Follow Along

by Rev. Wayne Graumann

Retired Senior Pastor, Salem Lutheran Church Tomball, Texas and Former Chair of Board of Regents, Ft. Wayne Theological Seminary

Following Jesus—Our Call to Go Beyond the Walls

As Christians we have a three-fold call to go “Upward; Inward and Outward” as we follow Jesus.

Upward—“Fixing our eyes on Jesus” is how the writer of the Hebrews put it. As our Savior who endured the cross for us, Jesus deserves not only our praise but our daily discipleship. We follow the Good Shepherd who leads us in the “paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” and promises to “make us fishers of men.” Jesus leads us and we follow where he leads.

Inward—The Scriptures and The Holy Spirit call us to accountability to make us “wise to salvation” and “equipped for every good work.”

Outward—God so loved the “world,” thus, Jesus came to save sinners. His worldview was huge. He said he had “other sheep’—people outside those currently saved whom he wanted saved. He told the Apostles that they would be his witnesses to the “endsof the earth.”

Outside the Walls movement focuses on following Jesus beyond the walls of the church building, into the neighborhood and world to love as Jesus loved and serve as Jesus served.