Who Are You Really Following?

Jesus says "Follow Me" 18-20 times in the Gospels. But in 2026, who are we actually following? Our politicians? Our favorite influencers? Our denominational heroes? Our pastors?

In this challenging message from the "All That I've Commanded You" series, Pastor Zach confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths in Christianity: following Jesus means giving up everything else.

We're wired to follow. We follow politicians, podcasters, thought leaders, and movements. We click "follow" on social media and consume everything they say. But Jesus makes it clear:

"If you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

THE HARD TRUTH:
A cross isn't a minor inconvenience, it's an execution device. Following Jesus means everything you were before Him dies. Daily. No exceptions.

KEY PASSAGES EXPLORED:
Luke 9:23 - Take up your cross DAILY
Luke 14:25-35 - Count the cost before you follow
Luke 18:18-27 - The rich young ruler who couldn't let go
1 Corinthians 1 - Stop saying "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos"
John 14:6 & Matthew 7:13-14 - The narrow way is as wide as Jesus

THE CHALLENGE:
When you follow someone who's not following Jesus, even if they're "Christ-adjacent," you are NOT following Jesus. The path diverges. Even 30 degrees off course leads you miles away from Him over time.
This applies to:

✓ Your political party
✓ Your favorite Christian authors
✓ Your podcast hosts
✓ Your denominational leaders (Lutheran, Calvinist, Wesleyan, etc.)
✓ Even your own church and pastor

BIBLICAL LEADERSHIP:
Real leaders don't say "follow me." They say what Paul said: "Imitate me as I imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). If they step out of line with Christ, you don't follow, you bring correction. Leaders shepherd you back to Jesus; they don't build their own following.

THE LITMUS TEST:
Are their feet pointing toward Christ or another direction?
Are they humble or egocentric?
Do they point to Jesus or to themselves?
Do they say "He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30)?

BOTTOM LINE:
Stop standing behind politicians, influencers, denominations, or movements. Stand behind Jesus. Period. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our King is Christ. Everyone else is just noise.

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