3-9-14 From Consumer to Follower

Welcome to the beginning of Day Light Saving Time, and I hope you got enough sleep today!  It was so great to have pastor Frank with us last week.  If you weren’t here, you can catch his sermon on our website.  As I was listening to pastor Frank I was once again reminded of the message that I carry as a Christian.  Yes, we want to share with others the benefits and the blessings of being a Christian, but there will come a time when we just have to preach the message of the cross.  Even though we can choose other parts of the gospel message that are more pleasing and possibly more helpful, there is no denying our central message is the cross – the cost of following Jesus.

You know, many have commented that following the teachings of Christ has lots of benefits — financial security, relational stability, moral standards.  Those are all nice things to have but at some point, being a Christian will cost you something.  You’ll feel a nudge to start, stop, get out of, or maybe go somewhere.  What will you do then?  Your decision determines whether you can make the ultimate transition that every Christian must make at some point – from consumer to follower.

Moving Forward

If you’re a consumer Christian, looking to Jesus for what he can do for you, that’s okay.  That’s where everyone’s Christian faith begins.  But Jesus calls you to follow him.  Doing so will cost you—in career, money, status, or relationships.  The thing is, whatever it costs you is something you’re going to lose anyway.  Death eventually separates you from everything you work so hard to get and protect.  But following Jesus gives you a life of meaning, purpose, and contentment.

Discussion Questions

1. Do you think you’re a consumer Christian or a follower of Jesus? Why?

2. What do you worry most about losing if you follow Jesus?

3. Has following Jesus ever cost you anything? Explain.

4. Read Mark 8:36. Jesus’ wisdom seems self-evident, so why is it so difficult to live out?

5. What parts of your life do you think would change the most if you began following Jesus?