No one likes to be told what to do. The human in us wants to be in control. But is that the best way to live? Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt wraps up our series, “Analog Faith,” with a message that may step on your toes and challenge your thinking but promises to equip you to live the life of faith God promised.
Notes 📓✏️:
Customizing Your Cross – Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt
Colossians 1:28 (Msg) – “We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.”
It’s like any sport… Learn and practice the fundamentals.
This fundamental is truth is “Becoming a Follower”
When I say follower, it means… An understanding you are not in charge.
We like to be in charge.
Nowadays there is a cultural emphasis on being “Authentic”
Bob Goff – “Our problem following Jesus is we’re trying to be a better [and more authentic] version of us, rather than a more accurate reflection of Him.”
Being an authentic Christ-follower is to understand that Jesus is your Forgiver (Savior) and Leader (Lord).
Romans 10:9 (NLT) – “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Do you know that the Bible refers to Jesus as…
“Savior” 37 times
“Lord” 775 times
Lord means…
“Complete Owner”
“Absolute Master”
“He who has claim to unrestricted obedience.”
“You are not the boss of me!”
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) – “And He said to all, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
What is your most embarrassing experience?
Luke 7:36-39 (NLT) – “One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to come to his home for a meal, so Jesus accepted the invitation and sat down to eat. A certain immoral woman heard He was there and brought a beautiful jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping. Her tears fell on His feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing His feet and putting perfume on them. When the Pharisee who was the host saw what was happening and who the woman was, he said to himself, “This proves that Jesus is no prophet. If God had really sent Him, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him. She’s a sinner!”
Luke 6:46 (NLT) – “So why do you keep calling Me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?”
Before we know it, our cross has been customized to shape our comfort.
“I am a follower. I am not in charge.”
Philippians 2:13 (NLT) – “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”
John 10:10b (NIV) – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Following Jesus unlocks a fulfilling life.
“God, today I choose to follow you. Help me!”
What do you need prayer for today?
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- What is a powerful truth that you have learned about the basics in this series, Analog Faith?
- When we are a Christ follower our lives should reflect us becoming more like Jesus. What are some practical ways we can ensure we reflect Christ in our lives?
- In what ways have you tried to customize the cross and hang on to certain areas of your life?
- What can we do to remain desperate like the women in Luke 7 to find Jesus and allow Him to be our Savior and Lord?