What Does It Mean to Follow Christ?
Jesus Christ invites us to enjoy the greatest blessings of life in Him – blessings of love, peace, joy, and salvation. Following Him is more than just believing in Him — it’s a commitment to living according to His example and teachings. It’s humbly accepting Christ’s instruction, placing Him above all things, and holding our relationship with Him dearer than any other association. To follow Him, we must forsake all, bear our crosses, and come after Him. Jesus said to the great multitudes, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:27)
Come join us in our mission to share the hope of Christ and live out His love.
Listen to the Good News of Jesus Christ
The Gospel, or the Good News message is that God sent His Son to die for us so that we might be free of the guilt of sins and live with Him in Heaven for eternity (John 3:16-18). Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 11:15) Jesus meant for us to allow His words to change us. If we’re willing to hear Him and believe in Him, we must allow Him to change our thinking.
Change Your Thinking
After hearing the Good News message about Christ and seeing the evidence of His deity, we must choose to have faith in Him (Romans 10:17) – to trust Him as the Son of God to provide for and protect us and to lead us in the right Way (John 6:68). True faith changes our thinking, and changed thinking naturally leads to changed habits.
Change Your Habits
The Greek word translated as “repentance” means a change of mind that leads to a reversal, a change in behavior. Jesus taught that without this change, we cannot be saved (Luke 13:3). We must set aside sin and pride, place Jesus above all, and begin thinking of others above ourselves. The result is joy and an excitement to tell the world that Jesus is the Son of God.
Acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son
Truly loving Christ means being unashamed of Him and eagerly sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone we meet. This open confession is essential for our salvation (Romans 10:8-10). Our love for Him will lead us to acknowledge openly that He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It will also create in us the desire to call on His name and commit to a life walking in His light.
Call on the Name of the Lord
Many centuries before Jesus was born, the prophet, Joel, described a time when “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Joel 2:32). Peter quoted him in the first Gospel sermon (Acts 2:14-21). When those who crucified Jesus were convicted in heart, they asked Peter what they must do. Peter replied, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). When Paul saw the Light on the road to Damascus, Jesus told him that he would be told what to do when he entered the city. The Lord sent Ananias to him. Ananias said to Paul, “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16). Calling on the name of the Lord involves the ultimate act of submission, commitment, and obedience to God’s will. At baptism, we die to self and live for Him. It’s when we are freed from our sin and added to Jesus’ one church – we are a new creation! (Romans 6:4-7; Acts 2:47; Matthew 16:18)
Overcome!
Revelation records 16 promises of Jesus to those who overcome. But how? Revelation also records the phrase “I know your works” 7 times. There is a correlation! Very simply, we must “keep on”. Keep on hearing God’s Word, growing in faith, and confessing Jesus as God’s Son. Keep on repenting of sins, confessing sins to each other (James 5:16), and confessing sins to God (1 John 1:9). Keep on praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17), studying (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 6:17), and communing with the Lord in remembering His death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Keep on walking in the Light (1 John 1:7), transforming (Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 3:18), and shining and sharing Jesus in a holy life and good works (Ephesians 2:10, 4:20-24; James 1:27). Jesus says, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10). Keep on!
