Therefore, they learn as they do. For disciples caught in destructive lifestyles, teach them the difference between friends and acquaintances, and encourage them to temporarily disassociate with acquaintances who would inhibit them from refusing temptations. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. Ironically, it is the unrepentant churched that persecute Kingdom saints the most. To start saving items to a SermonFolder, please create an account. (Ephesians 4:26-27, NIV), Anger is a natural emotion that does not have to lead to sin. In sharing the faith, like me, you will often fail. About Us. We engage with our minds and not our spirits. How many years did the owner of the fig tree allow it to grow without bearing fruit before he demanded it be cut down? There are 2.2 billion adherents of the Christian faith, nearly 1/3 of all people on the planet! That Magnificent Kingdom Mark 4:21-34 Even when American soldiers sign for selfish reasons, they still receive the same training as those who sign with more noble intent. The absolute upper limit for a mature saint with full-time commitment to discipleship should be about 10. I know it may be hard, but you have to let it go and focus on the vision, Gods glory, and the mission, which is making disciples. Several times in the Scriptures, the saints are referred to as those who are being saved, rather than those who are saved (see Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 1:18, and 2 Corinthians 2:15). I personally believe that the early church had an advantage by not having the canon. Yet, the mission of personally making disciples was central to all that Jesus and Paul did. Text: Matthew 13:33 I grew up that way. That means you need to seek and find a disciple to whom you will cast the vision and continue spreading Gods glory. Then, out loud (because Satan cant read minds), rebuke the enemytake these from him by exposing light to them, command Satan to get out, and submit these things to God. Sermons; Resources; Spiritual Growth Plan; Bible; Prayer; Podcasts; Get Involved. (Matthew 28:19-20a). If they make a full commitment to God and the Kingdom, they should be baptized and you can proceed working with them by meeting several hours per week with them. June 10, 2018. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For the unchurched who have no knowledge of the Gospel, you would share concerning our fall into sin, our deserved punishment, Jesus incarnation, His death as payment for the penalty of our sin, and the resurrection as proof of His power over sin and death. Jesus taught a pattern for prayer not a rote one. The itemized list will come during repentance and tearing down strongholds. Paul admonished his readers to join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us (Philippians 3:17). What does this passage state concerning if a believer falls away? The letter of Hebrews says: Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). In the next chapter we will continue to discuss freedom, with very practical and foundational application. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! Folks, we have to keep that big vision before us all the time, so that we dont despair and give up! . Hmmm. delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, )! The truth is, our holy and righteous God is somewhat ego-centricand rightfully so. Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! Read Matthew 7:13-39. Is it acceptable to read Scripture and not obey what we read? To make disciples. This pattern allows the new disciple to seek Gods voice and conditions them to look at Gods Word as a means of hearing from Him. How could that be? Lord God Almighty, I pray that your glory will cover the whole earth. His disciples were blessed if they were in the kingdom. What the key first steps for qualifying a disciple? Pray through Luke 11:13 below (ask, seek, knock). Likewise, Paul said: Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). Ask them what the Lord is speaking to them. People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? How much time should you commit to your disciple? (1 John 2). Seeking, Finding, and Qualifying New Disciples. Satan has no recourse. And not only that, but He has a whole lot of enemies, and these enemies are the most influential and powerful religious leaders in Israel! However, a clear understanding that the authentic Christian faith results in radical transformationand an understanding that there is no sure thing for the one who is not persevering in faithis foundational to launching a disciple-making movement. Series: Luke. Would you sign the blank piece of paper? Some Bible scholars have interpreted these two parables in a negative light. These religious leaders had rejected Christ, because they saw Him as a threat. As you share your faith, trust God to save your friends and family in his timing. The house can indeed be cleaned and the door locked, but we allow the devil entrance. True? They must have wondered what kind of a king could Jesus be? Again, we believe in Gods power for salvation, but not necessarily for transformation. What about your pride? It has grown into a huge plant. This wee parable is actually about us and its about the kingdom of God the reign of God in our lives. That is why light needs to shine in all the dark closets, and those areas must be taken from the devil and given to God. Read John 14:15, 14:21, and John 15:10. This is what Christ demands from His disciples! America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great. Be open to these folks meeting in different ways, not necessarily connected to your church. Yet, John says, let no one deceive you; otherwise, this is the correct standard to apply. There were the same ladies that used to yell at us for playing in the flowers. Until we are ready to sign this document, we are not fit to serve in His Kingdom. In this passage we see a few elements thus discussed. This leaven is hidden inside the dough. Don't take a passive approach. Have them (and help them) put together a prayer team to support their growth and discipleship efforts. Stories abound about modern geographical ignorance. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. Making disciples is simply taking people through the healing process of becoming free from the devils lies, and surrendering to a loving Father. This past week I was getting my oil changed and I had a chance to present the gospel to the guy in the waiting room with me. Have them pray for their own discipleship candidates for 15 minutes a day. He gets buy-in on the vision, commitment to the mission, and authentic repentance followed by baptism. Conversion without transformation seems to rescue some from a fiery end. The disciple must repent to allow cleansing. What was going to happen when they waited in the city and received the promise from the Father? What about your family? Would you give up your possessions for Christ? There is power and authority in numbers! A new saint should limit it to one at first. Satan mocks God, as if saying, Look, the humans you created for your glory follow meall of them listen to me and sin. This is a complete affront to God. without holiness no one will see the Lord, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age. I know that these words can offend. His kingdom is not one of military might or political savvy; rather, it is one that extends his grace, mercy and love. (Titus 2:11-14, NASB). 3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. That must have been how the first disciples felt at the beginning as well. Why should you seek a disciple that lives close to you? We are free indeed, and must receive that freedom. A good practice is to skip two mealsgo dinner to dinner or lunch to lunch. Then Jesus pulls up in a stretched limo, opens the door and says, Hop in! Thats the same as holding onto our chains even though the shackles have been released; it is a self-imposed bondage. Now you will certainly still be supporting them from behind the scenes, going through all the same things in the cycle pattern set forth in this resource. Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? The enemy is off the coast and has unhindered ability to relentlessly pummel your coastline, regardless of your response. These past three weeks we have focused our messages on discipleship. Without a commitment to the vision (freedom) and the mission (defend and protect), no amount of compensation is worth dying for; but with a sense of duty, honor, and sacrificeno price is too high. A focus on Hoshea, the last king of Israel, makes us realise what the theological problem was which lead to the demise of the Northern Kingdom - they just wanted to be like everyone else. This is a stronghold, or the willful sinning or practicing sin described in Hebrews 10 and 1 John 3 (discussed later). Does conversion without transformation glorify God? No one who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. They not only fail to promote the cause, they hinder it by serving the enemys commander. They presume they are just here to preach to others to do so, or to organize classes. Message In fact, I would argue that we must be tempted in order to prove our holiness. If someone lives an hour away, it is far less likely for regular interaction to occurand this time investment is necessary for effective discipleship. (1 Corinthians 5). Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. In line with the teachings of Jesus, the path to freedom from sin begins with repentance and ends in holiness and righteousness. They want to be a part of something bigger than themselves and make a real difference in the world with their lives. Obedience is submission to the Spirit, and walking by the Spiritabiding in Christ. What was it meant to be? Its all about them. Feel like they are not a good example ( Repent and confess sin), Do not want to offend others- ( Be wise and gentle) -. From there, the man of peace and future generations of disciples will target their sphere of influence, or oikos. A mentor takes a disciple through a spiritual inventory. Even with the protective glass removed, the small fish live in safety, because the pike assumes that the barrier remains. Introduction Acts 1:1-11. However, I say it again: the end is to bring glory to God. . Churches that dont share Jesus die. Abide in Me, and I in you. Her fiery fate is consuming millions daily because we do not recognize the times, catch this vision, and engage in the mission. The focus is not how or where they assemble corporately (I hate that term), but rather is centrally focused on their accountability and obedience to Christ. It seemed like His mission was a colossal disaster. (2 Corinthians 10). Most people have a sense that there is something wrong with their life. If you are not involved with working out in the harvest, get involved! Where are their commanders? (Revelation 19:7-8). I have been radically transformed. As you seek to share your faith in a kind way, you may be surprised that people are more willing to listen. Why is God enlisting his army of soldiers? 15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying, 16 THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,, 17 AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.. If your ministry model cant handle 1,000,000 people in a year, you are thinking too small! Likewise, Jesus dissertation to the church in Sardis (Revelation 3) shows that the church was soiled and could only be cleansed by repentance. Read Luke 24:49. Enter your email address and we will send you a link to reset your password. We need to tell them that they are pawns in an epic battle for their allegiance and affection. Ok, if youre still with me, you can rest assured that God does not want you to sacrifice everything on this list right now. Job was actually not the center of the storyGod and the devil were. We are at war. A thorough teaching on First John and related passages really challenges folks towards authentic repentance. 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches., 20 And again he said, To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? When you share Jesus with your neighbor or a co-worker or a student in class with you or a family member you are demonstrating your love for them. We have turned it into information and meetings, rather than a walk empowered by the Spirit. Help your disciple count the cost of surrendering his or her life to God. Lukes gospel tells us he often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16). Prayer was Jesus regular practice, but what did Jesus pray? I know many would say that He would forgive many times and that we can repent many times for the very same act. July 22nd, 2015 | Set goals and provide accountability. The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and Jesus. 2014, James H. Feeney.Copyright statement. Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Press in to it. You are an awesome and holy God, who by grace has given us a chance to truly liveentrance into the Kingdom. Join A Life Group; Take A Class; 4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. According to verse 7, who is the letter written to, believers or nonbelievers? I know its not enough to just say, sin no more.. Africa? For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. We read in John 14:12, right after Jesus tells the disciples to believe in Him because of the miracles He has performed, Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. (John 14:12). But reading is not enough. The truth is that honesty often gains respect. It is not just to maintain the purity of the church (which is indeed an objective). Are you ready to unleash the flood of laborers? Some other web sites of our friends in gospel ministry that will be a blessing to you. The wayward parent always attracts the children with worldly things: riches, pleasures, and freedom to do as they please. Sam Adams, John Quincy Adams, William Bradford, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Jay, the list goes on and on. Now, it is true that leaven many times in Scripture symbolizes evil. When we defend the lie, we actually go as far as to serve Satan. Learn more. They dont see that person as an heir of the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world! We are bound to a church system that keeps us trapped within four walls. Now, about what to teach: there is far too much to include in this short text. In the US, where independence and rugged individualism reign, the church (or assembly of Christs followers) has been rendered inconsequential. In the Old Testament, men were repeatedly commanded to be fruitful and multiply, quite literally. However, obeying our former slave master by responding inappropriately gives the devil a place or a foothold.. Most folks in the pews are mere infantsmaybe not in knowledge, but certainly in obediencethat is, if they are saved at all. They see that most within the church do not live much differently than those outsidebecause the churched predominantly lack transformed lives. The message we share with people is not about hell, morality, or the church. We tend to work on ourselves for an extended period of time, slowly (and not so surely) improving ourselves. Problem As a result, we focus on conversion (saving souls) rather than transformation and seek to meet needs rather than invite folks into Kingdom life. A stronghold is formed. Now to get a bit personal; I do not want to but I must, because I know that the vision is not caught by mere words. Again, the foothold is taken away from Satan, we are holy (saints, NOT saved sinners), and we are righteous. If they are serious, they will sacrifice all for the Pearl of Great Worth. Numerous believers have joined the kingdom reserves based on the benefits. When Christians admit their sin, when they ask for forgiveness after failing to show kindness, they often gain respect. As stated earlier, glory that rightfully belongs to God has been directed toward the devil and his works via our sin. Ignoring someones sin does not help them at all. Jesus tells them its not going to be like that. Even though this is a very brief book, the amount of potentially new information can seem overwhelming. What does the Western church system centralize ministry around? The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. We assume that God will forgive us through His grace, regardless of what we do. [April 18, 1775], John Adams in a letter written to Abigail on the day the Declaration was approved by Congress The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity (you dont need to look any further than that to see that this nation was founded as a Christian nation) I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God., [July 4th] ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty., Benjamin Franklin: | Portrait of Ben Franklin. What did Jesus say we would do after He went to the Father? A great acronym to remember for training is MAWL: Model, Assist, Watch, and Let go. You wont be able to look around and see all the usual trappings of glory. Who are the two powers battling for our affection and allegiance? And as crazy as it sounds, try to avoid engaging in discipleship activities in a church setting for the first several weeks. They may do good works, but they have not signed that blank piece of paper that gives everything to Jesus, and they do not walk the path of righteousness. Rather, my life and the Spirit must bleed into this text for you to catch this. Is America a Christian nation? Salvation Army. Build a solid foundation using the patterns presented in this guide. Come at 9:30 a.m.. Now take the disciple through the same exercise next week. Here John emphatically states we do sin. Because mature believers got involved in the lives of others, the Body of Christ remained robust. In Acts 1:5, what did Jesus call this experience? The Word is there to provide us with insight, examples, and direct communication with our Creator and Redeemer, through the Holy Spirit. Dont Despise The Day Of Small Beginnings! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . Likewise, First Corinthians chapters 12-14 were addressed to all the saints. Respect their decision. Or, There it is! For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst. The Pharisees assumed the kingdom hadnt come yet. I urge you to consider: does your faith walk demonstrate a radical departure from the worlda full commitment to the Kingdom life? This verse sums up the purpose of Johns letter. In the first parable we see the external expansion of the kingdom. He wants to quit so he can go outside and play baseball with his friends. Select File TypeWord DocPDFView Sermon Online (html) For instance, he writes: Christianity was a way of life, not a series of doctrines. Well, werent the manifestations of power only for the Apostles? Now, Im not against any of those things, but they arent necessary for the kingdom to influence this world. The kingdom of God has come. Nothing short of a transformed and obedient life glorifies God. Whenever a pastor preaches, he should be reminding the congregation of the mercy and love of God in sending Jesus Christ to die and rise for sinners. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Listen; Download; Previous Page. Therefore, walking in freedom from sin, obedient to His commands and free from all worldlinessthis is the measure of whether or not you know the father and are indeed born again, receiving eternal life (I didnt say it, he did). Within weeks, the disciple is challenged to seek a disciple of his own. Picture an enemy naval force advancing against your coastline. So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. You know the mission and have taught it, but cant get the reserves mobilized to active duty. Although the kingdom began very small and obscure and inconspicuous, it will have a glorious ending, spreading throughout the world, and influencing peoples from every quarter of the globe! Expect a few hours of commitment per week per disciple. Not my words, his. Matthew 6:9-15, 13:31-35 Gods kingdom people are not recognized by the rest of the world. But in the next moment they can, mid-drag, realize their sin and repent of it, rebuke the enemy, remind the devil that he has no authority over that stronghold, put out the cigarette, and throw away the pack. Again, think about it as a custody battle. read more, Scripture: The amount of potentially new information can seem overwhelming sharing the faith nearly. Church system that keeps us trapped within four walls turned it into information and meetings rather... And received the promise from the devils lies, and surrendering to loving! 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