas, a Christian hero of mine, used to pray, “Lord, I can’t — but then You never said I couldn’t.” Lord, You have the ability — but You have always stated that You would.” Don’t give up. Surrender. Make yourself a slave to Jesus, and He will liberate you from your chains.

6. Truth is very difficult to run from.

I’ve done research on the many religions in the globe. None of them have a Jesus. None of them has a sinless God-man who died for our sins and resurrected from the dead to redeem us. All have a salvation by grace by faith alone path to the kingdom of heaven. Everything is accomplished through hard labor. But how much is enough in terms of quality? What happens if you make a mistake – do you forfeit your salvation? Other faiths, cults, and works-oriented “Christian” groups have stolen the truth and perverted it to fit their own agenda.

1. I’d had enough of running away from God and His truth.
2. It is not about me in the end, when it comes to living a Christian life.
3. It is not his responsibility to follow me around and satisfy my every request.
4. As a matter of fact, Jesus summarizes our life on this world in two words: “Follow Me!” Steve Shadrach owns the copyright to this work.

Why Follow Jesus? — First Mennonite Church

Pastor Ryan Ahlgrim authored this piece. Introduction What is the point of following Jesus? The story goes that a carpenter from a small hamlet walked to another village and told a group of fisherman to “Follow me.” It was two thousand years ago today. They abandoned their nets and followed him, and he led them on an incredible voyage that transformed their lives forever. They even sacrificed their lives for him. But it was a long time ago and a long distance away, and we are not a group of impoverished fisherman.

• Not if you accept the state of the world as it currently exists.
• The Beginning of the Movement Among Jesus’ first statements in the Gospel of Mark (the first book ever written about him) are these: “The time has arrived!
• What is the nature of the kingdom of God?
• It is transforming the world into the way it should be: fair, decent, and loving, free of violence, hatred, and corruption, as it should be.
• As a result, Jesus is effectively saying: “God has determined that now is the moment, and my role is to usher in the kingdom of God!” With this announcement, Jesus was encouraging people to alter the course of their lives and join him on his journey into a new world.

What was Jesus’ method for establishing the kingdom of God? He accomplished this by living a life of extreme love for others and faith in God, as well as by calling others to join him in this new way of living. Here are a few examples of the unexpected ways Jesus acted out God’s new creation:

• He made the decision to live a life of voluntary poverty in a sharing society. Others who were frequently reviled and rejected by society were invited to join him for dinner and were accepted. He encouraged women to join his movement, which was unprecedented in his period and society. He was able to bridge the gap between ethnic and religious groups. He broke religious norms if he believed they were in conflict with God’s freeing love
• He refused to employ violence, even in self-defense
• And he refused to be a slave to fear. A healing touch was given to people who were feeling powerless and isolated. He offered forgiveness, releasing individuals from their feelings of guilt and humiliation
• He proclaimed peace.

All kinds of individuals were drawn to Jesus as a result of his radical inclusionist deeds. They were interested in learning how to become entire, how to live in a God-centered manner rather than a self-centered manner. And as a result, Jesus instructed them on how to live in God’s new world. Many of Jesus’ teachings were gathered together in the Gospel of Matthew and documented in one location as guidelines for anyone who choose to follow Jesus. It is commonly referred to as the Sermon on the Mount.

• Remember to be humble (Matthew 5:3), to be conscious of what you’ve done wrong and to express your remorse (Matthew 5:4), to be gentle (Matthew 5:5), and to be patient (Matthew 5:6). Always seek to do what is right (Matthew 5:6)
• Be merciful (Matthew 5:7)
• Be unwavering in your devotion to God (Matthew 5:8)
• Be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9)
• And be a good neighbor (Matthew 5:10). Allow grudges to be laid to rest and seek reconciliation whenever feasible (Matthew 5:21-24). Others should be treated with decency, not as sex objects (Matthew 5:27-28)
• Keep your word to your spouse (Matthew 5:31-32)
• Be true to your children. Keep your word all of the time, not just when it’s necessary to comply with the law (Matthew 5:33-37)
• When you are treated unfairly, do not reply with retaliatory action
• Instead, respond with unexpected generosity (Matthew 5:38-41). Don’t be a religious show-off (Matthew 6:1)
• Forgive others (Matthew 6:14)
• Don’t collect riches and goods for yourself (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Avoid judging and condemning others (Matthew 7:1-5)
• Embrace God’s compassion in your prayers (Matthew 7:7-11)
• Treat people the way you would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12)
• Take the difficult route that leads to wholeness rather than the easy one that leads to self-destruction (Matthew 7:13-14)
• And, most importantly, pray.

Overall, strive to lead an authentic, unreserved, and unconditional love life. Why? Because God is a loving God. God is kind and sends good things to everyone, regardless of their deserving or unworthy status. The entire planet has been given to us as an unearned gift. We must thus embody God’s grace-filled nature in order to be a part of God’s new world, which is the world as it should be. When it comes to being God-centered, it is diametrically opposed to being self-centered. It binds us all together in a bond of love and respect for one another.

1. We are fearful of what would happen if we were to fully live our lives in the spirit of love.
2. To our dread, Jesus responds by saying, “Don’t be concerned about safeguarding your own life.” Put your faith in God.
3. Making the proper decisions and living out God’s kindness and kingdom are the most essential things we can accomplish.
4. Is this a guarantee that nothing terrible will happen to us?
5. A life like this may, in fact, result in suffering (Luke 9:57-58), rejection by family (Matthew 10:34-37), or even death (Matthew 10:34-37), among other things (Matthew 10:38).
6. A selfish life is not a true life; it is an empty existence.
7. A God-centered existence, on the other hand, never comes to an end (Matthew 10:39).

(See Luke 10:25.) When Jesus responded, he said, “Love God with all your heart and love others as you love yourself.” “If you do this, you will live” (Luke 10:28).

“I’ll tell you a story about a despised heretic named Samaritan, who displayed expensive compassion for a stranger when others of the “correct” faith refused to act in the same manner.” The crux of the narrative is that love, rather than religious claims, is what brings us closer to God.

Execution and vindication are two different things.

Religious authorities were dissatisfied with the way he pretended to speak and act on behalf of God, and they were upset by the way he bent some religious precepts and included those who were not of good standing.

During a visit to Jerusalem for the huge yearly independence holiday (Passover), the government detained him and his followers.

He was found guilty, tortured, and crucified as a result of his actions.

“King of the Jews” was written on a sign that was placed over his head, acknowledging his crime while also mocking him.

The claim that Jesus made about God’s new world would almost certainly have perished along with him if that were the end of the narrative.

He should have been forgotten by the passage of time.

Two days later, several of his female followers discovered his tomb to be open and empty.

He, on the other hand, was different.

One of those individuals, and in fact the last person to see him, was a guy by the name of Paul.

He dismissed the claims made by Jesus’ disciples that they had witnessed Jesus come back to life.

Afterwards, he met Jesus as well—and overheard Jesus assigning him the job of spreading Jesus’ message beyond the Jewish people to include everyone.

He names Peter (Jesus’ most prominent follower), the Twelve (the inner circle that always traveled with him), a group of five hundred followers who saw Jesus at the same time (many of whom were known to Paul), James (Jesus’ own brother), and several others.

Is it possible that they were all deluded?

One thing is certain: they were not deceiving us in any way.

They grew to be courageous.

Their punishment included beatings, imprisonment, and death as a result of their actions.

This event, which Christians refer to as Jesus’ resurrection, fundamentally altered the course of history. It implied that Jesus’ crucifixion had not been a complete disaster. Jesus’ cross, on the other hand, took on a deep and life-changing significance for anybody who chose to follow him:

• That humans and human institutions are messed up, scared, and greedy is demonstrated by this episode. Indeed, we crucify an innocent man who serves as a symbol of God’s love
• This demonstrated that God—whose entire nature and Spirit are incarnate in Jesus—joins us in our pain, in our frailty, and in the need of confronting death. God’s love for us will go all the way to death for us
• It demonstrated mercy and grace. The day before his crucifixion, Jesus forgave his executioners—and by implication, he forgave each and every one of us. His cross represents God’s promise of forgiveness and healing to all people
• It demonstrated that we are capable of being spiritually and ethically transformed. When we connect with Jesus on the cross, our self-centeredness can be crucified with him
• Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated that God’s self-giving love, even when crucified, is not conquered. Even in the face of death, love wins. Love has the final say, and Christ’s resurrection demonstrated that God’s reign can never be defeated. When we die to ourselves and live for God, we are welcomed into a kingdom that is now here and will last forever.

Among the first statements of faith made by Jesus’ disciples following his resurrection was the statement: “Jesus is Lord.” The Romans claimed that Caesar, the emperor, is the supreme authority. The gods’ strength and authority are embodied in the emperor’s position of authority. Those who followed Jesus, on the other hand, made the bold assertion that a man armed solely with God’s love could be the genuine Lord of all. Herein is the true and ultimate source of power and authority in the entire cosmos.

• Followers of Jesus are not on their own in their actions.
• They spend time together studying the Gospels (as well as the rest of the Bible).
• They gather together to form a community of hope in the world, a taste of the kingdom of God that is still to come.
• Of course not, that is not the case.
• Diseases and natural catastrophes will always be a part of the world’s landscape, serving as both a measure of random tragedy and a source of human-caused suffering.
• Following Jesus makes a difference no matter how far the world has progressed in love or how far it has regressed into selfishness and misery.
• While we live in the faith that God and the resurrected Jesus will be present when the human tale comes to a close—whenever and whatever that may occur—we also live in the reality that the human story will not come to an end (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

It requires continual attention and sustenance as a result of its effect.

Prayer is the most important manner in which we may maintain a constant awareness of God and confidence in God’s love.

The act of doing so helps us grow love within ourselves while also creating room for God’s Spirit to be at work.

The Bible is the holy tale of the Jewish and Christian communities of religion that spans many centuries and is written in their own words.

The same is true for this, and it should be done on a frequent basis, both individually and in group discussions and reflections.

The story, while extensive, is also a profound discussion between many voices and experiences, represented via songs, narratives, laws, sayings, parables, letters, philosophy, and visions, among other forms of communication.

Attempting to read the Bible from beginning to end is generally too tough for the majority of the population. I recommend that you start with four important books:

• Genesis. ‘The Book of Genesis’ is the very first book in the Bible. It reveals the most profound truths about God, nature, and people through the use of tales, metaphors, and poetry. It also portrays the story of a family embarking on a long and tough journey of faith in order to bless the whole globe. This account serves as a prelude to the remainder of the Bible, which includes the story of Jesus, which is told in the Gospel of Luke. The Bible comprises four gospels, which are writings that chronicle the story of Jesus. All of them are essential to our knowledge of Jesus, and each makes a distinctive addition to our understanding of him. However, Luke contains more of Jesus’ teachings than the other gospels, is more concerned with historical authenticity, and is more elegantly written than the other gospels. In light of these considerations, if I had to pick only one gospel to read in preparation for following Jesus, it would be this one: The Acts of the Apostles. First and second Corinthians are both books written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke, and both tell the exciting story of the first decades of the Jesus movement and the amazing journeys of Paul as he plants churches all over the Roman Empire
• Acts is another book written by the same author as the Gospel of Luke. As Paul’s most compelling letter, it was sent to a church that was experiencing major internal issues that needed to be addressed. It is, without a doubt, the most beneficial letter for churches in need of nurturing.

Worship in a group setting. Individually, we can pray and sing hymns to God on our own, study the Bible on our own, and do good deeds for others. The reality is that our individual efforts will eventually run out of steam or be hindered by the fact that we are surrounded by a society that is focused on ourselves. Having a regular meeting with a religious community—a group of followers of Jesus who have made a commitment to one another as well as to God—is essential for our spiritual growth. We are strengthened, directed, and supported as a result of our collective worship, study, and planning, as well as our collective planning and action.

When choosing a church to belong to, look for one that is committed to following Jesus (rather than simply talking about Jesus): one that is motivated by love rather than fear, and one that is built on trust rather than threats; one whose leaders are gentle, mature, and self-giving; and one where you are accepted and loved just as you are As with any church, it won’t be flawless, because no church is perfect.

1. Instead, it will be a location where we may practice love and forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation, all while offering these blessings to the rest of the world.
2. Because he is the greatest awe-inspiring manifestation of God’s love there is.
3. Invitation We encourage you to come along with us as we follow Christ.
4. We are a varied group of people from a variety of cultures, ethnicities, and religious origins.
5. We affirm our commitment to mutual care, service to others, and living a life of peacemaking and reconciliation with one another.
6. We are conveniently located at 601 E.
7. The entrance to the parking lot is located on St.
8. On Sundays, we provide workshops for all ages that begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a worship session at 11:00 a.m.
9. You can request a brochure from the church secretary if you are interested in receiving one!
10. Parham Road in Richmond, Virginia 23227 and can be reached at 804-264-3200.
11. Edition for the year 2019

What it Really Means to Follow Jesus

WORSHIP IN GROUPINGS We can pray and sing songs to God on our own, study the Bible on our own, and do good for others on our own. However, being surrounded by a culture of self-centeredness will cause our individual efforts to fizzle out or be undercut at some point. A community of faith—a group of followers of Jesus who have committed themselves to one another as well as to God—must be our source of nourishment on a daily basis. We are strengthened, directed, and supported as a group when we pray, study, and plan together, as well as execute on our plans.

1. As with every church, it will not be without flaws, because no church is without faults.
2. Just what is it that draws you to Jesus?
3. World peace may be achieved through the kingdom Jesus established, of which we are now a member.
4. A community of disciples, First Mennonite Church of Richmond seeks to live out the kingdom of God’s love as it was embodied and started by Jesus Christ.
5. Regardless of where one is in life’s path, everyone is welcome here.
6. Help us to make this a better community and to bring healing to our planet by donating to our campaign.
7. Parham Road, we are conveniently located directly off the I-95 exit.
8. Charles Road, the parking lot entry is accessible by vehicle.
9. Anyone can obtain a free copy of Pastor Ryan’s text by contacting him.

601 E. Parham Rd. Richmond, VA 23227 804-264-3200 The First Mennonite Church of Richmond is the producer. A copy of this work may be reproduced, with the publishing information (but not the author’s name) and the invitation being changed. Edition for the calendar year 2019

Where does the Bible Talk about Following Jesus?

There are several scriptures in the Bible that define what it means to be a follower of Jesus in all of its fullness. But one passage summarizes it well: “And drawing the throng to him with his followers, he said to them, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.’ ” In other words, whomever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever wishes to risk his life for my sake and the gospel’s sake will save it.” Mark 8:34-35 (KJV) (ESV) During his sermon before a large assembly, Jesus discussed the price of following him.

As a matter of fact, he stated in the following passages that people who are embarrassed of him and his teachings will be rejected by God on the other side of life.

Throughout the Bible, there are several scriptures that define what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

In fact, Jesus stated in the following passages that anyone who would be embarrassed of him and his teachings would be rejected by God on the other side of the veil of mortality.

5 Bible Verses on Following Jesus

Some further Bible scriptures that demonstrate what it means to follow Jesus are included below. ‘For to this you have been called, just as Christ also suffered for you, giving you an example to follow, so that you may imitate his steps,’ says 1 Peter 2:21. 1 John 2:3-4, 1 John 2:3, ” And if we follow his commands, we will know that we have come to know him. ” “Anyone who claims to know him but does not follow his commandments is a liar, and the truth does not reside in him. ” Paul writes in Ephesians 5:1-2, ” As God’s cherished offspring, therefore, be imitators of God.” Moreover, walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

There are numerous words and thoughts that are similar in these passages.

“Keep his commands,” “Be holy,” and other such phrases imply that a disciple of Jesus would strive to live a holy and good life.

When we say ” Seek first “, everything follows after him, and our attention is fixed on God. When you make a decision to follow Jesus, you are committing to placing Him first and foremost in your life.

What Did it Mean for Jesus’ Disciples to Follow Him?

The two brothers, Simon (who is known as Peter) and Andrew his brother, were fishing in the Sea of Galilee when he happened upon them while wandering along the shoreline. They followed him, and he told them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishermen.” He was gone in an instant, and they abandoned their nets to chase him. Continuing on, he noticed two additional brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, who was mending their nets, and he shouted to them to come up beside him.

1. ” Matt.
2. As soon as Jesus issued the simple command to follow, all four men quickly left their jobs, possessions, and social circles to follow him.
3. Following Jesus in this manner provides as a tremendous example of what it looks like to do so.
4. Because, as we read in Matthew 6:33, all else is derived from it.
5. In the same way that the disciples followed Jesus everywhere he went, we are to follow in their footsteps.
6. “I want you to follow me with all your heart and to carry out your mission of bringing others to me,” Jesus effectively declared to the disciples.
7. You reaffirm your commitment to making his primary goal your own.
8. It is only by loving Christ that you will be able to love others and assist them in establishing a relationship with Him.

What Is the Cost of Following Jesus Today?

To follow Jesus, as we’ve taught, means to:1. Set aside one’s own interests in order to seek God first. 2. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. 3. Obey him in all things that are proper. What is the current state of affairs? The road to following him will be difficult, but the payoff on the other side of this life will be tremendous: eternal presence in his presence! Instead of serving your own interests when the world and your body pull you, do the polar opposite and channel your energy towards seeking God first and caring for others.

The focus of your life should be on serving and loving God and others around you.

Steps for Following Jesus If You Never Have

Allow me to speak with you about your lack of a personal relationship with Jesus. I want you to know that you do not have to wait for the right moment to accept Christ as your Savior. It is not necessary for you to clean yourself up before proceeding to follow him. Jesus will take care of the sin; all you have to do is come to him in your current state. To follow Christ is to engage in a straightforward, sincere dialogue with him. A discussion in which you confess your sin, apologize for the sin you have committed, seek for forgiveness, invite Jesus into your life, and make a commitment to follow him is called a confessional dialogue.

1. Are you going to follow him?
2. Following him is not guaranteed to be simple, but he does promise you in Scripture again and time again that he will be with you at all times.
3. Prayer: Jesus, please pray with me.
4. I recognize that I haven’t always done things correctly, and I apologize for that.
5. I’m sorry for everything.
6. Please accept my apologies.
7. I welcome you into my life and make it a priority to serve you first, allowing everything else to flow naturally from that stance of surrendering to you.
8. I am asking for your assistance.
9. I pray in the name of Jesus, and I say amen.

The founder of Truth and Grace Ministries, Truth x Grace Women, and the author of five books, she is well-known in the Christian community. Brittany resides in Castle Rock, Colorado, with her husband, Ryan, and son, Roman, who is her only child. More information may be found at.

What does it mean to truly follow Christ?

QuestionAnswer It appears several times in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that Jesus commands his followers to “follow me” (e.g., Matthew 8:22; 9:9, Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27; John 1:43). It appears that Jesus was addressing the twelve men who would become His disciples in a number of instances (Matthew 10:3–4). He was also speaking to anyone who was interested in what He had to offer at other times (John 3:16; Mark 8:34). Matthew 10:34–39 is a passage in which Jesus explains exactly what it takes to be His follower.

I did not come to bring peace, but rather a sword to the table.

Whoever does not pick up their cross and follow me is not worthy of being called a disciple of Christ.

However, Jesus never softened the truth, and the fact is that following Him necessitates making painful decisions in order to survive.

A large number of those who had followed Jesus turned away as his teaching moved from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–11) to the imminent crucifixion (John 6:66).

Every single one of them turned their backs on Him (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50).

For the sake of not endangering his own life, Peter denied three times that he ever knew Jesus (Matthew 26:69–75).

Everyone has a belief system, whether it is based on friends, popular culture, family, selfish interests, or God.

God has said that we are not to worship any other gods save Him (Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 5:7; Mark 12:30).

“Whoever wishes to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross everyday and follow me,” Jesus said in Luke 9:23.

As the disciples proved, no one can follow Christ just on the basis of his or her own drive or determination.

Rather than achieving success, their self-effort resulted in hubris and a distorting of the entire purpose of God’s Law (Luke 11:39; Matthew 23:24).

“The Spirit brings life; the flesh is worthless,” he declared emphatically (John 6:63).

The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, learning from Him, watching His miracles, and even participating in them.

They were in need of a Helper.

Even more specifically, He informed them that He was departing in order for the Holy Spirit to be sent in their stead (John 16:7).

As Jesus advised His followers, they were not to begin testifying on their behalf of Him until they had been “clothed with authority from on high” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4).

Following Jesus is making an effort to be like Him.

To fully follow Christ means to put Him in charge of your life.

Throughout life, every decision and dream is filtered through God’s Word with the objective of bringing Him glory in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Because of His grace, we desire to do everything we can to please Him.

He explains the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 2:14), bestows spiritual talents on us (1 Corinthians 12:4-11), soothes us (John 14:16), and directs our paths (1 Corinthians 2:15).

(John 14:26). To follow Christ means to put into practice the truths we learn from His Word and to live as though Jesus were physically present with us. Questions concerning the Christian Life (return to top of page) What does it mean to be a true disciple of Christ?

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