SUMMER SOUNDTRACK 2: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

In this second week of the "Summer Soundtrack" series, the message dives into the haunting and powerful origin of the hymn "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," which was born from the ultimate sacrifice of a man named Nokseng in 19th-century India. Facing a hostile village chief, Nokseng watched his children and wife executed before being killed himself, uttering the lines of the song as his final testimony—a move that eventually led to the entire village, including the chief, coming to Christ. The teaching breaks down the weight of these lyrics, emphasizing that true followership requires a personal "I" decision rather than riding on the coattails of a parent’s faith. Following Jesus is described as a daily, moment-by-moment surrender where we move out of the "driver's seat" and let God set the pace, even when it leads to social isolation or requires leaving the "world in our pockets" (our phones and social media) behind. Drawing from Psalm 119:105 and Galatians 2:20, the message challenges students to consider if they are truly known by Jesus or just performing spiritual "check-boxes," urging them to choose a "no turning back" commitment that values heavenly glory over worldly likes. (Preached by Steve Coots on 6-10-26, with the youth girls assisting with sign language throughout)