First Baptist Asheville Youth

The choir has had a great start! They left Franklin, VA this morning and traveled to Culpepper, VA today, to sing in a retirement center, and are on their way to Baltimore, MD. They will be singing the National Anthem tonight at the Orioles-Mets game that starts at 7:00pm. Pictures will be posted soon!

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

Remember

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me, no turning back.

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught.

Whatever I do, wherever I be,

Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, by his own hand, he leadeth me.

His faithful follower I would be,

For by his hand he leadeth me.

Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back.

Read

Philippians 2: 5-11

Reflect

Do you have any nicknames? What is your unique trademark or what are you known for? What words do people use to describe you? What words would you want them to use to describe you?

Consider

We discussed a couple of weeks ago in choir rehearsal that your generation of Christians does not like to be known as “Christians.” Studies have shown that the majority of Christians under the age of 25 in America want to be known as “followers of Jesus.” Why do you think that is?

For someone to earn the description, “follower of Jesus” they have to be like Jesus. Just like fans or followers of a sports team wear jerseys and colors so that they look like their heroes, a follower of Jesus has to be like Him. It is only right to assume then, that a follower of Jesus would be someone who loves every person, no matter what. A follower of Jesus would be someone who tries to help meet the needs of people, especially those who are mistreated by others. A follower of Jesus would go to church and worship God with others. A follower of Jesus would want more than anything else to please God with how they live their lives. A follower of Jesus would pursue passionately God’s plan for their life.

It is a good thing that young Christians want to be known as followers of Jesus. Evidently, they want to be more than “believers in Jesus” or “admirers of Jesus.” They are interested in being more than “students of Jesus” or “authorities on Jesus.” They are not satisfied with simply being identified with “the religion of Christianity.” They want to be seen as people who talk like Jesus, who think like Jesus, who love like Jesus and who live like Jesus. They have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back.

Pray

Pray for God to let you know the reality of Jesus. Ask God to help you learn about Jesus through studying the Bible and observing other people who you know follow Jesus. Seek God’s Spirit of courage to follow Jesus, even though it might sometimes feel like none go with you.

Labels: Choir, DC09 Tour, FBCA, Youth