Commitment to Christ: Reflecting True Discipleship

The message delivered focuses on the theme of commitment, particularly as it pertains to being a follower of Christ. It begins by highlighting the importance of leadership and being equipped in various areas of life, emphasizing the role of the church community in providing support, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging. The upcoming church series, "Welcome the Church," is introduced, which will explore the foundational aspects of the early church as described in the book of Acts, with the aim of adopting these principles as modern-day foundations for believers.

The core of the message revolves around the concept of commitment to Christ. It draws a parallel between looking in a mirror and the act of examining oneself through the lens of the Word of God. Just as a mirror reflects reality without altering it, the Word reveals truths that require action on the part of the individual. The analogy extends to the idea that, like children who forget to make adjustments after looking in the mirror, individuals often fail to act on the insights gained from the Word unless they are truly committed to change.

The discussion of commitment is further illustrated by comparing the dedication people show to sports teams, political parties, and brands, regardless of outcomes or underlying values, to the level of commitment shown to God's voice, word, and ways. The message challenges individuals to maintain their commitment to God even when it is uncomfortable or counter to personal desires, highlighting that true discipleship involves prioritizing God above all else, including family, personal interests, and even one's own life.

The message also addresses the cost of discipleship, referencing the words of Jesus about considering the cost before committing to follow Him. It emphasizes that being a disciple is not a path to an easy life but requires a willingness to face difficulties and make sacrifices. The speaker encourages listeners to evaluate their level of commitment to Jesus as they enter the new year, urging them to live lives that reflect a full commitment rather than a partial or convenient one.

The message concludes with a call to action, inviting individuals to make a commitment to Christ, not just as a Sunday routine or emergency solution, but as a Lord over every aspect of their lives. It also highlights the importance of being doers of the Word, not just hearers, and the transformative power of applying the Word to one's life.

Key Takeaways:

- Commitment to Christ is likened to a mirror that reflects our true selves, revealing areas that require our attention and action. Just as a mirror does not change us, the Word of God requires us to actively apply its teachings to experience transformation. This commitment to change is a daily decision that goes beyond mere acknowledgment and into the realm of consistent, actionable faith. [01:21:47]

- The level of commitment seen in sports fans or brand loyalty serves as a stark contrast to the often wavering commitment to spiritual disciplines and following God's Word. This comparison challenges individuals to examine their priorities and to consider whether their dedication to God matches or exceeds their enthusiasm for temporal interests. [01:24:10]

- True discipleship involves a cost, as Jesus taught. It requires a calculated decision to follow Christ, understanding that it may lead to sacrifices and hardships. This level of commitment is not to be taken lightly but embraced with the full knowledge of its implications, mirroring the dedication and resolve of the early church. [01:26:11]

- The message underscores the importance of not just professing faith but living it out, even when it means facing potential loss or hardship. This commitment to Christ is demonstrated through actions, such as prioritizing worship and spiritual growth over personal comfort or societal pressures. [01:12:45]

- The call to be doers of the Word emphasizes that without application, there can be no spiritual growth or transformation. The message encourages individuals to not only listen to the Word but to act upon it, ensuring that their faith is alive and effective in producing change in their lives and the lives of others. [01:18:32]

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. **Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)**
> Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

2. **Luke 14:26-28 (ESV)**
> "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. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"

3. **James 1:22-25 (ESV)**
> But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 16:24-25, what are the requirements Jesus sets for those who want to follow Him?
2. In Luke 14:26-28, what does Jesus say about the cost of discipleship, and how does He illustrate this concept?
3. How does James 1:22-25 describe the difference between merely hearing the word and doing it? What analogy does James use to explain this?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" as described in Matthew 16:24-25? How might this look in a believer's daily life? [01:02:44]
2. Why does Jesus use such strong language in Luke 14:26-28 about hating one's family and even one's own life? What is He trying to convey about the level of commitment required to follow Him? [01:04:12]
3. James 1:22-25 uses the analogy of a mirror to describe the importance of being doers of the word. How does this analogy help us understand the necessity of applying God's word to our lives? [01:18:32]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of commitment to Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are holding back from fully following Him? What steps can you take to surrender those areas to God? [01:02:13]
2. Jesus talks about counting the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:28. Have you ever considered the cost of following Jesus in your own life? What sacrifices have you made, or might you need to make, to be a true disciple? [01:26:11]
3. The sermon mentioned the dedication people show to sports teams and brands. How does your commitment to Christ compare to your commitment to other interests or activities? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with God? [01:24:10]
4. James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word. Can you identify a specific teaching or command from the Bible that you have heard but not yet acted upon? What practical steps can you take this week to apply it? [01:18:32]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of not just professing faith but living it out, even when it means facing potential loss or hardship. Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between comfort and following God's ways? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:12:45]
6. The message challenged listeners to evaluate their level of commitment to Jesus as they enter the new year. What specific goals or resolutions can you set to deepen your commitment to Christ in 2024? [01:00:20]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting individuals to make a commitment to Christ as Lord over every aspect of their lives. What does it mean for you to make Jesus Lord over every aspect of your life, and how can you start implementing this commitment today? [01:42:47]

Day 1: Reflecting True Spiritual Commitment
Commitment to Christ is a daily decision that requires more than acknowledgment; it demands actionable faith. As a mirror reflects our physical appearance, the Word of God reflects our spiritual state, calling us to act on what we see and pursue transformation. This commitment is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, and it shapes every aspect of our lives. [01:21:47]

James 1:23-25 - "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your commitment to Christ, and what specific steps can you take to better align your actions with His Word?

Day 2: Prioritizing God Above All Else
The fervor we show for worldly interests often overshadows our dedication to spiritual growth. By examining our priorities, we can assess whether our commitment to God is as strong as our enthusiasm for temporary pleasures or affiliations. True commitment means placing God's voice, word, and ways above all else in our lives. [01:24:10]

Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: What are some areas where your dedication to God is being challenged by other interests, and how can you begin to prioritize Him more in those areas?

Day 3: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus is not a path to an easy life; it involves understanding and accepting the cost of discipleship. This commitment may lead to sacrifices and hardships, but it is a calculated decision that reflects the resolve of the early church. Embracing this cost is essential for true discipleship. [01:26:11]

1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Are there any costs of following Jesus that you have been reluctant to accept, and what can you do to prepare your heart to embrace these challenges?

Day 4: Living Out Our Faith Authentically
Professing faith in Christ is only the beginning; living it out authentically, especially in the face of loss or hardship, is where true commitment is demonstrated. This means prioritizing worship and spiritual growth over personal comfort or societal pressures. Our actions should reflect our devotion to Christ. [01:12:45]

Matthew 7:24-25 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Reflection: In what ways can you more authentically live out your faith, even when it's uncomfortable or goes against societal norms?

Day 5: Being Doers of the Word
Hearing the Word of God is not enough; we must also be doers of the Word. Without application, there can be no spiritual growth or transformation. Our faith must be alive and effective, producing change in our lives and impacting those around us. [01:18:32]

James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can act upon the Word of God this week to demonstrate your faith through your deeds?

Hey guys, limitless, I have an important announcement.

We are excited to have our very first Limitless Church membership class. That's right. If you've been going to this church for a while, you said, "Hey, this is my home. This is the place where I want to establish a family. This is where we're going to be," and we're excited to offer you an opportunity to become a member of Limitless Church.

We have our class, and the class is called Roots and Wings. The Roots is really going over the foundations of our church, the foundations of our beliefs here at Limitless Church. The Wings are talking about these opportunities to grow and really be all that God has called you to be here at Limitless Church.

So I'm going to offer you the opportunity to join us at our first class on the 28th. That is the last Sunday of this month, and it's going to be immediately after service at 1 o'clock. So please sign up at the link in the QR code or sign up at the Team Limitless table. I want you to be a part of that. This is going to be a wonderful time and a time for you to really be a part of Limitless Church.

In a city where unity thrives and diversity flourishes, we invite you to be a part of something truly special. Get ready to mark your calendars as we celebrate a milestone in Sacramento's 30th Annual MLK Multi-Church Celebration. Join us on January 14th at the Magnificent Trinity Life Center as we come together to honor God and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. This event promises an evening filled with inspiration, community spirit, and the heartbeat of our city.

Good morning, good morning, good morning. Wasn't that an awesome worship time that we had? I'm always encouraged in my spirit. For those of you going through challenging times, I would say just worship. There was never a time where I enter into worship and feel worse after. I always feel better; I always feel encouraged. And for those of you who are going through a season of success, still worship. Because that is the time that we need to give God glory as well.

Well, I'm happy to be with you guys. I'm here to talk about the Martin Luther King legacy. I am a product of Martin Luther King legacy. When I look at this church, we are a product of Martin Luther King legacy. I don't know if you know, I've been to many churches, and this is one of the most diverse churches that I have ever been to.

And that is, yes, praise the Lord. And that is because of the life and legacy and death of Martin Luther King Jr. On the camera up there, that was my father. And so he has been organizing the MLK service for almost 30 years here in the greater Sacramento area. And so he wanted me to invite you to come out to Trinity Life Center on the next Sunday night at 5:30 to come be a part of that legacy.

One of the things that's been a prayer for churches is to be able to come and minister together. And this is the opportunity for us to be able to partner with other churches and come and worship together next Sunday night. My father will also be preaching that night, and it's something that you will not want to miss. I'm also presenting awards, so I need some encouragement and some folks to come and give me some "A-Mens" out there on stage.

And so I just want to invite you, please come out and worship with us next Sunday night at Trinity Life Center. Thank you, sir.

How's everybody doing? Good, good, good. Happy New Year to you guys. Excited to see you all. Super excited about all that God is doing this year.

One of the things that I wanted to highlight was our new members class. We haven't done this before. This is the very first time that we're doing this. But we're doing this thing called Roots and Wings. And it is our new membership class, and it's, you know, this idea of you saying, "Hey, you know what? I found my place." A lot of you have come up and said, "Hey, this is my home. This is where I'm going to be. This is where my kids are going to be. I'm committed to this church," and it's this opportunity for you to make that declaration.

And the class is really the reason that I call it Roots and Wings is because it's the idea of being rooted. Finding out what the roots of our church are. What are our foundations? What are the things that we believe? What are the things that hold us firm? What is our foundation?

And Wings represent this idea of us growing to be all that God has called us to be. I don't want you to be a church that just comes here every Sunday and you get a great word, and that's it. I believe that each and every one of you, God has called you to leadership in your life in various different areas. Which means that you need to be equipped in those areas, and that you need opportunities to be equipped in those areas. That's what being a member of a church is all about. That you have a covering, that you have a people, that you have a family of believers that is your home.

And so on the last Sunday of this month, we will be having our Roots and Wings, our Limitless membership class. You can sign up on the QR code on the seat pocket in front of you, or sign up at the Team Limitless table in the back.

Now, we're starting a new series, and the series is called Welcome to Church. What we're going to be doing is we're going to be going through the book of Acts. And we're going to be talking about these foundational things that establish the church in Acts. There were some things that they did, that they committed to, that they held strongly to.

And the end of that scripture in Acts chapter 2 says, "And he added to their number daily those who were being saved." And I said, "Hey, if this is the first church that was established in the church that there were miracles and there were amazing things that were happening, then whatever their foundations were, we need to look at those things and make sure that they're our foundations." This was the church.

And so the series is called Welcome to Church. But before we dive into that next week, this week, I wanted to talk about commitment. I wanted to talk about the idea of being a committed follower of Christ.

We're ready to dive in. Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. Thank you for this opportunity that we have to hear from you. God, we ask that you would speak to our hearts. That you would continue moving in this place. That we would hear not only the words from the pulpit, but what you're saying individually to each and every one of us.

Not only that you would speak, but that our hearts would be primed and ready to receive what you are speaking. That we wouldn't just take this and put it in our pocket. But that we would leave this place mulling over your word, re-hearing what you're saying and applying it to our lives. We thank you for it. In Jesus' name, amen.

All right. So we have started with seven days into 2024. And there's no doubt that many of you have already started your New Year's commitments, your New Year's resolutions. Some of y'all been getting up early. Some of y'all made it to the gym. Some of you did not. And that's okay. But some of you have said, "You know what, I'm going to be a little nicer this year." And so far, you're doing okay.

You say, "This year, I'm going to spend less time on social media." And you've made these commitments. You've made these things. And while these things are important, and I believe that these things are necessary, I would be remiss if I didn't challenge you on the areas that are eternal.

I would be remiss if I didn't challenge you on the things that are the commitments that are eternal. I think it's good that you want to be healthy in 2024, that you want to be more present, that you want to have better relationships. I think that these are all great resolutions. But until we resolve to make the voice of God, the Word of God, and the ways of God the final authority in our life, then any other resolution won't matter.

Any other resolution won't matter. You say, "This is the year I stop drinking. This is the year I stop smoking. I stop cursing. This is the year I'm going to be more present in my marriage. This is the year I'm going to break that addiction that I've been battling." And these are all needed. These are all good things. But nothing good in our life will stand if it's not built on a proper foundation first.

If it's not built on a proper foundation. If our lives are fully committed, none of it will succeed. If our hearts are fully submitted, none of it will succeed. It's not this idea of living halfway, giving God 90 and keeping 10, giving God 80 and keeping 20. It's all or nothing.

We can have the greatest willpower you've ever seen. We can have the greatest desire that you've ever seen. But without being fully surrendered, you will fail as soon as you begin. Doesn't matter what it is. You will fail as soon as you begin.

We cannot expect the outcome of our lives to be different if the condition of our heart is still the same. You can change your behavior. But if you change your behavior and don't change your heart, your behavior will return.

"Lord, why do I keep dealing with this? Why do I keep struggling with this? Why am I going back to the same thing? Why am I having this problem?" It's because the condition of your heart has not changed, just the behavior.

This is what being a Christian is truly about. We have to be fully committed to the cause of Christ. It's a heart condition. It's a heart thing. It's not about us seeking our fulfillment. It's not about us seeking our desires.

The Bible doesn't say, "Live in a way that you agree with. Live in a manner that's easy for you. Do whatever you feel because God loves you anyway and He's going to forgive you, right?" That's not what the Word says. He says, "Deny yourself. Take up your cross and follow me."

Matthew chapter 16 and verse 24 says, "Then Jesus told his disciples, if anyone desires to be my disciple, let him deny himself, disregard his self, lose sight of his self, and forget himself and his own interests, take up his cross and follow me. Cleave steadfastly to me. Confirm wholly to my example in living and if need be dying also."

He says, "This is what it means to be a disciple. This is what it means to be a follower of Christ." And He says, "If you cannot make Him priority over all, you cannot be a Christian. You can't be a follower of Jesus. You can't be a disciple. You cannot."

Luke chapter 14, and let's start in verse 26. Verse 26 says, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brother and sister, yes, even his own life in the sense of indifference to a relative disregard for them and comparison with his attitude towards God, he cannot be my disciple."

I looked this up in the amplified, classic ESB, NASB, and the Passion Translation. It still says "cannot" in every translation. He says, "You cannot be my disciple."

He says, "Whoever doesn't carry his cross, whoever doesn't express a willingness to endure whatever may come and follow after me believing in me, conforming to my example in living and if need be suffering or perhaps dying because of the faith in me cannot be my disciple."

He says, "You can." The disciples, the people that we see that changed the very face of the world, they weren't living easy lives. They weren't coming to wonderful air-conditioned buildings with coffee and chairs and ushers and greeters and envelopes. That's not what they were doing.

This idea of conforming to my example and living and if need be suffering or perhaps dying was a reality to them. But they were committed. This is how committed they were. We read that and we're like, "Yeah, that sounds cool. Yes, sure. I'll die for Jesus." Suffering. In the back of your mind, you're like, "We live in America. We don't really have suffering."

But Jesus says, "Commitment. The type of commitment I'm looking for says that no matter what, I'm committed to the cause of Christ. I'm committed to Jesus."

Now, I often think about what this idea of commitment means to people in other countries when they read this Scripture. When we look at the underground church in Asia, what it means to them when they read this Scripture. When I think about the Christians that were beheaded because of their faith in Jesus, what that Scripture means to them.

We're talking about commitment. Commitment to Jesus. Commitment to the Word of God. Commitment to the voice of God. Look at us. Think about it. If we were to talk to those Christians on a Sunday when we didn't feel like going to church, I don't even think they could comprehend or fathom what it is that we were doing.

They would say, "Wait a minute. Wait. You can go to church? They're not going to kill you if you go to church? They're not going to arrest you and put you in prison if you go to church? There's no chance of anybody capturing you and kidnapping you because of you going to church? And you're still not going?"

And at that point in their mind, they would begin to question whether you were really a committed Christian or not. And they would have every right to because it would be incomprehensible to them that you would not want to be in the presence of the believers, that you would not want to be together with those who have this faith, that you would not want to hear the very words of God coming from the Bible.

They couldn't fathom it, and they would begin to wonder whether or not you were a believer because this idea of being a Christian requires commitment. When you feel like it and mostly when you don't.

When it's easy and when it's hard, but you don't understand that I had a hard week and Sundays the only day that I have to rest. Yeah, I'm starting off as the beginning of the year. I'm coming for you. I'm coming for your neck at the beginning of the year.

This is your first time, I apologize. This is what we do. This is what it means because you'll commit to everything else. You'll commit to everything else. Rain, sleet, snow, shine, lose. You dare. But eternity? But you're so... "I'm just tired today, Pastor, please. I was just tired."

He says, "If anyone comes to me, this is if you put anything over me. If you put anything, any person, anything over me," He says, "you are not. You cannot be my disciple."

Let me tell you something. I love my wife. Okay. Her birthday was yesterday. She is my God. She is amazing. And my family will tell you there is nothing that I will not do to make my wife smile. There is nothing that I will not do to see to it that she's happy.

But guess what? I can't even put her above God. I love my kids. Every morning that I get to wake up and I get to see their crusty faces, it is a blessing and a privilege. But I cannot put my kids above God.

I love my job. It is a privilege that I get to stand up here and communicate the Word of God, that I get to lead a team of people, that I get to lead a church. I love my job, and even in this, even in what I do, under no circumstance can I put what I do above God.

I cannot be so busy doing things for God that I forget God. Because I'm called to be committed. Commitment means I am putting nothing above God.

I will tell my job when they hired me, "Hey, this is my life. Sunday, I ain't going to be here." And I said, "Well, you do understand that I was in hospitality. You understand that we're in hospitality and holidays and Sundays are big days for us?"

"Yeah, for you, I get that. Cool. I understand that. I appreciate that. Thank you for telling me that I will not be here. And if that affects my employment, then that just affects my employment. But I'm letting you know up front. I put nothing above God."

Why? Because I'm committed. Part of my commitment is acknowledging and relinquishing the worry and the threat. And, "Oh, what if they fired me and what if I don't get the money or not need because of the..." No, no, no. I have... I'm a committed follower of Jesus.

And because I'm a committed follower of Jesus, I know that God will take care of me. And guess what? I think He's going to honor me putting Him above my schedule, putting Him above football games, putting Him above a job, putting Him above outings and things.

He says, "I am going to put Him first. And if you cannot put me first in your life, you cannot be a disciple."

Here's the thing. You can call yourself one. You can tell people that you're a believer. You can tell them that you go to Limitless Church and that you can tell them that you know the pastor and that you love it there.

You especially in this generation and this time, you can call yourself whatever you want to call yourself. The Bible says, "Anyone who does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brother, sisters and his life, if you can't do that, if you can't put me first, you cannot be my disciple."

These people in the Bible, they weren't living easy lives. They weren't just following the culture. They weren't following the trends and doing whatever they wanted to do. They were living decisive, unrelenting, committed lives to Jesus, dedicated to Him.

Being a disciple wasn't a one-day thing for them. It wasn't just a one-day thing for them. It was a life for them.

Now, I have to ask you, as you walk into this new year, as you walk into 2024, where is your commitment to Jesus? Is this a life for you? Or is this just a Sunday thing? Is this just a "break in case of emergency" thing?

Our hearts and our actions will always determine the truth. You say what you want? "Yes, but I'm committed, Pastor. This is a life for me." Your heart and your actions will always determine the truth.

We see these great stories of people in the Bible. We see the healings. We want the freedom that they had. We want the boldness that they had. We want to see those things happen. We want the power that those people walked in.

But we cannot expect to get the results of those who gave their life if we're barely willing to give an hour and a half on a Sunday. Because if we go long, everybody's like, "Oh, hey, Pastor, hey, Pastor, you passed the preaching long today, huh?"

Because they were there for hours. They were there for hours, just listening. They were following Him. They would go to sleep, wake up, still there, just to hear the words of God.

We must be believers that are fully committed. When we gather to worship this year, when we gather to pray and hear the Word of God, it cannot be so that we can check off a box and say we did our Jesus thing.

As if going to church is going to give you more points with Jesus. It's not just the going that gives God the glory. It's what we take and do and learn from the going that honors Him.

Because if the message never leaves your ears, if it never leaves this room, if it never leaves those notes that you take, then you being here does no good. You could be at home sleeping.

It has to leave this room. James 1:22 says, "Be doers of the Word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves."

1:23 says, "For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror, for he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the one who looks into the law of liberty and perseveres, the one that's committed, the one that continues, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

James says, "When we hear the Word, and we just hear it, and we don't act on it, and we assume like, 'Oh yeah, it just works like I suppose is right, we come to church, it soaks in you and then we good.' No, he says, you're only deceiving yourself."

He says, "You are deceiving yourself. Without application, there can be no spiritual transformation. Not until you apply it, nothing's going to work."

He compares it to a mirror. A mirror shows the reality. The mirror shows the reality. It exposes what you look like, but it cannot change you.

You can look at it all day long, but it will not comb your hair. It will not brush your teeth. It will not get that crust out of your eyes. It exposes. A mirror is a call to action.

Show you what's happening. The Word works when we act on it, and we activate it by consistently doing what it says and applying it to our lives.

My sons, I send them every morning before they leave, and they get dressed. I send them to go look in the mirror. I say, "Make sure you look in the mirror before you leave."

And unfortunately, they don't like the mirror that has been placed in their room. So they want to go to the mirror in my room. So they come in the room, and you'll see them, and they'll look in, and they'll look at the outfit, and they'll do this, and they'll look at the shoes, and they'll do all of the things, and then they'll go out.

And I'll meet them in the living room, and I'll say, "Hey," and I know the answer. "Hey, did you look in the mirror?" And they'll say, "Yes, Daddy, I looked in the mirror," and I'll say, "What did you see?" And they'll say, "I forgot."

And it's obvious because I can see the things that they missed, that they would have seen had they looked in the mirror, had they looked in the mirror intently at themselves. They would have noticed the things that needed to be changed, but here's the thing.

I will send them back in the mirror and say, "Look again." Because I want them to see the things that need changing, and here's the next thing. Not only should you look again in the mirror, but now you have to do something about what you saw.

That's all it is. This is mirror time. This is mirror time. But it is up to you to do something about what you see.

I can tell you all day, "It's crossing your eyes. I can tell you all day that you got an anger problem. I can tell you all day that you need to commit to reading the Word. I can tell you all day that you need to walk in love, that you need to be more patient, that you need to be more kind."

I can tell you all day everything that's in here. It means nothing if you don't actually do something about it. But that requires commitment.

It requires commitment. I'm committed to changing. I'm committed to being better. I'm committed to being a close follower of Jesus. I'm committed to growing in my faith. I'm committed to growing in my relationship with Christ. I'm committed.

It requires commitment. We can be committed. It's all these things. We committed to sports teams despite their record. Raiders. There's 49ers. Yeah.

We can be committed every year. We're committed. We at the game. We know what time the game is. We got our paraphernalia on. We got our food ready. We got our snacks ready. When, lose, draw every year. We're there. Why? Because we're committed.

But let it be raining outside on a Sunday. You should have seen the shift from first service to second service when the heat didn't work. People text me, "Hey, did they start the kids ministry yet? Did they? What part of service did they finish worship? You know, I like to beat it for the worship. I just want to beat it for the work. Did they stop?"

Oh, but you're going to be there for kickoff for sure. Commitment. We can be committed to political parties, even though their stances don't line up with the Word of God. We're committed. Why? Because that's who we are. I'm committed.

This is what I committed to my life. We can be committed to all of these things. We can be committed to all of these things. We're committed to these brands, to the brands that we wear, despite what they stand for.

But can we be committed to the voice of God, to the Word of God, and to the ways of God, even when it's not comfortable, even when our flesh doesn't agree with it? Even when we feel discouraged, even when we feel disappointment, even when we face persecution or opposition, or we may not understand why God did something, can we still be committed?

Matthew chapter 16, Adrianna. Matthew 16, let's start in verse 24. I'm going to read this again. We read this at the beginning, but I want to read verse 25.

Actually, before we do that, let me go to Luke. I don't want to miss this. Luke chapter 14, and verse 28. See, the Lord knew what was going on too. The same thing that was happening then happens now.

Jesus preaching. He got all these crowds following him. He's got all these people following him everywhere. He's in the height of his ministry. The miracles are happening. Now we got these crowds following him.

And he asked those crowds this question in Luke. And he asked his disciples the same question he's asking us today. "What's one of you when he wants to build a watchtower for his guard does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to finish?

Otherwise, when he's laid a foundation and is unable to finish, all who will see it will begin ridiculing him saying, 'This man started to build and was not able to finish.'

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 10,000 men to encounter the one coming against him with 20,000?

Or else, if he feels he's not powerful enough while the king is still a far distance away, he sends an envoy and asks for terms of peace. So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not carefully consider the cost.

And then, for my sake, give up all his own possessions. So Jesus is like, "I'm not just asking you to be a follower of Jesus. Consider your commitment."

I'm reminded of the scripture where Jesus says, "Foxes have holes. Birds have nests, but today the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

He says, "I'm not purporting this to be easy. I'm not saying that this is the key to easy street. In fact, I'm telling you that it is going to be very difficult. So before you try to sign up, before you try to say that this is what you want to do because you're excited, because I'm feeding you, because you're seeing the miracles, because you're seeing the things that's happening, He says, consider. Count the cost. Consider your commitment."

So now it's time for me to separate the crowd followers from the true disciples. Because there's a lot of people following me because of food. A lot of people following me because of miracles.

Says, "But I'm looking for true disciples that are committed to Jesus. Not just hearers, but a people who consistently apply the word in their lives and produce fruit of the word in their lives."

And we're not talking about perfection. So I don't want you to think we're saying you ought to be perfect. The Bible talks about this constant transformation that has always taken place.

I'm talking about commitment. That despite my fall, despite the opposition, I am going to get up. And I'm going to continue along the path that I'm going. Why? Because I am committed.

No matter what, rain, sleet, snow, shine, I'm committed. I'm committed to the voice of God. I'm committed to the Word of God. And my life is committed to the ways of God. Period.

Matthew 16, Jesus says, "If anyone wishes to follow me as my disciple, you must deny himself, set aside selfless interests. Take up his cross, expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come. Follow me, believing in me, conforming to my example in living and if need be suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in me."

Here is the part. "For whoever wishes to save his life in this world will eventually lose it through death. But whoever loses his life in this world for my sake will find it."

That is life with me for all eternity. This is what we gain. When we make that commitment, when we choose to be committed followers of Jesus.

When we walk in here every Sunday and we say, "I'm here because I am committed. I'm not here for the pastor. I'm not here for the people. I'm not here for the coffee, the music. I'm here because I'm a committed follower of Jesus. And I'm willing to sacrifice everything."

And He said, "Then you will find life." Then you'll find true peace. Then you'll find true joy. Then those desires that you put down, you'll trade them for my desires.

Those aspirations that you have for your life, you'll trade them for my aspirations for your life. And you'll have eternity with me.

That says when we give up our life, we gain true life, true fulfillment, true peace, and true purpose on earth and in all eternity. That's what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

And before you commit to anything, I'm with you. I'm trying to lose 30 just like you. Before we commit to anything, before we commit to a team, before we commit to a party, before we commit to a workout plan, we must be committed to Jesus above everything.

And so I challenge you wherever you are. Maybe you say, "Hey, Pastor, I'm committed. I'm here." And maybe the commitment is that you spend more time in the Word this year.

Maybe the commitment is that you spend more time in prayer this year. Maybe the commitment is that you open your house and be a community. Spend time with people just talking about the Word.

And maybe today is the day that you say, "I am fully committing everything to Jesus." Wherever you are, let today be the day that you stand fully committed. No more halfway. No more areas of my life that I'm just going to keep to myself.

Today, I'm all in and watch what God does. I believe with all of my heart that God has placed us here, this church, these people here in this city because there is something miraculous that He wants to do in this city and the surrounding city.

I believe. I know that God does not waste time and He does not waste resources. So if He placed us here and He gave us this, it is for a reason and a purpose. There's something that He wants to do.

But the only way that we can see that come to fruition, the only way that we can see that thing manifested is when we all decide to fully commit to Him.

We don't come to church just to be here. We come to the rally to get ready for the game. We come to the huddle to get prepared for the game. It's something that He wants to do.

We see what He did with the disciples. He can do that with us. But only when we fully commit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. We believe that You've spoken today. Thank You for reminding us of what You would have us to do and being fully committed to You in every area of our lives.

God, I ask that You would expose those areas in our hearts today. Expose those areas that we need to be more committed to You in. Show us so that we may be all that You've called us to be and that we may be free to walk in all that You have for us.

We praise You. We thank You for it. In Jesus' name, amen.

I'm going to ask our ushers to come forward at this time. We're going to prepare to honor God in our giving. And I'm just simply reminded of this idea of commitment.

This is God, I'm committed. Even in my finances. Because it's easy to say, "God, I'm committed in this. I'm committed in my prayer. I'm committed in coming to church."

But to say, "God, you know what? I'm committed even in my finances." That's how I'm fully... Yes, I'm going to tithe. Yes, I'm going to give an offering. Yes, I'm going to be generous. Why? Because I'm committed, and that's what committed people do.

And I want to honor God with this. I want to be able to... God, sometimes I got to show myself, and I want to show you how committed I am. That it's not just about talking with me. It's about walking this life out.

So if you're here today and this is your very first time, we do not... This does not apply to you. But for those of you who are, this is my house. This is our time. This is our time to show God our commitment and honor Him with our giving.

The three ways to give is always the QR code in front of you, online at Limitless Woodland, or if you're online right now and you want to give, text the word "give" G-I-V-E to 833-879-0161.

I'm going to pray right now because we believe here that we shouldn't be givers who just give out of compulsion. But we believe that God speaks to us about what we should give and then we move in obedience.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you will speak to your people right now. That we would honor you with our giving today, God. Speak to us on what it is that we need to give. Thank you for allowing us an opportunity to trust you in this area and that we will move in obedience.

In Jesus' name, amen. God bless you as you give.

Ushers will pass the offering bucket. Once that offering bucket has passed you, would you do me a favor and just stand? Limitless, would you stretch your hands toward your offering?

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity that we have had today to honor you in the area of our finances. Another opportunity to show our commitment to you.

God, I pray for those who gave today. First, I pray for those who had a desire to give but couldn't. God, I ask that you would still bless them. Those who gave out of the little that they had, God. Would you honor them for their faithfulness today, God?

Those who heard you today, heard what you said and gave out of obedience, God. I pray that you would bless them, that it would be a pressed down, shaken together, and running over in their lives, God.

Thank you for this seed. We believe Limitless Church is good ground. We sow this seed in good ground. We command it to go to multiply and to do what you have set it forth to do.

We thank you for it in Jesus' name. Amen.

I'm going to have the altar team come forward at this time as we prepare to close. I just have one call today. And that is this. If you never made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, what better way to start out the year?

What better way to start the first Sunday of the year? Remember, we've talked about commitments this whole service. The best commitment that you can make is the commitment to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life.

So if you haven't done that, you say, "Hey, I want to move from God being that emergency and case of emergency. I want to move from that, that I just do this on Sundays. I want to make Him Lord."

If that's you today, then I want to offer you the opportunity to receive Christ as Lord of your life. You said, "If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, you shall be saved."

It's the idea of moving Him to Lord of everything, of my decisions, of my actions. I want to line my life up with the Word of God, the will of God, and the ways of God.

I want to accept Christ as Lord of my life. If that's you today, then I want to offer you the opportunity and move from belief to confession. It's an opportunity to come down and say, "Hey, I'm making Jesus Lord of my life," and for us to walk with you through that.

This will be the best decision that you can ever make, and it will change your life forever. Change your life forever.

So I don't want to leave this place without offering you this opportunity, especially this Sunday. So if you're here today, you've never made Jesus Christ Lord of your life, don't just walk out this door today. Get down here and get what God has for you.

Get what God has for you. I promise you, you will never regret this decision.

Next week we begin our series, Welcome to Church. We're excited for that. I ask that you guys to be here and bring somebody with you. Go in the back, grab an invite card.

Our new membership class, sign up for that. We have our registration started for our new small groups and baptism. We celebrate baptisms here. This church baptism is coming up.

Go back to the table. Go to the QR code on the seat pocket in front of you and sign up for any of those things. I love you. Welcome to 2024 and don't forget, guys, what? God bless.

1) "We cannot expect the outcome of our lives to be different if the condition of our heart is still the same." [01:01:43] (Download)

2) "This is what being a Christian is truly about. We have to be fully committed to the cause of Christ. It's a heart condition." [01:02:13] (Download)

3) "A mirror is a call to action. The Word works when we act on it, and we activate it by consistently doing what it says and applying it to our lives." [01:19:42] (Download)

4) "We can be committed to sports teams, political parties, and brands, but can we be committed to the voice of God, to the word of God, and to the ways of God, even when it's not comfortable?" [01:24:10] (Download)

5) "So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not carefully consider the cost. And then, for my sake, give up all his own possessions." [01:26:11] (Download)

6) "I'm committed to the voice of God. I'm committed to the Word of God. And my life is committed to the ways of God. Period." [01:29:19] (Download)

7) "When we make that commitment, when we choose to be committed followers of Jesus... then you will find life. That is life with me for all eternity." [01:30:34] (Download)

8) "Before we commit to anything, we must be committed to Jesus above everything." [01:32:17] (Download)

9) "I'm a committed follower of Jesus. And because I'm a committed follower of Jesus, I know that God will take care of me." [01:12:45] (Download)

10) "Without application, there can be no spiritual transformation. Not until you apply it, nothing's going to work." [01:18:32] (Download)