Sermon Title: “Following Jesus: The Journey of Faith and Discipleship”
Introduction
Welcome to god.sb gods sound board, my episodes are about 15 minutes and my blog address is god.sb
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Have you ever lost your GPS signal or phone service when on a long trip? It is nearly impossible to navigate nowadays without it, but we trust It.
Transition: Just like following GPS directions requires trust, following Jesus requires faith and commitment — that’s discipleship.
Luke 9:23 – “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Jesus calls us to remember him and follow him on your path.
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I. The Call to Discipleship
Scripture: Matthew 4:18–22 (Jesus calls the first disciples)
8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory;
9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.”
10Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”
11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.
Jesus Begins His Ministry
Mark 1:14, 15
14 Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Luke 4:14, 15
14 and Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district.
15 And He began teaching in their synagogues and was praised by all.
Mathew 4:12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been taken into custody, He withdrew into Galilee;
Main idea: Jesus calls ordinary people to an extraordinary journey. Jesus chose common fishermen and tax collectors to be his apostles.
Points to highlight:
Jesus didn’t choose religious elites — He chose fishermen.
Discipleship begins with saying “yes” to His call.
It’s not about qualifications, but availability and faith.
Illustration: Mother Teresa became a saint by helping the impoverished souls.
God calls the poor to follow him, and says the rich man is less likely to enter into heaven.
Luke 18:25 “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
Application: God is still calling all people today. Will you follow?
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II. Faith Is the Foundation
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Mark 4:35–41
35 On that day, when evening came, He *said to them, “Let us go over to the other side.”
36 Leaving the crowd, they *took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him.
37 And there *arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.
38 Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they *woke Him and *said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”
39 And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.
40 And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”
Main idea: Discipleship is a journey, and faith is what keeps us walking.
Points to highlight:
The disciples panicked during the storm, though Jesus was with them.
Faith is not the absence of fear but trusting Jesus in the fear.
Faith grows through relationship, not religion.
Illustration: when walking across a suspension bridge — faith isn’t in the walker, it’s in the bridge.
Application: Trust Jesus in the storms. Discipleship isn't easy, but you're not alone.
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III. The Cost of Discipleship
Scripture: Luke 14:25–33 – Counting the cost
25 Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,
26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27 “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
28 “For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?
29 “Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,
30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’
31 “Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?
32 “Or else, while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.
33 “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
Main idea: Discipleship costs — but the reward is worth it, it is eternal life with the father, the holy spirit and Jesus in heaven. An afterlife of bliss and peace with Jesus Christ.
Points to highlight:
Jesus was upfront: following Him will cost comfort, convenience, sometimes even relationships.
You can't follow Jesus with one foot in the world.
Faith enables us to say “yes” even when it’s hard.
Illustration:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who became a prominent figure in the resistance movement against the Nazi regime during World War II. He was executed by the Nazis for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler. Bonhoeffer's story is one of faith, courage, and resistance in the face of immense evil.
Synopsis:
Bonhoeffer's story begins with his theological studies and his growing awareness of the dangers of Nazism. He became actively involved in the Confessing Church, which opposed the Nazi takeover of the German Evangelical Church. He also began to engage in clandestine activities, helping Jews escape Germany and working with the resistance movement. Bonhoeffer's involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler led to his arrest and execution.
Summary:
Born into a prominent family, Bonhoeffer pursued theological studies and became a pastor. He was deeply concerned about the growing influence of Nazism on both the German church and society. He initially resisted violence but later became involved in resistance, including the plot to kill Hitler. His involvement ultimately led to his arrest and execution by the Nazis. Despite his death, his writings, particularly "Letters and Papers from Prison," continue to inspire and challenge readers today.
Application: Ask: What is Jesus calling you to lay down to follow Him more closely?
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IV. The Life of a Disciple
John 15:4–8 – Abiding in Christ
4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.
7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.
Acts 2:42–47 – Early Church discipleship
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.
44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Main idea: Discipleship is not a one-time decision but a daily lifestyle.
Points to highlight:
Abiding = staying connected to Jesus.
Discipleship happens in community, not isolation.
Faith grows through spiritual habits: prayer, Word, fellowship, obedience, praise, worship, meditation on the word.
Here are some Practical Steps:
Commit to reading the Word daily
Join a small group or discipleship class
Serve others
Be accountable
Illustration: Use the image of a branch staying connected to the vine — it doesn't try to bear fruit on its own.
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Conclusion: The Reward of Faithful Discipleship
2 Timothy 4:7–8
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;
8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Some Final Thoughts:
Discipleship is hard — but it's worth it.
You may stumble, but keep following.
Jesus is faithful to complete what He started in you
(Philippians 1:6).
6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Invitation:
Ask: Are you a fan of Jesus or a follower?
Invite people to respond — either recommitment or starting fresh.
And now a closing prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father Yahweh who art thou eternal in heaven upon your heavenly thrown,
We come before you today with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and strength in our journey of discipleship. We thank you for the gift of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and for the Holy Spirit who works within us to lead us closer to you.
Lord, we want to be steadfast in our discipleship, fully committed to serving you and following your commandments. We ask for the courage to stay rooted in your word, even when the world may try to sway us. Give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives and the strength to carry it out faithfully.
We pray that you would mold us into vessels of your love, mercy, and truth. Help us to be shining examples of your grace and goodness in this world. May our actions and words reflect the light of your love and draw others to your Kingdom.
As we face challenges and trials on our journey, may we never lose sight of your unwavering love for us. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit, reminding us that we are never alone and that you are always by our side.
In the precious name of Jesus, we pray for steadfastness in our discipleship, always seeking your will and walking in your ways.
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