Fan or Follower: What It Means To Be A “Christian” - Week 1

Fan or Follower: What It Means To Be A “Christian” Week 1: Repentance and Dying to Ourselves Week 2: Apprenticeship to Jesus Week 3: Raising Up Future Leaders and Generations Week 4: Living on Earth as in Heaven Big Idea: An authentic believer matures into a disciple. A fan can mature to a follower. Week 1: “Crossroads: Embracing Self-Denial and Repentance” Theme: Repentance and Dying to Ourselves   Main Scripture Passages: Luke 9:23-24 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'" Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." 1. The Call to Deny Ourselves (Luke 9:23) 2. Taking Up Our Cross Daily (Luke 9:23) 3. Losing Our Life to Save It (Luke 9:24) 4. Repentance Leading to Refreshing (Acts 3:19) What Is a “Christian”? – A believer of Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of their lives, who repents of sin, follows Him and attempts (to the best of their abilities) to live out His teachings and commands. ***(i.e. those who HEAR, BELIEVE, REPENT, and FOLLOW.) Romans 10:9-10 + Mark 1:15-18*** Conclusion Denying Ourselves: Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, which means to set aside personal desires and ambitions in favor of God's will. It involves a conscious choice to prioritize Christ above one's own interests. Taking Up Our Cross: Taking up our cross symbolizes embracing the challenges, sacrifices, and suffering that come with following Jesus. It represents a commitment to live according to His teachings, even in the face of hardship. Losing Our Life to Save It: Jesus teaches that those who cling to their own life and desires will ultimately lose it, while those who are willing to give up their lives for His sake will find true life. This paradox highlights the transformative nature of surrendering to Jesus. Repentance Leading to Refreshing: Repentance involves a genuine turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is through repentance that sins are forgiven ("blotted out"), leading to spiritual renewal and refreshing. This refreshing comes as believers experience renewed joy and peace in the presence of the Lord. How To Apply This To Our Lives? Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing: Following Jesus requires self-denial, accepting challenges, and embracing a life of sacrifice for His sake. Transformation Through Surrender: True life is found by losing one's own desires in favor of following Jesus. Repentance and Renewal: Genuine repentance brings about forgiveness and spiritual refreshing, revitalizing the believer’s relationship with God.