Fakers or Followers

Fully Devoted

Welcome to youth

I am excited as we start this journey together

There are going to be a lot of things that will shift around this coming semester as we try to find our way.

It is my goal every week:

To have fun, create lasting friendships, and grow and understand our faith.

OUR MISSION IS TO LEAD PEOPLE TO BECOME FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST.

Tonight we are going to talk about what it means to be fully devoted, why it matters, and how we can help others do the same.

You were given a sheet to take notes and we will be breaking up into small groups at the end of the night.

So are we ready?

Let’s pray.

Fully Devoted

Ever been invited to something amazing.

I love to fish. I had friend who ran charters. I told him I have fished but only for the normal things, life trout reds etc. Never any big fish.

He set up a Tarpon trip - got all the bait and right poles and found the best spot.

I caught a 90 lb. Tarpon. Took 2 hours to pull in. It was amazing.

What would have happened if my friend made the announcement that he had this trip planned and ready, invited me, and my response was no thanks.

I would of missed one of the best fishing experiences of my life

So what's the point?

Jesus - the Son of God, Savior King of the world stepped onto the stage and made an announcement that changed history.

Matthew 4:17 ESV

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Her also extended an invitastion to everyone to join him.

We get to choose how we respond.

Will we step into the calling and purpose we were created for or miss out on the life we were born for?

That’s the map we will follow as we look at Matthew 4

Jesus - Announcement - Invitation - Response.

Jesus

Matthew 4:17 ESV

17 From that time Jesus began to preach,

JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD AND SAVIOR KING, WHO DIED AND ROSE AGAIN TO RESCUE US FROM SIN.

God himself in flesh

The original superhero

The people thought Messiah came to conquer

Instead of violence - sacrifice.

Announcement

Matthew 4:17 ESV

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

REPENT: TURN AWAY FROM WHAT’S WRONG AND TURN TOWARD WHAT’S RIGHT.

180 degree turn

Our way and God way -

Invitation

Matthew 4:18–19 ESV

18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

This is the invitation

We are not to just know abut the kingdom-m we are meant to be a part of it.

My testimony

Response

Matthew 4:20 ESV

20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

No delay - they followed, repented, they changed the world

I am asking you if you will commit

COMMIT TO BECOME A FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF CHRIST AND LEAD OTHERSTO DO THE SAME.

Here is how - 2 things

WORSHIP AT CHURCH EVERY WEEK.

REGULAR CHURCH ATTENDANCE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH, STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS, REDUCE STRESS, INCREASE HAPPINESS, AND PRODUCE A GREATER SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MEANING

2. TALK ABOUT JESUS EVERY DAY.

COMMIT TO BECOME A FULLY DEVOTED FOLLOWER OF CHRIST AND LEAD OTHERSTO DO THE SAME.

Fully Devoted