This week we begin the new year with a new sermon series and a look at what it means to be a disciple. What did Jesus mean when He said, “FOLLOW me?“ And what does He really expect of us when we answer that call?

We may not think about it that much, but there is a difference between simply being a “church goer” and being a “disciple,” and there is a difference between knowing who Jesus is and following Him wherever He leads.

Following is something that requires action, attention, and focus. If we are to follow Christ closely, it also requires us to abandon the road we know and go down streets we would never have chosen on our own. It can be scary, difficult, and uncomfortable, but for those willing to die to themselves, the reward is indescribable.

Luke 9:23-26
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 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.”