Follow Me

Introduction:

Please turn in your Bibles to Mark 1:14-20. Again that is Mark 1:14–20.

Mark has brought us along in this journey to continue to emphasize the importance of Christ. He brought us through Old Testament prophecy and Jesus’s baptism so far. Now we get to see Jesus call the disciples and make an important statement all within 612verses. These 12 verses help us to go from answering who is Jesus and what has He come to do to understanding why we should follow Him.

Say slowly: We believe in it | we will follow it.

This looks different from person to person. Some might believe they will get a premotion which in return motives them to pursue working harder at work for that fulfillment. Some might believe they will make captain of a team that they would be happy or fulfilled. Others may say that if I can just get skinnier, stronger, faster, etc. the list can go on and on about what we can wish for.

No matter what we tell ourselves that we follow. If we are consistently believe that will fulfill us. Then that will become our lord in life. Our eyes will be taken away from Christ and put onto something else.

As we will see the text will force us to answer “What about Jesus? What do I believe about Him?” What we say we believe about Him will change how we follow Him.  

This morning, we will see: Jesus’ call is to believe in Him as Savior and submit to Him as Lord.  

Body:

Mark 1:14–15 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

Verse 15 really shows what Jesus came to do. Not only did He come to make sure that the world knew the Kingdom of God was at hand, but to call us to a repentance and belief in the Gospel.

Mark breezes by mentioning that John was arrested to share what he felt was more important. This is a good reminder that we will face persecution from everywhere. Being a Christian is not just about what we sat and what we do. It also includes how we act.

This past week of news is a very impactful reason. Speaking about truth is exactly what we are called to do. Many people do that and are going to be attacked by the devil. Do not fear their schemes. They will end up in the lake of fire and they know it. They are trying to take as many people with them as they can. Do not allow them to control your actions because they are evil.

The evil that is at hand is a perfect indication of what Jesus said. The Kingdom at hand is reminding everyone that God is in control. He sent Jesus on this redemptive mission and now that Mission is coming true. We will continue to deal with this situation often as this world is going further and further away from Christ.

While this world fails to see that Jesus is King. We do not. He reminds us clearly that we must share the Gospel with others. The gospel is the most important truth. The gospel which means the good news. The good news that Jesus died for us. He gave His life for us. Not only that but He conquered the grave. He felt the pain of death and yet still came out on top. Better yet, He lives. He is alive and well.

He is calling everyone to repentance and believe in Him. Repentance of turning away from sin which is not just saying you are sorry but meaning it by actually meaning it with your heart and meaning that you will not do it again.

Believe in the Gospel requires that we truly believe with our hearts that Jesus died and rose again. That does not mean just saying it but understanding it comprehending that Jesus did die but He also rose again on our behalf.

This is what will allow us to continue the fight for God. Evil is not something that will win. It will lost. It is prophesied to lose. They know they will lose and they are mad about it.

There is a calling in each of our lives. This calling can be showing by Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John. This calling on our lives can be seen in how Jesus calls them.

Mark 1:16–20 “Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.”

He called them to be fishers of men. He called them away from their daily lives and called them to fulfill the Great Commandment. He called these ordinary men away from their everyday lives of vanity to be apart of something that is the greatest redemptive plan to ever exist.

Mark does not indicate that they said anything to abuse Jesus calling them. Instead, he is clear and concise with the understanding that they got up and went with Him. This is the calling that is on all of our lives when we gave our lives to God.

The point is that we are called to not be ashamed of the Gospel as Romans 1:16. That should remind us that we are to share the Gospel at all times. That is the calling.

The first disciples gladly went with Him. That should be the way we are. Isaiah said send me when God asked him to do something. That should be our moto. That should be what we say. Our lives do not always workout the way that we believe them to workout.

To be honest with you all, you are the future and a future generation that does not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior is doomed.

Conclusion:

As a teenager, you may struggle with peer pressure and fitting in. This week, consider how Jesus interacted with those who were different. Challenge yourself to take an action—like inviting a friend to join our small group or sitting with someone alone during lunch at school. Document these actions and pray for the strength to be Christ-like in your relationships, showing that following Jesus means being a friend to those who need it most.

Navigating social media can be tough, especially when you see peers showcasing a lifestyle that contradicts your values. This week, take time to reflect on how Jesus used His platform for good, sharing love and truth. Consider posting a message that uplifts others, perhaps a favorite verse or a personal testimony about a challenge you faced and how your faith helped you to overcome it. By shining your light boldly online, you can influence your peers and encourage them to seek Jesus as well.

You may struggle with identity and self-worth, especially in a world that constantly pressures you to look and act a certain way. Volunteer to serve at your church, whether it’s helping with youth events, being part of the worship team, or participating in mission projects. Serving others in this way can help you see yourself through God’s eyes, affirm your value, and realize that following Jesus means stepping out of your comfort zone for a greater purpose.

Do remember that Christ calls us to follow Him and share the Gospel.

Let us pray…

Prayer Request:

Charlie Kirk’s Family

Zane goes back to school this week

School and Sports

Julian starts AIT