Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
November 3, 2019

The Commitment Involved in Following Jesus
by Bryan Gibson
Could it be that we’re like the men Jesus met in Luke 9, who had a desire to follow Him, but didn’t understand the commitment involved (Luke 9:57-62). The following points should help us better understand what Jesus expects from us.
We cannot follow Jesus until we have crucified or denied ourselves (Matthew 16:24-25)—until we are willing to say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in Me” (Galatians 2:20). The decision we make goes something like this: “I will no longer live according to the flesh (Galatians 5:24), nor according to the standards of the world (Galatians 6:14); I will instead live for the One who died for me” (2 Corinthians 5:15).
We cannot follow Him until we are willing to surrender all—time, talents, money, and yes, even our very lives. Need some good examples? 1) Dorcas, who used her talent for sewing to make garments for widows (Acts 9:36-39). 2) The Macedonian Christians, who gave generously, because “they first gave themselves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). 3) Epaphroditus, who risked his life to supply the needs of Paul (Philippians 2:29-30). 4) Epaphras, who spent considerable time praying for his brethren (Colossians 4:12). 5) The apostle Paul, who was willing “to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). Let’s give Jesus all we’ve got, because that’s exactly what He does for us (Romans 8:31-32). “Were the whole realm of nature mine—that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all” (When I Survey the Wondrous Cross).
We must follow Him, no matter who may be opposed, no matter who we may have to leave behind, no matter what they may say or do to us. In standing for Jesus, we may have to stand against our friends and loved ones (Matthew 10:34-37; Luke 14:26). If their praise and acceptance means more than the praise and acceptance of Jesus, we will never be true disciples (John 9:18-22; 12:42-43).
We must follow Him daily—not occasionally, not just when we feel like it, not just when it’s agreeable to us. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Look through the New Testament and see how many times you see these words and phrases connected with our service to Jesus: daily, night and day, diligently, often, and always. Jesus doesn’t take a day off from serving me (Hebrews 7:25), so why should I take a day off from serving Him?
We must “follow the Lamb wherever He goes,” which is exactly what is said of the faithful in Revelation 14:4. In other words, we follow Him wherever His word leads us, no matter what it may require of us. If we follow Jesus wherever He goes, we will end up in heaven, because that’s exactly where He is now (John 12:26; 14:3).
We must follow Him NOW! When Jesus asked Peter, Andrew, James and John to follow Him, they immediately left what they were doing and followed Him (Matthew 4:18-22). Let’s not make the same mistake that others did by saying, “Let me FIRST go and...” (Luke 9:59-61). Jesus is not someone we should put off.

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Study 9:00 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Training Class 5:00 P.M.
Worship 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.