2016-06-05
Matt Willmington
What is a CHRISTIAN? Are YOU a Christian?
Jesus prayed in John 17 for His followers, that they would be children of light, unified, have authority, etc. But what was His definition of “follower”? And, more importantly, are YOU His follower? Are YOU a Christian?
WHO?
* young v.22
* wealthy v.22
* ruler Luke 18
* seeker Mark 10, Lk 10:25
QUESTION
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
* “One good thing to gain eternal life?”
* JESUS – “God is good. Keep commands”
* Young Man – “Which ones?”
* JESUS – “Love your neighbor”
* Young Man – “I have. What do I lack?”
ANSWER
21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
* JESUS “Sell – Donate – Follow”
* Wealth NOT issue
* $50k .31% [99] $25k 2% [98] $12.5k 13% [87]
* HEART – IDOL
* Acts 2, 4 church did INSTINCTIVELY
* Mk10:21 “Then Jesus, looking at him, LOVED him, & said”
DECISION
22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
* YM walked away sad…
* He asked the wrong question…