Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
"I Have Made Up My Mind to Follow Christ"
Introduction:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today I want to speak to you about a profound and life-changing decision: the decision to follow Christ. This is a decision that transcends momentary feelings and fleeting circumstances.
It is a commitment to a lifelong journey of faith, obedience, and transformation.
Open your Bibles to Luke Chapter 9 and say, "Amen when you are there.""
Let us begin by reading from the Gospel of Luke 9:23-24 (NIV):
"Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'"
The Call to Follow Christ:
Jesus calls each one of us to follow Him. This call is not just for a select few but for everyone.
It is a call that demands our full attention and wholehearted commitment.
Following Christ means more than just believing in Him; it means actively living out our faith every day.
It requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and walk in His footsteps.
Denying Ourselves: How do I do that?
To follow Christ, we must first deny ourselves.
This means putting aside our selfish desires, ambitions, and plans.
It means surrendering our will to God and trusting Him with our lives.
Denying ourselves is not easy.
It requires humility and a willingness to let go of our pride. But when we do, we find true freedom and joy in Christ.
Taking Up Our Cross Daily:
Jesus instructs us to take up our cross daily. This symbolizes the daily challenges, sacrifices, and sufferings we may face as followers of Christ.
Taking up our cross means being willing to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. It means standing firm in our faith, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Each day, we must renew our commitment to Christ, remembering that He bore the ultimate cross for our salvation.
To follow Christ is to walk in His ways, to live according to His teachings, and to embody His love and grace.
It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. Our decisions, actions, and interactions should reflect our commitment to Jesus.
Following Christ transforms us from the inside out. It shapes our character, molds our values, and directs our purpose in life.
Allow me to share a testimony that illustrates the power of making a decision to follow Christ. John, a member of our congregation, has graciously allowed me to share his story.
John grew up in a Christian home but drifted away from his faith during his college years. The allure of success, social status, and material wealth pulled him in different directions. He found himself increasingly empty, despite achieving many of his worldly goals.
One evening, feeling particularly lost and broken, John stumbled upon an old Bible his mother had given him. As he read, he felt a profound sense of conviction and a longing to return to the faith of his childhood.
That night, John made up his mind to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
He began attending church regularly, immersing himself in prayer and Scripture.
He joined a small group where he found support and encouragement.
John's life started to change.
He discovered a peace and purpose he had never known before.
He learned to deny himself, putting aside his selfish ambitions to serve others and glorify God.
John's testimony is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we may drift, God's call to follow Him is always there. When we make up our minds to follow Christ, He meets us where we are and transforms our lives in ways we could never imagine.
Amen?
Consider the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22.
This man had kept all the commandments and sought eternal life, yet he struggled to let go of his wealth and follow Jesus. His story reminds us that following Christ requires total surrender, holding nothing back.
So, how can we make up our minds to follow Christ?
Here are some practical steps:
Spend time in prayer and Bible study: Deepen your relationship with God by regularly seeking His presence and guidance.
Surround yourself with a community of believers: Fellowship with other Christians who can encourage and support you in your faith journey.
Serve others selflessly: Follow Christ's example by loving and serving those around you, putting their needs before your own.
Stay committed: Remember that following Christ is a daily decision. Renew your commitment every day, even in
the face of challenges and temptations.
Conclusion:
Dear friends, making up our minds to follow Christ is the most important decision we will ever make.
It is a commitment that requires courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith.
But it is also a decision that brings us true life, peace, and joy.
Let us commit today to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, trusting that He will lead us and sustain us every step of the way.
Amen?
If you have not made a true commitment to the One who loves and treasures you as you are, let's take that step now.
Please bow your heads.
If you have never asked the Lord to take over your life and make it new, please raise your hand right now.
Those of you that have raised your hand let us pray together and ask the Lord to make us new from this moment forward.
Let us pray.
(Pray the sinner's prayer)
Closing prayer for all.
Lord Jesus, we thank You for calling us to follow You. Help us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow You with all our hearts. Strengthen our resolve and guide us on this journey of faith. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
