Who are you Following?

Luke 5:11, Mat.4:18-20

Many people today have lost direction in their search for success.  

It seems that people are following many things such as the stock market, futures market, and, sadly to say, some are even following political figures. When we follow someone or something, we need to be sure that we are going in the right direction. 

In our scriptures we see Jesus telling his disciples who they need to follow.  "Follow me” was His command. Christ called to these disciples to follow Him.

What does Gods word say about who we are to follow?

I.         Follow Jesus at any cost (read Luke 9:23). 

A.     Three great truths are revealed in this verse: 

1.   Determination              

      "If any man will.” 

                          Today it is so sad that many are quitting in the fight of faith since they don't seem to   
                          think that sticking to the work of the Lord is worth it. Paul’s words come to mind, "Be
                          not weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not."  

2.   Denial 

                       "Deny himself." 
                       Many today are only interested in promoting themselves in the work of the Lord, yet our
                       command is to deny self.  Many people today think more highly of themselves than they
                       should.

3.  Death      

    "Take up your cross."   

                       The cross speaks of death.  Paul was very much aware of this (see Gal. 2:20,  I Corth.
                       15:31).

II.       Follow Christ regardless of others (read II Timothy 4:6-8).

A.     So often we let others dictate how we serve the Lord.  What many forget today is that
         we will all one day give an account of our service  to God (see Rom. 14:12). 

B.  John Wesley's wife was supposed to be one of his greatest hecklers when he would
      preach, and she would often interrupt his messages.  Thank God he didn't let this stop him
      from spreading the Word of God to thousands. 

 III.  Follow Christ because of your influence. 

A.  Today many people live their lives as if no one is watching them. We never know who
      may be watching us as we live each day. The most  precious thing that we possess, other
      than our salvation, is our testimony.  We only have to look at the television or read the
     newspaper to see many examples of Christian people who have tarnished their testimony.

B. An old preacher friend of mine who is already in Heaven once told me that the worst
     testimony a Christian could have is for their car to be at home at church time.

 IV.  Follow Christ because he will lead us to Heaven (read John 14;1-6).    

A. Heaven is described as "my Father’s house." Three things about Heaven can be
     noted here:    

  1. It is a real place - Glory to God it is a real place!!!           

            2. It is a loving place - In this world full of hatred, wouldn’t it be wonderful to get to a place of
                true love.      

            3. An exclusive place – It is only for saved people that have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.  

Who are you following today?   Ask yourself that question, and be honest with your answer.  Is Jesus your leader? If not please accept Jesus at this time and make him Lord of your life. That is a decision that you will never regret.  Click on How to Be Saved to learn how to be saved.