Have You Been With Jesus

Have You Been With Jesus?

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scriptures: Mark 3:13-15; Luke 6:12-13; Acts 4:1

I.       Jesus appointed twelve for two reasons:

          A.      That they might be with Him

          B.      That He might send them out

                   1.       To preach (Word)

                   2.       To have power (Spirit)

                             a.       To heal sickness

                             b.       To cast out demons

          C.      Being with Jesus comes before sending

II.      It is dangerous to be around Jesus and not be with Jesus

          A.      The multitudes hung around Jesus but the disciples were with Jesus

          B.      The multitudes experienced the presence and power of Jesus but not His life

                   1.       Not everyone will experience His life (John 6:41-47)

                             a.       The multitudes walked away (John 6:66)

                             b.       Even Judas was a devil and betrayed Jesus (John 6:70-71)

          C.      The disciples said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of                            eternal life.” (John 6:68)

          D.      Don’t be deceived. There is a difference between

                   1.       Being around Jesus and being with Jesus

                   2.       Being around Christians and being with Jesus

                   3.       Being around Christian events and being with Jesus

                   4.       Being around the church and being with Jesus

          E.      Being around the things of God may make you religious but it doesn’t make                     you saved!

III.     Have you been with Jesus? (Acts 4:13)

          A.      Those in the Sanhedrin realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus!

                   1.       It wasn’t in their education. They were unlearned.

                   2.       It wasn’t in their religious credentials. They had none.

                   3.       It was in the boldness that was born out of knowing Jesus

          B.      Do others know that you have been with Jesus?

                   1.       Do those in authority know that you have been with Jesus?

                   2.       Do your friends know that you have been with Jesus?

                   3.       Does your family know that you have been with Jesus?

                   4.       Do the devils know you have been with Jesus? (Acts 19:11-16)

                   5.       Does Jesus know you? Have you been with Him? (Matthew 7:21-23)

                   6.       How can you tell if a person has been with Jesus?  ETERNAL LIFE!

                             a.       They love Jesus

                             b.       They follow Jesus

                             c.       They obey Jesus

                             d.       They are like Jesus

                             e.       They exhibit life in Jesus

                             f.       They bear fruit

                             g.       They love others who have been with Jesus

IV.     How do we develop a relationship with Jesus?

          A.      We must listen when He calls our name

          B.      We must follow Him wherever He goes

          C.      We must forsake those things that keep us from being with Him

          D.      We must feed on Him­­­; He IS THE WORD

          E.      We must fellowship with Him in prayer

          F.       We must worship Him for who He is

          G.      We must work with Him

V.      Invitation (Song: “I Live To Know You”; “In the Secret” )

          A.      Don’t settle for being around Jesus

          B.      Don’t settle for being around Christians

          C.      Don’t settle for being around church

          D.      There is so much more. Jesus invites you to be with Him!