Follow the Leader

Matt 16:24 - NRSV - Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Mk 8:34 He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Lk 9:23 - NRSV - Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.

As children we played a game called follow the leader. Whatever the leader did, the followers did. If they jumped you jumped. If they sat down, you sat down. If they screamed you screamed.

It was such a fun and harmless game, that is unless the leader was not a good example. If the leader was prone to mischief, followers had to make a decision. Are you going to follow the leader into trouble, or are you going to take the name calling and ostracizing that went with not following and playing the game like everybody else? Will you succumb to the peer pressure?

As a child, that is sometimes a difficult but necessary decision to make. But I’ve got news for you, for some, it doesn’t get any easier as an adult. Sometimes there is still that peer pressure to follow the leader. And as long as the leader is going in the right direction, everything is good.

But what about when your leader is wrong?

What about when your leader is out of order?

What about when your leader is breaking the law?

It doesn’t have to be that serious, what about when your leader is breaking the established rules of the organization?

What about when your leader is in a blatant, unrepentant state of disobedience? The key words there are blatant and unrepentant, because no one is perfect.

Do you continue to follow?

What if that leader is your boss?

What if that leader is your spouse?

What if that leader is your pastor?

There are many what if’s in life, and at some point we have had and will continue to have to make difficult decisions. Decisions between right and wrong, good and bad, healthy and unhealthy, wise and unwise.

When the alarm goes off in the morning, you decide how many times can you hit the snooze button?

What clothes will you put on?

Which way will you drive to work?

Will you go to work?

And on, and on, and on. Decision after decision.

We are faced with, dare I say 100’s of decisions every—single—day, and it can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Is anyone out there feeling me? Or am I the only one?

But when you get a good leader…

one that is going in the direction you want to go

a leader with a vision and a plan to fulfill the vision

one that is encouraging

one that is decisive

one you respect

That kind of leader will make you believe you can do anything. That the team will succeed in whatever endeavor placed before them. They will defeat the giant, whom or whatever the giant may be.

Jesus put out a call to a group of people and told them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

To follow Jesus requires a conscious decision be made. You can’t just follow the crowd to church. Well you can, but when you get there you will be asked a very personal, very serious, life altering question and the decision you make is yours and yours alone. The journey you will take and the one you’re on is yours and yours alone.

No one can tell you what you will feel or how to feel, because your experience is yours and yours alone. They can share their experience but don’t think that what happened to and for them will necessarily be the same for you.

That is so important. Because to believe that God only does something a certain way is putting him in a box, and any box you get, is a box He doesn’t fit in. But why is Jesus talking about what it takes to follow him? Why now, this time, this place? We’ll get to that.

How many know, people will follow you for all sorts of reasons. Some good, some bad, some selfish, some self serving, and some because you’re doing something they would like to emulate. It’s a cause they can get behind. I once heard a preacher say, “Don’t raise an offering, raise a vision.”

When you raise a vision, it’s something people can see and work toward, not just you taking their money and doing who knows what with it. Because here’s the reality, while salvation is free, ministry cost money.

Even here at Love Christian Center where we take advantage of as many free things and mediums as we can, it still takes money.

Yes, Facebook is free, but the internet service to connect to Facebook, the phone we use to broadcast the message live, the electricity we use to run the lights and equipment all cost money.

We broadcast Sunday School and the entire Worship service on Zoom and that cost money. There is a free account on Zoom, but you can only broadcast for 40 minutes, then you have to sign back on, and send out a new link. Not very conducive to ministry.

To be on zoom, you must have equipment, a computer or we use a portal, which again, requires the internet and electricity.

We are in the process of getting the approval to be a food pantry site, in partnership with the Atlanta Food Bank so we can help feed those in need. We’ll get the food at a significantly reduced price, but it’s not free to us.

We must adhere to specific storage requirements, have certain storage facilities and equipment, and the food must be stored at a specific temperature.

That means we must have the proper shelving, air and heat to maintain the proper temperature in the building. We will to have bags to put the food we’re going to distribute in, and a scale to weigh the food. Those things aren’t free, but the food is free for the people who need it.

And we will need volunteers to help receive, stock. prep, and distribute the food on distribution days. So, if you live in or near Douglas County, GA, we need your help. You don’t have to be a member to be a volunteer. Keep checking the website, there will be more information forthcoming as we fulfill the requirements of having a food pantry. Stay tuned and if you’d like to volunteer, let us know your availability.

So why do I share all of this with you? Because the vision of Love Christian Center is not only to “Be a place where people come for enlightenment, encouragement and empowerment to advance and enhance the Kingdom of God.”, we want to be a church that makes a difference in the community in which we’re located.

The vision we have is to serve the community, showing them the love of Christ through what we do, not just in what we say.

The vision of this small church, is to spread the gospel as far and as wide as we can, with the limited resources we have, which is why we ask you to share the message on whatever platform you may be viewing it.

And here’s what we know, God’s resources are limitless.

Here’s what we know, we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.

Here’s what we know, my God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

So why am I telling you this? Because the scripture says to, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” And so, I tell you this because we need your help. We need you to allow yourself to be a vessel God can use to further the reach of this branch of Zion.

We need you to allow yourself to be a vessel through which God blesses this ministry financially as we bless you spiritually and others physically. You can do that by going to our website at www.lovechristianctr.org, go to the giving page, and choose the method by which you can not only give but commit to being a ministry partner with us in spreading the Gospel and the love of Christ.

Our goal is to reach the masses with the message of Christ, salvation is free, but ministry cost money.

Why do I tell you that? Because we’re talking about following the leader. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all talk about this particular encounter Jesus had with the crowd and the disciples.

As the chapter begins there were some things Jesus did. First, he called the twelve disciples together, he gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases.

Don’t miss the lesson and the order here. First he called them, then he gave them power and authority. If you’re not called you have no business going, stay where God has placed you.

Next, make sure you have the power and the authority to do what you’re about to do. You can have power, but no authority and you can have authority but no power. Make sure the task you’re about to take on has been assigned to you.

The next assignment Jesus gave the disciples was to go out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Once again, if you haven’t been sent, stay in your lane.

Now it gets interesting because Jesus is sending the disciples out but he has some instructions for them. He tells them to take nothing for their journey.

not a walking stick

not a traveler’s bag

not food

not money

not even a change of clothes

Now, I don’t know about you but when we get ready to go on a trip Pastor Ed, Angel, and I all have our own suitcases and we’re just leaving for a week. The disciples were walking, who knows how long their journey would be, and they were taking nothing but the clothes on their back and the shoes on their feet. Come on now, really?

We won’t leave the house without our wallet or purse and cell phone.

Not only were they not to take anything with them, they were to find a house, stay in that house until it was time to move on to the next town. Then if a town refused to welcome them they were to shake the dust from their feet and move on to the next one. Not get in their feelings about being what may feel like rejection. Move on.

It doesn’t matter how good what you have to offer is, not everyone will accept what you’re giving, even if it’s free. Move on. There’s an adage that says you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. We offer you Jesus, it’s up to you to accept the gift.

The disciples returned with testimonies of the things they were able to do. Remember they had been given the power and authority to do what they did. After hearing their reports, Jesus tries to slip away quietly, but how many know when you’re doing something good, when things are happening around you a crowd will gather?

That’s nothing new and a crowd had gathered around Jesus and the disciples. Undoubtedly someone overheard the disciples’ reports, they stopped to listen and the crowd grew.

They were going to follow for various reasons.

some would follow to hear the testimonies.

some would follow to see if there was something they could get.

some would follow because they were in need.

Some would follow because they wanted to be a part of Jesus’ ministry.

Whatever their reason, Jesus had people following him, and he needed to let them know to follow this leader was going to cost them something.

A large crowd had gathered. A crowd of 5,000 men + women and children. They had been there for awhile and they were getting hungry. Jesus told his disciples to feed them.

We must note, even after the disciples had been sent out with power and authority, healing all diseases and sicknesses, taking nothing with them, yet they were provided for and performed many miracles. But when Jesus told them to feed the crowd, their faith quickly waned.

First they said send them away to fend for themselves, then they thought Jesus wanted them to go and buy food for everyone. It wasn’t even going to be a pot luck. But God.

Do all things decent and in order. Jesus established order in the crowd, grouping them in groups of about 50. What do you need to organize before moving forward? What will your groups be?

Jesus took what was available. A little boy had his lunch of two fish and fives loaves of bread. What supplies are you looking for, to do what God called you to do? Are you waiting for things to be perfect? For the sun, moon, and stars to align? Take what God has provided for you…

Then look toward heaven and ask God to bless it and watch what He does. Watch how he blesses the work of your hands.

When you experience the miracle of God, you can declare like Peter, that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, only this time you can tell the world what you’ve experienced.

Tell them how Jesus came to save the sinner,

Tell them how Jesus came to heal the sick

Tell them how Jesus came to raise the dead

Tell them how Jesus came to lift up the down trodden.

Tell them how God loved them so much that he gave his only Son to save them.

But it costs him something. Our salvation, our redemption, our opportunity for everlasting life,

Cost Jesus his divine privileges when he took upon him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men:

It cost him his immortality when being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It cost Jesus his voice, he was led as a sheep to the slaughter and he never said a mumbling word.

It cost him his dignity. They stripped him naked and hung him on a cross in front of a crowd, a crowd which included his mother.

It cost him his connection to his Father. He cried out, my God, my God why have you forsaken me! As he took on our sins, the Father could no longer look upon him. Sin separates us from a holy God and he will not dwell in an unclean temple.

Our bridge back to the Father cost Jesus Christ, and these people said they wanted to follow him…

So while they were there

and after they’ve heard the disciples’ testimonies of the miracles they performed,

after they’ve been fed and witnessed the miracle of multiplication

after they’ve heard Peter’s declaration

even after Jesus tells them what’s going to happen to him, there are still those who say they want to go, those who say they want to follow him, those who want to follow the leader.

How many know, people see and hear what they want, no matter what you show them or what you say, there will always be confusion, a misunderstanding, someone who will say, oh I didn’t know it would take all that, I don’t think I want to do that.

But Jesus tells the crowd, including the disciples, if you want to be my follower, there’s some things you’re going to have to do. Are you ready? Here we go.

You must give up your own way — this is not Burger King, you do not get to have it your way. God does not operate on your terms, and he doesn’t abide by your rules. God sets the assignment, the timing, the tempo, the players, the tools and the outcome. Follow the leader.

You must take up your cross daily — everyday you will experience a cross. Everyday there will be something that Satan will use to try to test your faith. Something you see on a TV show, in a movie, or even on the news will challenge what God said and what you believe.

So you must wake up everyday, with a praise on your lips that last night wasn’t your last night. There were many who laid down last night and someone else carried them out this morning.

You must daily ask God to lead and guide you into all righteousness.

You must daily ask God for protection from all hurt, harm, and danger.

You must daily thank God for what won’t happen today and what didn’t happen on yesterday.

You must daily thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon you.

You must daily forgive those who have wronged you.

You must daily pray, meditate, and study God’s Word to perform it.

You must daily recognize that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell there in.

You must daily ask God, what’s on today’s agenda, to ensure you’re doing the right thing, at the right time, with the right people, for the right reason, so the right outcome is achieved.

And what’s the right outcome? The right outcome is when God is glorified in all you do.

And the third and last thing Jesus tells the crowd is this…

3. Follow me. It sounds so simple, but what do you do when following Jesus is different

than what everyone around you is doing?

Than what media is advertising, telling you what you need, telling you what you should be desiring.

Than what social media is saying?

What then?

Can you follow Jesus when the road is rough? When no one else seems to be going in the direction you’re going.

Will you go, when you believe like Elijah that you’re the only one and you have to go by yourself? But can I tell you, you won’t be alone, because even if you don’t see 7,000 who haven’t bent a knee to Baal, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who will always dwell within you.

Can I tell you, Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you?

So when you hear things like love is love. When you see things like saints fall from grace and because there are those who are following the wrong leader, they fall with them, devastated by the person they had placed their faith in; don’t allow your faith and belief in God to waiver.

Don’t abandon your assignment.

Don’t lose heart and faint.

Don’t grow weary in well doing.

Sometimes people follow the wrong leader, instead of the true leader they should’ve been following. If/when you find yourself in that situation make the necessary adjustment and continue to move forward.

When you’re following the right leader there will be evidence.

In Jn 8:12 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

How’s the light where you are? Is your future so bright you need shades are do you need a flashlight for your journey?

When you’re following the right leader, Jesus said in Jn 10:27 - “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”

It takes spending time with Jesus, getting to know his character, but in time you will come to know when it’s God speaking and when it’s not.

Jesus knows you, he knows your limitations, your reservations, and hesitations; so when he speaks to you, trust him, move in faith, and watch God work a miracle in your life.

And you must be in the right place. In Jn 12:26 Jesus said, “Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am.”

Where are you? Are you supposed to be somewhere else?

The other day I was taking Angel to get an eye exam at her doctor’s office. Even though we had been there before, because I was running late I went to the wrong building. Immediately when I walked in the door I knew we were in the wrong place. We had to turn around and go to the next building over to get what we needed.

Do you need to leave where you are and go to another building to get what God has for you? Now let me tell you, when you get there, trust God to have sent your qualifications ahead.

Trust that the gift he has placed in you will be needed where you’re going.

When you arrive, have some patience, give them time to get to know you. We are to know those who labor among us.

Work without the title.

Communicate, ask questions, wait for the response. It may not be what you want immediately. Don’t get frustrated and leave, it just may not be the time for your assignment to begin.

Right time, right place, doing the right thing.

Prayer is the key. Ask God to show you and your leader or leaders your assignment.

Paul said, follow me as I follow Christ, imitate me as I imitate Christ.

When you follow a leader, make sure that leader is following Christ, and know that ultimately

Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world

Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten of the Father

Jesus Christ, the Son of Man

Jesus Christ, the Redeemer

Jesus Christ, the Messiah

Jesus Christ, the Bread of Heaven

Jesus Christ, the Waymaker

Jesus Christ, the Miracle Worker

Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Isreal

Jesus Christ, the King of Kings

Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords

Jesus Christ, the Advocate

Jesus Christ, the head of the church

Jesus Christ, the Teacher

Jesus Christ, the Prophet

Jesus Christ, the Master

Jesus Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end

Jesus Christ, my all in all

What and who is he to you? Is he the leader you’re following? And are you following him well?

Have you prayed a prayer of salvation and given your heart to him? It’s a simple prayer.

Acknowledge you are a sinner, there’s no shame in that for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God - For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.

Now, ask Jesus to come into your heart and be Lord of your life. Give yourself away so God can use you, so he can bless you, so you can spend eternity with Him.

Follow the leader. It’s as easy as 1,2,3.

Give up your own way.

Take up your cross daily.

Follow Jesus.

God bless you and if you began your journey of a lifetime and beyond today, send us a message and let us know so we can pray with and for you.

Find yourself a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area you can join with and get busy fulfilling your God-given assignment.

If you live in the Douglasville, GA area we’d love to see you here at 3500 Hwy 5, Douglasville, GA. Our Sunday school begins at 8:45 and the worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. If you don’t live in this area and would like to join on zoom for the full service, see our website for all the information on joining the services.

And remember, salvation is free, but ministry costs money, please pray and consider becoming a financial ministry partner as we endeavor to make a difference in our community and beyond.

And share, share, share this message.

I’ll leave you with this message from my devotion from yesterday

“When considering a home remodeling project, it’s important to determine where the support beams are. If we just knock a wall down here and there to create more space, it could have a detrimental effect on the rest of the structure. Whether a building topples because of faulty construction, a bad foundation, or extraordinary loads, you can bet the support beams were compromised.

Support beams can be like those people in our lives that we look up to People we love. People we respect. People we depend on. Sometimes they fall—and we might not realize we were leaning on them util they do. When they go down, it can be hard to recover. They might leave a wake of destruction in their collapse. The only support beam you can lean on and guarantee it will never shake, bend, or crumble under pressure is God.”

When you decide to follow the leader, make sure you choose your leader wisely.