A measuring line does not change the object being measured—it simply reveals the truth about it. It shows where something lines up, where it falls short, and where adjustment is needed. In the same way, God’s Word does not flatter us or condemn us without hope. It shows us what is really happening beneath the surface. The question is not whether we can look changed. The question is whether we are actually becoming more like Jesus.

Most of us are more comfortable with rules than relationships.

Rules feel manageable. Tell me what to do, what not to do, and how well I need to perform. Then I can measure myself, compare myself, and stay in control. But Jesus did not come simply to give us a better list of rules. He came to give us a new life and teach us a new way through our live with the holy spirit.

Reach Community Church

Most of us do not mind trusting God when the water is calm.

When the wind is gentle, the plan makes sense, and the people around us agree, in those times faith feels pretty easy. But what happens when the wind changes? What happens when the thing you trusted starts falling apart? What happens when the ship you were counting on begins to break beneath you? Acts 27 is not just a story about a storm at sea. It is a story about what a faith that holds together when everything else falls apart. Because storms are coming so when need to be prepared.

This week our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom. For 250 years Americans have celebrated the blessings of liberty—the freedom to worship, speak, assemble, and pursue opportunity. Those are incredible gifts, and we should thank God for them. But this morning I want to ask a different question. What is real freedom? Most people think freedom means doing whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want. But is that really freedom? Because even in one of the freest nations on earth, people are still imprisoned every day by guilt, shame, addiction, fear, anxiety, bitterness, and sin. You can live in a free country and still not be free.

Have you ever noticed how quickly people can change? One day you're the hero. The next day you're the villain. You get the promotion... everyone congratulates you. You make one mistake... everyone questions you. Social media can make you famous on Monday and cancel you by Friday. If your identity is built on the approval of people, you'll spend your life riding an emotional roller coaster. Acts 14 shows us a man who experienced both extremes in less than 24 hours. One crowd tried to worship Paul as a god. That same crowd later picked up stones to kill him. So what kept Paul going? His life wasn't built on the opinions of people. It was built on the mission of Jesus. And that's the question this passage asks every one of us: Whose approval are you living for?

Reach Community Church

Reach Community Church

We live in a culture that wants everything to be easy, convenient, and inexpensive. We want: Fast food, Fast internet, Fast results, and Convenient Christianity. Many people approach worship the same way. We want worship that fits our schedule. Worship that doesn't interrupt our plans. Worship that doesn't require sacrifice. Worship that costs us nothing. But throughout Scripture, worship has always involved sacrifice. When Abraham worshiped, it cost him a journey and his son. When the widow worshiped, it cost her last two mites. When Mary worshiped Jesus, it cost her an alabaster jar worth a year's wages. When Jesus worshiped the Father through obedience, it cost Him His life. And here in 2 Samuel 24, David teaches us a powerful truth: Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing.

As we close out this “Disciples Follow Jesus” series, I think it’s important to realize where Jesus has been taking us these last several weeks. We started with the simple invitation of Jesus: “Follow Me.” Because before disciples do anything for Jesus, they must first surrender to Jesus. Week 2 We talked about staying ready—living with urgency and faithfulness because Jesus is returning and disciples don’t drift through life asleep. Week 3 We learned that disciples forgive because forgiven people are called to walk in forgiveness toward others. Week 4 We saw that disciples do what Jesus says—even when it doesn’t make sense, even before they see the miracle, because obedience is part of following. Week 5 Then we came to the crossroads in John 6 where Jesus gave hard teachings and many walked away, reminding us that disciples don’t just follow Jesus when it’s easy—they stay when it’s costly because He alone has the words of life. Week 6 Last week we saw that disciples were never meant to follow Jesus in their own strength. The Spirit of God fills ordinary people with extraordinary power so they can live boldly and faithfully for Christ. And now we arrive at the natural conclusion of all of it: Disciples don’t just follow Jesus personally… disciples help other people follow Jesus too. Because real discipleship always moves outward. Jesus never intended for His disciples to simply gather information, attend church, and keep their faith private. He called us to live on mission. Because disciples follow Jesus…and disciples make disciples.