Disciples_Making_Disciples_3.docx

of the Sermon**

In this message, we explored the heart of biblical discipleship: not just making converts, but walking with people as they grow in Christ—one life at a time. The focus was on the necessity of genuine Christian community, where believers are not left to fend for themselves but are nurtured, encouraged, and held accountable within the family of God. Drawing from Acts 2 and Hebrews 10, we saw that discipleship is a lifestyle, not a program, and that spiritual growth happens best in the context of real relationships. The early church modeled a life of shared devotion, mutual support, and sacrificial love, and we are called to recapture that same spirit. The challenge is clear: move from mere attendance to active involvement, from religion to relationship, and from isolation to authentic community—because this is how disciples make disciples, and how the church becomes a true family.

**K

Key Takeaways

• 1. Discipleship Is a Lifelong, Relational Journey True discipleship doesn’t end at conversion; it begins there. Walking with new believers means investing time, sharing life, and guiding them through the ups and downs of faith. This intentional process requires us to move beyond programs and certificates, embracing a lifestyle where we help others follow Jesus as we follow Him ourselves. The call is not just to make decisions, but to make disciples—one life at a time.
• 2. Community Is the Environment Where Faith Grows The early church thrived not because of buildings or budgets, but because of deep, daily relationships. Spiritual growth is stunted in isolation; it flourishes in the soil of authentic community. We learn to love, serve, forgive, and persevere by living alongside other imperfect people, allowing God to use their presence to shape us. Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey—faith matures as we walk together.
• 3. Accountability Transforms Attendance into Involvement Merely showing up to church is not the same as being connected to the body of Christ. Real growth happens when we open our lives to others—allowing ourselves to be known, encouraged, and even lovingly corrected. Accountability is uncomfortable at times, but it is essential for spiritual sharpening and maturity. God uses the friction of close relationships to refine us, making us more like Jesus.
• 4. Love Is the Mark of True Discipleship Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another. This love is not theoretical or sentimental—it is practical, sacrificial, and visible in the way we welcome, care for, and walk with each other. When a church embodies this kind of love, it becomes a powerful witness to the world, breaking down barriers and drawing people to Christ. Love is the greatest apologetic the church can offer.
• 5. The Church Becomes Unstoppable When Each Member Engages The early church grew daily because every believer was engaged in the life of the body, reaching out, building up, and walking together. The difference between a crowd and a movement is participation—when each one reaches one, walks with one, and grows together as one, the church becomes a living, breathing family. The challenge is to move from passive attendance to active engagement, making space for others and allowing God to use us in the lives of those around us. This is how disciples make disciples, and how the church truly becomes the body of Christ.

1. According to Acts 2:41–47, what were some of the daily practices and habits of the early church community?
2. In Hebrews 10:24–25, what are believers encouraged to do for one another, and what warning is given?
3. How does Jesus say people will recognize His disciples in John 13:35?
4. From the sermon, what are some ways the early church’s community life was different from how many churches operate today?

1. Why does the early church’s example in Acts 2 suggest that spiritual growth happens best in community rather than in isolation?
2. What does it mean to “consider one another” as described in Hebrews 10:24–25, and how might this look in a modern church setting?
3. The sermon says, “Love is the greatest apologetic the church can offer.” Why is practical, sacrificial love such a powerful witness to the world?
4. The pastor shared a story about a new believer who drifted away because he didn’t know what to do next. What does this reveal about the importance of walking with others after conversion?

1. The sermon challenges us to move from just attending church to being actively involved. What is one specific way you could move from “attendance” to “involvement” in our church family this month?
2. Think about your current relationships within the church. Is there someone you could intentionally encourage, pray for, or invite into your life this week? What would that look like?
3. The early church shared meals, burdens, and daily life. What is one practical step you could take to build deeper, more authentic relationships with other believers?
4. The message talked about accountability—letting others know, encourage, and even correct us. Is there an area of your life where you need accountability? Who could you invite to walk with you in that area?
5. Jesus said the world would know us by our love for one another. When someone new walks into our church, what do you think they experience? What could you do to help make our church feel more like a family to newcomers?
6. The pastor said, “You can’t be a growing Christian if you’re not connected to a growing church.” Are there any ways you’ve been trying to “go it alone” in your faith? What needs to change for you to grow together with others?
7. Who is “your one”—someone God has put on your heart to reach, invest in, or walk with? What is one step you can take this week to pray for, encourage, or invite them into deeper relationship with Jesus and His people?