Following Jesus: A Red Letter Year
This year embark on a transformative journey with us to truly know Jesus Christ. With the aim to understand not the just but to develop a deep, personal relationship with our Savior. Jesus calling His first disciples in Mark's Gospel reminds us of the power of His simple invitation: 'Come, follow me.' We know the fishermen left everything behind to follow Jesus, and in this message, Pastor Jeff Baxter, introducing our focus for the year to be studying Jesus' words and life as Red Letter Jesus, challenges people to consider what might be holding them back from fully committing to Him. Acknowledging it is The Holy Spirit who prepares our hearts to encounter Jesus, just as He prepared those early disciples, Jeff is clear: as we draw near to God, He promises to draw near to us. While the journey of following Christ isn't always easy, it is the most rewarding path we can choose. Therefore, this year, let's commit to seeking Red Letter Jesus wholeheartedly by listening to His words and allowing His love and teachings to shape our lives. Will you join us on this journey?
In this message, Pastor Jeff introduces the church's focus for the year on studying Jesus' words and life, emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus personally, not just knowing about Him. and encourages the congregation to engage deeply with Jesus' teachings, promising that this will lead to a deeper love for Christ and a natural desire to follow Him while highlighting the transformative power of following Jesus and the role of the Holy Spirit in preparing hearts to meet the Savior.
Key Points:
- The church is dedicating a year to closely study Jesus' words and actions
- Knowing about Jesus is different from truly knowing Him personally
- Following Jesus leads to personal transformation and a renewed mind
- The Holy Spirit prepares people to meet and follow Jesus
- Jesus invites everyone to follow Him rather than follow worldly influences
- Engaging with Jesus' teachings will deepen one's love for Him
- Regular church attendance and Bible study are important for spiritual growth
Chapters:
0:00 - 3:00: The Importance of Christian Fellowship
Reflecting on the challenges of living as a Christian and the importance of surrounding oneself with fellow believers.
3:00 - 7:00: Focusing on Christ: Our Red Letter Year
Introducing the church's focus for the year: studying the life, words, and actions of Jesus Christ.
7:00 - 11:00: Jesus' Call to Follow Him
Examining Jesus' call to His first disciples and what it means for us today.
11:00 - 15:00: The Transformative Power of Following Jesus
Discussing the benefits and importance of following Jesus over worldly influences.
Scripture Reference:
- Mark 1:16-20 (Jesus calling His first disciples)
- James 4:8 ("Come near to God and he will come near to you")
- Matthew 17:5 (God's voice declaring Jesus as His beloved Son)
- Matthew 7:7 ("Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you")
Stories:
- Jeff speaks of his personal journey of realizing he knew more about the Holy Spirit than about Jesus
- The story of Jesus calling His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee
- Analogies of following influencers on social media or peers at school/sports clubs, contrasted with following Jesus