In today's gathering at Concord Baptist Church, we focused on the profound responsibility and privilege of discipleship. We began by recognizing our veterans and celebrating the Marine Corps' 249th birthday, acknowledging the sacrifices made for our freedom. We also welcomed Peyton Smith and prayed for Adam Yunt's safe return from Nepal. As we transitioned into our worship, we were reminded of the importance of giving, not just financially, but of ourselves, to further God's kingdom both locally and globally.
Our central theme was the call to discipleship, rooted in the Great Commission from Matthew 28. We explored the necessity of sharing our faith and the importance of being prepared to share our personal testimonies. This is not just a task for church leaders but a responsibility for every believer. We delved into the Old Testament, specifically Deuteronomy 6:1-9, to uncover a model of discipleship that emphasizes the importance of living out our faith authentically and passing it on to others.
Moses' instructions to Israel serve as a timeless blueprint for us. He urged the Israelites to remember God's commands and to teach them diligently to their children, ensuring that faith becomes a natural part of daily life. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and making our relationship with Him evident in every aspect of our lives. Discipleship is not about perfection but about genuine passion and commitment to growing in our faith and helping others do the same.
We were challenged to integrate our faith into our family, social, and community lives, making it as natural as breathing. This involves talking about God in everyday conversations, reflecting His love to others, and ensuring that our communities know of our commitment to Christ. The process of making disciples is ongoing and requires us to be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel and nurture others in their spiritual journey.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Discipleship is a personal responsibility for every believer, not just church leaders. It involves sharing our faith and personal testimonies, which are powerful tools for evangelism. We must be ready to share our experiences with Christ at any moment. [35:34]
- 2. We cannot pass on what we do not possess. Our faith and passion for Christ must be genuine and evident in our lives before we can effectively disciple others. This requires ongoing self-examination and spiritual growth. [49:24]
- 3. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is foundational to discipleship. We teach others to love God by modeling obedience, worship, and a desire to know Him more deeply. This love should be reflected in our interactions with others. [56:13]
- 4. Faith should be a natural part of our daily lives, integrated into our family, social, and community interactions. It should be as automatic as breathing, influencing every aspect of our lives and relationships. [64:10]
- 5. Discipleship is an ongoing process that involves teaching others to make disciples themselves. This cycle of growth and multiplication is essential for the continuation of the faith and the expansion of God's kingdom. [37:04]
** [37:04]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:26] - Recognizing Veterans and Announcements
- [31:47] - Introduction to Discipleship
- [35:34] - The Call to Evangelism
- [37:04] - Making Disciples
- [40:25] - Old Testament Model of Discipleship
- [49:24] - Personal Responsibility in Faith
- [51:10] - Passing on Genuine Faith
- [52:47] - Illustration of Giving What You Have
- [54:29] - Spiritual Self-Examination
- [56:13] - Teaching Love for God
- [60:55] - Faith as a Natural Part of Life
- [64:10] - Integrating Faith into Daily Life
- [70:13] - Community and Faith
- [73:16] - Growing in Love for God