1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW JESUS? Luke 9. 18-25, 57-62 Acts 4.13.

2. Misconceptions of following Jesus It means : believing in Jesus reading the Bible praying to Jesus going to church These involve following Jesus but just doing them doesn’t make you a follower of Jesus.

3. Jesus called people to follow Him not to believe in Him
Jesus called people to follow Him not to believe in Him. Following involves action and submission. Jesus becomes my leader and I do what He says Many “believe” in Jesus today but there is little change in their lives.

4. In the New Testament all believers were called disciples
In the New Testament all believers were called disciples. Today it is possible to be a Christian yet not be a disciple. Would you call yourself a disciple of Jesus? Are you a fan of Jesus or a follower of Jesus?

5. A follower of Jesus is a fanatic about Jesus “so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (Colossians 1. 18) For a follower of Jesus, Jesus is the centre of everything. Is Jesus the centre of our lives?

6. The Meaning of following Jesus We needn’t guess, it is clearly explained. It is described after Peter’s confession Believing in Jesus is the first step to following Jesus. Believing in Jesus is not the goal but the start of the journey of following Jesus

7. Peter thought it was okay to do what he wanted rather than what God wanted. Following Jesus primarily means not doing what I want but doing what Jesus wants. It is the way for every Christian. “Deny himself” “ you must turn from your selfish ways” - renounce my rights and plans

8. “Take up his cross daily” the dying of my old life with Christ to experience His risen life. “Follow me” It means living in the power of Christ’s resurrection life. Following Jesus is dying to what I want to do in my own strength and living for what Jesus wants me to do in His strength.

9. The Cost of following Jesus Following Jesus is more important than physical comforts and material possessions Following Jesus means my relationship to Him is more important than any other. Following Jesus is more important than any other commitment. Its for life with no looking back.

10. The Result of Following Jesus We are saved from a selfish life in ourselves to experience a satisfied life in Jesus.(v24) “they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4.13) We begin to live and look like Jesus.