Welcome James! (episode 43)

He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  (Mark 8:34)

We’ve had a blast getting to know James Spencer, our newest staff member.  James joined the team as our Student Pastor in October.  His sweet family has jumped right in, and everything seems almost too good to be true.  That’s where I really appreciate James’ honesty about his call to follow Christ.  As you listen to this episode, you’ll be encouraged that following Christ is hard and yet extremely rewarding.

The call to follow Christ is not one of ease or comfort.  Drawing near to Christ certainly brings times of rest as well as enduring peace and rejoicing, but these blessings are often experienced in the midst of trials and suffering.  We are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow Jesus.  This isn’t just for the mature believers out there; this is for each believer as soon as they start their journey with Christ.  Our growth in Christ will allow us to stand out in this world.  His transforming power will lead us to serve others in His name, even when it demands great sacrifice and suffering.

Our responsibility to raise children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4) is not a call to ease either.  Building disciples at home is hard work requiring wisdom, intentionality, and great consistency – along with total dependency on the Lord.  While our call to follow Christ isn’t designed to be easy, it’s also not designed for us to do on our own.  Jesus says that by abiding in Him, we’ll bear much fruit (John 15:5).  Fruit is produced from the vine that it’s attached to.  As we stay intimately attached to Jesus, we will experience His transforming power in our lives and find the strength to lead our kids in the same way.

Learn more at the Anchored Podcast, episode 43 (season 2).

As always, stay anchored in Christ!  –  Pastor Paul