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The Radical Call of Jesus

In this message from Luke chapter 5, Pastor Kyle Cunningham challenges our understanding of what it truly means to be a Christian. Moving beyond cultural definitions of Christianity as simply "believing in God and going to heaven," this sermon explores Jesus's radical invitation: "Come, follow me." Drawing from the calling of Jesus's first disciples—Peter (Simon) and Levi (Matthew)—Pastor Kyle identifies three essential movements in true discipleship. First, both men realized something profound: their own sinfulness. Peter's response to the miraculous catch of fish wasn't celebration but confession—"Lord, leave me, I'm such a sinful man." Meanwhile, Levi, a despised tax collector called "scum" by the religious leaders, knew his need for grace. As Tim Keller wisely said, being a Christian means understanding two truths simultaneously: "You are worse than you ever thought, and you are more loved than you could possibly imagine." Second, they left everything. This wasn't just about abandoning possessions—though both left significant financial security. It meant completely reorienting their lives around Jesus's redemptive purpose. Following Christ radically transforms our relationship with money, status, and priorities. True repentance isn't just feeling sorry for sin; it's actively changing how we live. Finally, and most importantly, they followed Jesus. In Jesus's day, a disciple (or apprentice) literally followed their rabbi everywhere, seeking to become exactly like them. There was even a saying: "May you be covered in the dust of your rabbi." Being Jesus's disciple means doing what Jesus did—studying Scripture, serving the poor, living in community, reaching outcasts and marginalized people. We don't get to pick and choose based on our comfort level. Jesus is the rabbi; He decides where we go. Critically, Jesus reversed the traditional rabbi-disciple relationship. He seeks us; we don't seek Him. He chose tax collectors, fishermen, and ordinary people—likely those rejected by other rabbis. We become disciples by grace, not by earning our position through holiness or theological knowledge. Pastor Kyle confronts what he calls "demonic faith"—the kind James describes when he says even demons believe in God and tremble. Merely believing God exists isn't saving faith. Biblical faith is embodied, active trust demonstrated through obedience. As 1 John 2:6 states, "Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." The sermon concludes with a challenge to "put wheels on your faith." Whether you've never truly committed to following Christ, or you've believed intellectually but haven't lived as a disciple, the invitation remains: What is one way you can embody Jesus's example? Perhaps it's joining a community group, committing to Scripture study, or serving others in Jesus's name. This isn't about adding religious activities to your life—it's about accepting Jesus's invitation to follow Him completely, knowing that His grace covers us when we fall short. True Christianity isn't a label or a ticket to heaven; it's apprenticing under Jesus, becoming like Him in every way. Website: https://bwchurch.org/ Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/ Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/ Facebook:   / bwchurch   Instagram:   / bwchurchtx   Want to reach out? You can email us at hello@bwchurch.org Looking to support our church’s local mission? You can give at https://pushpay.com/g/bwchurch