Embracing Community: The Discipleship Pathway Journey

Summary

In our recent gathering, we reflected on the profound experience of our 31-day fast, where we met each evening for prayer, sensing a rising spiritual temperature and a deepening hunger for God's presence. This hunger is not just for an experience but a call to action, much like Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai. After experiencing God's glory, Moses was sent back to the people, to the chaos, to fulfill a purpose. Similarly, our time in God's presence is meant to prepare us for the work ahead, to engage with the hurting in our communities and families.

We are embarking on a new series titled "The Discipleship Pathway," which is a journey toward Christian maturity. This journey is not just about personal growth but about transforming our neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. We are called to create environments where God's love and presence can impact others through us. This mission is in partnership with the Holy Spirit, as we cannot accomplish God's will on our own. Our focus is on nurturing our relationship with God, listening to His guidance, and aligning our actions with His will.

The early church in Acts serves as our model. They gathered in unity, shared everything in common, and were filled with the Holy Spirit, which led to the growth of the church. They had no buildings or modern resources, yet they thrived because they were transformed by the Holy Spirit. This transformation is our goal, to be conformed to the image of Christ, moving from glory to glory.

Our mission and vision at Mount Olivet are to turn our neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus by creating spaces for God's love to be evident. This involves intentional community building, where we connect with others, share our lives, and grow together. The first environment in our discipleship pathway is "Belong," where we focus on creating a sense of community and connection. This is not just about attending church but about authentically sharing the life of Christ with one another.

As we move forward, we are challenged to be intentional in our relationships, to open our homes, and to engage with those we don't know well. This is where true transformation happens, and it is through this intentional community that we will see the world astounded by the love and unity of the body of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Hunger for God's Presence: Our spiritual hunger should lead us to action, much like Moses, who after experiencing God's glory, was sent back to fulfill a purpose among the people. This hunger is not just for personal fulfillment but to prepare us for the work of ministering to others. [02:30]

2. Partnership with the Holy Spirit: Our mission to turn neighbors into followers of Christ is in partnership with the Holy Spirit. We cannot accomplish God's will on our own; it requires nurturing our relationship with Him and aligning our actions with His guidance. [26:45]

3. Model of the Early Church: The early church thrived without modern resources because they were transformed by the Holy Spirit. Our goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ, moving from glory to glory, as we engage in community and share our lives with one another. [41:57]

4. Intentional Community Building: The "Belong" environment focuses on creating a sense of community and connection. This involves being intentional in our relationships, opening our homes, and engaging with those we don't know well, fostering authentic sharing of the life of Christ. [49:38]

5. Transformation Through Community: True transformation happens through intentional community, where we connect, share, and grow together. This unity and love within the body of Christ will astound the world and draw others to Him. [57:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:30] - Moses' Encounter with God
- [05:02] - Introduction to Discipleship Pathway
- [07:21] - The Early Church in Acts
- [12:32] - Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
- [16:57] - Transformation and Christian Maturity
- [18:56] - Mission and Vision of the Church
- [24:41] - Partnership with the Holy Spirit
- [26:45] - Aligning with God's Will
- [31:14] - Creating Spaces for God's Love
- [33:21] - Journey Toward Christian Maturity
- [40:24] - The Early Church Model
- [41:57] - Transformation by the Holy Spirit
- [49:38] - Belong: Intentional Community
- [57:53] - Transformation Through Community

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Acts 2:42-47
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of the disciples being together in one place during Pentecost, and how did the Holy Spirit manifest among them? [07:21]

2. How did the early church in Acts demonstrate unity and community, and what were some of their practices? [12:32]

3. According to the sermon, what was the purpose of Moses' encounter with God on Mount Sinai, and how does it relate to our spiritual experiences? [02:30]

4. What does the term "koinonia" mean, and how was it exemplified in the early church? [49:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the experience of the early church in Acts 2 serve as a model for modern Christian communities, especially in terms of unity and sharing? [12:32]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our spiritual hunger should lead to action, similar to Moses' experience? [02:30]

3. How does the concept of being transformed "from glory to glory" in 2 Corinthians 3:18 apply to the journey of Christian maturity discussed in the sermon? [41:57]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the mission of turning neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus, as described in the sermon? [26:45]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep hunger for God's presence. How did that experience lead you to take action in your community or personal life? [02:30]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of intentional community building. What practical steps can you take this week to connect with someone in your church or neighborhood whom you don't know well? [49:38]

3. How can you nurture your relationship with the Holy Spirit to better align your actions with God's will? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer or reflection this week. [26:45]

4. The early church shared everything in common and supported one another. What is one way you can contribute to your community or church to foster a similar sense of unity and support? [12:32]

5. The sermon challenges us to open our homes and engage with others. Is there someone you can invite over for a meal or coffee to build a deeper connection? [57:53]

6. Consider the transformation process described in 2 Corinthians 3:18. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow or change, and how can you take a step toward that transformation this week? [41:57]

7. How can you be more intentional about sharing the life of Christ with others in your daily interactions? Identify one specific action you can take to demonstrate God's love to someone this week. [49:38]

Devotional

Day 1: Hunger for God's Presence Leads to Purpose
Our spiritual hunger is not merely for personal fulfillment but a divine call to action. Just as Moses encountered God's glory on Mount Sinai and was sent back to lead his people, our experiences in God's presence are meant to prepare us for the work of ministering to others. This hunger should drive us to engage with the hurting in our communities and families, fulfilling the purpose God has set before us. Our time in prayer and fasting is a preparation for this mission, equipping us to be vessels of God's love and grace. [02:30]

Exodus 34:29-30 (ESV): "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him."

Reflection: Who in your community or family is in need of God's love and presence? How can you take a step today to minister to them?

Day 2: Partnership with the Holy Spirit in Our Mission
Our mission to transform our neighbors into followers of Christ is not something we can accomplish on our own. It requires a deep partnership with the Holy Spirit. We are called to nurture our relationship with God, listening to His guidance and aligning our actions with His will. This partnership empowers us to create environments where God's love can be evident through us, impacting others and drawing them closer to Him. [26:45]

Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and decisions today? How can you align your will with God's will in your daily life?

Day 3: The Early Church as a Model of Transformation
The early church in Acts serves as a powerful model for us. Despite lacking modern resources, they thrived because they were transformed by the Holy Spirit. They gathered in unity, shared everything in common, and were filled with the Spirit, leading to the growth of the church. Our goal is to be conformed to the image of Christ, moving from glory to glory, as we engage in community and share our lives with one another. [41:57]

Acts 2:44-47 (ESV): "And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

Reflection: How can you contribute to a sense of unity and shared purpose in your community? What steps can you take to live more like the early church?

Day 4: Intentional Community Building in the "Belong" Environment
The "Belong" environment focuses on creating a sense of community and connection. This involves being intentional in our relationships, opening our homes, and engaging with those we don't know well. By fostering authentic sharing of the life of Christ, we create spaces where God's love is evident, and transformation can occur. This intentional community building is crucial for turning our neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus. [49:38]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who is someone you can invite into your home or life to build a deeper connection? How can you be more intentional in fostering community this week?

Day 5: Transformation Through Intentional Community
True transformation happens through intentional community, where we connect, share, and grow together. This unity and love within the body of Christ will astound the world and draw others to Him. By being intentional in our relationships and creating spaces for God's love to be evident, we fulfill our mission and vision to turn our neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus. [57:53]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: What specific actions can you take to foster unity and love in your community? How can you contribute to the transformation of those around you through intentional relationships?

Quotes

"We met every evening from 7 to 7 .30 online for corporate prayer, except for Sunday. And I noted that each day we met, each evening, it just felt like the temperature was rising. Amen. Did you sense that as well? The temperature was rising. Hunger was upon us. And we want to maintain a sense of hunger. Because as we said before, those who hunger and thirst for his way of life, righteousness, they shall be filled. That was his promise to us." [00:00:09] (47 seconds)

"And Moses was on the top of Mount Sinai. And Moses met God. How many remember Moses meeting God on the mountain? And the Bible says that God appeared to Moses. And there was this fire. And then he said, Moses, I'm about to show myself to you, but I need you to turn around and tuck yourself in the cleft of the rock. Just tuck yourself as deep in that rock as possible. Because if you see all of me, you won't live." [00:01:52] (38 seconds)

"So as much as we want to hang out in the presence of the Lord and how as awesome as it is, when we hang out in the presence of God, it's always unto something. It's not just to recount an awesome experience that we had. It's not just to have a testimony of how me and God met. It's always unto something. And so God, on the heels of 31 days of prayer and fasting, he grabs us by the shoulders and he turns us around and he says, head on back down that heel." [00:03:40] (36 seconds)

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine or teaching is the better rendering and fellowship in the breaking of bread and in prayers together and had all things in common. Sold their possessions and goods and divided them among all as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, Solomon's porch and breaking bread from house to house. Those two environments, they were gathering as a community of Jesus followers in Solomon's porch church, in some sort of interval." [00:14:29] (52 seconds)

"In partnership with the Holy Spirit, we at Mount Olivet are turning our neighbors into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ. By creating places and spaces for God's love and presence in us to impact them for Jesus. And I added in partnership with the Holy Spirit to complete the sentence because he is the vine and we are the branches. He says, apart from me, apart from me, you can do something. You can do a little bit of something. Can you do anything?" [00:24:52] (46 seconds)

"And so whatever we do we got to be in partnership with the Holy Ghost like I'm just telling you now I'm not doing anything unless I hear from the Holy Ghost I'm not going left I'm not going right I'm not going too fast I'm not going too slow I'm following him just FYI that's all I'm gonna do and it's laborious because staying before him to make sure that we're plodding along according to his pace is important and so the the the energy is not in trying to figure it out I hope I'm not losing you here the energy is in our relationship with him all right the energy is keeping our ear to the wall the energy is in nurturing that relationship between us and the Father amen that's that that's not that's not about going to church that's not about paying your tithes" [00:27:29] (72 seconds)

"That was the beauty of coming together every evening at 7 to 7 .30 as a body as we fasted. There was this sharing that was happening one to another. And we were growing together. This is accomplished through the exchange of God's love and truth, which is what we call ministry. Which simply is a way to say, serving one another. And listen to this. Koinonia is viewed by the New Testament writers as a non -optional environment for spiritual growth." [00:49:57] (40 seconds)

"Paul said in Ephesians chapter 4, verse 15 and 16, he says, Instead, we hold to this truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ. Some translations say grow up, who is the head of his body, the church. Under his direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly as each part does its own special work. And I love that part there, that we're a part of a body. We're all connected, but everybody has a special work." [00:53:43] (36 seconds)

"And that is the journey that we all are embarking on. And so, I want to begin with the first environment. And if you could, just put up the four circles up there. The four environments are essentially environments that will facilitate this journey toward Christian maturity. They're environments that are essential to the process of God growing us up. And as was stated in the video, you know, when you encounter someone, you meet them at different places in their journey. When someone comes into our house here at Mount Olivet, you meet them at different places in their journey." [00:38:28] (75 seconds)

"In Acts, as we consider the first church, we must remind ourselves that the first century church had no buildings, had no bylaws. The first century church had no denominations and no 5013C statuses. The first century church had no New Testament. Did you know that? You didn't know that, did you? I think you did. You might say, well, what did they study if they didn't have no New Testament? Well, we'll get to that. We still will study the New Testament. Don't worry." [00:40:24] (45 seconds)

"That is what happened when those unsuspecting men and women gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate a religious holiday. The Holy Spirit came in fullness. People start getting saved. People start getting filled with the Holy Spirit. And they started this journey of transformation from glory to glory, from past glory to a future glory. And ultimately, completely being transformed when we see him face to face. That's what's happening here on Earth, beloved." [00:45:46] (53 seconds)

"Today, people are feeling vulnerable, alone. They're feeling isolated. They're feeling like they need to fit in and measure up. They're feeling like they need to just go with the flow. And Jesus is saying, enough of that. That's not what we're doing. Jesus is saying, that's why I offer you body life. That's why I offer you community. That's why I offer you environments to belong. That's what Jesus says." [00:57:20] (31 seconds)

Chatbot

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