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Introduction: Christ is the first fruits of the dead (I Cor. 15:20-23; Rev. 1:4-7). His resurrection is the greatest event in history. It is the testimony that we will be resurrected also (I Cor. 15:50-58; Rom. 6:3-7).

A. Yet, to have the benefits of eternal life in the resurrection, Christ made it plain always that His followers are to put Him first in their lives. His service demands some sacrifices that many are unwilling to make.

A. Allegiance is: loyalty and devotion to a cause or person.

1. I pledge allegiance to the flag…

B. Christ demands first place:

1. Before friends and kin (Matt. 10:34-39).

2. Before wife and personal ambitions (Luke 14:15-20).

3. Before himself/herself (Luke 9:23-25).

C. Christ will not share us with the world or Satan.

1. Matt. 6:24; James 4:4

2. I Cor. 1:10-13. The bride of Christ should wear His name.

D. Therefore, we are to follow and obey Christ no matter who is for or against our becoming a Christian.

A. The Christian life is a process of growth (II Peter 3:18).

1. A good example is necessary.

a. Matt. 5:14-16

b. Phil. 1:21,27

2. Poem: Dad and Mom had a little boy. (See other sheet)

B. Ten Rules For Healthy Living written by Mort Cheshire, who lived to be 102 years of age and died peacefully in his sleep.

1. Cultivate a calm temperament (II Tim. 2:24-26).

2. Don’t dislike anybody (Romans 12:16-18).

3. Love God and thank God everyday (I Thes. 5:17,18).

4. Persistently believe in the future (Phil. 3:13,14).

5. Be a positive thinker (Phil. 4:8).

6. Never take a second helping at the table.

7. Don’t smoke (I Cor. 6:19,20).

8. Forget your age and live your life (Eph. 5:15, 16).

9. Think health and see yourself as healthy (Prov. 23:7) "As a man thinks in his heart…"

10. Love God and walk with Him daily (I John 1:7).

C. A Life Of Teaching.

1. In word and deed (Col. 3:17; Matt. 5:16).

2. By faithful teachers (II Tim. 2:2; I Tim. 4:12-16).

A. Love requires obedience (John 14:15; John 15:9-14; I John 5:1-3).

B. Love requires faithful service until death (Luke 9:57-62; Rev. 2:10).

Conclusion: Make know your allegiance to Christ by OBEYING the Gospel; LIVING for Christ, and LOVING Christ.

Dad and Mom had a little boy, his soul was white as snow, he never went to Bible School because his parents wouldn’t go.

He never heard the word of God that thrills the childish mind, while other children went to class, this child was left behind.

As he grew from babe to youth, Dad and Mom saw to their dismay, a soul that once was snowy white become a dingy gray.

They even started back to church and Bible study too; they begged the preacher, "isn’t there something you can do?"

The preacher tried and tried and said, "We’re just too far behind, I tried to tell you years ago, but you would pay no mind."

And so another soul was lost, that once was white as snow, Sunday school would have helped, but Dad and Mom would not go!

Author Unknown