Podcasts about Following Jesus

Did you know you are unlike any other living thing in the whole of creation? You are so distinct and so unique, that nothing in the entire universe comes close to matching your level of design...and that's on purpose!

Following Jesus is a choice.Choosing to life like a Christian is a choice.Sometime, living like some who follows Jesus requires us to turn from a sinful habit that affects our hearts and minds.Peter speaks to that in today's passage.Scripture from The New Living TranslationMusic from Musicbed by Steven GutheinzTo read my blog, find out more about me, or to book a speaking engagement, head to https://betsymarvin.com/For access to past podcasts and transcripts, head tohttps://betsymarvin.com/podcasts/You can follow me on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/betsyjmarvin/and Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/betsy.marvin.98

What's your mission? Good question. In our current culture there are a plethora of missions to choose from. For instance, you could make a crazy amount of money, and retire at 45 to live the good life. Maybe your mission is to find the right person to live the happily-ever-after life. Your mission could focus on making a name for yourself--becoming famous, or maybe your mission is to settle down a raise a family. As you know, this list could go on and on! So, once again, what is your mission?  To live as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, we are given a mission. When Jesus called his first disciples, he gave them a specific vision of what they would become if they followed him. Here is the mission:  “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” ~ Matthew 4:19 The call from Jesus is to follow him so that he can train them for the mission of "fishing for people". Obviously, there is a lot to unpack there, but one can't deny that the mission isn't evident. Following Jesus is to lead to a mission of "fishing for people." To learn more about this mission and listen to part four of Kingdom Come.

Brain cancer.  For Peter Holcomb, a young husband and recent father who was just starting out on his family journey, it was a diagnosis that came out of left field, shaking him to the very foundations of his faith.  But that is the moment that God began to work.  As we'll hear today, cancer became secondary to the true miracle that the Heavenly Father rendered, quite unexpectedly, in Peter's heart and life."Kingdom Culture Conversations" is a podcast created through Frameworks, a Biblical worldview initiative of Northwest Christian School.For more information on Frameworks, please visit:  https://frameworks.ncsaz.org/For more information on Northwest Christian School, visit:  https://www.ncsaz.org/To reach out to Geoff Brown, please email gbrown@ncsaz.org or you can reach him by cell phone:  (623)225-5573.

Hills Church exists to help other find and follow Jesus. We are located in El Dorado Hills, California right off Route 50. To learn more about us or to get connected, visit us at Hills.Church

Have you ever tried to follow God in a half-hearted way? You know what that means. You like the idea of God, but His perfect will for our lives also can feel restrictive.   That's the moment you are walking along the highway of life completely alone.   Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”   Notice the precise language in these beautiful verses. We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Don't take your eyes off Him and follow your own choices. Be upfront that He is your peace. It's then He picks you up, protects you, and carries you home.   Today is the day you're thinking about all this. You've messed up. You've messed up in the most spectacular and disheartening way.   And it is exactly at this moment that God is ready to do the greatest miracle in your life. Tell him you've screwed up and have no idea where to turn.   There—you're learning to completely trust Him. Commit your life to Him, and be consistent about it from now on.   Remember today: the turning point to an awesome future!   Let's pray.   Lord, help us to reject our own flawed wisdom and rely totally on yours. Amen.  

A message from special guest speaker, Sarah Augustine (Pueblo, Tewa), founder and cochair of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and the executive director of a Dispute Resolution Center in central Washington state. She is author of "The Land Is Not Empty, Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery." For more information on the Coalitionto Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, visit this link.

In the final week of our series, "Yeshua", we welcome Pastor Matt Nelson of City Church in Tulsa, OK. With a powerfully convicting message, Pastor Matt shows us that with salvation comes obedience and Lordship requires sacrifice. Jesus will always ask us for the one thing that's unsurrendered because that is where we must die to find life in Him. As you listen, ask yourself this question: "Is there any part of me that's seeking life outside of Christ?"Support the show

With family: 1 Chronicles 21; 1 Peter 2 1 Chronicles 21 (Listen) David's Census Brings Pestilence 21 Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. 2 So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” 3 But Joab said, “May the LORD add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord's servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” 4 But the king's word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. 6 But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Joab. 7 But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 9 And the LORD spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, 10 “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the LORD, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.'” 11 So Gad came to David and said to him, “Thus says the LORD, ‘Choose what you will: 12 either three years of famine, or three months of devastation by your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, pestilence on the land, with the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.' Now decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” 13 Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 14 So the LORD sent a pestilence on Israel, and 70,000 men of Israel fell. 15 And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it, but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw, and he relented from the calamity. And he said to the angel who was working destruction, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. 17 And David said to God, “Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done great evil. But these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O LORD my God, be against me and against my father's house. But do not let the plague be on your people.” David Builds an Altar 18 Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19 So David went up at Gad's word, which he had spoken in the name of the LORD. 20 Now Ornan was threshing wheat. He turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. 21 As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out from the threshing floor and paid homage to David with his face to the ground. 22 And David said to Ornan, “Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the LORD—give it to me at its full price—that the plague may be averted from the people.” 23 Then Ornan said to David, “Take it, and let my lord the king do what seems good to him. See, I give the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing sledges for the wood and the wheat for a grain offering; I give it all.” 24 But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will buy them for the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, nor offer burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 25 So David paid Ornan 600 shekels1 of gold by weight for the site. 26 And David built there an altar to the LORD and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings and called on the LORD, and the LORD2 answered him with fire from heaven upon the altar of burnt offering. 27 Then the LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath. 28 At that time, when David saw that the LORD had answered him at the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he sacrificed there. 29 For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon, 30 but David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid of the sword of the angel of the LORD. Footnotes [1] 21:25 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams [2] 21:26 Hebrew he (ESV) 1 Peter 2 (Listen) A Living Stone and a Holy People 2 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture:   “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,    a cornerstone chosen and precious,  and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,   “The stone that the builders rejected    has become the cornerstone,”1 8 and   “A stone of stumbling,    and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Submission to Authority 13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,2 whether it be to the emperor3 as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants4 of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Footnotes [1] 2:7 Greek the head of the corner [2] 2:13 Or every institution ordained for people [3] 2:13 Or king; also verse 17 [4] 2:16 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV) In private: Jonah 4; Luke 9 Jonah 4 (Listen) Jonah's Anger and the Lord's Compassion 4 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly,1 and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3 Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 And the LORD said, “Do you do well to be angry?” 5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. 6 Now the LORD God appointed a plant2 and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort.3 So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” 10 And the LORD said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” Footnotes [1] 4:1 Hebrew it was exceedingly evil to Jonah [2] 4:6 Hebrew qiqayon, probably the castor oil plant; also verses 7, 9, 10 [3] 4:6 Or his evil (ESV) Luke 9 (Listen) Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles 9 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.1 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Jesus Foretells His Death 21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” The Transfiguration 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,2 which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;3 listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God. Jesus Again Foretells His Death But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus4 said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Who Is the Greatest? 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us 49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”5 55 But he turned and rebuked them.6 56 And they went on to another village. The Cost of Following Jesus 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus7 said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Footnotes [1] 9:3 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin [2] 9:31 Greek exodus [3] 9:35 Some manuscripts my Beloved [4] 9:43 Greek he [5] 9:54 Some manuscripts add as Elijah did [6] 9:55 Some manuscripts add And he said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man came not to destroy people's lives but to save them” [7] 9:60 Greek he (ESV)

In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay talks with Matt Croasmun about growing up in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and how getting involved with Intervarsity sparked his interest and love of scripture and ministry and tied him to a local church where he encountered the Living God. Matt shares about the new questions and new assurances he gathers as he deepens in relationship with Jesus and scripture, and why he believes questions are healthy, biblical, and the key to relationship. Matt Croasmun is Associate Research Scholar and director of the Life Worth Living program at the Yale Center for Faith & Culture at Yale Divinity School and lecturer of Humanities at Yale University. He also serves as faith initiative director at the Grace Farms Foundation and as a pastor at the Elm City Vineyard Church, which he helped plant in 2007 and where he served as lead pastor for six years. He is author of The Body of Sin: The Cosmic Tyrant in Romans (2017), Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (2018), For the Life of the World: Theological that Makes a Difference with Miroslav Volf (2019), and The Hunger for Home: Food and Meals in the Gospel of Luke with Miroslav Volf (2022). Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most with Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz is forthcoming in March 2023. Show Notes: The Gospel Precisely by Matthew Bates Vineyard USA's suggested reading for November https://amzn.to/3WJsL5J Free of Charge by Miroslav Volf https://amzn.to/3Ev0uHB The Hunger For Home by Matthew Croasmun and Miroslav Volf https://amzn.to/3EQxj2b Let Me Ask You A Question by Matthew Croasmun https://amzn.to/3V22bmS Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun and Ryan McAnnally-Linz Coming March 2023 https://amzn.to/3GCXzzm Socials: Vineyardusa.org @vineyardusa Matt's Twitter: @mattcroasmun

What you believe about God will dictate how you act and engage with God. So, who is God to you? What do you believe about Him? What thoughts and ideas fill your mind? Few questions (and answers) in life matter as much as the answers to these questions.

Yes, there is a cost to following Jesus. Believers around the world are paying this price with their lives. However, there is a greater cost of not following Jesus and that is the eternal separation.

Becoming a Community of Love Jesus was so brilliant…He could have made the defining characteristic of His followers anything He saw fit. He could have said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you believe something.” But instead, He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you do something. If you love as I have loved.” The brilliance of this statement is found in our own personal experience. Let me put it this way; there are two categories of people who have made a significant impact/difference in your life. There are two categories of people who have made you the husband you are today, the father or mother you are today, the employee you are today. There are two categories of people who have set you up to be successful or not so successful in your relationships or dating relationships. These two categories of people did not impact you because of what they believe, it was not even whether they were Christian or not. It is those who have hurt you deeply or those who have loved you profoundly. Jesus has called and equipped us to become the latter. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." -John 13:34-35 (NIV)- Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. We are on a mission to love all people in Jesus' name so that we may all Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, & Make a Difference. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

Following Jesus can be uncomfortable. As God's Holy Spirit sanctifies and purifies us, we can often sense a war raging within us as our sin rages against God. Therefore, it is imperative that you don't “go it alone.” If you have spiritual questions you should immediately seek out answers from your pastor, church, and through the scriptures.

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This fall at Lake Ridge is less of a kick-off, than a root-down. We're reconnecting with God, with new rhythms of life, and with each other.

“I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.”  Luke 19:26-27Jesus was not a pushover!  He was not timid in His words in this parable.  We see here the seriousness of our Lord regarding those who act contrary to His divine will.First, this line comes as the conclusion to the parable of the talents.  Three servants were each given a gold coin.  The first used the coin to earn ten more, the second earned five more and the third did nothing but give back the coin upon the king's return.  It is this servant who is chastised for doing nothing with the gold coin he was given.Second, when this king went off to receive his kingship, there were some who did not want him as king and tried to stop his coronation.  Upon his return as the newly crowned king, he called in those people and had them slain before him.  We often like to speak of the mercy and kindness of Jesus, and we are right in doing so.  He is kind and merciful beyond measure.  But He is also a God of true justice.  In this parable we have the image of two groupings of people receiving divine justice.  First, we have those Christians who fail to spread the Gospel and fail to give what they have been given.  They remain idle with the faith and, as a result, lose the little faith they have.Second, we have those who directly oppose the kingship of Christ and the building up of His Kingdom on Earth.  These are those who work for the upbuilding of the kingdom of darkness in numerous ways.  The ultimate result of this malice is their utter destruction.Reflect, today, upon the seriousness of the Gospel.  Following Jesus and building up His Kingdom is not only a great honor and joy, it's also a requirement.  It's a command of love from our Lord and one He takes seriously.  So, if it's hard for you to serve Him wholeheartedly and to commit to building up the Kingdom out of love alone, do it at least because it is a duty.  And it's a duty for which our Lord will ultimately hold each of us accountable.Lord, may I never squander the grace You have given me.  Help me to always work diligently for the upbuilding of Your divine Kingdom.  And help me to see it as a joy and honor to do so.  Jesus, I trust in You.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2022 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

What does pastoral ministry look like in the digital age? How can pastors protect themselves and their flocks from misinformation? Could we one day see robot pastors standing behind the pulpit? Join Ronjour and Brandon this week as they provide helpful tips for church leaders on pastoring in the digital age with Jason Thacker. Be sure to check out Jason's latest book, Following Jesus in a Digital Age. Learn more about the Center for Preaching and Pastoral Leadership by visiting www.pastorscenter.org/.

What if what God said about Himself is actually way different than the common perception people have of Him. For some people, it's easy to think of God as being angry or jealous or distant. And for others, they want a vengeful god who is just and wiping out anyone that does wrong. But the God of the Scriptures is so much more than that!

Following Jesus was never intended to be an individual exercise. It's deeply personal, but it's not private, it's not done alone. The imagery in the New Testament for the church is one of a body, all of the members playing their part in the functioning of the body. Just like your thumb can't choose to take a day off from being your thumb without it significantly impacting the function of your body, you can't just choose to take a day off from the church without it significantly impacting the rest of the body. We need each other. The Church is ultimately not something you attend, but it's a community in which you belong.

Hear a passage, understand the passage, apply it to your life, all in about 10 minutes a day with ADDBIBLE®, Audio Daily Devotions from The Ezra Project.

When we decide to follow Jesus, our lives are transformed. Like the Apostle Paul in Acts 9, a new disciple of Jesus does three things: 1. Turn Around 2. Find Friends 3. Have Hope Listen now to Following Jesus 101 from Acts 9:19b-31. This podcast is a production of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago. Executive Producer: Vanessa Dalrymple Speaker: Pastor Jeff Thompson Sound design, mixing, and editing: Nathaniel Dulski Graphic Design: Wesley Cassford Social Media: Lindsay Olford Producer: Adam Skidmore WE INVITE YOU TO CONNECT WITH US: • Website: www.harvestbiblechapel.org/ WE INVITE YOU TO FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: • Instagram: @harvestbiblechapel • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestbiblechapel/

Irresistible Christianity What would happen in the Church and ultimately the world, if we oriented our lives, our marriages, friendships, finances, and time, around this inescapably simple but all-encompassing question…what does love require of me? Maybe we would stop searching the scriptures for loopholes and we would begin searching the scriptures in pursuit of ways to love better. Youth groups and student ministries would be characterized by honor and mutual respect. Families would live on budgets so they could give more away. Marriages would model servant leadership at its finest. While folks outside of faith communities may be critical of what we believe they would be envious of how well we treat one another and be stunned by how well we treat them even when we disagree with them. That would be Irresistible Christianity. That is what we are after today. And that requires three things: loyal friendships, sacrificial commitments, and generous partnerships. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." -John 13:34-35 (NIV)- Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. We are on a mission to love all people in Jesus' name so that we may all Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, & Make a Difference. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

Why sometimes people aren’t healed and why we should keep praying. The post Come, Holy Spirit, Part 6: Following Jesus Into Healing first appeared on Vineyard.

Today, using very verbally descriptive visual wording, Pastor Ben tells us about Jesus' journey to the cross. Do you know what it means to "follow" Jesus? Due to social media, in today's society, the word "follow" means to simply press a button and "become a fan" of someone. But to "Follow Jesus" means something totally different. "Following Jesus" means to read and study the Word of God, and apply what we learn from the Word of God to our every day lives; to love people in the same manner that Jesus loves people. If you'd like to join us, please visit us at 4218 Boston Ave. Lubbock Texas. You can also call us at (806) 799-2227, email us at calvarylubbock@hotmail.com, or visit us online at CalvaryChapelLubbock.church. Please feel free to let us know about your walk with Jesus. If you'd like to donate to help us bring the Gospel to the world, just click on the donate button on our website.

Scott, Craig & Kyle talk about Jesus' teaching through parables, or short stories with a point, on what the kingdom of God is like. There is a collection of parables where Jesus describes how beautiful and joy filled the kingdom is and how severe the consequences are for those who don't choose to follow Jesus. (Matthew 13) The Find & Follow podcast is all about helping you find and follow Jesus in everyday life! Following Jesus means to: Connect personally with Jesus every day Grow intentionally with others Serve in your Sweet Spot Show Notes: Podcast Website Mission Church Messages Follow Mission Church: MC Instagram MC Facebook MC Website

The Evangelical Protestant church is in the midst of a crisis—but the causes might be different than we think. Jesse B.Hamilton argues that the reason for the church's growing disunity, cultural confusion, and general lack of passion and power is its perpetual neglect of discipleship—what it truly means to follow Jesus, through his book "Discipleship and the Evangelical Church: A Critical Assessment."

November 06, 2022 - Sunday PM Sermon   "Following Jesus"  by Jim Humphrey Tonight, Jim provides a devotional on what it means to follow Jesus. He discusses actions that we need to be doing. In Mathew 4, the fishermen: Peter, Andrew, James and John, left their nets and follow Jesus. This is analogous to what we should do. We should stop doing anything that is not on the path of righteousness. We should seek and love the lost. We should continually reflect on our actions and ensure that we are following Jesus with all of our efforts. Sometimes this will not be easy and may make you uncomfortable. But being there for someone in need and bringing someone back to God is what is important.    Duration 29:31

Pastor Jace continues this series on “Following Jesus in a Fallen World,” preaching on John 14.1–14.

So many people believe God is always angry. Even more people grew up believing that if they did anything wrong, stepped out of line, or simply messed up – even if it was just once – that God would quickly strike them down in wrath. But this perception or belief couldn't be any further from the truth! The reality is that God does get angry, but not for reasons you think. In fact, you actually want God to be angry because it reveals His great love. God said He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. This is who God is.

In Jesus we hear eternity calling us. Will we follow? A homily by Fr. Jeremiah Myriam Shryock CFR

Pursuing Truth in a Culture of Personal Freedom Jesus could have come as many different things; a priest, a revolutionary, maybe a general or emperor but He came as a rabbi, a teacher…a truth teller. Why? He knew that the war He was fighting was not in the world, but rather in our minds. A war on truth. John 8:31-32 records that, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” As He is teaching about truth, He is simultaneously saying that we are enslaved to false ideas of freedom by looking for truth in the wrong places. We are in bondage to the tyranny of lies that hold our soul's captive to suffering and pain. Jesus has come to set us free with the weapon of truth. And God's concept of freedom always occurs within obedience to God's ways “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” -John 8:31-32 (NLT)- Ethos is a life-giving community committed to keeping Jesus at its Center. We are on a mission to love all people in Jesus' name so that we may all Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, & Make a Difference. EthosOH.com Small Groups: EthosOH.com/Community ServeColumbus.org

Crossroads Bible Church is located about 30 minutes North of Dallas in Double Oak, Texas.  We believe in the simple idea of Following Jesus and Making Disciples.  We would love to have you join us at one of our Sunday morning services!  For more information, visit www.crossroadsbible.org. 

James 4:7-10 – Following Jesus is a life of dependence on Him. Genuine disciples of Jesus live a life of humility and centers their world around God, not self. Follow Him with your whole heart, soul, and mind this week.   

Pastor Chris offers a devotional teaching entitled Following Jesus on the invitation of Jesus into discipleship to all who will receive him. In this study, we receive the strong call of our Savior into allegiance and its cost while recognizing that he is the one who offers himself to us in gentleness and humility. 

Chris Manginelli, Pastor of Mill Creek Foursquare Church, offers a devotional teaching on the invitation of Jesus into discipleship to all who will receive him. In this study, we receive the strong call of our Savior into allegiance and its cost while recognizing that he is the one who offers himself to us in gentleness and humility. Link here: https://subspla.sh/zts9xhv - More on the Restoration app! - Apple Store: https://rb.gy/kgbnwq Google Play: https://rb.gy/wz74bm #restorationseattle #Jewish #messianic #shabbatshalom #jewishinseattle #chrismanginelli #millcreekfoursquare

Luke 8–9 Luke 8–9 (Listen) Women Accompanying Jesus 8 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them1 out of their means. The Parable of the Sower 4 And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The Purpose of the Parables 9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.' 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. A Lamp Under a Jar 16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Jesus' Mother and Brothers 19 Then his mother and his brothers2 came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Jesus Calms a Storm 22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?” Jesus Heals a Man with a Demon 26 Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes,3 which is opposite Galilee. 27 When Jesus4 had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.” 29 For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) 30 Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” for many demons had entered him. 31 And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34 When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 36 And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed5 man had been healed. 37 Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. 38 The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians,6 she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter7 said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” 49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.” 50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.” 51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles 9 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. 3 And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.8 4 And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Herod Is Perplexed by Jesus 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, 8 by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen. 9 Herod said, “John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he sought to see him. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 10 On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” 13 But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ 18 Now it happened that as he was praying alone, the disciples were with him. And he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” Jesus Foretells His Death 21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Take Up Your Cross and Follow Jesus 23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.” The Transfiguration 28 Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. 30 And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,9 which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33 And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One;10 listen to him!” 36 And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen. Jesus Heals a Boy with an Unclean Spirit 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” 42 While he was coming, the demon threw him to the ground and convulsed him. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43 And all were astonished at the majesty of God. Jesus Again Foretells His Death But while they were all marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus11 said to his disciples, 44 “Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was concealed from them, so that they might not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Who Is the Greatest? 46 An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Anyone Not Against Us Is For Us 49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you.” A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”12 55 But he turned and rebuked them.13 56 And they went on to another village. The Cost of Following Jesus 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus14 said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Footnotes [1] 8:3 Some manuscripts him [2] 8:19 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 20, 21 [3] 8:26 Some manuscripts Gadarenes; others Gergesenes; also verse 37 [4] 8:27 Greek he; also verses 38, 42 [5] 8:36 Greek daimonizomai (demonized); elsewhere rendered oppressed by demons [6] 8:43 Some manuscripts omit and though she had spent all her living on physicians [7] 8:45 Some manuscripts add and those who were with him [8] 9:3 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin [9] 9:31 Greek exodus [10] 9:35 Some manuscripts my Beloved [11] 9:43 Greek he [12] 9:54 Some manuscripts add as Elijah did [13] 9:55 Some manuscripts add And he said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of; 56for the Son of Man came not to destroy people's lives but to save them” [14] 9:60 Greek he (ESV)

Could your digital or online activity be interfering with your spirituality? On this episode of Flourish-Meant, we explore the concept of becoming an analog Christian with author and pastor Jay Kim. Jay Y. Kim serves as the lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley and on the leadership team of the ReGeneration Project. His writing has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Missio Alliance, and Relevant Magazine.  Jay describes the importance of reconnecting with life off-screen due the increasing disconnectedness and loneliness of the human condition. He defines the journey of becoming an analog Christian as a process of discipleship while cultivating more hands-on relationships with life and others around us. Following Jesus is intended as an incarnate, human experience. Pastor Kim recounts his exploration of how digital influences affect us. He doesn't reject technology altogether but instead encourages becoming intentional about how we use it.  We discuss the following key points: Technology managing us v.s. how we manage technology How digital platforms influence our mood, self-image, thought content, attitudes, and assumptions about other people Checking whether we are aligning our minds with God's design for the person he wants us to become The benefits of digital fasts or sabbaths Creating healthy principles and boundaries with social media The addictive design of technology Detoxing when you find yourself unable to put the technology down Seeking ways to accomplish each task in an analog, human, relational way Using prayer as a monitoring system Considering the fruit of the Spirit Intentional focus on using technology for God's glory Remembering that God is not flummoxed by the digital age, but has led his people through cultural struggles throughout history Jay references Dallas Willard's book, Hearing God, in which prayer is described as an ongoing conversational relationship with God through which we partner with the Lord toward his redemptive mission. We need to ask God to continually do the work of forming us into Christlikeness so we can become people who live truly fruitful lives. Jay notes that social media isn't quite free. He underscores the reality revealed by Tristan Harris that if something is free to you, then you are the product.  Pastor Kim emphasizes the phrase, "make every effort," as repeated in 2 Peter 1, to lean the direction of our lives in alignment with the Spirit of God. For more about analog discipleship and to connect with Jay, visit jaykimthinks.com . Find his books under the"books" tab on this site. You can also get a copy of his new title, Analog Christian, anywhere books are sold. Get Tina Yeager's FREE Upcycled Inspirational Flip Book template at upcycledbook.com and craft a gift of weekly inspirations for yourself, family members, or special people in your life.

Following Jesus doesn't guarantee an end to temptation. Join us for today's PowerPoint and Pastor Jack Graham's message, How to Avoid Becoming a Spiritual Casualty, as he reminds us that we'll be better prepared to say No to sin after we've said Yes to God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29

Following Jesus doesn't guarantee an end to temptation. Join us for today's PowerPoint and Pastor Jack Graham's message, How to Avoid Becoming a Spiritual Casualty, as he reminds us that we'll be better prepared to say No to sin after we've said Yes to God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29

Rev. Kenneth Bomberger gives today's prayerful thought based on the day's Scripture readings.

Everyone makes sacrifices in life. Some people give up tasty treats like ice cream and candy bars to keep a slim figure. Some people live without sleep because time is money. What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Jesus? Pastor Mark teaches us in today's message that being a disciple of Jesus isn't easy. Following Jesus is more than checking a box on social media; it's a life-altering decision with a high price. It may be a job, a friendship, a relationship with a family member, or even your life, but the eternal reward is much greater. Are you willing to trust Jesus, no matter what the cost?

We don’t exactly know the details, but the Passover meal was in progress and the disciples’ feet were dusty and dirty. Perhaps it was an honest oversight. Or maybe nobody wanted to take on the role of a servant. Regardless, Jesus saw this as a teaching opportunity. With a simple act, He would show His disciples how to love one another. After taking a towel and basin, He began washing every person’s feet (including the feet of Judas!). Then Jesus said something that changed history: “A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34). But what was “new” about this command? The newness can be discovered in the words “as I have loved you.” This command can be traced back to Leviticus 19:18, “love your neighbor as yourself.” In washing the feet of His disciples, Jesus gives us an example to live by. Love is selfless and sacrificial. When we love like Jesus, we expand our faith from merely looking inwardly to our relationship with God to transforming how we treat those around us. Loving one another like Jesus loved is the identifying mark of all believers (v. 35). Everything else falls under the umbrella of this command. It was, in fact, the love the disciples had for one another that made them stand out in the pagan societies of the first few centuries. For the early Christians, this command was not simply a mere suggestion, it controlled their lives. Loving one another like Jesus is our command as well. Christians today can make an impact in our godless societies by selflessly and humbly loving one another. Following Jesus’ example of service is one of the many ways we can love and transform our communities. >> Love often requires sacrifice. Consider what you may need to sacrifice to serve one another well. Is it your pride? Time? Resources? Whatever it may be, you will be fulfilling Jesus’ new command.

Pastor Don Logan - October 30, 2022 Mark 10:32-45