We're starting the year off with a two month sermon series in which we'll look at some of the priorities of Jesus' life. We could also call them, "essential habits."
Pastor Don's hope for the New Year is that we will take a quantum leap in our commitment to Christ-likeness; so much so, that when others think of us, they say, "that person is like Jesus."
Question: What would need to change in order for that to be said about you?

30 years ago there was a famous commercial encouraging people to "be like Mike", as in NBA basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The subliminal message was that all you had to do to be totally popular, talented, and wealthy like Michael Jordan was to drink Gatorade and wear Nike.
Today, we are still bombarded with adverstisements that make you feel that if you have that particular product or gadget, you will be somebody.
But what does God want you to be or what does He want for your life?
Mark 8:36

Our series is about God's desire for you to pursue and be like Jesus.
The Apostle Paul rejected the materialism, social prestige, and the voices of culture who attempt to lure us to destruction.
Philippians 3:8 [Message]
Romans 8:29 [NLT]

When you look in the mirror, do you see the person Jesus died for, or do you increasingly see the one who died for you?

To be like Jesus implies that you have a relationship with Him and are willing to re-order your lifestyle to take on His characteristics, priorities, habits, and beliefs.

First - to have a relationship with Him comes through faith.
Second - To re-order our lifestyle means we have to be aware of what He is like. Use the Bible for reading and study (Content, Culture, and Context).
Third - To take on His lifestyle means we must make an assessment of our life and then choose to change. Head-thinking; Heart-feeling; Hands-doing.

To be most effective, Biblical change must be holistic. Transformation begins first in the mind and will be evidenced in a growing passion resulting in a lifestyle that honors God and helps others; not just ourselves.

Today let's look at a few characteristics about Jesus that we can grow in throughout the coming New Year.

1. Jesus was a WORSHIPPER
Luke 4:16

2. Jesus was a WORKER
John 17:4

3. Jesus was a WITNESS
Colossians 1:15a
Hebrews 1:3

4. Jesus was a WAYFARER
Luke 19:10

5. Jesus was a WARRIOR
Acts 10:38