Follow Jesus: Embracing the Call to Discipleship

As we gather to celebrate 57 years of God’s faithfulness to Grace Christian Church, it’s important to remember that the true glory of the church is not found in its past or even its present, but in the future God is preparing for us. The journey we are on is not just about constructing a building, but about God building us—His people—into a living testimony of His kingdom. Just as a couple can have very different ideas about what it means to “be six again,” we too can have misconceptions about what it truly means to follow Jesus. The call of Christ, “Follow me,” is not a vague invitation but a profound command that shapes our identity, purpose, and destiny.

In Matthew 4, Jesus announces the arrival of the kingdom of heaven and calls His first disciples. The kingdom is not a physical place, but God’s sovereign rule over every aspect of our lives—our families, work, and nation. The first response Jesus calls for is repentance, not as a one-time event, but as a continual turning from self to God, allowing Him to reshape our hearts and minds. Repentance is not mere regret or remorse, but a Spirit-led transformation that reorients our lives around Christ.

Following Jesus is not just about personal salvation or religious activity. It is a call to a new purpose: to become fishers of men, to be changed from the inside out, and to participate in God’s mission. The disciples responded immediately, leaving behind their nets, boats, and even family, because they found someone worth following. Jesus promises not only to save us, but to make us—mending our brokenness, shaping our character, and empowering us to serve and reach others. Every believer is called to move from being a fan to a follower, from interest to involvement, and from disciple to disciple-maker.

The journey of following Christ is also about demonstrating the reality and power of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ ministry was marked by both proclamation and demonstration—teaching, healing, and acts of love. We are called not just to speak of God’s kingdom, but to embody it through our actions, bringing healing, hope, and restoration to a broken world. Our lives become a testimony that draws others to Christ, as we participate in His ongoing work, both in word and deed. The question remains: will you follow Jesus today, with immediate obedience and wholehearted commitment, allowing Him to transform you and use you for His kingdom?

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Kingdom of God is Here and Now God’s kingdom is not a distant reality or a future hope, but a present and active reign in our lives. When we submit to His rule, our priorities shift from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness, affecting every sphere—family, work, and community. The call to repentance is not a one-time event but a daily turning toward God, allowing His Spirit to continually renew and direct us. This is the foundation for a life of hope and purpose in Christ. [07:16]
• 2. Repentance is a Lifelong Posture, Not a Moment True repentance is more than feeling sorry or expressing regret; it is a Spirit-empowered change of mind and direction. It involves ongoing confession, humility, and openness to God’s correction, recognizing that transformation is a continual process. As we keep repenting, we grow deeper in discipleship, moving closer to the fullness of life God intends for us. The urgency of repentance is underscored by the reality that the time to respond to God is always now, not later. [10:05]
• 3. Following Jesus Means Immediate and Costly Obedience The first disciples responded to Jesus’ call without hesitation, leaving behind their livelihoods and families. True discipleship requires immediate, wholehearted obedience, even when it disrupts our comfort or plans. The joy and fulfillment found in following Christ far outweigh the cost, for we are not just following a cause, but a Person who is worthy of our all. This kind of obedience is the seedbed for transformation and fruitfulness in God’s kingdom. [24:30]
• 4. Transformation is God’s Work in Us for the Sake of Others Jesus promises not only to save us but to “make” us—healing our brokenness, reshaping our character, and equipping us for His mission. The journey from fan to follower, from interest to involvement, and from disciple to disciple-maker is a work of grace that requires our surrender. As we are changed, we are called to serve, to reach out, and to fill the empty seats with those who do not yet know Christ, becoming agents of His love and restoration. [28:29]
• 5. Proclaiming and Demonstrating the Kingdom Go Hand in Hand The ministry of Jesus was marked by both proclamation and demonstration—teaching the good news and manifesting God’s power through healing, deliverance, and acts of compassion. We are called not to be spectators but participants, partnering with Christ to bring hope, healing, and restoration to a broken world. Our lives, when surrendered to Jesus, become living testimonies that draw others to Him, as we embody both the message and the reality of the kingdom. [40:39]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:49] - The Glory of the Church: Past, Present, and Future
• [02:53] - Misconceptions About Following Jesus
• [04:24] - Setting the Context: Matthew 4 and the Kingdom
• [07:16] - The Kingdom of Heaven: God’s Rule in Our Lives
• [08:44] - The Call to Repentance
• [11:41] - The Urgency of Responding Now
• [17:00] - Relationship with Christ: Here and Now
• [20:28] - A Testimony of Faith: Mary’s Story
• [21:07] - “Follow Me and I Will Make You Fishers of Men”
• [24:30] - Immediate Obedience of the Disciples
• [28:29] - God’s Transforming Work in Us
• [32:20] - From Disciple to Disciple-Maker
• [36:29] - The Church’s Mission: For the Sake of Others
• [39:01] - Proclaiming and Demonstrating the Kingdom
• [47:37] - Testimonies of Healing and Deliverance
• [54:09] - The Call to Follow: Immediate and Wholehearted Surrender

Bible Reading

Matthew 4:17-25 (NKJV) — 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
18 And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
21 Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them,
22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
24 Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
25 Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.

Observation Questions

1. According to Matthew 4:17, what was the first message Jesus preached as He began His ministry?
2. What did Jesus promise to do for those who followed Him, as seen in Matthew 4:19?
3. How did the first disciples respond to Jesus’ call to “Follow Me”? What words are used to describe their response?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of how Jesus’ ministry involved both proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom of God? ([39:13])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning to God. Why do you think ongoing repentance is important in the life of a believer? ([10:05])
2. The disciples left their nets, boats, and even family to follow Jesus. What does this say about the kind of commitment Jesus is looking for from His followers? ([24:30])
3. The pastor shared that following Jesus means moving from being a fan to a follower, and from a disciple to a disciple-maker. What do you think is the difference between being a “fan” and a “follower” of Jesus? ([29:29])
4. Jesus’ ministry included both teaching and acts of healing and compassion. Why is it important for the church today to both proclaim and demonstrate the kingdom of God? ([40:39])

Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that the kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality. In what area of your life do you need to submit more fully to God’s rule right now—family, work, or community? What would that look like this week? ([07:16])
2. Repentance was described as a lifelong posture, not just a moment. Is there a specific area where you sense God calling you to ongoing repentance? How can you make confession and openness to God a regular part of your life? ([10:05])
3. The first disciples responded to Jesus immediately, even when it cost them their comfort and plans. Is there something Jesus is asking you to do that you have been delaying? What is holding you back from immediate obedience? ([24:30])
4. The pastor shared a story about his mother, Mary, who followed Jesus even in her darkest moment. Have you ever experienced a time when following Jesus required you to trust Him in a difficult situation? What helped you take that step? ([20:28])
5. The sermon challenged us to move from being interested in ministry to being involved. What is one practical way you can serve others in the church or community this month? ([31:42])
6. Jesus calls us to be “fishers of men” and to help others follow Him. Who is one person in your life who does not yet know Christ? What is one step you can take this week to reach out to them or pray for them? ([32:33])
7. The ministry of Jesus was marked by both words and actions. What is one way you can demonstrate God’s love in a practical way to someone in need this week? ([41:39])