Today's Sermon:
Designed for Discipleship

Committed Discipleship- We are committed to “a long obedience in the same direction.” That is, we will never be content with our present level of sanctification, but will continually, passionately seek greater conformity to the image of Christ. Providing a growth climate for mature, wholehearted, fervent disciples of Christ will be at the core of our existence, as we teach, train, and equip that believers may grow in personal holiness.

I. Radical Message- Vs. 14-15

“The arrest of John and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry are intentionally correlated to show that the gospel is proclaimed and known in adversity and suffering, not in ease and comfort. Jesus’ announcement of “good news” (1:14) in the immediate context of the arrest and eventual execution of righteous John epitomizes Mark’s presentation of the gospel. The Baptizer is the forerunner of Jesus not only in his message but also in his fate, which includes suffering and death. And the Baptizer is not a prototype for Jesus alone…John’s arrest and execution set a standard for disciples of Jesus as well.”
-James Edwards

II. Radical Call- Vs. 16-20

“The cause behind the immediate following of the call is Jesus Christ Himself. It is Jesus who calls, and because it is Jesus, (they) follow at once…testimony to the absolute, direct, and unaccountable authority of Jesus.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

III. Radical Response- Vs. 16-20

This service is costly, requiring a separation from former allegiances in order to be free for the new allegiance to Jesus. Not only must the fishermen leave their nets behind, but they must also leave their own families. There is nothing inherently wrong with nets, and less so with families. Nets are essential to fishing, and families to life. But even these must be abandoned if they become encumbrances that prevent one from heeding the call to the venture of discipleship with Jesus.
-James Edwards

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer