Building Lives for Christ: Growth, Service, and Discipleship
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of building lives for Christ, emphasizing the importance of growth and service in our spiritual walk. We began by acknowledging the sovereignty of God, who reigns eternally, providing us with strength and wisdom in times of need. This divine assurance allows us to lean into His power and grace, especially when we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges. Our focus then shifted to understanding the DNA of our church community, Cornerstone, and the mission that drives us forward. We are committed to reaching lost souls with the gospel, connecting believers to a local church, and growing disciples in their faith.
The heart of our mission is not merely to increase numbers but to foster genuine spiritual growth. We discussed the necessity of moving beyond spiritual infancy, urging believers to mature in their faith by engaging deeply with the Word of God. Alarmingly, many Christians today are biblically illiterate, relying on superficial understandings rather than delving into the scriptures themselves. This lack of biblical engagement leads to a shallow faith that cannot withstand the trials of life.
Furthermore, we highlighted the critical role of service in the Christian life. Each of us has been endowed with unique gifts meant to serve others and glorify God. Serving is not just an act of charity but a reflection of our beliefs, demonstrating the alignment between our words and actions. We are called to be active participants in God's work, not passive consumers of religious experiences.
Finally, we revisited the Great Commission, emphasizing the biblical model of discipleship as a process of multiplication rather than mere addition. By each of us making one disciple who then makes another, we can exponentially grow the Kingdom of God. This approach contrasts with the consumer-driven model prevalent in many churches today, which focuses on attracting large crowds rather than fostering deep, transformative relationships with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty and Our Assurance: God's eternal reign provides us with the strength and wisdom needed to navigate life's challenges. By looking to Him, we find the help and guidance we need, ensuring we are never overwhelmed by our circumstances. [18:15]
- The Importance of Biblical Literacy: Engaging deeply with the Word of God is crucial for spiritual maturity. Many Christians today are biblically illiterate, which leads to a shallow faith unable to withstand life's trials. We must prioritize personal Bible study to grow in our understanding and faith. [29:30]
- Service as a Reflection of Belief: Serving others with our God-given gifts is a tangible expression of our faith. It reveals the alignment between our beliefs and actions, demonstrating the transformative power of living out biblical principles. [40:41]
- The Power of Discipleship Multiplication: The biblical model of discipleship emphasizes multiplication over addition. By each believer making one disciple who then makes another, we can exponentially grow the Kingdom of God, reaching the world more effectively than through traditional methods. [55:01]
- The Call to Active Participation: We are called to be active participants in God's work, not passive consumers. This involves engaging with our church community, serving others, and living out the Great Commission in our daily lives. [57:09]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [15:54] - Praise and Worship
- [17:42] - God's Eternal Reign
- [18:15] - Finding Strength in God
- [19:24] - Church Community and Growth
- [21:38] - Cornerstone's Mission
- [23:38] - Building Lives for Christ
- [25:41] - Growing in Faith
- [27:21] - Moving Beyond Spiritual Infancy
- [29:30] - The Importance of Knowing Scripture
- [33:33] - Encouragement to Engage with the Bible
- [39:17] - Serving with Our Gifts
- [42:57] - The Decline of the American Church
- [49:32] - The Consumer Culture in Church
- [55:01] - Discipleship and Multiplication
- [57:28] - Our Mission and Challenge
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 6:1-3
2. 1 Peter 4:10
3. Matthew 28:19-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 6:1-3, what are the basic teachings about Christ that believers are encouraged to move beyond? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on spiritual maturity? [26:45]
2. In 1 Peter 4:10, what is the purpose of the gifts that each believer has received? How does this align with the sermon’s discussion on serving others with our gifts? [39:36]
3. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 relate to the sermon’s focus on discipleship and multiplication? What specific actions are believers called to take? [53:00]
4. The sermon mentioned the issue of biblical illiteracy among Christians today. What statistics were shared, and what do they reveal about the current state of Bible engagement? [29:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to move beyond spiritual infancy according to Hebrews 6:1-3, and why is this important for a believer’s faith journey? [26:45]
2. How does serving others with our gifts, as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10, reflect our beliefs and demonstrate the alignment between our words and actions? [40:41]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the consumer-driven model of church contrasts with the biblical model of discipleship? How does this impact the growth of the Kingdom of God? [55:01]
4. How does the sermon’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty provide assurance and strength to believers facing life’s challenges? [18:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current level of biblical engagement. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of the Word of God and move beyond spiritual infancy? [29:30]
2. Identify a specific gift or talent you have. How can you use this gift to serve others in your church community or beyond, aligning your actions with your beliefs? [40:41]
3. Consider the Great Commission’s call to make disciples. Who is one person in your life you can intentionally invest in to help them grow in their faith? What practical steps can you take to begin this process? [53:00]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of being active participants in God’s work. What is one area of ministry or service you feel called to engage in, and how can you take a step towards involvement this week? [57:09]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges. How did you lean into God’s sovereignty and find strength in His assurance? What can you do to remind yourself of His presence in future challenges? [18:15]
6. The sermon mentioned the decline of the American church due to a lack of active participation. How can you contribute to reversing this trend within your own church community? [42:57]
7. Think about the concept of discipleship multiplication. How can you incorporate this model into your personal ministry efforts, and what impact do you hope to see as a result? [55:01]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty as Our Anchor
In the midst of life's challenges, the sovereignty of God provides an unshakeable foundation. His eternal reign assures us that we are never alone, and His strength and wisdom are available to us in every situation. By leaning into His power and grace, we can navigate even the most overwhelming circumstances with confidence and peace. This divine assurance invites us to trust in His plan and timing, knowing that He is in control and working all things for our good. [18:15]
"For the LORD of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's sovereignty more fully today? How can you actively lean into His strength and wisdom in this situation?
Day 2: Deepening Biblical Literacy
Engaging deeply with the Word of God is essential for spiritual maturity. Many believers today struggle with biblical illiteracy, relying on superficial understandings rather than immersing themselves in the scriptures. This lack of engagement leads to a shallow faith that is easily shaken by life's trials. Prioritizing personal Bible study allows us to grow in our understanding and faith, equipping us to face challenges with a firm foundation in God's truth. [29:30]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your engagement with the Bible? Consider setting aside dedicated time each day for personal study and reflection.
Day 3: Service as a Reflection of Faith
Serving others with our God-given gifts is a tangible expression of our faith. It demonstrates the alignment between our beliefs and actions, revealing the transformative power of living out biblical principles. Service is not merely an act of charity but a reflection of our commitment to glorify God and serve His people. By actively participating in God's work, we embody the love and grace we have received, impacting the lives of those around us. [40:41]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one way you can use your unique gifts to serve someone in your community this week. How can this act of service reflect your faith in action?
Day 4: The Multiplicative Power of Discipleship
The biblical model of discipleship emphasizes multiplication over mere addition. By each believer making one disciple who then makes another, the Kingdom of God can grow exponentially. This approach contrasts with consumer-driven models that focus on attracting large crowds rather than fostering deep, transformative relationships with Christ. Embracing this model of discipleship challenges us to invest in others, nurturing their faith and encouraging them to do the same. [55:01]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally invest in as a disciple this month? How can you encourage them to grow in their faith and eventually disciple others?
Day 5: Active Participation in God's Work
We are called to be active participants in God's work, not passive consumers of religious experiences. This involves engaging with our church community, serving others, and living out the Great Commission in our daily lives. By actively participating in God's mission, we align our lives with His purposes, experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves. [57:09]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively participate in your church community this week? How can this involvement help you live out the Great Commission in your daily life?
Quotes
Yesterday, today and every day he will reign and Rule forever we can lean into his sovereignty and his power and his love and his grace we never need to be overwhelmed all we need to do is look to the Lord because that is where your one and true help will come from. [00:18:05]
Our goal is not to grow the biggest church on Long Island if that happens praise His name if it doesn't we're not failing if we're building lives for Christ and the way we do that we started last week is the first thing is we have to reach lost people with the gospel. [00:23:34]
One of the ways we build lives Christ when someone's been reached with the gospel and connected to a church is we intentionally grow disciples in their faith it's an Irreplaceable part of the Christian Life. I mean when we had kids I would catch myself all the time eating baby food. [00:27:27]
The problem that we're having right now on a national scale in the modern Church in North America is that most Christians don't know what the word of God actually says like one recent survey says this and this is probably I think a little bit low that 20% of your average average church goers. [00:29:30]
We have become largely biblically illiterate and here's what happens we take the few verses we think we know and we use them to harm people not heal people the scripture is a scalpel it's sharp it cuts but it cuts with the intent to heal we wield it like it's an Axe. [00:35:21]
I would rather have 10 faithful followers of Jesus than 10,000 people in a crowd I have no interest and pleasing anyone other than God so we're going to preach Doctrine on the Sunday morning we're actually going to talk about Sin but with the right posture now that may offend people. [00:36:21]
Serving is a step that puts biblical principles into practice so our final step right we're going to reach lost people with the gospel connect Christians to a church grow disciples in their faith but this is key if we don't do this the rest literally breaks down we have to serve people with our gifts. [00:40:41]
Your belief will always come out in your behavior you could say one thing but I watch what you do which tells me who you are and let's just be totally honest this goes for me goes for my wife it goes for all of us the words we say and The Way We Walk don't always align up very well do they. [00:40:56]
If the generation before you and I decided that all they wanted to do after they were reached after they got connected after they grew was to sit and do nothing none of us would be here none of us would be here if they made it all about them and that's always the thing. [00:42:57]
The biblical model of ministry isn't come and see and let someone else do the work it's come be trained and then go and do the work so the biblical model is super simple Jesus lays it out a million times he models it we see it in the early church which just each one make one. [00:55:01]
In 33 years we could reach the entire world for Jesus each one of us made one disciple every year and that person did the same same thing the next year that's the difference between man-made addition and gospel centered multiplication we are a Great Commission church. [00:57:09]
Our mission is to build lives for Christ by reaching lost people with the gospel connecting Christians to a local church growing disciples in their faith so that we can serve all people with our gifts so I've laid out the mission I've defined the mission now my challenge to all of us. [00:57:28]
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