Dare to be a Disciple

Denying Yourself (English) 9.17.23

Pastor Joe Dietrich
Jesus, at the height of his ministry, was the original influencer. People could not get enough of him. They followed him, not on their phone, but in person. They sat and listened to him for hours. Then they sought him out again and again to hear his latest bits of wisdom. Mark records the sound bite, the lead of the news story. Deny yourself. Jesus is as serious as life and death, eternal salvation and separation from God forever. You need to deny yourself if you dare to be a disciple.
Sunday, September 17, 2023

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Dare to be a Disciple

Have you ever wondered how many people Jesus approached and said, “Follow me”? Remember those he called as he walked along the Sea of Galilee? The brothers Peter and Andrew heard and accepted his invitation leaving their fishing nets. Shortly after James and John walked away from their father in his boat to walk with Jesus. Not everyone was so eager to be a disciple of Jesus. The rich young man was curious to be with Jesus until he was told he needed to sell all his possessions. Another could not walk away from family without saying good bye. There is a cost involved with following Jesus. The Savior is aware of the challenges being a student of the Master Teacher brings. He often explained the hardships, hostility, and even hatred his students would encounter. Yet he continued to say, “Follow me.” In the weeks ahead Jesus invites us to do just that and dare to be his disciple.