March 01, 2026

INVITATIONS: FOLLOW FOR THE WIN

March 01, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

What an exciting time in the life of congregants when their church is on a mission to get the word of God into the hands of all people in their town! When such a plan is organized and carried out, it is not for the goal of growing a church or increasing its numbers, but simply to get the Bible into every home, where real people are dealing with life. It is mind-boggling to see how fast life flies by: suddenly, the young adult is middle-aged, then, ‘overnight,’ a senior citizen. Everyone says, ‘where did time go?” Getting older isn’t allowed for everyone, as many families know. Yet in the end, whether one is poor or rich, young or old, learned or illiterate, at the end of life, there are only two options: eternal life in heaven because one followed Jesus Christ, or eternal life in hell because one disdained the love of God and chose to live without Him. Have you decided to follow Jesus?

Focal Passage: Matthew 4:18-22.

The call was clear:

  • Read Matthew 4:18-22. Have you ever considered the simplicity of the words of Jesus, as He called those men whom He had chosen, “Follow Me!” How hard did they think it could be? Read John 6:65-66. Did His words have to fit their pre-determined ideas?
  • What would you say if someone asked you, what do we have to do to be saved’? You can answer with two words: Follow Jesus. Would they understand?
  • Did Jesus say exactly what He wanted them to do? Did they obey?
  • When Jesus called James and John, what else did they leave besides their work? Do you get the sense that perhaps within the family, they had discussed Jesus as a subject?

The call was visionary: 

  • Why do you think Jesus said He would teach them to fish for men? Do you think they realized His concern was for “people,” even though most of the citizens had believed the Messiah would come as a military leader?
  • What is a visionary? Who was the best example we knew in Central Virginia? What were some of Dr. Falwell’s strengths? Did he live to see his faith that God would do great things through him ‘made sight’? (Yes!)
  • What type of person likes to fish? Why is patience important? How much control does a fisherman have over the fish? What are some other character qualities of a fisherman? How do the same traits make an excellent Christ-follower?
  • What are some other ways visionaries (who have a gift for looking toward a better future) can inspire or instill others with their courage?

The call was immediate:

  • As the Pastor used the example this morning of young people telling him they have been called by God to serve Him, when did he say it begins? Is that what we saw about the men Jesus called? Did He want them to come with Him at some date in the future or at that moment?
  • Read Matt. 8:18-22. Was Jesus willing to let the young disciple (NOT one of the apostles) go back to stay with his father until he died? How often do we feel as if God wants us to minister to someone, but we decide to wait until later? Does that please Him?
  • As Jesus urges us to do something for Him, who needs to have the abilities? Will God enable us to do what He wants, when He calls? Does He desire to bring glory to us, because of the manner in which we’ll do this? Who (only) should get the glory?
  • What is He calling all of us to do? Hopefully, you answered “Be Faithful.” That is all He asks. When He says, Follow Me, then get in the boat! You don’t have to know where the fish are, just obey.

Our Mission:

  • Know Him better! Do you ever stop and examine your life, asking, “Do I love Jesus more this year than last? Do I serve Him more quickly this year? Do I know Him better than I did last year? If you see growth, keep going. If not, change whatever is wrong.
  • Serve Him faithfully. Jesus isn’t waiting for you to be perfect in order to be used; He is asking that you say, “Yes, Lord,” when He calls. He looks for a willing heart and an obedient spirit—then He’ll use you!
  • Let others in on the secret. There’s another way to say that: Tell everyone why you are a changed person! If we go, see, or experience, something exciting, aren’t we all about telling others so they can have the same excitement? Then why not Jesus? Isn’t He worth telling others how wonderful He is?

Close: 

Incredible! We have just finished the second month of 2026—yet, didn’t we just have Christmas? Anyone over the age of eighty can tell you it feels like ‘yesterday’ that they were forty-five. Life flies by at the speed of light. That is why it is so important to take life seriously, Jesus at His Word, older people sharing their experiences, and realize that eternal life is at the end of this book you are reading so quickly! (Metaphorically speaking!)

As you will find when you face death, it will not matter how many homes you lived in, whether you didn’t have to look at the price tag when you saw something you liked, who called you their friend, how fast you drove your first car, and zillions of other interesting facts. If you never had time to follow Jesus, you missed out on the number of times He helped you, the times death came near but missed you, the times He said ‘I love you,’ the times relief flowed through you when He forgave a sinful action—not to mention eternity with Him, sharing the place He has prepared for His children. Are you aware that He has promised us a place so wonderful that nothing we can imagine, or dream, will even come close? But what you will know is that the environs of hell are filled with Satan, his fallen angels, evil men and women, and those who hate God. Hold out your hands like a pair of scales and weigh them. Only a fool says there is no God. Beg Him for wisdom.

By Sandy Day

March 01, 2026

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