FOLLOW ME

 

John 1:43-51, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

 

1.      This is such a great story. We find Jesus in the community of Bethsaida which was home to Andrew and Peter.  Jesus was in this town because of a divine appointment.  When you are following the will of God everything is a divine opportunity and appointment.  You know things that don’t just happen there is a reason.  Jesus was doing the will of His Father

2.      Jesus walks up to Philip and says follow me.  I love these disciples.  They left to follow Jesus without hesitation.  This must be how our lives must be patterned.  The life of a Christian has been equated to the soldier who obeys his commander.  The athlete who discipline themselves and refuses to leave their strict training.  Church we are at war.  Our enemy has an agenda to rob, kill and destroy.  He will show no mercy, grace or love.  He does not care about you or your family.  He is relentless, ruthless, and never gives up.  He will destroy everything you love.  We have the weapons, armor, authority and power to defeat him.  Remember we are overcomers, victors and conquerors.   Philip is an example for us to follow.  Our obedience should be immediate. Only when we follow our commander will we live a life of victory.  The Lord sees all and will help us see the traps and snares of the enemy.  This is life and death church.

3.      Philip then goes and finds his friend Nathanael.  This is the pattern of the disciples they went to and family and friends.  We have only two things to do as Christians.  We are to go tell others and love.  Simple, direct and concise.  Philip tells his friend that they had found the one whom Moses and the prophets wrote.  They of course were Andrew, Peter and himself.  Philip knew something about the teachings of the Jews.  This was done by going to the house of the Lord.  We see this was a pattern of the Jesus, the disciples and the early church and it should be our pattern as well.  Philip had a divine encounter.  This was a work of the Spirit.  No one can come unless the Holy Spirit draws them.  Our job like Philip is to tell and let the Holy Spirit do the rest of the work.  Moses in the law and the prophets talked about Jesus.  Philip then states that the one who fulfills this is Jesus Christ.  Philip had found the Messiah and He wanted everyone to know it. 

4.      So Philip then introduces Nathanael to the name of the Messiah.  He is Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.  In Jewish protocol you were always introduced by your name, your family and where you are from.  This is a glimpse of the customs of the day. Nathanael said, “Can anything good come from Nazareth.”  Nazareth had a stigma as a backwater place.  It was a small community less than 500.  Not close to any major city.  Jesus would have been considered a small town bumpkin and hillbilly.  No claim to fame here.  He said it sarcastically.  Philip just ignored what his friend said and invited him.  We have to do the same.  Often our invitations are ignored, maligned, mocked, scorned and even attacked.  Just be like Philip, invite and leave the results to God.  Remember when we give the invitation in whatever form it is not us to defend it.  The only thing we are to do is give it.  Here is a reality of an invitation.  Someone hears and they become responsible for it.  The day they receive it they now know and cannot say they were ignorant

 

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

 

1.      So Nathanael and Philip walked towards Jesus.  Jesus sees Nathanael and says, “Truly here is a man who has no deceit.”  Notice the difference between Jesus and Nathanael.  Nathanael spoke from his prejudice Jesus spoke from His love.  Jesus will always respond to a sincere seeker with love, grace, mercy and kindness.  Jesus saw that Nathanael was a truthful man, an innocent man, those who are free of guile are pure and upstanding.  They do everything with no hidden agenda.  They just wanted truth, no nonsense, clarity and honesty.  They like to keep it simple.  They prefer straight to the point.  They are black and white people. 

2.      Nathanael asks Jesus, “How do you know me?”  How did Jesus read him so quickly?  Quick lesson you may be able to fool others but never God.  He is all knowing.  Nothing is hid from God.  This is exciting because God know how to use you.  What talents, skills and knowledge you have.  How you can be best utilized.  That is so amazing.  Jesus knew how to fit Nathanael into his future Kingdom. 

3.      Jesus told Nathanael he saw him under a fig tree before Philip called you.  He gave location and setting to Nathanael.  This impacted Nathanael right away.  This convinced him that Jesus was who Philip said.  This was information only God knew.

4.       Nathanael reveals three things about Jesus.  He is a rabbi, a teacher and spiritual leader which he was going to follow.  He was saying Jesus I want to be your student and disciple.  I want to learn from you to become like you.  You are my role model, mentor and guide.  Next, you are the Son of God.  You are God with a face, the incarnation and embodiment of God.  You are the Messiah, the awaited one, the Savior.  I accept you for who you are.  Lastly, you are the King of Israel.  You are the King and I swear loyalty to you.  “You are the Messiah. You are the long-expected Jewish ruler that will bring deliverance for Israel and establish God’s rule over the nations.”  This was an exciting moment for these young men.  They were becoming something bigger than themselves

 

Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

 

1.      Jesus then questions Nathanael.  “Do you believe because I saw you under a fig tree?”  Jesus was telling

him that his belief was in what he saw.  Jesus was stating that this was the first step of faith.  That is all God is looking for.  Simply believe.  One step at a time.  Abraham was told to go to Canaan and he did.  Faith and trust is the first step.  Jesus then said, Nathanael you are going to see greater things.  This is just the beginning.  You haven’t seen anything yet.  You are going to see, experience and know supernatural divine things.  Things never seen before.  God is about to manifest in your presence.  You are seeing the Father and me.

2.      You are going to see the heavens open.   Divine, supernatural, and miraculous things.  Things that men

have dreamed about.  All the beauty, holiness, power might and dominion of heaven. 

3.      You will see the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of men.  This was going to be his experience.  What a great promise.  Nathanael would see this and more.  Jesus called Himself the Son of Man.  Jesus is referring to His humanity.  I am a God in human form.    It also means God's messiah destined to preside over the final judgment of humankind.  Jesus was saying I am a human being that you will see angels working with. 

 

Conclusion

 

1.      What lessons can we learn?  God wants us to follow Him immediately.  Faith, trust and obedience.

2.      Tell others.  Don’t also be surprised when they don’t get excited about what you have.  You are called to go and love.  You are responsible for the invitation not their reaction. 

3.      Like Nathanael let’s be pure, straight forward, honest, truthful, pure and undefiled.  Keep it simple

4.      We are at war and we must win on behalf of ourselves and others.  We have the weapons, the armor and the power to defeat the enemy.

5.      Be open to the supernatural, divine and miraculous and you will see and experience them. 

 

QUOTES FOR MARCH 6, 2026

 

FIVE HEALING TEXTS FROM ISAIAH

 

Five Powerful Healing Scriptures from Isaiah

 

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” – Isaiah 40:29, This verse speaks of the incredible power of God’s grace to transform us, even in our weakness. It reminds us that He is always ready to empower us and lift us up, no matter what we may be facing. 

 

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 54:17, This verse reminds us of the power of God’s protection over us, and His promise to defend us against any attack. It is a powerful reminder of the strength we have in Him. 

 

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Isaiah 62:6, This verse speaks of God’s joy in His children, and His desire to bring us into a place of wholeness and healing. It reminds us that He is always near, ready to offer us His love and care.

 

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5, This verse speaks of the power of God’s grace to bring us peace and healing. It reminds us that even in our brokenness, He offers us forgiveness and restoration. 

 

“The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2, This verse speaks of the power of God’s salvation to transform our lives. It reminds us that He is our ultimate source of strength and hope.    

 

 

FISHERS OF MEN

 

Mark 1:14-20, After John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.” 

 

     This passage of scripture is so relatable to what is happening today message is not commentary of social change it is about how we need the message that Jesus brought in His day and how it is so important for today.

 

1.      Mark tells us that after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee.  Galilee was His main based of operations.  He did travel three times to Jerusalem for the Passover.  That is how we know Jesus had a three year ministry.  Yet he spent the majority of His time in Galilee.  Jesus proclaimed the good news of God.  There are four things that we will look at today that is the core of Jesus message and why it is Good news.

 

a.      The time is fulfilled.  The Messiah has now appeared and was standing and working in their midst.  They now had a full picture of who God is and what He is really like.  Jesus said, if you see the Father you see me and if you see me you see the Father.”  Everything Jesus, taught and lived was who God was.  Jesus fulfilled all of the 300 promises of the Old Testament.  In the same way the time of the second coming is upon us.  Most if not all of the signs given in Matt 24, and other scriptures are being fulfilled right now.  One phrase that dominates my prayer life is this, “We are out of time.”  Is your oil lamp full, have you trimmed your oil lamp wick?”  The Bridegroom is on the way.  This time period is about to close.  Any moment Jesus can come back and most are not ready.

b.      The Kingdom of heaven has come near.  We know the Kingdom of God has been fulfilled because we have in our hearts the righteousness, peace and joy it brings.  The Kingdom of heaven is the fulfillment of God’s realm on earth is near.  We are just moments away .  It is near church.  Jesus was proclaiming it then and this message has relevance for us now.    Get ready, think, talk and live ready.  I will say it again, there is no more time.  The Spirit and the bride says, come just like they did in Revelation 22.

c.      Jesus then said repent.  2 Chron 7:14, is so applicable right now.  Repentance means to feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.  To change your mind.  Do a 180.  John told the people to live in such a way that people will know you are righteous.   Godly sorrow is being truly sorry for what you did.  Worldly sorrow is being sorry that you got caught and many in the church are expressing this more than godly sorrow.  Jesus was not just saying this He was and is expecting it.  Jesus is looking for a church without spot or wrinkle.  James says show your faith by what you do.  Walk the walk.

d.      Jesus said, believe the good news.  Trust the Lord, walk in faith, be an overcomer, victor and conqueror, live an eternal and abundant life.  Receive and live in all the benefits of heaven.  Live in health and prosperity even as your soul prospers.  You have armor, weapons and power over the enemy.  Our enemy has been defeated.  You have prayer, the word and the Holy Spirit.  You have victory in the blood the word and the name of Jesus.  All the benefits and help from heaven is yours just ask.  This is good news.  You are going to heaven, death, hell and the grave have been defeated.  This is fantastic, wonderful, tremendous, awesome good news.

 

  As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

 

2.      So Jesus is passing along the Sea of Galilee which is really just a lake but he saw Simon and Andrew his brother.  They were casting their nets into the sea.  They were fishermen.  These men were special because they followed him as soon as he gave the invitation.  Jesus used a familiar phrase for them.  I will make you fish for people.  Their job was to catch the people.  Today we are to tell others.  God will do the rest.  Our part is to go and love.  His part will make them whole and complete.  Peter would say later, “Silver and gold have I none but such as I have give I thee, rise up and walk in Jesus name.” 

 

3.      He did the same with James and John when they were mending their nets.  Immediately he called them and they left their father Zebedee in the boats with the hired men and followed Him.  In both cases both sets of brother left immediately.  No hesitation, just go.  Jesus said we have to be willing to leave family, houses and land for Him. 

 

4.      There are the characteristics of a disciple

 

a.      DISCIPLES UNDERSTAND THEIR NEED FOR A SAVIOR.

b.      DISCIPLES KNOW THE GOD OF THE BIBLE.

c.      DISCIPLES RECOGNIZE THAT THEY ARE MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE.

d.      DISCIPLES SERVE OUT OF LOVE.

e.      DISCIPLES SHARE THEIR FAITH STORY.  We are call to go and love.

f.       DISCIPLES WORSHIP REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCE.

g.      DISCIPLES DEFEND THEIR FAITH.

h.      DISCIPLES JOIN IN THE COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS.

i.       Disciples model their life after their master.  He is their role model, mentor and example.

j.       Disciples are obedient, faithful and zealous for their master. 

 

5.      This message had two components today.  First, what Jesus proclaimed when he came.  The time is now, things are being fulfilled, repent and believe the good news.  The second is to follow him immediately and let the following characteristics be exhibited in your life. 

 

QUOTES FOR MARCH 4, 2026

 

FOR UNTO US

 

Isaiah 9:6

 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

 

     This is such a wonderful scripture for us to look at today.  Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born gives us a description of his reign, rule and role.  We have so much to cover this morning so we will get started right away.

 

1.       Isaiah says for unto us a child is born.  Jesus came for all mankind.  His coming was both individually and universal.  He came for you and me and also for all mankind because we could not save ourselves.  The sooner we come to grip with that the sooner we will do something about it.  Until you see a need for a savior you will never get saved.  The tragedy is so many will never come to that knowledge.  He came to give you eternal and abundant life.  He came to bring healing, deliverance, salvation, restoration, forgiveness, anointing, empowerment, victory and freedom.  I love that part of Braveheart at the end where he cries freedom.  That is what Jesus did for us.

2.      For unto us a son is given.  Jesus was God.  He was the son, a second part of the trinity.  He was the firstborn of all creation.  He was the son who gave His life.  Allowed His body to be broken and his blood to be shed.  He died, buried and rose again so we could become like Him.  We are now called the Sons of God because of what He has done.  He was given to us, individually and universally.  Jesus is the door to eternity, the source of eternal life and giver of life.

3.      The government will be upon His shoulders.  The current ruler ship in your heart.  He must reign and rule in your heart.  He is your king.  He must be Savior and Lord.  His reign and rule must be in your home to have it complete.  The government, authority and power of the church His on His shoulders.  Jesus is the head of the church not someone in Rome.  One day He will rule both on earth and in the new heaven and earth.  The first two have already been realized the third is yet to come.  The exciting part is that you and I will reign and ruler with Him.  That is our present and future.

4.      And He shall be called.  The following are the names and roles He plays in our lives, our family, homes, churches and the church at large.  He is called wonderful counselor, in some translations there are separated but in the Hebrew text they are not.  Now Jesus is more than a good psychologist.  This is such a limited scope of who Christ is.  He knows all and sees all.  He sees what is in your heart.  He knows how to speak to you.  He uses the word of God which is the discerner of the thought intents of the heart.  The Holy Spirit is our counselor He leads us into all truth.  I want to stop for a moment and remind you that we believe in Trinity which means that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all have these qualities.  He wants to guide, lead, teach, direct and help you into all the truth.  He will take what He hears and give it to you.  You will never be alone.   You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  You have someone who will always lead you in the right path if you let Him.

5.      I want to give you our belief in the trinity.  That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;   Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.

6.      Mighty God.  Jesus is God, He is the perfect union of God and man He was God with face.  Like we said that week Jesus lived and was tempted like us in every way yet without sin.  He was the complete union of the natural and the super-national.  He was 100%, God and man.  Jesus is God and man.  That is who He is.  Jesus is Word, the word who dwelt among with grace and truth.  The writer of Hebrew says, Jesus is the creator and sustainer of all things.  He is the force that keeps the atom from blowing apart. 

7.      He is the everlasting Father.  He is connected with the Father.  This word means the reign and rule of Christ on the earth and in the hearts of His people.  This is the temporal and eternal reign of Christ.  Jesus’ reign as the second person of the Godhead was before the creation of the universe and will continue for eternity.  He is creator sustainer of life as mentioned before.  He is the order and guide for creation.  He rules His people with love and care.  Nothing has been able or will ever overthrow or exterminate this King.  He is the ageless one who rules and reigns forevermore.  Like Handel’s messiah.  He shall reign forever and ever.  King of Kings and Lord of Lords.   

8.      He is the Prince of Peace.  Jesus is the giver of true peace.  Peace the world cannot give or take away.  His peace with eliminate inner conflict, war and strife.  Jesus gave us a right relationship with God.  The gap between man and God was bridge by Jesus Christ.  He is the bridge of peace.  He is the universal peacemaker.  He brought us into right relationship with ourselves and in turn we can be right with all men and actually become peacemakers.  He brought the three following things in your life.

 

a.      Restore every broken relationship.  This is done by forgiveness, having right attitude, refusing taking offence, living dead to sin and trespass.  That no matter what others to do you, you will not do the same to them.  You will love accept and forgive.

b.      Provides a well ordered and balanced life.  This means surrendering our anxieties, fears, doubts, and frustrations to Jesus that we may experience His perfect peace in our hearts.  Choosing to allow our minds to be renewed.  Keeping our thought life in line.  Thinking on pure, holy, just, true, honest, virtuous and praise worthy thoughts.

c.      Living in the assurance of salvation.  You have been set free.  Live a life worthy of Him.  Make a decision moment by moment to live for Him.  Live in the light of eternity.  Know at any second He could come back.  This brings peace.  You are saved so live like it. 

FINAL GREETING OF JESUS

 

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 

1.      Paul finishes this letter by reminding his audience and readers that he is only going to boast of one thing.  This thing is the most important element of this letter.  He is going to boast, rave, emphasize the cross of Jesus Christ.  It is on the cross these eight things were done.

 

-        He was the final sacrifice for sin. (Hebrews 9:24-26;Hebrews 10:11-12)

-        Christ was the propitiation that satisfied the wrath of God. (Romans 3:25;1 John 4:10)

-        Christ paid the redemption price to purchase guilty sinners. (Romans 3:23-24)

-        Christ was the ransom paid to redeem sinners. (Matthew 20:28;1 Timothy 2:5-6)

-        He made reconciliation between God and man. (Hebrews 2:17; Romans 5:10)

-        He justified guilty sinners, satisfying God’s holy justice. (Isaiah 53:11;Acts 13:38-39;Romans 3:23-24)

-        Christ sanctified those people, setting them apart as holy. (Hebrews 10:10;Hebrews 2:11)

-        Christ perfected forever those that he bought, justified, and sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14)

2.      Paul says the result is that he has been crucified with Christ.  He is no longer subject to the images, standards, and control of this world.  He doesn’t want, need, or desire anything of this world.  This world is dead to him. 

3.      The world wants nothing to do with him.  Watch how fast people leave you when you come to Christ.  That is not so bad because you get a better family.  Paul knew that we were in this world but not of this world.  We are passing through, but this is not our home, and this is not the best there is. 

 

15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.   

 

1.      Paul spent the entire letter refuting the idea that the law and circumcision meant anything.  He called it another gospel and those who promoted were cursed.  All that matters is the new creation.  As a new creation the old has passed away and all things are new. 

2.      You have a new beginning, relationship, identity, destiny, position, power, and purpose.  That is a sweet deal.

 

16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.

 

1.      Paul gives two benefits to the cross.  First, is peace.  Peace with God and man.  No more internal, warfare, control, and strife.  You have found what the swami, teachers of the east and motivational speakers are searching for. 

2.      Secondly, you have mercy.  You did not get what you deserve.  Remember He paid a debt he did not owed I owe a debt I could not pay. 

3.      This statement is both a prayer and declaration of faith.  All who follow this rule.  What is the rule?   To know you are a new creation and to God a chosen people.  You are a covenant people like Israel.  You have been grafted in and have the peace and mercy of God.

 

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

 

1.      Paul makes a statement and a realized truth.  It is obvious the Judaziers were slandering, lying, and gossiping about Paul.  They were discrediting him to make themselves look better.  That is what the enemy does, accusation and deception are two of his main attack forms. 

2.      Paul says I bear on my body the brand marks of Jesus Christ. 

3.      Listen to what Paul went through in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28:  24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

4.      Paul is basically saying this is what I have suffered what has you gone through?

 

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

 

1.      He says the grace of God.  In your race of life add the Lord and it will be a grace walk.  You have divine assistance.  You have God’s riches at Christ expense.  You have all the benefits of heaven and it cost you nothing.  Jesus paid it all.

2.      It came through the master, God man and Messiah.  This benefit is in the spirit which when submitted to God effects the whole person.  The spiritual component of your life is the software that drives your whole mainframe of life.

3.      He closes calling them brothers and sisters in the Lord.  They are one family.  He closes by saying Amen which means so be it or borrowing from Star Trek, “make it so.”