{"id":200,"date":"2018-11-07T11:25:51","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T19:25:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/migrate.bettersermons.org\/?p=200"},"modified":"2020-06-01T11:40:41","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:40:41","slug":"is-this-really-the-right-road","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/is-this-really-the-right-road\/","title":{"rendered":"Is This Really the Right Road?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Is This Really the Right Road?<\/span><\/div>\n

\".\"
\nBeing a follower of God requires faith, patience, and perseverance. Even when we are disoriented and confused, our best hope is to continue on the path He has chosen for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I.<\/strong><\/td>\nIntroduction<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nReader\u2019s Digest story: A soldier in the army was driving a big vehicle to a new location. He pulled up at \u201cCheckpoint Charlie\u201d and exploded to the MP at the gate. \u201cThis bozo behind me is driving like a maniac! Going too fast, cutting corners, clipping hedges. Plus he\u2019s been tailgating me for the past 20 miles.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe hopes the sentry will go back and shoot the guy \u2013 or, at a minimum, issue a general court-martial.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe sentry looks hard at the second truck, trying to see what kind of idiot is driving the thing. \u201cSir, you\u2019re towing that vehicle.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nOh. Never mind.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nJOKE: A young lady is driving in unfamiliar snow country, in a blinding white-out storm. No chains, visibility five feet, a winding road. She remembers that her grandpa had said: \u201cFind a snowplow and just stay right behind him. Their big snow tires will carve out a path for you; also, they have those piercing headlights.\u201d She spots one and jumps right behind him, turning where he turns, keeping at his speed. The road is more winding than she remembers, but she gamely follows close behind. Suddenly he stops; the driver comes back to where she is parked. \u201cLady, what in the world are you doing? Are you with the FBI or something?\u201d She explains her grandpa\u2019s theory.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind if I just follow you.\u201d He shrugs.\u00a0 \u201cSuit yourself. I\u2019m done clearing the Wal-Mart parking lot; now I\u2019m heading over to Albertson\u2019s. Be my guest.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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II.<\/strong><\/td>\nWhat is it Like to Follow?<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nWhat did it mean for Matthew, Peter, James, John to be Jesus\u2019 disciples and follow Him?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThese men were not \u201ctowed\u201d; they had to voluntarily leave fishing nets, tax books, other interests and obediently swing into line behind this new Leader.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThis was a monumental decision, a make-or-break moment for each of them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nSometimes those of us who have been on the Christian freeway for half a century forget what it\u2019s like to be a new member, just merging onto the highway to heaven, looking for the lead car in the caravan.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nSome things that are instinctive for saints, a new Christian has to really think about on a daily basis.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nWhere is Jesus taking us?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWhat direction is the church leading us toward?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nWhat do I do now with this temptation or that fork in the road or some certain lifestyle choice?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nWhat happens in the physical act of following?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nYou\u2019re in the woods on a church hike<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nYou don\u2019t know the way; this is unfamiliar terrain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThe person who knows the way leads . . . you follow<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nWhat does that mean? What do you do?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nPeter writes in his first epistle about pain and suffering Christians endure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHow should we respond?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nTo this [suffering] you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.<\/em>\u00a0(2:21)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nSometimes others in our church community go through hurts and trials we don\u2019t know anything about<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nPeople with emotional burnout<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nPeople with moms in the ICU unit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nPeople waiting for a critical diagnosis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nPeople whose children are experiencing trauma<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nWe want to say to those struggling: \u201cWe love you. This is your family. Come here to church and let us love and care for you.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nAt the same time, the Bible tells us there\u00a0will<\/em>\u00a0be problems and hard times landing in our laps<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWe follow Jesus by dealing with them cheerfully<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nD.<\/td>\nIf we think, \u201cI\u2019ve already had my share of troubles; I\u2019ve already robustly fulfilled this verse,\u201d check the context of Peter\u2019s essay.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe\u2019s writing about slavery!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIn that culture people had slaves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nSome of those Peter writes to actually were born-again slaves at that moment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe writes: \u201cHang in there. Jesus suffered unjust pain, undeserved rebukes, unfair criticisms.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nEven if you\u2019re a slave \u2013 which is wrong, evil, wicked \u2013 just keep smiling and know that one of these days you\u2019ll be set free and live in a mansion.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nActually, even now, your master is a slave to sin and you\u2019re free in Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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III.<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Footprints of Jesus<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nPicture His footprints; how do we follow in them?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIn the woods and it\u2019s dark and forbidding, you stay as close to the leader as you can<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nYou don\u2019t lag behind and let 300 yards separate you<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nYou maybe even hang on to his shirttail<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nIf you\u2019re crossing a dangerous river, you even see where he puts his feet and you put yours there too<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nYou keep him within visual range all the time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nIsn\u2019t this our goal as we follow Jesus?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nWe keep Him in our sights daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nLet\u2019s get past the idea that Sabbath is Jesus\u2019 day and that this church is our little \u201cGod location\u201d and that this one hour is our weekly \u201cGod shot.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWe need to see our Savior moving before us, and we need to make that something we do seven days a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nHow do we keep Jesus in view?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nSome ways are natural and easy, others hard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nSome involve going out of our way to be able to visualize the life and practices and example of Jesus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIf you have a 30-minute commute, and you spend ten of those minutes listening to a Scripture-narration CD instead of the morning news, that\u2019s a new hard thing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nPop music is easy; Christian songs are hard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nIn the evening, TV is easy; reading your kids a Bible story is hard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nBut if you want an on-fire life, a passion for the kingdom of God, you can\u2019t get that in just one hour a week at church.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nSo often in this treacherous journey to heaven, we might not look up at our Guide for days or even weeks!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThat\u2019s not safe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nI\u2019ve done it; you\u2019ve done it \u2013 but we\u2019re being shortsighted when we purposely or carelessly go the secular way.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nPeter: \u201cFollow in Jesus\u2019 footsteps. Put your feet where His were. Do what He does.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPeter himself learned the only way that this is the only way to proceed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nEyes on Jesus every single day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nJesus trusted in God and humbled Himself; Peter was a show-off and sank like a stone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nJesus was faithful unto death; Peter ran out of Gethsemane like a scared rabbit and denied Jesus three times<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nNot until after Calvary did Peter decide to just do what Jesus did, even if it involved a second crucifixion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nD.<\/td>\nOne practical way to follow: C. S. Lewis in\u00a0Mere Christianity<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe advises the Christian follower: \u201cPut your beliefs in front of you each day.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nLook at Jesus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nLook at what you believe about Him<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nLook at the doctrines of the church<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nRead the Bible to discover how Jesus lived, spoke, acted, treated people<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nE.<\/td>\nAn investor reads something about market forces and trends almost every day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIt\u2019s even more important if you\u2019re investing in heavenly real estate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nEducating your soul and mind in the ways of Jesus needs to be a daily thing if you want to be a passionate believer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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IV.<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Lord’s Supper<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nHere is a divine act where Jesus shows His disciples key principles of the Christian faith<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPut others first<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThink of yourself as a servant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nDon\u2019t keep score<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nDon\u2019t have a pecking order<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nTake in the body and blood of your Savior<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nJohn 13:12-15:\u00a0When Jesus had finished washing their feet, He put on His clothes and returned to His place. \u201cDo you understand what I have done for you?\u201d He asked. \u201cYou call me \u2018Teacher\u2019 and \u2018Lord,\u2019 and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another\u2019s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you<\/em>.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\n\u201cAn example of love\u201d says another version<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nMessage<\/em>\u00a0paraphrase: \u201cI\u2019ve laid down a pattern for you\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nThe disciples thought it would demean them to wash even the feet of their peers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJesus is proportionally higher above us more than anybody here is higher than the poorest, loneliest, most uneducated, broken-down, beaten-down, sinful person on any skid row within 50 miles of this church<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nAnd yet Jesus was a servant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe invites us to just watch, to contemplate, to \u201cget\u201d the message<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nEvery time we wash feet and take bread and wine, we are opening up our eyes to the realities of how Jesus works and does His ministry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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V.<\/strong><\/td>\nFollowing “Completely”<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nAn Old Testament verse, I Kings 11:6, is both bad and good news<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nSo Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord COMPLETELY, as David his father had done.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhat does \u201cfollowing completely\u201d mean?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nClosely; you stay as close to the pattern as you can<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThank God He loves us despite the wide gap that exists, but the pattern or goal is: follow in all details.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nWe follow steadily \u2013 no detours down this road or that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nYou stay on your Guide\u2019s heels all the time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nPeople wear WWJD bracelets now; it\u2019s kind of trite<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nBut if something around your wrist would really jolt you several times a day, so you ask: \u201cWhat\u00a0Would<\/em>\u00a0Jesus Do?\u201d, with the point being to \u201cgo thou and do likewise,\u201d more power to you!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWe aren\u2019t a church where we wear little gold crosses around our necks, but if it made us into truly focused followers, we would probably buy them out of our church budget.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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VI.<\/strong><\/td>\nListen to the Guide<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nWith many of you, I\u2019ve learned to listen when you speak<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nWhen (Mr. X) speaks on (topic), I know to pay attention!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhen (Miss Y) shares her thoughts on (topic,) I\u2019ve learned it\u2019s worth hearing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIf there\u2019s a difference of opinion, she\u2019s probably right and I\u2019m wrong<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nSome of you know so well how to draw people together, to temper and refine our ideas and suggestions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThere\u2019s an abundance of collective spiritual wisdom here right now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nMany times in my life (both hiking and spiritually) a mentor has said to me, \u201cStep over here; it\u2019ll go better.\u201d Or: \u201cWatch out for that overhang. With this warm sun, there could be rattlesnakes up there.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nWhen we have good guides, we should seriously heed what they have to say<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nOld advertising line: \u201cWhen E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nAt this church we need to cultivate an attitude of wanting to hear from Jesus<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nBeing hungry to know His will and His plan for us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nKing David, despite his public failings, is still described in that OT verse as a leader who followed his Lord \u201ccompletely.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nEven when he committed grievous sins, through his tears of repentance, he still held onto the goal of totally following God.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nPsalm 119:116: I wait for Your salvation, O Lord, and I follow Your commands.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
VII.<\/strong><\/td>\nTwo Hard Aspects of Following<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nThese are even difficult and even distasteful \u2013 especially when you\u2019re out there and it begins to rain and it\u2019s cold and dark and discouraging<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nFIRST, when the person at the head of the line begins to take you down a path you just plain don\u2019t want to walk on<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nRapids are really roaring through that ravine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nYou\u2019re sure you\u2019ll slip and drown<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nLeader: \u201cWell, this is where we go.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nWhat?! Not here! No way, man. This is not good.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nUh, boss, we\u2019d rather go up the slope a ways and try to cross there.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nGuide: \u201cNo. This is the place. I\u2019ve been here before; this is the right path.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nWhat do you do?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nThis happens on a daily basis for most of us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nYou\u2019re going to sense this moment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nGod calls us to a hard road and we don\u2019t want to go<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nIsaiah 30:21:\u00a0This is the way; walk ye in it.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nThis \u201cway\u201d involves financial sacrifice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nOr a good deed you\u2019d rather skip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nForgiving someone \u2013 and you don\u2019t want to<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nReturning good for evil<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nComing to church on a hot, or cold, or rainy, or sleepy, or World-Soccer-Cup-on-TV Sabbath morning.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nSTORY: On Everest, May 15, 2006, David Sharp was a dying hiker. Dozens of people just went past him and cruised to the summit. Italian climbers went by, claiming they didn\u2019t English \u2013 it turns out they did. There was no chance they would risk oxygen bottles and their $65,000 climbing fee to jeopardize their own selfish adventure. A couple weeks later, an Australian climber named Lincoln Hall was perishing in the death zone; two athletes plus their guide, Dan Mazur, just hours from the top, sacrificed their own dream of a lifetime to save a life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThey did the right thing even though it was costly\u00a0 beyond comprehension<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe world hails them as heroes, but there was an agonizing moment when they were called to an ethical road that was painfully hard to walk on.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nD.<\/td>\nWhen that kind of tough choice comes to us, let\u2019s move ahead in confidence, knowing that when Jesus calls us to a hard path, it\u2019s the right hard path.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nE.<\/td>\nDilemma #2: what if we\u2019re not even sure this is the right path<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nWhat if we begin to lose confidence that our Guide is even right?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nJesus heads off in a certain direction; it\u2019s dark over there<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nWe can\u2019t see where the trail comes out<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nTrue, Jesus\u2019 leadership has been all right up till now, but everyone makes mistakes sooner or later.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThis has got to be the wrong trail; do we speak up or simply park by the side of the road or what?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nThis is the great dilemma of being a Christian: we don\u2019t know all things.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThere are hard matters in the Bible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThere are issues we can\u2019t sort out<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThere are new scientific discoveries and new trends in society that make holding onto the Word of God an increasingly hard thing to do.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nKevin Phillips, historian, political scientists, author of American Theocracy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThrough the centuries, he portrays religion as a twisted, benighted, evil force ruining one society after another<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nPeople who believe in the Bible invariably \u201creject science\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThey try to tell everybody else what to do<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nThey end up trying to take over the world<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nThey\u2019re all followers of Pat Robertson, plotting to shred the U.S. Constitution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nf.<\/td>\nAfter reading from ad admittedly brilliant author, you begin to say: \u201cMan, am I just being suckered in here? Am I part of a local yokel Bible belt nut-case cult?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nF.<\/td>\nWhat do we do . . .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nWhen there are things we don\u2019t understand?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhen there are beliefs that are unclear?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nWhen there are principles our finite minds cannot completely sort out?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nG.<\/td>\nDo we dare to keep following God when our own moral equilibrium is confused and out of whack and we don\u2019t know which way is up?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nAirplane pilots get \u201cvertigo\u201d; their sense of balance completely deserts them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nDown feels like up and up feels like a plummeting nose dive<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThe instrument panel says they\u2019re level, but the fluids in the inner ear are screaming, \u201cPull out! Pull out! You\u2019re diving into a mountain!\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nDo we keep trusting those instruments? Or that leader in the control tower?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
VIII.<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Experience of Job<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nIn the Old Testament, Job loved God and God loved Job<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJob often saw the loving hand of God<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe experienced God\u2019s protection, blessings, guidance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nOne day his world suddenly caved in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nEveryone he loved died; his crops were wiped out<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe didn\u2019t know God and Lucifer were playing a huge, hidden game of cosmic chess and Job was one of the main pieces on the board.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe didn\u2019t know what God was doing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nIt looked like God had pushed him, not onto a bad road, but right into the ditch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nJob\u2019s three secular, cynical friends posed a question: Should you keep following a Leader who seems to be lost Himself?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nThis story is one of the Bible\u2019s greatest sagas of followership<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJob 19:25, 13:15:\u00a0I know my Redeemer lives. I know I\u2019ll dwell with Him someday. In the meantime, \u201cThough He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.\u201d<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nNot just when the Guide\u2019s leading seemed wrong, but when it seemed nonexistent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nJob didn\u2019t understand these trials<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe had no clue that God and Satan were dueling over him<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nHe didn\u2019t know he was part of the focal conflict of all the ages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nHe just knew he was covered with boils and had recently buried all seven sons and three daughters in a mass funeral service<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nDespite his lack of understanding, even though the moral landscape was as black as midnight,\u00a0Job kept on following.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
IX.<\/strong><\/td>\nPeter and Jesus by Galilee<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nAt the end of the book of John, Jesus tells Peter how his life and ministry will end<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPeter will end up on a cross like his beloved Master<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThat is okay; Peter is finally ready to be a complete follower<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe\u2019s still a nosy guy; he likes to know about everybody\u2019s business, not just his own<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe asks Jesus, \u201cUh, how will John end up? Since You know everybody\u2019s future?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nJesus says to His friend, kindly but firmly, \u201cI\u2019ve got news for you; that\u2019s none of your business. That\u2019s not for you to know.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nKing James:\u00a0What is that to thee?<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThen these three words: FOLLOW THOU ME.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
X.<\/strong><\/td>\nChallenge<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nBe a follower of Jesus under all circumstances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nGood roads and hard roads<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhen it makes sense and when it doesn\u2019t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nWhen your Bible questions get answered and when they don\u2019t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nOn good Sabbaths at church and on lackluster ones<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nWhen things go well and when they don\u2019t<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nListen, Jesus has proved Himself enough for everybody here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIf for some reason, you feel He hasn\u2019t blessed you much lately, He\u2019s blessed one of your brothers or sisters here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe has blessed me plenty; I can tell you that!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe\u2019s been right enough times that I have made a permanent, irrevocable, everlasting decision that I believe He is right 100% of the time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nOne of the longest poems in the world is by H. M. S. Richards, Sr., of the Voice of Prophecy radio program<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nOn every program he finished with a new set of lines<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHere is one for us:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHave faith in God when storms clouds fill your day. Have faith in God when you can\u2019t see the way. Have faith in God; He promises to stay. Have faith, dear friend, in God.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Submitted by David B. Smith. Better Sermons \u00a9 2005-2007. Click here for<\/span>\u00a0usage guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is This Really the Right Road? Being a follower of God requires faith, patience, and perseverance. Even when we are disoriented and confused, our best hope is to continue on …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=200"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":201,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/200\/revisions\/201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}