Sunday, September 22, 2019

Will You Follow Jesus?

Salvation - Will you follow Jesus?


The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Will You Follow Jesus?"

The scripture passage for today is in John 14.

You are invited to watch, listen, and worship with us here.

Will You Follow Jesus Christ? | September 22, 2019 | Pastor Jeff Crook from Christ Place Church on Vimeo.

 Will You Follow Jesus?


We don't need to fear anything that happens in this life as long as long as we follow Jesus Christ.
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. - John 14:1-6
Some people say to believe in something.  It doesn't matter what you believe, but believe in something and remain true to it.  They say it doesn't matter in the end.  This is not true.  Jesus says that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one goes to the Father in Heaven without Jesus.

Will you become a follower of Jesus today?

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death.  Wages is something we receive for work done.  We receive wages in the form of a paycheck when we have completed the work expected of us in our jobs. Because of our spiritual death, rebellion, and sin, the wages we deserve is death.  We deserve Hell, eternal separation from God.

BUT . . .

Look at the second part of Romans 6:23.  The free gift of God is eternal life IN JESUS.  Jesus took our sin upon Himself and paid the price for our sin.

What Jesus did is like a scenario in a courtroom.  Imagine being in court about to receive sentencing for something done wrong.  You are about to be sentenced to death, but someone steps in and says he will take your place and set your free.  Only Jesus can do this for us.

Will you follow Jesus today?


Perhaps you are a regular church-goer.  Maybe you are in church every Sunday, but you still don't have a relationship with Jesus.  Remember that good works and regular church attendance doesn't get you to Heaven.  You must have a relationship with Jesus.
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. - 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Be sure to watch the video above to watch my pastor's demonstration of our separation from God.

Even if we always do everything right, we still remain separated from God without a relationship with Jesus.

Jesus built a bridge.  He made a path.  Jesus says He is the the way.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. - John 3:16
 
Salvation through Jesus is a precious gift.  It doesn't cost us anything, but it is a gift that must be received.  You must personally receive your gift from God.  

Will you receive your gift of eternal life today? 

How do you receive this gift?  It's really as simple as a prayer, but the prayer must be sincere.  You must realize your need for God.  We are sinners.  You are a sinner.  You can't make excuses for your sin.  You can't say you were born this way or that you inherited your sin.  You must own your sin.  You must realize that you need a relationship with Jesus Christ and you must be willing to change.  Turning from your sin is called repentance.  You turn around - turn away from your sinful addictions and turn to God.

You must believe the gospel.  You must believe what the Bible says about Jesus Christ.  You must believe in the power of the cross.  You must believe that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Then, personally receive your gift of salvation.  Receive Him by faith and begin your sincere relationship with Jesus Christ.

In your own words right now, tell God how much you need Him.  Then ask Him to forgive you.  Ask Him to enter your life.  If you are sincere in this prayer, tell  God that you want Him to become not just the forgiver in your life, but also the leader of your life.  Now, thank God for hearing your prayer and saving your.  :)

If you just sincerely prayed the prayer above, welcome to the family of God, my new brother or sister in Christ.

Now, your first act of obedience is to be baptized.  I encourage you to attend a Baptist church in your area.  If you have never attended church, you need to start going.  Get there, get plugged in, make Christian friends, and develop your relationship with Jesus and with other believers.

Read all posts in this View-master Series here.

PIN ME!
Salvation - Will you follow Jesus?

Have you ordered my book yet?

Have you ordered my book yet?
Start reading!

Verse of the Day from Bible Gateway