Our Scripture reading is Matthew 16:24-26.
Verse 24, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The very moment someone places their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, they become a child of God. We are assured of an eternal home in Heaven through the Gospel (Jesus' death, burial and resurrection). The Word of God refers to this as eternal life. John 10:28, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." We are promised eternal security in Jesus Christ.
Becoming a child of God is not the end of our spiritual journey. In fact, it is just the beginning. In our text this morning, we are challenged about becoming a disciple. What is a disciple? A disciple is a learner or pupil. It is someone who follows the teachings of another. This is to be the goal of every child of God. It is a matter of the WILL. We have a choice. Will we seek our will or God's? Will we bring glory to Him in this decision? Will our choice prove our love for Him? The point I am trying to make is that being a disicple is your choice. In some ways I think we are all disciples. Who are you learning from today? Who are you following?
It is my prayer that Anchor Baptist Church would not only be filled with God's children, but that His church would be filled with Christ's disciples! There is no better way to live than following Jesus Christ.