“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything Ii have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
This weekend at Journey Community Christian Church we wrap up our five week Spring series titled, DISCIPLE. This week we have planned something unique and different for you. We are calling this last lesson BE THE CHURCH. We will emphasize that a follower of Jesus (disciple) doesn’t merely GO to church, but tries each day to BE the church.
Our weekend worship gathering goal as we finish five weeks of Jesus' relevant words in the Bible, is to DO small things, which are BIG. Simple acts of kindness in our community and neighborhood which make people go, “Wow, God!”
We always say, It’s nice to be nice. This weekend we will learn and share practical ways to live that out each day.
Let’s review for a moment. Week #1 in the series we discussed a DISCIPLE touches the lepers (outcasts in culture), befriends the prostitutes (those trapped in situations), and offends religious insiders (legalist without Jesus love). Loving people like Jesus loves people is messy. This is also rewarding. God is for everybody. Not everybody knows. We have to tell everybody.
Week #2 we discovered a DISCIPLE goes fishing for people, not just fish. We share our own Jesus story with others; family, friends, anyone in our circle, our tribe.
Week #3 we celebrated Easter. We learned a DISCIPLE washes feet. Jesus on the night he was betrayed, arrested, and then executed was serving those who were around the table with Him. Serving those whom we love is easy. Serving even those we may not like is hard. Jesus changes everything. He changes us too.
Week #4 we shared that a DISCIPLE breaks bread. In our modern culture this is demonstrated by giving our time to build relationships with people. This requires interrupting our schedules.
Week #5, this weekend we’re wrapping it up. A DISCIPLE goes out. It’s something like being an emissary for your country. Or maybe an ambassador for your nation. A disciple is a local missionary each day where we live, breathe, eat, work, and sleep.
The LAST WORDS Jesus shared with His disciples before returning to heaven were: GO... DEPART.... TAKE A JOURNEY... TOWARD SPIRITUALLY DISCONNECTED PEOPLE.
We will help you at Journey Church this weekend travel and journey to others right here where we live each day.
Let’s do this.... Help God keep this momentum of life transformation and change going. Jesus changes everything.
BE THE CHURCH.... Join us and bring a seat buddy.... Best thing you could ever do!
