John The Baptist saw something with discerning eyes which allowed him to believe and passionately preach that Jesus was the Messiah. What he saw was a heavenly reality of relationship between Spirit and Son. This relational reality was what empowered Jesus in His earthly ministry, and it is what he invites us into as we walk with God in our own daily lives. To be immersed in the fullness of the Triune God is Christ’s example and gift to us.
"Discipleship" Tagged Sermons
Starting the series “what am I learning from scripture”, I wanted to say what I have been learning about American culture and the shifts in recent years as I have been outside the country. The core of discipleship is timeless but the techniques used in the past generation must change to capture the bright minds of the future.
We often feel the urge to seek the approval of many people in our lives. This often occurs in our relationship with God too. Yet Jesus reveals there is something more to be discovered. What was the good portion Mary found? What audience are we living for? And, what audience should we be living for? The answers might surprise you.
At this point in the book of Jonah, the prophet Jonah actually obeys the call of God to go and proclaim among the Ninevites. What Happens When We Join God’s World-Wide Cause? What Could That Look Like for us?
Jesus has given the vision, and vision requires mission. We cannot only see it but must do it. What is your mission? And are you praying for the lost? Options for mission include prayer, support, and going. How are you living in regard to these?
The resurrected Jesus has been given all authority. What is this authority and what does it look like? Jesus strategically linked His cause for the disciples with His authority. What would His authority look like in the life of a Jesus-Follower and what difference would it make?
We believe disciples follow Jesus, are changed by Jesus, and join Jesus in His mission of love. But when we are working in His mission, we often find that loving God and loving one another is easier than loving our neighbors, especially when fishing for people. Perceived failure in sharing the gospel well, both past and present, can be discouraging, but we trust that Jesus is not done with us. Just like Peter, we trust that the more we follow Jesus, the more He will change us to become effective fishers of people, giving us immense purpose and hope.
Since the beginning, God has wanted to have close intimate relationships with His people. Even on Mt. Sinai, He was calling His people to a marriage-like covenant with Him. God is calling, but He allows the closeness of relationship with Him to be up to us. What type of relationship will you choose?
Ancient wisdom affirms, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (Proverbs 18:1, ESV) Yet, according to the General Social Survey reported in Time magazine, “the number of Americans who say they have no close friends has roughly tripled in recent decades. ‘Zero’ is the most common response when people are asked how many confidants they have.” (Time March 18, 2015). During His time on earth Jesus lived in loving community with a handful of friends. Before His departure He commanded His small group to love one another as He had loved them. In this message we consider a few of the many reason why followers of Jesus should unite with a few others as one way to obey Jesus’ command to “love one another.”
God is looking for true soldiers not chocolate soldiers. Which one does your life look like? Hear about what it looks like to join God’s mission and obey Jesus as a true soldier would!