Question and answer: “Will following Jesus Christ be easy and what does it involve?”

To follow in the footsteps of Jesus will be difficult - there will be trials and discouragements. BUT the rewards are out of this world! Jesus has all authority, after all, He conquered sin, death and the devil, and He gives us abundant help in time of need. He is the head of the body, and He will come back for us, the spotless and powerful bride of Christ! Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 5:27, Revelation 21:2, 9.

Luke 9:23 ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, (Jesus) let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me’

After a diamond is brought from the ground, it has to be washed, cut and polished. It has to be changed so the light will reflect the beauty of the stone. After it has been worked on, it becomes much more valuable than before. We also are a bit rough round the sides! We were dirty but the blood of Jesus has made us clean, John 17:17, 1 Timothy 4:5, Hebrews 10:22, Revelation 1:5. The Lord may call us into a very hard situation to pray and be faithful. It is during these times that we are washed, cut and polished to be more like Christ.

Wisdom: God is the Master Potter and we are His clay. Allow Him to mould you daily into His image Jeremiah 18:1-6, 29:11-13.

A disciple should be led by the Holy Spirit. Obey God’s Word and the Holy Spirit will lead you into His plan for you. Regularly pray, read your Bible and fellowship with other believers. Mature believers will help you learn more about following Jesus. A disciple is not someone who can pass a theological test on paper, but a person who obeys the leading of the Holy Spirit. Their prayer is, “Here I am Lord, use me!” Isaiah 6:8.

Fact: You can go as deep and as far with God as you choose to.

Enoch walked with God, Genesis 5:24. Moses was desperate to see God’s glory, Exodus 33:18. Peter’s shadow healed the sick! Acts 5:15. God worked unusual miracles by the hand of Paul, Acts 19:11. There is always more to learn about the ways of God. Nobody has arrived or got all the answers.

Think: Will you pay the price to become a real disciple of Jesus?

More Info: Psalm 119:67,68, Lamentations 3:33, Matthew 5:13-16, Luke 9:23-26, 16:10, Romans 5:3-5, 2 Corinthians 1:8,9, Hebrews 2:4,12:11, James 1:2-4, Revelation 3:19-20.

Visit the interactive version of this course online. www.byfaith.co.uk © 2003 ByFaith Media.