“Ashamed”
Mark 8:27-38
Sermon Series: “How To Survive The End Of The World”
Introduction: Are we full-on, all-out followers of Jesus Christ or do we act ashamed of Him? Are we wishy-washy or sold out? Are we real Christians or simply cultural Christians playing games? Are we close to Jesus and ready for His return? 1 John 2:28 says, “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when he appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” Will you be ashamed at the return of Christ because he is ashamed of you or will you be unashamed because He is not ashamed of you?
1. Principle: If we are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of us when He returns (v. 38). We can’t have it both ways. We can’t deny Christ now and expect Him to affirm us when He returns.
2. Response: Surrender to Jesus and follow Him with everything that is in us (v. 34). This is what Jesus meant when he said, “Let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Have we really given our lives to Christ by faith?
3. Reasoning: Why should we follow Him instead of being ashamed of Him?
A. Because of who He is (v. 27-30). Since Jesus is God who came in the flesh to be our Savior, it makes perfect sense to follow Him.
B. Because of what He did for us (v. 31-33). Since Jesus sacrificed Himself for us by dying on the cross, doesn’t He deserve our lives (Romans 12:1)? Since He rose from the dead to prove that He is our God and Savior, what reason is there to act ashamed of Him?
C. Because of the life that He offers us (v. 35-37). Real and lasting life can only be found when we follow Jesus. We waste our lives otherwise.
4. Application: How do we follow Him? In other words, what are some possible next steps that we may need to take to follow Jesus instead of being ashamed of Him? Please take the step He is calling you to take today. You will never regret it.
A. Trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Have you personally receive Him by faith? Are you truly following Him?
B. Be baptized. Have you been biblically baptized? In other words, have you been publicly immersed in order to profess your faith in Jesus and symbolize the gospel?
C. Repent and daily walk with Jesus. Is there a sin you need to give up? Would you be ashamed if He returned today? Are you daily dying to self and living for Jesus?
D. Stand up for Jesus and be a witness for Him. Are you living boldly for Him in front of others or are you denying Him with your life?
E. Follow the calling the Lord has given you. Do you need to obey the Lord and publicly profess a calling that God has placed on your life?
Link to video show in the message from the North American Missions Board, “Miracle”. http://www.namb.net/namb1cbvideo.aspx?id=8589935964
