Stop 6: The Call to Follow

Welcome to Stop 6 on The Journey Home. Up to this point, we’ve explored foundational truths from the Bible. Now we arrive at a turning point: a personal invitation. Jesus calls each of us to follow Him and become part of His family, the church. This step involves both commitment and community.

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Following Jesus: A Life-Changing Decision

When Jesus began His ministry, His call was simple and direct: “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19; John 1:43). That same call is extended to us today (John 12:26).

But what does it mean to follow Him?

The Bible describes being a Christian as entering into union with Christ—living as He lived (1 John 2:6). Jesus obeyed His Father out of love (John 15:10), and He asks us to walk in His steps (1 Peter 2:21).

This path involves sacrifice. Jesus warned that following Him requires self-denial and a willingness to give up everything (Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 14:33). Yet He also promised intimacy: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

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Baptism: A Public Declaration

One of the first steps in following Jesus is baptism. Jesus Himself was baptized, saying it was necessary “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). He also taught that being “born of water and of the Spirit” is essential to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5).

What Is Baptism?

The Bible speaks of only “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). The original word means “to immerse.” Baptism symbolizes being buried with Christ and rising to new life (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-4). Jesus came “up out of the water” at His baptism (Mark 1:9-11). Likewise, Philip and the Ethiopian official went “down into the water” and came “up out of the water” (Acts 8:35-39).

Baptism is a public testimony of an inward change—an outward sign that your life is now united with Christ.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Jesus commanded His followers to teach, and then baptize those who believe and repent (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38). Because baptism requires understanding, belief, and repentance, the practice of infant baptism is not found in Scripture.

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Remembering His Sacrifice: Two Special Services

Before His death, Jesus gave His followers two practices—both rooted in love—to help us remember Him.

1. The Ordinance of Humility (Foot-Washing):
   At the Last Supper, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). He explained: “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14-15).
   This service reminds us of Christ’s humility and symbolizes ongoing cleansing from sin (John 13:10).
2. The Lord’s Supper (Communion):
   Jesus took bread and the cup, saying: “This is my body” and “This is my blood… shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:26-28).
   Communion is a memorial of His sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26) and involves:
   • Self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28)
   • Dependence on Christ (John 6:48-58; 15:1-5)
   • Remembrance of His death (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26)
   • Hope in His return (1 Corinthians 11:26)

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Identifying God’s Family: The Church

The church is described as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). In Revelation, God’s true church is pictured as a pure woman clothed with the sun (Revelation 12:1), opposed by the devil (Revelation 12:9).

In the last days, the Bible describes a faithful remnant with three key marks (Revelation 12:17):

1. They are targeted by Satan.
2. They keep God’s commandments.
3. They hold the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy (1 Peter 1:10-11).

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A Final Message for a World in Crisis

The Bible says we live in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-5). Just as God warned Noah before the flood and Jesus before Jerusalem’s destruction, He now gives a final warning for our generation.

This message is revealed in Revelation 14 through three angels:

• The First Angel: Announces the everlasting gospel, declares judgment has come, and calls us to worship the Creator (Revelation 14:6-7).
• The Second Angel: Declares the fall of “Babylon”—false religious systems opposed to God’s truth—and urges His people to come out (Revelation 14:8; 18:1-4; John 10:16, 27).
• The Third Angel: Warns against worshiping the beast and receiving its mark (Revelation 14:9-11). In contrast, God’s people are described as those who keep His commandments and remain faithful to Jesus (Revelation 14:12).

The coming conflict will center on a simple choice: Will we follow God’s commandments, or the traditions of men (Mark 7:7)?

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The Journey Home Leads to Jesus

Ultimately, The Journey Home is about more than doctrines or symbols—it’s about a Person. Jesus calls you to follow Him, to declare your faith publicly through baptism, to join His family, and to embrace His final message for the world.

The call is personal. The choice is yours.