{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvertical.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Fteaching-jan-11-2025-6nGkJSVE","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Essentials... Follow Jesus | Nathan Hughes","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/9689ac23-2320-4b64-bf07-a443a5ebe021/367c0edc-c21d-48c1-b5cf-7fbd6a844eca/essentialssquare.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"<iframe src=\"https://player.simplecast.com/7da158f4-0cc6-487a-b1f4-aef2e8ffafae\" height=\"200\" width=\"100%\" title=\"Essentials... Follow Jesus | Nathan Hughes\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe>","height":200,"description":"Follow Jesus | Week 2\n\nDescription:\nAt Vertical, we believe spiritual transformation follows a clear pathway: Encounter God, Follow Jesus, Experience Freedom, and Make an Impact. But an encounter with God is never the end of the story—it’s an invitation to a decision.\n\nIn Week 2 of this series, we explore what it truly means to follow Jesus, not just attend church. Jesus never said, “Come attend me.” He said, “Come follow me.” Christianity was never meant to be a weekly event we consume, but a daily apprenticeship that reshapes our desires, priorities, and direction.\n\nIn this message, you’ll discover:\n\nWhy encounter always leads to a decision\n\nHow following Jesus begins with the heart, not behavior\n\nWhy we follow what we want most—not just what we believe is right\n\nWhat it means to leave our “nets” behind—comfort, control, and familiarity\n\nWhy following Jesus requires reordering our entire lives\n\nHow Jesus doesn’t erase your gifts—He redeems and redirects them\n\nFollowing Jesus costs something—but not following Him costs far more.\nThe question isn’t simply what you believe.\nThe question is: What do you want?"}