Following Christ: The Call to Repent and Believe
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we are reminded of the incredible ways God is moving in our church and the importance of worshiping and sharing the hope of the world, Jesus Christ. We often forget how awesome Jesus is and what He has called us to be. Our new sermon series, "The Seven Commands of Christ," is inspired by the mission field and focuses on the basics of following Christ. Just like football teams return to basics during training, we too need to remind ourselves of the fundamentals of our faith.
We began with the most crucial command: to repent, believe, and follow Jesus. In Mark 1:14-28, we see Jesus proclaiming the good news in Galilee, calling people to repent and believe. He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, and they immediately leave everything behind. Jesus' teaching astonished people because He spoke with authority, unlike the scribes. His message was simple yet powerful: the kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the gospel.
Jesus' teaching shows that He is worth following, sharing, and that His message has authority and power to transform lives. The gospel is not just for us to keep but to share with others. Jesus' message is worth sharing because it has the power to save and transform lives. We are reminded that Jesus' teaching has authority because it is true, and it has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives.
The content of Jesus' teaching is simple: repent and believe the gospel. God created everything, but man sinned and was separated from God. Despite man's efforts to reconcile with God, nothing worked. God sent Jesus to live a sinless life, die for our sins, and rise again, proving He is God. If we repent and believe in Jesus, we can be in right relationship with God again. This message is for everyone, not just for those in far-off places or at children's camps. If you haven't repented and believed, you are not saved. Salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn.
As we close, remember that Jesus is worth following, His message is true, and He has the power to save. Whether you need to trust Jesus for the first time, seek boldness in sharing your faith, or confess sin, Jesus is able to work in your life. Let's pray and respond to God's leading.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus is Worth Following: The power in Jesus' teaching shows that He is worth following. His call to Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him demonstrates the compelling nature of His message. We follow Jesus not because it is easy or comfortable, but because He is worth it. Our commitment to Him should reflect the same urgency and dedication. [52:59]
2. Jesus' Message is Worth Sharing: Jesus' command to "fish for people" emphasizes that the gospel is not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are called to share this good news with others, even in a culture that may resist it. The gospel has the power to transform lives, and we must not sit idly by while people around us remain lost. [01:04:45]
3. Jesus' Teaching Has Authority: Unlike the scribes, Jesus taught with authority because His message is true. In a world that often rejects absolute truth, the gospel stands firm. Jesus' declaration that He is the way, the truth, and the life gives us confidence to speak boldly about our faith. [01:08:25]
4. The Power to Transform Lives: Jesus' teaching has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives. The story of the man with the unclean spirit shows that Jesus' authority extends over all things, including evil. This transformative power is available to everyone who repents and believes in the gospel. [01:10:08]
5. The Simplicity of the Gospel: The gospel message is simple yet profound: repent and believe. God created everything, man sinned and was separated from God, but Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide a way back to God. This message is for everyone, and salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. [01:11:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[52:59] - Introduction to the Seven Commands of Christ
[54:41] - Jesus' Call to Repent and Believe
[56:20] - Jesus' Authority in Teaching
[57:48] - The Power of Jesus' Message
[59:52] - The Simplicity of the Gospel
[01:01:27] - Jesus is Worth Following
[01:02:59] - The Importance of Worship
[01:04:45] - Jesus' Message is Worth Sharing
[01:06:32] - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching
[01:08:25] - The Truth of the Gospel
[01:10:08] - The Transformative Power of Jesus' Teaching
[01:11:44] - The Content of the Gospel
[01:13:21] - The Simplicity of the Gospel Message
[01:15:15] - The Call to Repent and Believe
[01:17:17] - Responding to the Gospel
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Mark 1:14-28
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the central message Jesus proclaimed in Galilee according to Mark 1:14-15?
2. How did Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond to Jesus' call to follow Him? What did they leave behind? [54:41]
3. How did the people react to Jesus' teaching in the synagogue, and why were they astonished? [56:20]
4. What happened when Jesus encountered the man with the unclean spirit in the synagogue? [57:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus' message of "repent and believe" was so compelling to Simon, Andrew, James, and John that they immediately left everything to follow Him? [54:41]
2. In what ways does Jesus' teaching demonstrate authority, and why is this significant for us today? [56:20]
3. How does the story of the man with the unclean spirit illustrate the transformative power of Jesus' message? [57:48]
4. What does it mean that Jesus' message is worth sharing, even in a culture that may resist it? [01:04:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you truly repented and believed in Jesus? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision today? [01:15:15]
2. Jesus' call to follow Him required immediate action and sacrifice from Simon, Andrew, James, and John. What might Jesus be asking you to leave behind to follow Him more closely? [54:41]
3. How can you share the gospel message with someone in your life this week? Identify one person and plan a specific way to share the hope of Jesus with them. [01:04:45]
4. In what ways can you demonstrate the authority of Jesus' teaching in your daily life? How can you speak with confidence about your faith? [01:08:25]
5. Think about a time when you experienced the transformative power of Jesus in your life. How can you share that testimony with others to encourage them in their faith? [01:10:08]
6. The gospel message is simple yet profound. How can you simplify your explanation of the gospel to make it more accessible to those who may not be familiar with it? [01:11:44]
7. Jesus is worth following, sharing, and trusting. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your commitment to Jesus in one of these areas? [01:17:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Compelling Call of Jesus
Jesus is Worth Following: The power in Jesus' teaching shows that He is worth following. His call to Simon, Andrew, James, and John to leave everything and follow Him demonstrates the compelling nature of His message. We follow Jesus not because it is easy or comfortable, but because He is worth it. Our commitment to Him should reflect the same urgency and dedication. [52:59]
In Mark 1:14-28, we see Jesus proclaiming the good news in Galilee, calling people to repent and believe. He calls Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, and they immediately leave everything behind. This immediate response to Jesus' call shows the compelling nature of His message. Jesus' teaching astonished people because He spoke with authority, unlike the scribes. His message was simple yet powerful: the kingdom of God is near, repent and believe the gospel.
Jesus' teaching shows that He is worth following, sharing, and that His message has authority and power to transform lives. The gospel is not just for us to keep but to share with others. Jesus' message is worth sharing because it has the power to save and transform lives. We are reminded that Jesus' teaching has authority because it is true, and it has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives.
Mark 1:16-18 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel
Jesus' Message is Worth Sharing: Jesus' command to "fish for people" emphasizes that the gospel is not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are called to share this good news with others, even in a culture that may resist it. The gospel has the power to transform lives, and we must not sit idly by while people around us remain lost. [01:04:45]
Jesus' command to "fish for people" emphasizes that the gospel is not meant to be kept to ourselves. We are called to share this good news with others, even in a culture that may resist it. The gospel has the power to transform lives, and we must not sit idly by while people around us remain lost. Jesus' message is worth sharing because it has the power to save and transform lives. We are reminded that Jesus' teaching has authority because it is true, and it has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives.
The content of Jesus' teaching is simple: repent and believe the gospel. God created everything, but man sinned and was separated from God. Despite man's efforts to reconcile with God, nothing worked. God sent Jesus to live a sinless life, die for our sins, and rise again, proving He is God. If we repent and believe in Jesus, we can be in right relationship with God again. This message is for everyone, not just for those in far-off places or at children's camps. If you haven't repented and believed, you are not saved. Salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn.
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV): "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'"
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you share the gospel with them this week in a way that is loving and respectful?
Day 3: The Authority of Jesus' Teaching
Jesus' Teaching Has Authority: Unlike the scribes, Jesus taught with authority because His message is true. In a world that often rejects absolute truth, the gospel stands firm. Jesus' declaration that He is the way, the truth, and the life gives us confidence to speak boldly about our faith. [01:08:25]
Jesus' teaching has authority because it is true. Unlike the scribes, Jesus spoke with authority, and His message astonished people. In a world that often rejects absolute truth, the gospel stands firm. Jesus' declaration that He is the way, the truth, and the life gives us confidence to speak boldly about our faith. The authority of Jesus' teaching is not just in His words but in His actions. He demonstrated His authority through miracles, healings, and ultimately through His resurrection.
The authority of Jesus' teaching is also evident in its power to transform lives. The story of the man with the unclean spirit shows that Jesus' authority extends over all things, including evil. This transformative power is available to everyone who repents and believes in the gospel. Jesus' teaching is not just a set of moral guidelines but a powerful truth that can change the course of our lives. When we embrace this truth, we can live with confidence and boldness, knowing that we are following the One who has all authority.
Matthew 7:28-29 (ESV): "And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to accept the authority of Jesus' teaching? How can you begin to trust and submit to His authority more fully?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The Power to Transform Lives: Jesus' teaching has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives. The story of the man with the unclean spirit shows that Jesus' authority extends over all things, including evil. This transformative power is available to everyone who repents and believes in the gospel. [01:10:08]
Jesus' teaching has the power to transform even the most broken and sinful lives. The story of the man with the unclean spirit in Mark 1:23-28 shows that Jesus' authority extends over all things, including evil. This transformative power is available to everyone who repents and believes in the gospel. Jesus' authority is not limited to His words but is demonstrated through His actions. He has the power to heal, to cast out demons, and to bring new life to those who are lost.
The transformative power of the gospel is not just about changing our external circumstances but about changing our hearts. When we repent and believe in Jesus, we are given a new identity as children of God. This new identity comes with the power to live a transformed life, free from the bondage of sin. The gospel is not just a message of salvation but a message of transformation. It has the power to change our lives from the inside out, making us more like Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have experienced the transformative power of the gospel. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs to hear it?
Day 5: The Simplicity of the Gospel Message
The Simplicity of the Gospel: The gospel message is simple yet profound: repent and believe. God created everything, man sinned and was separated from God, but Jesus' life, death, and resurrection provide a way back to God. This message is for everyone, and salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. [01:11:44]
The gospel message is simple yet profound: repent and believe. God created everything, but man sinned and was separated from God. Despite man's efforts to reconcile with God, nothing worked. God sent Jesus to live a sinless life, die for our sins, and rise again, proving He is God. If we repent and believe in Jesus, we can be in right relationship with God again. This message is for everyone, not just for those in far-off places or at children's camps. If you haven't repented and believed, you are not saved. Salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn.
The simplicity of the gospel is what makes it accessible to everyone. It does not require a deep theological understanding or a list of good deeds. It requires a humble heart that is willing to repent and believe in Jesus. This simplicity is also what makes the gospel so powerful. It cuts through the complexities of life and gets to the heart of the matter: our need for a Savior. The gospel is not just a message for the lost but a reminder for believers of the grace we have received and the life we are called to live.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on the simplicity of the gospel. How can you share this simple yet profound message with someone in your life who needs to hear it?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "We need to understand that when we gather together, and I love gathering together with our church family. I love the way the spirit has been moving in worship, but I'm not coming to worship because I like talking to people. I'm coming to worship because as I gather with people, I'm living out the command that Christ has called me to, to participate in the local body. And I'm worshiping in my affections and my mind and my heart is focused on him, not on God. Me, because Jesus is worth it." [01:02:59] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus' teaching is worth sharing. We ought not to be people who sit idly by while people we love and people we know and people we work with and people we go to school with and people we go, you know, who live in our in whatever and gosh we're sitting idly by while people are going to hell. Jesus' message is worth sharing. It's good news that though we're sinners we do not have to spend a Christless eternity separated from a God who loves us and sent Jesus to die for our sins and to be raised from the grave that if we would believe in him we could experience eternal life and know him and love him and experience his love for ourselves." [01:06:32] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "This gospel message has power to transform lives. Even the most desolate, even the most broken, even the most hopeless, even the most helpless, even the dirtiest, even the most sinful, Jesus, this gospel message has power to transform lives. We don't have to give up on people because Jesus doesn't give up on us. This first command, repent and believe, we're reminded of the power of Jesus' teaching." [01:10:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We just need to remind people that their sin has separated them from God. But God loved them so much that he sent Jesus. And that if they will repent of their sin and believe in Jesus, they too can be saved. That's the message of the gospel. So that we can be people who repent, which means to turn away from our sin and our way of doing things and to turn to Jesus and to believe in him." [01:14:45] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For others in the room, you've been quiet about your faith, hoping not to offend someone. Oh, does the Bible not remind us that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing? But to those who believe it's everlasting life, we cannot stay silent. This good news that has the power to save." [01:17:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The power of Jesus's teaching shows us that Jesus is worth following. The second thing that we find almost immediately right after that is as Jesus's teaching reminds us that Jesus is worth sharing too. He says, follow me and I will make you fish for people. That this message of good news is not something that we're meant to keep to ourselves." [01:04:45] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus's teaching has authority not simply because Jesus was a compelling speaker as a matter of fact we think about one of the greatest evangelists in the world Jesus is the one who has the greatest authority in the world evangelist in all of scripture the apostle paul who writes most of the new testament and what does he say about himself I didn't come to you with eloquent words I didn't come to you with this wonderful speech no the gospel comes with power and Jesus teaching has authority and has power because it's true." [01:06:32] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus' teaching has authority because it's true. We can speak with confidence about the gospel because the gospel has the power to save. Jesus speaks the gospel and he speaks with authority with the truth that the scribes and the Pharisees, the ones who were all about following the religious rules and regulations of the day, knew nothing about because they missed the essence of what the gospel was." [01:08:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you haven't repented, turned away from your sin, and you haven't believed, trusted Jesus for your salvation, then you're not saved. See, it's not through any action we do that we're saved. The Bible says, by grace you are saved through faith. And it's not of yourself. It's the gift of God. So that we can come to Jesus, turn away from the world, turn away from self, turn away from sin, turn to him, believe in him, confess him, as Becky said, trust him with our lives. And when we do that, we're saved. And God seals us with the Holy Spirit as a sign of our salvation." [01:15:15] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "For some of you in the room, you might have done some actions, but you're not a follower of Jesus. Or maybe you're worried about your sin. You're ashamed of it. This message is for you. Like Simon and Andrew and James and John lay down their nets, you can lay down your sin. You can lay down your shame today. You can place your faith in Jesus and follow him." [01:17:17] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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