Campfire Stories 2023 :: Part 1 :: The Challenge of Following Jesus | John Smith :: June 25, 2023

This summer, we’re exploring stories together that can shape our spirituality and reveal the truth of God. After all, you never know who you will meet and what you will hear while sitting around the campfire.__<br />What’s the Issue Anyway? (Matthew 8:18-22)The call to ________________ ______________ just might be an ___________________ to embrace ___________________.Following Jesus is more ___________________ than our ________________ ________________ and our ________________ _____________ in this life.We only get ___________ ___________; nobody gets ___________. What are you going to do with your ___________?<br />What Wisdom Does Scripture Offer Us?We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been CALLED according to His purpose. Romans 8:28Every person has a ________________.God, by grace through Christ, has CALLED you to become God’s people. Gal. 1:6 (NCV)The Greek word translated CALLED is ______________. It is about your ___________________ inlife, your ________________, your ________________ in life.Before you saw the light of day, I (God) had holy plans for you. Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)Your CALLING is ___________________ to ______________ ______________.For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10God is good. Psalm 73:1“We are the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.” –Mother Theresa...comfort those who are frightened, take tender care of those who are weak. 1 Thess. 5:14 (LV) When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. Romans 12:13 (NLT)<br />Don’t Miss This!Your CALLING will ___________ the ______________ of your ______________ and ___________________.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph. 6:12Although Jesus was ________________, he had this ________________ to ___________.“Jesus promised those who would follow him only three things: that they would be absurdly happy,entirely fearless and always in trouble.” –Greg LevoyYour CALLING will ________________ the greatest ___________________ and ________________ in your life.<br />How can I live this in my everyday, normal life?Get _______________ about your CALLING for your ________________.<br />What is God inviting you into today?<br />Thought Provoking Questions:If following Jesus may be an invitation to poverty, hardship and distress, why doesn’t the church teach it more?How clear are you about God’s calling or challenge for your life right now; not what it may have been 5 or 10 years ago, but now?When you hear Jesus says you are salt and light is it hard for you to imagine it being true? Why or why not?How has following Jesus tested the limits of your faith? Give specific examples.Do you resonate with Greg Levoy’s words about what followers of Jesus will experience in life? Whyor why not?<br />