FOLLOWING JESUS - THINGS TO EXPECT

                                    FOLLOWING JESUS – THINGS TO EXPECT
  Following Jesus is the most amazing and wonderful adventure that any person can embark on. There is no way to tell all the amazing things you may experience including the hardships, but there are a few things everyone can expect. Remember that through it all He will never leave us or forsake us.


"And when He  had called the people to Him with His disciples also, He said to them, 'Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me, For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, but whosever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it.'" Mark 8:34-35

 "Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
                                                      If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
                                                      If we disown/deny Him, He will  also disown/deny us;
                                                      If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot
                                                      disown/deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 NIV

 INDEX: 
- HAVING A MIND READY FOR ACTION
- THE GREAT SECRET OF FAITH IN JESUS
IN LIFE
- OUR THREEE CONSTANT ENEMIES - THE WORLD, THE FLESH, THE DEVIL 
- WHY GOD HAS LEFT THESE OPPONENTS
- MAPPING OUR WALK OF FAITH
- LOOKING AT SOME OBSTACLES:
 - PERSECUTIONS:
         WHAT ABOUT THE RUTHLESS AND VICIOUS ATTACKS?
         THE WHITECOLLAR PERSECUTIONS
         EARNED PERSECUTIONS
IN THE CHURCH
- OFFENCES AMONGST THE BROTHERS AND IN THE CHURCH
- THE DEADLY CONCLUSION OF DISILLUSIONMENT
- SOME IN-CHURCH FOLLY
-TURNING THE MIRROR BACK ON OURSELF
- SOME OF THE WONDERFUL ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH/THE BODY OF CHRIST
IN YOURSELF
IN CHRIST

EXPECT THE AMAZING

CONCLUSION

HAVING A MIND READY FOR ACTION
  THE END IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE BEGINNING The end to which I am referring is when we finally make it to Heaven and the resurrection. But you must be prepared for the journey and have a mind ready for action, as the apostle Peter said 1 Peter 1:13. Becoming a believer in Jesus is such an amazing and glorious experience, but there are things you and   need to know and be aware of. Jesus said to His disciples just before He went to the cross, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
THE GREAT SECRET OF FAITH IN JESUS
 It is not a trouble free walk obviously, yet we can rest in the fact that Jesus has already overcome the world for us. But I really wish to emphasize is what Jesus first said, ...IN ME..." Dear friends, this is the whole secret of being a Christian - it is abiding in Jesus. King David penned it again and again: He is my Rock, my Fortress, my Strong Tower, my HIDING PLACE, my Refuge, my Shelter, my God in Whom  I trust...
 Beloved, this is so absolutely critical to learn and walk in! There can be untold trials, temptations, dangers, snares which we may face, and the secret is to learn to run into His arms, abide in Him, hide in the Secret Place of His Presence, and no one can take this from you. He is your Strength. He is your Help. He is your Guide. He is your Comforter. He is your Hope. He is your Righteousness. He is your LIFE!!! As the hymn says, "All other ground is sinking sand." And in the end we realize that it was  by His grace all along.
 I am not trying to paint a bleak picture here, but have watched so many turn away, stumble, fall back... for various reasons. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy shortly before he was martyred, "Do your diligence to come shortly to me: for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia; Only Luke is with me... At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that I may no be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me..." 2 Timothy 4:9-11,16-17
 This situation apparently was when Paul appeared before the vicious Emperor Nero under whom he was executed. We may not be required to face such situations, but let us look at some of the day to day situations we face.

OUR THREE CONSTANT ENEMIES
 The senior pastor I was raised under told me that whatever happens to us in life, no matter how seemingly unrelated, is a test of our faith (I have mentioned this before). Let us look at our three enemies:
 THE WORLD - Once we are in Christ Jesus, we become pilgrims and strangers in this world (Hebrews 11). This world is no longer our home, but we are passing on through to our eternal destiny, Heaven, to be with the Lord FOREVER - Praise His Holy Name!!! With that being said, until Jesus returns and sets up His Kingdom here on the earth, the world system and ways often runs contrary to God, our Heavenly Father's will. We are no longer to be conformed to it and its ways. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world...For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.  And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:15-17 That is one reason why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven." Matthew 6:10.
  Furthermore, because we are in this flesh bound to this world, its demands, our needs, and its appeals, we find ourselves constantly fighting distractions, desires and interests, needs and fears, that can be minimally to majorly opposed to the Kingdom of God and our service therein. As Christians/disciples of Jesus, we are to manage our lives, needs, interests, responsibilities in this world without it controlling us, or interfering with our UPWARD call in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14) .
 Not all the things in this world are evil or opposed to God, but even in these, if we let them get between us and the Lord, they can become our enemy instead of the blessing that they were supposed to be. "He gives us all things richly to enjoy." 1 Timothy 6:17. So we must face the world and all that is in it with its allurements, interests, and necessities, troubles, yet remain true to Jesus and the Gospel. Jesus did it, and so have an untold multitude of His disciples after Him. This we accomplish by abiding in Him. 
  One fierce opponent from the world is the reasoning that opposes the Gospel, the Scriptures of the Bible, and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. "...for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15 We are to keep ourselves un-spotted from the WORLD. James 1: 27 Be cautious regarding the influences and voices you welcome or yield to.

THE FLESH - "For I know that in me (that is in my FLESH), dwells no good thing." Romans 7: 18
 "For if  you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit  do put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live." Romans 8:13
 In me, that is in my flesh dwells no good thing." 
 "For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please." Galatians 5:17 NAS
 Talk about a live-in opponent, but in Christ, we are not powerless by any means as we can see in Romans 8:13. Through the Holy Spirit we can overcome the impulses of our flesh; therefore our primary concerns are the reasoning of our mind and the intents of our heart. We must constantly scrutinize what we think about and what we desire. God has given us the Bible so we can know what He calls right and wrong, and a new heart that enables us to chose between right and wrong, good and evil. Remember, the flesh is all about self gratification. Its impulses and needs are a constant drive in one form or another, and that is where pride thrives. Jesus has called us to take up our cross and follow Him, which the flesh fiercely opposes. By choosing a crucified life, by FAITH we put to death the impulses and drives of our flesh/sensual indulgences. So certain hardships and sufferings can be a good thing. "Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he  that has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." 1 Peter 4:1
 OH, but that is not all. God has also given us another super lethal weapon against the raging of our flesh and selfish impulses, it is His command to walk in LOVE. When we direct our thinking, and choices to walk in love toward Him and others, the Holy Spirit is allowed to step into our life and actions, override the passions of our flesh, and fulfill the will of God our Father. How awesome is that!!! We are in a good way!
  Final note - Our religion can be a work of the flesh if all our practices of devotion and good works are not carried out in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.  True devotion to Jesus Christ should produce a deeper relationship and love with and for Him, and should overflow into a better relationship with others. But when our acts of devotion and worship are devoid of faith and love that is when it becomes a mere lifeless and powerless religion.  It is often identified by our growing pride, self confidence in our works, and our critical attitude of others. Our religion is thus rendered useless to God and unprofitable for people's salvation, AND OFTEN OPPRESSIVE.

THE DEVIL - "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour...1 Peter 5:8
 Unlike the other two enemies I discussed, this one is a true opponent and enemy with the full and deliberate intent to steal, and to kill, and to destroy John 10:10. Although the devil has been defeated by Jesus Christ for the believer, yet he is still a deadly opponent determined to seduce you through his lies, flatteries, fears, which are all deceptions. He knows how to use the world, its appeals and reasoning, he knows how to entice our fleshly tendencies, or terrorize us, but -  "...greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world." 1 John 4:4. We are secure in this fact that he can do nothing to us, but what we allow him. That places a further responsibility on us to manage our lives with humility and Biblical reason, in the persistent pursuit of faith and truth while living in the fear of God.
  FLATTERY - One tool the devil uses on us is flattery. He feeds us what we want to hear and the way we want to hear it. He is a skilled speaker and musician. The timeless story of the Pied Piper is a good illustration. True, we are important to God our loving Heavenly Father, but there is a false importance wherein we exalt ourselves above others, or even above the loving laws of God "Love works no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Romans 13:10 If we allow him, he keeps us wallowing in our pride, self-pity, bitterness, anger, hate, evil suspicions, greed, self-righteousness, lusts,...and the list goes on. This has been the cause of untold hurts, strife, divisions that have damaged and defiled countless believers and churches throughout the ages (Dear God, have mercy).
 HUMILITY is so essential in our walk with Jesus, and such a safeguard against the wiles of the devil and our own self deception. Again we cannot blame anyone else but ourselves. "...and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, of God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:5-7 NAS
Can you see how when we let ourselves give into flattery and pride, we unwittingly become opponents to God, and consequently to ourselves?
 REMEDY AGAINST THE DEVIL -  "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." James 4:7-8
 If we are living a life of submission to God, adhering to His Word, and following the leading of His Holy Spirit, walking in humility and love, the devil has little or no opportunity to have a foothold on us.  In reality, we often sometimes step out of line, but we can trust the grace of God to bring us back into line and keep us. Good luck if you think you can do this on your own.

 WHY GOD HAS LEFT THESE OPPONENTS?
 "Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; only that the generations of the children of Israel might know to teach them war, at least such as before knew nothing thereof...And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would harken (listen) to the commandments of the lord, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses." Judges 3:1-4
 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places....Ephesians 6:10-18 (If you are able, read the whole passage).
 "Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be your are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love, in Whom , though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end or your faith, even the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9
 These opponents and enemies of our soul have a place in the plan of God. He did not place them there as such, but are the result of the fallen world, and will be there until Jesus returns. Since Jesus Christ has gotten the victory over them for us, He now uses the life experiences by which we are confronted daily, for the perfecting of our faith and purifying of our motives.  His end product will be the presenting of a fruitful life which brings Him glory, and the displaying of a testimony before the world that draws people to Him. He loves us so much, and "all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

 MAPPING OUR WALK OF FAITH -
 Before embarking on a journey it is wise to map out and examine the route, terrain, obstacles, as well as the locations of the supply stops and directional references along the way. Let us lay out some of the facts first. As already pointed out, once in Christ Jesus, this world is no longer our home, we are just passing through. Although the entire universe belongs to our Heavenly Father, yet this earth is also occupied and subject to the influence of the devil. "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness." 1 John 5:19 .
This indicates to us several things that we must take into account: 
1 - We are passing through hostile territory some of which we have never been through before 
2 - We have enemies, evil spirits that are bent on our destruction 
3 - We will be facing attacks, battles, struggles, oppositions, hardships
4 - Persecutions and suffering of various types are also to be expected
5 - Then perhaps the hardest difficulty, opposition from within and false brothers 
6 - God has also placed safe havens, Helps, times of refreshing, companionships, support, guidance, joy, power, and glory...
7 - Greatest of all, He is always right there with you, and you will never walk it alone as He brings us to our destiny in Heaven!

 LOOKING AT SOME OF THE OBSTACLES  -
PERSECUTIONS
(THIS SECTION I DEDICATE TO THE COUNTLESS BELIEVERS WHO HAVE AND WHO ARE SUFFERING PERSECUTION TO THIS DAY)
"As it is written: 'For Your sake we face death all the day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'" Romans 8:36 NIV 
 "Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.'" 2 Timothy 3:12
 This has been the standard since Jesus rose from the dead, especially where Jesus has not been recognized. "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves...And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold of a farthing? And one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:16,28-31
  What are His intentions? Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost. We are His body, and in order to reach the world He is using us, His church to be His hands, His feet, His voice.  To do this, the kingdom of darkness must be penetrated, so to speak. They persecuted Jesus, therefore we can be sure they will persecute us. But that which motivated Jesus is what motivates us -  the Love of the Father, our love for Him and our love for them.
 The other weapon that God has designed for us to overcome evil, is the same as what Jesus used - HE OVERCAME EVIL WITH GOOD. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21 It is not hate for hate, violence for violence, cursing for cursing, but dispensing his grace and love. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34, "When they hurled insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made not threats. Instead He entrusted Himself to Him Who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23 NIV, "Not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead, that you should inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:9 NAS
 TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK
 So our Heavenly Father has a plan for us to win the lost and free them from the bondages of sin and the enslavement of the devil. As Bill Gothard said, "We cannot win those we are fighting with." In Matthew 5:38-48, and Luke 6:27-36. So engaging in conflict is completely out of the question as far as the Gospel is concerned. In these verses Jesus is giving us hands-on practical examples of how to overcome evil with good, and to be a light and reflection of our Heavenly Father's love to a lost and dying world. Understand, persecution when serving the Lord is a guarantee.

WHAT ABOUT THE RUTHLESS AND VICIOUS ATTACKS?
  There are those brutal and vicious attacks by which people abuse (sometimes brutally), unjustly treat and kill us merely for being followers of Jesus. They are irrational, full of hate, and unjustified. These are satanic works of darkness though people are being used, and we are to recognize that the people are not our enemies, but the demonic forces behind them. Stephen, while being stoned to death by the religious leaders in his days, as he was dying knelt down, "...and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.'" Acts 7:60
  We are in a war for the souls of men, and the preservation of our own souls. In war there are always terrible things. Hopefully we will not have to face such things, but be aware that to this day many of our precious brothers and sisters are and have been all along  so treated (if you haven't already experienced it). God provides a grace for the believer in such cases, and has special rewards, but this is an opened ended part of the package of our call to faith in Jesus. We are called to bear our cross for Christ, and leave the results to Him. He loves us so much, so woe be to those who treat us in such ways and do not repent; however, we must forgive, and by His grace we can.

 THE WHITE COLLAR PERSECUTIONS - James 2:6-7 This is another type of persecution  believers may face which can take place in any type of culture and social situation. It might not be physical persecution, but attacks on character, reputation, withholding just rewards as in advancement or position, legal consequences for holding to moral convictions and the like. Again, that is to be expected and the believer is not to retaliate, but wisely and as peaceably as possible face each situation by the leading of the Holy Spirit and through the guidance of the Scriptures and thereby glorify the Father. I knew a woman whose husband ran out on her and their children. In doing so he also left huge debts. Some of the local business men retaliated by ruthlessly taking everything, leaving her and her three children with nothing. Although she did not indicate that their attitude had anything to do with religious persecution, but the heartlessness of their treatment of her and her children was a serious issue. First of all, she struggled with bitterness in her own heart, yet she refused to allow herself to be defiled by it. And secondly, she felt she needed to pray for them, fearing the Lord's retribution on them for how they were treating a widow, basically. If I can recall correctly, she said that they ended up in disasters of their own. Whether or not they did, her attitude and reaction to their treatment of her and her children was Biblically correct and in keeping with the examples and teaching of the Scriptures, the nature of Jesus Christ. We need to fear God and humble ourselves in faith and obedience, and may the Lord have mercy. Our attitude must be, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34, "...Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Acts 7:60 Jerusalem Bible.

 EARNED PERSECUTIONS - There is the self-made martyr, who may be so self-righteous, arrogant, presumptuous, inconsiderate and ignorant, that he/she pushes people to their limit until they have had enough. Consequently, when they, out of exasperation or frustration retaliate in one form or another, the Christian goes off feeling persecuted for his 'righteousness' feeling unjustly treated for "Serving God", or in the very least - unappreciated. In such cases you need to take a good look at yourself, or better yet, listen to the complaints or rebukes of others, repent, and do some apologizing. This I have learned. Just because someone is not a Christian, does not mean that their disagreements, views, opinions, understanding are always wrong and that God is not using them to speak to you.

OFFENCES AMONGST THE BROTHERS AND IN THE CHURCH 
   MANY SAINTS HAVE BEEN SO HURT, DISILLUSIONED, DISAPPOINTED, THAT THEY HAVE LEFT FOLLOWING JESUS, RETURNED TO THEIR OLD WAYS AND EVEN TO THEIR OLD RELIGION - OR TRIED TO COMPENSATE BY MAKING THEIR OWN JESUS.
- Perhaps some of the most difficult wounds to endure are those caused by those whom you trusted and who are closest to you. Expect them! Before I continue on this topic I must put forth a statement that will hopefully cause you to be more gracious and compassionate - YOU MAY BE JUST AS GUILTY OF THESE TOWARD OTHERS AS OTHERS HAVE BEEN TO YOU. And if not, be forgiving and understanding anyways.

THE DEADLY CONCLUSION OF DISILLUSIONMENT -
  Disillusionment occurs when we think something should be a certain way (and perhaps should be), but it turns out to be far less than we expected, phony, hypocritical, or false. Disillusionment can happen in all kinds of settings; in work, marriage, the political realm, social events, and religion. Wherever people are, there will be problems, failures, shortfalls to varying degrees, and if you are realistic you should expect it. We humans can ruin just about every good thing sooner or later. The problem is that we may tend to 'throw out the baby with the bath water'. Now there are times when disillusionment can be good. We may be involved in something harmful, like a cult. Perhaps we begin to notice unhealthy behaviours, abuse, manipulation... and we finally see it for what it is, come to our senses, and flee from it. That is something to be thankful to God for. But with regards to following Jesus in the Kingdom of God and thereby becoming a part of His church, which is Biblical, right, and good to do, we need to be ever so cautious. Eventually we may see some of the hypocrisy and folly of man within the church, and become so disillusioned, bitter, and infuriated, that we walk away. This is serious and deadly. When that happens, we have fallen into the snare of the devil, surrendered to his doubts, lies, fears, and embrace the conclusions he leads us to. In the end we may walk away from the grace of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ had purchased for us at the cross. Even worse, some get involved in activities that are blatantly opposed to Jesus and the Gospel. I have heard reports of people, especially of Christian young people who when on mission trips to third world countries, and when they return and see the unjust imbalance of life, the apparent apathy, shallowness, and selfishness of the church in the west, they become bitter and walk away, not being able to reconcile the two worlds in their hearts before God.

SOME IN-CHURCH FOLLY -
 There are things you may observe which will shock you regarding some of the behaviour within the church:
DOUBLE STANDARDS AND WORLDLINESS- You may find people who act holy on Sunday, but live a different life during the week.
BACKSTABBERS - another common folly you may find are people who rail on others, especially on the leadership
UNRELIABLE - One huge disappointing behaviour you many discover in the church are unreliable people who will let you down
UNCOMMITTED - A common complaint about Church goers is that many seem uncommitted and do not help almost at all, if at all (but do they owe you anything?) 
INJUSTICE - You may observe special treatment to some, and less to others. Or there may be decisions (at least from your perspective) that appear unjust...
COMPROMISE - Yielding to the world in areas where you feel it is a compromise to the truth of the Gospel (and you may be right, at least to a point)
STRIFE AND DIVISIONS, PRIDE AND ARROGANCE - These have been a constant plague to the church,  which has been a shame and reproach to the name of Jesus since its conception.
2 Corinthians 12:20-21
 
TURNING THE MIRROR BACK ON OURSELF -
 Now that we feel justified, let us examine ourselves. It sure is a shame that not everyone is as righteous and holy as you and I. I myself have stumbled many people thinking I was doing God a service trying to make them conform into my self-righteous ways. True, there may be very serious faults, and the Lord addresses them in the Bible, but He also teaches us how to deal with them in a Christ-like manner.
 Are any of these behaviours in you? If not, good. But are we in a place to judge? "Who are you that judges another man's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be held up: for God is able to make Him stand." Romans 14:4
Do we know everything? Do we see everything? Do we have all the right answers? True some things are blatantly wrong and even sinful, and they should be challenged. Now is it your place, or perhaps just to pray??? The church belongs to Jesus, and He has set the members in particular, and the way He wants. But you may say that some of the goings on in the church are just the works of man, and man's organizations. That may be true, and to varying extents, but if you are where God has planted you, what does He want you do to. The rest is up to Him.
FALSE BROTHERS - Remember Jesus parable about the enemy who sowed the tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30) Now we must be careful here. Jesus said that we are to be careful about trying to pluck out the tares, because we may uproot some of His precious wheat at the same time. We may think we know who the tares are, and sometimes we might even be right, but that is only the job of the Holy Spirit and maybe the leadership. There are times when we see a person in the church whom we totally despise and are convinced that he or she is an unconverted sinner, and yet another may appear righteous and holy, but we can be completely wrong. Only God knows the hearts. So we must be ever so careful in how we judge people and assess a situation. There may be times when we have to challenge something that the Bible calls wrong, or sin, but we had better be operating in the fear of the Lord. "Brothers, If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Galatians 6:1 Jesus said that He would build His Church, our job is to preach the Gospel and to love one another.

 THE WORKS AND BEHAVIOUR OF MEN SHOULD NEVER OVERTHROW YOUR PERSONAL WALK WITH JESUS NOR KEEP YOU FROM FOLLOWING THE BIBLE AND THUS BREAK FELLOWSHIP WITH HIS PEOPLE
 "But if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have FELLOWSHIP ONE WITH ANOTHER, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleans us from all sin." 1 JOHN 1:7

 SOME OF THE WONDERFUL ASPECTS OF THE CHURCH - THE BODY OF CHRIST
  It may be easy to find fault, but for a disciple of Jesus it should be even easier to find the good - "...love... thinks no evil" 1 Corinthians 13:5 Throughout my journey in Christ Jesus, my experience in the house of God/the family of believers, I have found along with the struggles, amazing worship, fellowship, friendship, discipleship, service, charity, help, good leadership, good preaching, refreshing, inspiration, and a source of  wealth in knowledge and understanding. I have experienced the glorious Presence of God, His peace, His comfort, His joy, His power and miracles.... I have found Jesus. I am not just referring to the Sunday meetings, nor excluding it. I have found this in the life of the body of Christ, everything included!!! Without the help thereof, I would have not made it thus far. Thank You Lord Jesus! This is Your design.

IN YOURSELF
  While following Jesus in this life, you will learn much about yourself, some of which may be a humbling pill to swallow, and yet such a relief. You may begin to become so keenly aware that without Him you can do nothing, but on top of that, without Him you are nothing. You learn as the Scripture says, that all your righteousness are as  filthy rags. You begin to see that all along the way the Lord has carried you, put up with you, endured unbelievably patiently with you, and yet still loves you. But more than that, you may likely find that much of His love, patience, and help came also through others. You did not get this far on your own, just you and Jesus, although it was Jesus all along using them.
 You will find temptations of various kinds that you had never known even as a sinner, but the grace and power to overcome them is the same. Through all of it you learn never to trust yourself and your abilities, and that your flesh is in constant opposition to your faith, the Bible, and His Holy Spirit. Paul said, "In me, that is in my flesh dwells no good thing." Romans 718   "...that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief." 1 Timothy 1:15.
  On the other hand you may find that people are drawn to you, but you realize that it is not you they are drawn to, but the Holy Spirit of Jesus in you. You will find a love and patience for people that you know comes from above. You may also find yourself less patient and tolerant with wicked things and wicked people. On the other hand you may find yourself more patient and accepting of things which you initially thought were worldly and godless, and now find Jesus using them to bless and inspire you (but always be cautious).
 You can find yourself amazingly detached from the fears and thrills of the world around you, even though you may be fully engaged in the activities of it. That is the testimony of  the Scriptures of the Bible alive in you, "...for you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." Colossians 3:3  You also learn to follow the peace of Christ that passes understanding in decision making and facing the unknown.
  In the end you realize that you are so attached to Him that you cannot imagine life possible without Him. 

EXPECT THE AMAZING

  Typically I cover all the "HARD ISSUES" and focus on the struggles, that is the way I am wired I suppose, but I have saved the best for the last. Knowing and walking with Jesus is INFINITELY AMAZING and WONDERFUL. Oh yes there are struggles, but... YOU have a FRIEND Who will never leave you or forsake you. Expect unexpected help, and at unexpected times, from unexpected sources, and often unsolicited. Expect a peace that passes understanding. Expect being surprised by joy. Expect refreshing in draught, songs in the night, and the desire to leap for joy. Expect overflowing thankfulness that wells up inside. Expect miracles, signs, and wonders, no matter how small they may seem! Expect courage and strength beyond the best you can muster on your own. Expect a willingness to gladly put others first and prefer them in genuine love. Expect visitations from the Jesus, and at times you never expected. Expect deliverance from bondages and struggles, and you know that it had nothing to do with any effort of yours. Expect the guidance and comfort of His Holy Spirit. Expect to hear His voice, "My sheep know My voice." Expect Him to teach you and speak to you through the Bible, His Holy Word. The best of it all, you know you earned none of these, it is all because of His UNFAILING LOVE! EXPECT JESUS in, through, and at the end of it all!!!

IN CHRIST
  In Jesus is where the Journey begins and ends, or rather launches into eternity. He is  the GRANDE FINALE of our life! in Christ Jesus you find that He is your Very Best Friend EVER "Who sticks closer that a brother."  You will find that His Presence is your very life and that you are never, ever alone!. You will find that He is your Help in everything, your Inspiration, your invisible Guide that never lets you down - even when you mess up (Praise His Holy Name!). He is your wisdom and understanding. Others may praise you for your abilities, but you know that they are from Him and Him alone. You will find that even your best delights in this world are nothing compared to Him. He is worth forsaking all for. He is your endless Source of Love,  Peace, and Joy unspeakable and full of glory even as the apostle Peter said. The world and its situations, troubles, turmoil, and even pleasures come and go, but He remains the same forever, for they are not your life, only Jesus is. You are planted on the SOLID ROCK when you are in Him, and He is your STRONG FORTRESS where you may ever continually resort. HE IS YOUR EVERYTHING!!! 

CONCLUSION
 If you have decided to follow Jesus, you have made the best possible decision of your life. But regardless of what you are expecting, remember, it is about Him from beginning to end, with Him from beginning to end, and everything else is incidental. You began a life with that is a walk with GOD that will never ever end!