Following Jesus as a Teenager

Summary

In a powerful message, the speaker emphasizes the invitation from Jesus to Christians and non-Christians alike to be part of a transformative movement. Through the Great Commission, individuals are encouraged to deepen their commitment to Jesus, serving others and making a meaningful impact in the world. The speaker shares inspiring stories of young people making a difference through initiatives like Operation Christmas Child and highlights personal testimonies of healing and transformation, urging listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and take actionable steps toward following Him wholeheartedly.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Great Commission calls Christians to make disciples of all nations and spread the message of Jesus.
• 🙏 Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and William Wilberforce exemplify the impact of committed Christians in society.
• 🌍 Today's world presents challenges for Christians, including skepticism and distractions from faith.
• 🏃‍♂️ Following Jesus is portrayed as a race; saying 'yes' to Him is just the start of a lifelong journey.
• 🎁 A group of high school students raised over $4,000 for Operation Christmas Child, demonstrating the power of youth action.
• ❤️ Personal testimonies, like that of Sammy, highlight the transformative healing found through faith in Jesus.
• 📖 The speaker encourages moving beyond mere belief in Jesus to actively following Him in daily life.
• 🙌 Jesus invites everyone to participate in the movement of Christianity and to make a difference.
• ✨ Freedom and transformation come when individuals turn to the Lord and accept His invitation.
• 🙏 The speech concludes with a prayer for individuals to deepen their relationship with Jesus and embrace His call.

Q & A

What are the two main goals of the speaker's message?

The speaker aims to challenge Christians to deepen their commitment to Jesus and invites non-Christians to join the movement introduced by Jesus.

What is the Great Commission?

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:18-20, is Jesus' directive to His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey His commands.

Who are some historical figures mentioned as examples of Christians making a difference?

The speaker mentions Martin Luther King Jr., William Wilberforce, and Henry Dunant as examples of committed Christians who led significant movements for justice and humanitarian efforts.

How does the speaker describe the current challenges faced by Christians?

The speaker notes that today's world is marked by distractions, skepticism towards Christianity, and a preference for comfort over purpose, making it harder to live out Christian faith.

What is the difference between believing in Jesus and following Jesus according to the speaker?

Believing in Jesus is seen as an initial step, while following Jesus involves actively living out one's faith, engaging in loving actions, and making a difference in the world.

What initiative did the Switch students undertake?

The Switch students organized a fundraiser to support Operation Christmas Child, raising over $4,000 to create gift boxes for children around the world.

What transformation did Sammy experience in her life?

Sammy, who struggled with self-harm, found healing and accountability through prayer and support, ultimately going 408 days without hurting herself, illustrating the transformative power of Jesus.

What does Paul say in Galatians 5:13 regarding freedom?

Paul encourages believers to use their freedom not for selfish purposes but to serve one another in love, summarizing the essence of the law as loving one's neighbor.

How does the speaker describe the impact of following Jesus on a personal level?

The speaker emphasizes that following Jesus leads to becoming a new creation, shedding past burdens and defining one's identity through God's love.

What invitation does Jesus extend to everyone according to the speaker?

Jesus invites everyone to be made whole, be made new, and to make a difference in the world, encouraging a personal response to His call.