Podcasts about Following Jesus

Following Jesus is sometimes presented as the easy road, a path of safety and happiness. Read the New Testament, and you'll see a much different story: following Jesus is a narrow road that is often marked by pain and persecution. On the night before Jesus was crucified, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal so he could prepare them for what was to come. In the face of suffering and death, Jesus said, Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1), and in the following four chapters he taught his disciples how to trust and abide in Him when life hurts the most. Every Sunday in March we will be encouraged by Jesus' words as he teaches us how to remain in him.

In this episode, we cover:The 14-Day Fast: An invitation for the entire community to join the "pioneers" in a collective season of fasting and prayer.The Power of the Tongue: How our words either "give grace to those who hear" or provide a legal foothold for the enemy to operate within the church.Grieving the Holy Spirit: Understanding that the Spirit doesn't just watch our "religious" lives, but is deeply affected by how we handle anger and conflict.Authority in Prayer: Observations from the Thursday morning 6:00 AM prayer calls and the rising authority in the voices of new intercessors.A Better Way: A preview of the upcoming focus on the spiritual practices of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation.Binding the Spirit of Malice: A pastoral prayer to rid the house of bitterness, rage, and slander to make room for the fullness of God.Key Moments:[00:00] Kickoff: Initiating the collective 14 days of fasting and prayer.[10:15] Zoom Authority: Stories of God moving through screens during early morning intercession.[25:30] The Foothold: Why the devil probes our feelings and murmuring to find a way into our hearts.[42:10] Building One Another Up: Shifting the goal of conversation from venting to providing spiritual "vitamins" for the body.[55:00] Closing Benediction: A call to rise and commit to kindness and compassionate forgiveness.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 4:25-32: The blueprint for community life—putting off falsehood and speaking truth in love.Joshua 3:5: The recurring theme of consecration before the miracle.Psalm 141:3: "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."Connect with us:English Website: http://LeondeJuda.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cljofficial/#Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/congregacionleondejudaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeondeJudaBoston

Sermon Handout Sermon Slides 1 Peter 4:12–5:14

Webb Simpson is a PGA Tour pro and 2012 U.S. Open champion. After a stellar college career at Wake Forest, Simpson turned pro in 2008 and has 7 PGA Tour wins, while also appearing in three Ryder Cup events in 2012, 2014 and 2018. Webb is also the founder and co-host of the Bible Caddie podcast with fellow PGA Tour pro Ben Crane, where they bring the good news of Christ to the world of golf. Chapters:(01:28) - Getting his start in golf(04:04) - The mental aspect of golf(7:02) - Being present with his wife and children(11:24) - Playing the Masters in Augusta(19:29) - His testimony of faith in Jesus(23:55) - The state of faith in the golf world(29:50) - Starting the Bible Caddie podcast(34:17) - Handling success as a believer(41:48) - Playing on the PGA Tour in 2026Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.comWATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Fields Ready for Harvest: Faith, Healing, and the Work of God – John 4:27–54 In this episode of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane continue through the Gospel of John by exploring John 4:27–54, where two powerful themes unfold—the harvest of hearts ready to believe and the healing power of Jesus' word. After His encounter with the Samaritan woman, Jesus reminds His disciples that the fields are already ripe for harvest, inviting them to see people through God's eyes. The chapter then closes with the healing of the official's son, revealing a faith that trusts Jesus' word even before seeing the result. Together, Jamie and Jane reflect on what it means to participate in God's harvest, trust Christ's authority, and recognize how belief grows when we step out in faith. This conversation encourages listeners to see the people around them as God does and to trust that His word still brings life and healing today. ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams

In this week's episode -- the seventeenth episode in our "Names of God" series -- we will discuss God's name, "Lord." We will discuss what it means to really follow Jesus and what it means to pretend to follow Jesus. This week, we will ask ourselves: Am I really following Jesus? Scripture discussed: 1 John 3:1-10.Personal Instagram:

We are starting our new series about the parables of Jesus. Welcome to the 167!Connect with usWebsite: https://www.newlifegardner.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeGardner/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/newlifegardner

Send a textIn this sermon, The Tale of Two Saviors, we explore one of the most shocking moments in the Passion story recorded in Matthew 27:15–26—when the crowd was given a choice between Jesus Barabbas and Jesus the Messiah.At first glance, the decision seems unbelievable. Why would anyone choose a violent insurrectionist over the innocent Son of God?But when we look closer at the historical context, the choice becomes more understandable—and more uncomfortable. Barabbas represented the kind of savior people expected: someone who would fight for their nation, overthrow their enemies, and restore their power. Jesus offered something very different: the way of the cross, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.In this message from our Lent series, Paradox, we wrestle with a difficult question that still confronts us today: Which Savior are we actually following?This episode invites listeners to reflect on the difference between a faith built on power and one shaped by the cross, and to rediscover the hope found in the Savior who carried the cross meant for us.Linkoln shares his story on why he started coming to Ravenna Church of the Nazarene and shares why you should consider doing the same.Ravenna Church of the Nazarene530 Main Street, Ravenna, KY 40472Support the showThe Dirt Path Sermon Podcast is a place for real sermons that speak to real life. Subscribe and walk the path with us every week. Consider visiting Ravenna Church of the Nazarene where Pastor Jason is the Senior Pastor. Have a prayer need? Want to share something with Pastor Jason? Email dirtpathpastor@gmail.com

Dive into Matthew 14 as we explore Peter's incredible journey of walking on water with Jesus. Discover why feeling afraid doesn't mean you're doing it wrong—it might mean you're exactly where God wants you to be. Following Jesus often means leaving the safety of what we know to experience His power in what we can't control. What faith step is Jesus calling you to take today?

"How do we talk to a skeptical generation about discipleship, and the reality of the spiritual world?"  This month, we're spotlighting the work of discipleship that parents, youth pastors, and other adults do in the lives of the next generation. We've got an upcoming podcast conversation with Dr. Kara Powell about faith formation in Gen Alpha, a new episode of our YouTube show about how Gen Alpha processes life and faith, and another on the philosophical and theological question of why does God allow pain and suffering; we're promoting a new video Conversation Kit on the topic of miracles and what God's involvement in the world looks like today.  Resources → A Parent's Guide to Discipling Teens A Conversation Kit on Miracles

Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is for you to love God. And the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. On this episode of The Verdict, Pastor John Munro discusses this call to love others as we continue in Next Steps in Following Jesus.

Justin Ariel Bailey joins me to talk about his book Discipling the Diseased Imagination and why imagination plays a crucial role in spiritual formation. We explore how the stories, habits, and media that capture our attention quietly shape our discipleship, and why following Jesus requires learning to behold what is good, beautiful, and true. We also discuss hope, idolatry, attachment, and how the imagination can be healed as we live more deeply in the story of God. Justin Ariel Bailey (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is dean of chapel and professor of theology at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and has served as a pastor in diverse settings. Bailey is the author of Reimagining Apologetics and Interpreting Your World, and he is a sought-after speaker. His new book is Discipling the Diseased Imagination.Justin's Book:Discipling the Diseased ImaginationJustin's Recommendations:PiranesiThat Hideous StrengthBroken BondsEverything is Never EnoughThe Theological ImaginationConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In Mark 10, this message challenges believers to move beyond simply being converts and begin living as true disciples—marked by humility, sacrificial love, servant-hearted leadership, and generosity. As we follow Christ, our lives should increasingly reflect His example: not seeking to be served, but choosing to serve others.

How should we live now so that we will have no regrets later? As we look at the life of Jonathan Edwards who modeled living with integrity and eternity in view, grounded in Jesus' words from Matthew 5:37. Relying on Christ rather than self-effort, Edwards sought to be a man of his word, shaping his life, ministry, and perseverance through trial. In a time of spiritual coldness, God used his faithfulness to bring a great awakening, reminding us that when we depend on Christ, He empowers us to live truthfully and use our lives for His glory.

What compels you? This weekend we continued Just Camping with a message from Pastor Todd on the life change that comes from Jesus! Listen on the Heights App now to hear how your life should be marked by Jesus through your love and mission. Following Jesus is not turning a new leaf -- it's planting roots in a new kingdom!

Following Jesus is sometimes presented as the easy road, a path of safety and happiness. Read the New Testament, and you'll see a much different story: following Jesus is a narrow road that is often marked by pain and persecution. On the night before Jesus was crucified, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal so he could prepare them for what was to come. In the face of suffering and death, Jesus said, Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1), and in the following four chapters he taught his disciples how to trust and abide in Him when life hurts the most. Every Sunday in March we will be encouraged by Jesus' words as he teaches us how to remain in him.

Following Jesus is not about our convenience, comfort, self-advancement or even self-improvement. Following Jesus is radical, risky and life-altering. When Jesus says, “follow me” we often hear it in the key of our own theme music — anticipating the outcomes, status, success and results we want. But Jesus flips the script with two encounters in Matthew 8, exposing the true cost of discipleship — sacrificial surrender and reordered surrender — revealing the Kingdom of Heaven is an all in or not at all endeavor. Half faith and conditional faith have no place with a God who asks for it all. His Kingdom over everything. 

Following Jesus isn't a passive experience, it's a daily commitment! This weekend, continue through 1 Timothy 4 as we consider how to train ourselves in godliness.

Following Jesus | Mark 9 | The Focus of My Faith by Pastor Dan DeBell

Pastor Rodney taught that following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey—God designed His people to live and serve in shared strength, where burdens, responsibilities, and spiritual empowerment are carried together in community. Just as God gave Moses leaders to share the weight and the Spirit to multiply the impact, believers today are called to step up for one another, knowing that Jesus ultimately shares our burdens and empowers us through His Spirit. Listen and be challenged. Support the show

Rick Korsmo - John 13:31-35

Jesus' invitation to “Follow Me” has echoed through history for more than 2,000 years. But what did He really mean when He said it? In this message we explore the difference between simply believing in Jesus and actually following Him. While many people admire Jesus or agree with His teachings, His invitation was never meant to be informational or symbolic. It was a clear call to reorient our lives around Him. This message challenges us to consider whether we have truly responded to Jesus' call—or if we've only respected it from a distance.Questions for Reflection• If someone observed your life, what evidence would they see that you are following Jesus?• Is there anything Jesus may be asking you to leave behind in order to follow Him more fully?

“Worthy of It All”Mark 14:1-11Having recently completed our series “None Like Jesus” let's continue to “Behold Him” by embarking on a new study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark's Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels and it is action-packed from start to finish – as evidenced by the word “immediately” used over 40 times. Mark wrote to believers, probably Roman believers, who were no strangers to persecution. And he wanted to disciple his readers to be strong in their faith by encouraging them to look to their Mighty Messiah, the Son of God, who remained steadfastly faithful even while becoming their Suffering Servant who died for them. Mark's Gospel is a call to all believers to fearlessly “Follow Jesus” because they can trust Him completely.

Have you ever asked God for help and received an answer you didn't want? We often come to God expecting a dramatic fix, a breakthrough moment, or a clear resolution. Instead, sometimes He gives us a simple instruction. In this final message of Your Best Yes, we look at the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5, a powerful, respected man desperate for healing who almost walked away because God's solution felt too ordinary. Naaman's story reminds us that the best yes is often an ordinary yes. The small step. The unimpressive act of obedience. The humble decision to forgive, confess, serve, or try again. Healing didn't come when Naaman understood the plan. It came when he obeyed it. If you've been resisting a step because it feels too small or too slow, this message is an invitation to trust God with the next faithful thing. Your delay does not cancel His grace, but your obedience opens you to receive it.

We are launching a new series called “On the Way,” exploring lessons from the life of Peter as he followed Jesus.Following Jesus isn't just about where we end up — it's about what He forms in us along the journey.In this message from Luke 5:1–11, we look at the moment Jesus first calls Peter. Before the miracles, before the crowds, and before the sermons, Jesus chose him.Peter's story shows us that God often begins with what we already have, calls us to trust His instructions, and leads us into outcomes greater than we could imagine.The miracle Peter experienced wasn't ultimately about fish — it was about people. And the same Jesus who called Peter is still calling people today to follow Him.

In this stand-alone message, He Is Able, we reflect on the words of Ephesians 3:20–21 and the story of God's faithfulness through seasons of transition. The apostle Paul writes these words from prison, reminding the church that the God who saves is also the God who continues to work beyond what we can ask or imagine. This message explores how that promise has shaped the journey of Grace Hill Church over the past decade, and how it continues to strengthen faith when life feels uncertain, fragile, or unfinished. Through a series of personal and congregational stories, we see how God proves Himself faithful in many different moments: when we aren't praying for it, when we are praying for it, when we don't know what comes next, when we are desperate, and even when God asks us to wait. Again and again, God works in ways that cannot be predicted or engineered, reminding us that the story of faith is never built on human ability but on God's power and grace. Ultimately, the hope behind every story points back to the center of the Christian faith—the cross and resurrection of Jesus. The God who raised Christ from the dead is still bringing life where people expect only endings. Whether your faith feels strong or fragile today, this message is an invitation to remember that the same God who has carried His people in the past is still able to carry you now.

In this final session of the What Does God Want? teaching series based on the work of Michael Heiser, we bring the entire story together. Discipleship is not a checklist of spiritual habits. It is allegiance to a risen King in a world still shaped by rebellion. In this episode we explore what disciples actually do: • Worship with their whole lives • Confess sin and walk in forgiveness • Study and live out God's Word • Endure suffering with loyal faith • Make more disciples in a contested world But beneath these practices is something deeper: identity. From the supernatural rebellion of Genesis to the cosmic victory of the cross, Scripture tells one unified story. When Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him, it was not symbolic — it was a regime change. Following Jesus means living as citizens of His Kingdom now. This episode is both a recap and a commissioning: a reminder that we are not passive observers in history, but participants in God's redemptive plan. The King is reigning. The mission continues. The call is clear. Be found faithful. This podcast is listener-supported. If you believe in equipping believers to discern truth, leave deception, and stand firm in Christ, you can help carry this mission forward here:

Maturing in our faith is not meant to happen in isolation—it's a byproduct of doing life within the Body of Christ. Belonging to the family of God is an invitation to grow, to be stretched, and ultimately to look more like Jesus. In this message, Banning Liebscher invites us into a deeper and more holistic understanding of God's design for His Church. Discipleship and spiritual maturity go hand in hand, and the community of believers plays a vital role in shaping who we become. What perspectives might be hindering our growth where God has planted us? How might the cultures we cultivate in our churches either support or stifle the process of maturing in Christ? This message challenges and encourages us to partner with God's heart for the Body—to champion one another, pursue genuine discipleship, and grow into the fullness of who we are called to be in Christ, together.

Who are you really following—your favorite pastor, preacher, or platform? Or the Word of God? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes us to the spiritually troubled church in Corinth, where believers were dividing into camps: “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos… I follow Cephas…” (1 Corinthians 1:12). These were godly leaders—yet the “cult of personality” was producing division instead of unity. Dr. Youssef offers a simple heart-check that still applies today: If your confidence starts with “My pastor says…” you may be leaning on a human leader. If your confidence starts with “The Word of God says…” you're anchored to the infallible source of Truth. You'll be reminded that: No human leader is flawless—only Scripture is fully trustworthy. Cults don't make converts to Christ; they make converts to a personality. A church submitted to the authority and inerrancy of the Bible is a church positioned for humility, unity, and spiritual health. Placing yourself under God's Word is the first step toward living holy in a desperately sick culture. If you've felt pulled by competing voices—even Christian ones—this devotional will help you reset your confidence where it belongs: on Jesus Christ and His unchanging Word. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:12Key Truth: One Savior. One Way. One Truth—Jesus Christ. Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Saints in a Sinful Culture (Watch Now | Listen Now) The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

When Jesus calls someone into deep water, he goes with them because they need His presence and assistance in that challenging situation. Following Jesus' guidance leads to experiencing His provision, which is superior to relying on one's own provision.

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of depression and suicide. Please use discretion when listening. What does it look like to follow Jesus while walking through depression?In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Christine D'Clario shares her journey through a dark season of mental and emotional crisis after she gave birth to her second baby—and how God met her there. We talk about Christian mental health, breaking the shame around asking for help, and why vulnerability is not weakness but a step toward healing.Get your copy of Christine's new book, Healing in the DesertScripture referenced:Deuteronomy 6:52 Corinthians 12:9Resources:Soul Share Health988 LifelineAbout Christine D'Clario:Website | InstagramChristine's favorite Bible study tools:The Message | Non-transfer highlighters (with categories) | Gliding pen | YouVersion | BibleGateway | BibleHubGot a question or something on your heart? We'd love to hear it! Drop us a note — your feedback helps us create episodes that truly encourage and inspire.Connect with God with the Every Woman's Bible

If you want to live an abundant life you are going to need to learn to recognize the voice of God. Welcome to the 167!Connect with usWebsite: https://www.newlifegardner.comFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/NewLifeGardner/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/newlifegardner

In this episode of LCC:Remix, the team continues the conversation from Sunday by exploring how the story of Jesus was part of God's plan long before His birth. The Old Testament contains over 300 prophecies pointing to the coming Messiah, showing that the gospel was not accidental or reactive, but intentionally revealed throughout Scripture.The discussion also focuses on what real transformation looks like. Following Jesus is not simply about changing outward behavior or getting better at rules. It is about being changed from the inside out, becoming a new creation as Christ reshapes our hearts and our desires.One powerful example discussed is the woman with the issue of blood, whose desperate faith led her to reach for Jesus in hope of healing. Her story may connect to the prophecy in Malachi 4:2, which speaks of healing in the Messiah's wings. Her faith reminds us that recognizing our need for Jesus often opens the door for God to work in powerful ways.The conversation also touches on how conviction can be a sign that God is at work in our lives. When sin begins to bother us, it often reveals the work of the Holy Spirit shaping our hearts and drawing us closer to Christ.The team reflects on why many people struggled to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and how one of the greatest barriers to truth can be believing we already understand it. As God's truth challenges our assumptions, we sometimes experience tension that forces us to reconsider what we thought we knew.Throughout the episode, the discussion returns to the foundation Jesus gave for all of life: loving God and loving people. From that foundation, everything else in the Christian life flows.Join the conversation as LCC:Remix goes deeper into these ideas and explores how the Holy Spirit continues to open our eyes to truth and lead us into a life transformed by Christ.

When James and John's mother asked for greatness, Jesus gave a surprising answer about suffering and discipleship.Morning Offering, March 4, 2026Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

What if leadership in God's Kingdom isn't about being seen, but about being underneath? As we celebrate 14 years as a church and reflect on our anniversary theme, Still Building, Pastor Alvin walks through the story of the prodigal son and challenges us to rethink what it truly means to follow Jesus. Building leaders is really about building servants. And servants are the ones who prepare the table, welcome the lost home, and help carry the weight for others. At the center of this message is the power of being underneath. Following Jesus is a gradual process where your sense of self-importance decreases while your love for others increases. It can feel like you're going into the ground, but in reality, God is positioning you to lift others up. Just as Jesus went underneath us and raised us with Him, we're called to take that same posture in our homes, our church, and our city. Don't mistake someone else being celebrated for your rejection. “Other people are important too” does not mean they are more important than you. The Father is able to handle your needs too. Because when you stay in the house, everything He has is already yours.   ABOUT US At Nashville Life Church, our vision is dedicated to following Jesus & building leaders. We are here to point every person to Jesus Christ. CONNECT Ready to connect? Click this link so we can stay in touch and get you connected here at Nashville Life: http://www.chrch.es/ap9bd GIVE To support this ministry & help us continue to reach people all around the world: http://www.chrch.es/3a843 PRAYER REQUESTS If you have a prayer request or need, we'd love to pray with you. Click this link to let us know how we can pray with you: https://bit.ly/3fVDSDh

Following Jesus is more than a private belief—it's a bold, active faith. In Mark 2, four friends refuse to let obstacles keep their paralyzed friend from encountering Jesus. When the crowd blocks the door, they climb the roof, tear it open, and lower him to Jesus. Their faith wasn't passive. It was persistent, courageous, and sacrificial. This message explores what it means to be the kind of follower who does whatever it takes to clear the way for others to meet Jesus, trusting that once we bring people to His feet, He will do what only He can do.---Kory Lantz is the Executive Director of Transformation Ministries—a South Bend nonprofit that helps under-resourced youth to encounter Jesus, engage others with the gospel, and thrive together. Kory and his wife Ali launched Transformation in 2009 and have watched the Lord expand their ministry since then to become a pillar in the community. Known for his visionary leadership and deep relational connection with others, Kory is most passionate about making disciples in his first ministry: his family. Father to four children (and often a few teenage boys who live with them), he thrives helping his kids know that following Jesus is the greatest adventure of your life.

Following Jesus requires three essential components: denying yourself, taking up your cross, and following Him. Denying yourself means yielding to God's control and saying no to your own desires. Taking up your cross involves willingly enduring shame and suffering for Christ's sake, publicly displaying your allegiance to Him. Following Jesus means living as He lived with humility, compassion, and grace. This daily decision to die to self is challenging but necessary for true discipleship. The choice is between temporary worldly gains and eternal significance. With God's Spirit empowering us, we can do hard things and discover a life of purpose and meaning rather than mere existence.

Let's examine the five urges we need to resist. An urge, as you know, is a strong desire or impulse. And all-too-often we are victims of our strong desires or impulses—our urges—which take us down the wrong path and cause trouble. We all have them, so I simply want to point out some urges we need to be aware of and by God's grace, resist. Resist the urge to let your emotions and enthusiasm launch you into unwise action. I admit too often this has been my modus operandi. I get a bright idea, an emotional urge, and I think it must be the right thing to do because I feel so strongly about it. And then, without proper thought or consideration or prayer, I plunge headlong into a project that is either unwise or poorly planned. Certainly, we want to be people of action; we don't want to be handicapped by fear of making the wrong move. Walking by faith will take us outside our comfort zones and lead us to attempt things that can only be done with God's help. Following Jesus is never risk-free. But at the same time, the Bible tells us God does things decently and in order, and we need to be cautious not to move too quickly based mainly on how we feel. Someone has said feelings have zero IQ, meaning they may be strong but they're not necessarily smart. Here is one thing I've learned that has helped to curb my tendency to launch into something prematurely, and it's pretty simple: Just sleep on it. It may look like the greatest idea you've ever had today, but a good night's sleep could totally change your perspective. That may mean literally wait until tomorrow, or it may mean keep sleeping on it until you have clearer thoughts and plans. Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed (Proverbs 15:22). If your plan is of God, it will stand the test of time. Seek counsel from the right people, and of course, mainly seek God's counsel. You can save yourself a lot of trouble and avoid wasted time if you resist the urge to launch into something based solely on your emotions.

Pastor/State Rep. Nate Schatzline brings a prophetic challenge to Grace City Church: embrace the wilderness, kill the normal, and live with holy consistency in both “locusts and honey.” From Matthew 3, he calls the church to be a bold, consecrated movement that prepares the way for the Lord and refuses to grow familiar with God's presence. The message culminates in a historic commissioning announcement that you won't want to miss. Support the showThanks for listening! Go to www.StrongerManNation.com for more resources.

Do we live with integrity when no one is watching? Are our private thoughts and habits aligned with the holiness Christ commands? Billy Graham, one of the most recognized evangelists in history, sought not only to preach Christ but to live in a way that honored Him. Billy Graham built his life and ministry on integrity. Through daily time in God's Word, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and personal safeguards like the Modesto Manifesto, he guarded his heart and walk from moral failure. Though not perfect, he pursued holiness with sincerity, striving to be the same man in private as in public. His life reminds us that lasting impact flows from a life surrendered to Christ, lived with purity, humility, and devotion.

Following Jesus | Mark 8 | Opened Eyes by Pastor Dan DeBell

Dr. Tim Sperduto - Galatians 5:16-18

Following Jesus isn't easy, the climb is real, but it's worth it because the victory is already won in Christ. The mystery we've been searching for isn't success or status; it's Christ in you, the hope of glory. And when He lives in you, you don't just endure the journey, you help others grow, knowing one day it will all be worth it.Expect the sufferings of Christ in youExperience the mystery of Christ in youExtend the maturity of Christ through youLife Group Discussion:When has following Jesus cost you something socially, professionally, or personally—and how did you respond?If you truly believed the power of God lives in you, how would that change your confidence, anxiety, or decision-making?What fears or excuses keep you from sharing Jesus more openly?

Following Jesus isn't easy, the climb is real, but it's worth it because the victory is already won in Christ. The mystery we've been searching for isn't success or status; it's Christ in you, the hope of glory. And when He lives in you, you don't just endure the journey, you help others grow, knowing one day it will all be worth it.Expect the sufferings of Christ in youExperience the mystery of Christ in youExtend the maturity of Christ through youLife Group Discussion:When has following Jesus cost you something socially, professionally, or personally—and how did you respond?If you truly believed the power of God lives in you, how would that change your confidence, anxiety, or decision-making?What fears or excuses keep you from sharing Jesus more openly?

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus? In Luke 5:1–11, we see an invitation that changed everything for Peter, James, and John. After a night of empty nets, Jesus calls them to trust Him, witness His power, and leave everything behind for a new purpose. This message challenges us to move beyond casual belief and into real discipleship. Jesus doesn't just invite us to attend church or clean up our lives. He invites us to Himself. And as we follow Him, He transforms us and sends us to invest in others.• Jesus calls the willing, not the perfect• Following Jesus means relationship, surrender, and trust• As we follow Him, we become “fishers of people”Key Scriptures:Luke 5:1–11Matthew 16:24–26John 21:1–19What is your next step of obedience? And who are you fishing for? Take a moment to pray, ask the Lord where He's leading you, and step out in faith. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend, a neighbor, or someone you've been meaning to invite to church.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Cole Ellerbrock | March 1, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

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Following Jesus doesn't always steer us around trouble—sometimes it leads straight into it. Pastor Jonathan Evans reminds us that Christ's word carries authority even when life feels completely out of control, and that everything ultimately lives under God's Son.

Following Jesus will cost you everything — but with the power of the Holy Spirit, it will give you the peace you've been searching for. In this message, Christine Caine unpacks Jesus' radical call to discipleship in Mark 8, confronting a self-focused, image-driven culture with a countercultural invitation: deny yourself, listen to the Holy Spirit, take up your cross, and follow Him — fully and wholeheartedly. Jesus never asked for part of our lives. He calls us to an ALL IN faith — one where surrender leads to freedom, obedience leads to joy, and losing your life for His sake is the only way to truly find it.