Following Jesus: Embracing Change and Making Disciples
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound call to follow Jesus and the unstoppable mission of the church. Jesus promises to walk with us, not ahead of us, ensuring that we are never left behind. Following Him means embracing change, stepping out in faith, and moving beyond our comfort zones. This journey is deeply personal and requires us to be all-in followers of Jesus, impacting every area of our lives. We are reminded of the church's role as God's chosen vehicle to bring hope to the world, emphasizing that there is no plan B. The church is God's plan A for reaching every person on the planet.
We also took time to pray for those affected by the fires in Los Angeles, asking God to bring beauty from ashes and to use the church to demonstrate His love and glory. We highlighted trusted organizations like Samaritan's Purse and Convoy of Hope, which are actively working on the ground to provide relief.
The message introduced a new four-week series focused on the next generation, emphasizing the importance of planning for the future. We reflected on the history of Boulder Mountain Church and the vision for the next 40 years. This involves defining our current reality, envisioning where God is leading us, and creating a plan to get there. The mission of the church is to make disciples, helping people find and follow Jesus. This requires us to move toward others, often in inconvenient and challenging ways, and to invest in relationships that are centered on God's Word.
We were encouraged to embrace the Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. This mission is not just for the church as an institution but for each of us as individuals. We are called to be intentional in our relationships, investing in others and sharing the love of Christ. The message concluded with a call to action, inviting us to participate in upcoming gatherings, pray for the church's mission, and seek God's guidance in how we can contribute to His work.
Key Takeaways:
1. Following Jesus Requires Movement: Embracing the call to follow Jesus means being willing to change and grow. It involves stepping out in faith, even when we don't have all the answers or know the outcome. Jesus walks with us, ensuring we are never left behind, but He calls us to keep moving forward in our spiritual journey. [00:23]
2. The Church's Unstoppable Mission: The church is God's chosen vehicle to bring hope to the world. There is no plan B; we are plan A. This mission requires us to be all-in followers of Jesus, impacting every area of our lives and moving beyond our comfort zones to reach others with the gospel. [02:38]
3. Investing in the Next Generation: Planning for the future is crucial for the church's mission. By defining our current reality, envisioning where God is leading us, and creating a plan, we can ensure that the church remains vibrant and impactful for the next generation. [04:38]
4. Making Disciples is Personal: Disciple-making is not just about attending classes or programs; it's about investing in relationships that are centered on God's Word. It's up close and personal over time, requiring us to move toward others and be intentional in our interactions. [14:21]
5. The Power of Baptism and Teaching: Baptism is a bold declaration of faith, symbolizing our commitment to follow Jesus. Teaching others to observe God's commands is a vital part of the Great Commission, and it can happen in both formal and informal settings. We are called to be faithful in these tasks, trusting God with the results. [21:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:23] - Following Jesus: A Journey of Faith
- [01:20] - Praying for Los Angeles
- [02:38] - The Church's Unstoppable Mission
- [03:40] - Introducing the Next Generation Series
- [04:38] - Planning for the Future
- [07:00] - The Foundation of the Resurrection
- [08:23] - The Great Commission
- [09:37] - The Call to Go
- [11:00] - Making Disciples
- [12:55] - Defining a Disciple
- [14:21] - The Personal Nature of Disciple-Making
- [15:56] - Investing in Relationships
- [18:05] - A Personal Story of Discipleship
- [21:47] - Baptism and Teaching
- [24:40] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [27:43] - Generosity and Community
- [31:17] - Vision for the Next Generation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:16-20
2. Acts 1:8
3. Psalm 90:1
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise to His disciples in Matthew 28:20, and how does this relate to the concept of following Him? [00:23]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the church in God's plan for the world? [02:38]
3. What are the three steps mentioned in the sermon for planning the future of Boulder Mountain Church? [04:38]
4. According to Acts 1:8, what is the source of power for the disciples, and what are they called to do with it? [24:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise of Jesus' presence in Matthew 28:20 provide comfort and encouragement for believers facing challenges in their faith journey? [00:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church is an "unstoppable mission," and how does this align with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20? [02:38]
3. How does the concept of "investing in the next generation" reflect the biblical principle of stewardship and planning for the future? [04:38]
4. What does Acts 1:8 imply about the geographical and cultural scope of the church's mission, and how might this influence a believer's perspective on evangelism? [24:40]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to step out of your comfort zone in your faith journey. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [00:23]
2. The sermon emphasizes the church as God's plan A for reaching the world. How can you personally contribute to this mission in your local community? [02:38]
3. Consider the importance of planning for the future, as discussed in the sermon. What steps can you take to define your current reality and envision where God is leading you? [04:38]
4. The sermon highlights the personal nature of disciple-making. Identify one person in your life whom you can invest in spiritually. What practical steps can you take to build that relationship? [14:21]
5. Baptism is described as a bold declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how can you share your testimony with others to encourage them in their faith journey? If not, what steps can you take to explore this commitment? [21:47]
6. The sermon mentions the power of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life and witness? [24:40]
7. Reflect on the call to make disciples of all nations. What specific actions can you take to engage with people from different cultural backgrounds and share the love of Christ with them? [19:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Faithful Movement
Following Jesus requires a willingness to embrace change and step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain. This journey is not about having all the answers but trusting that Jesus walks with us, ensuring we are never left behind. As we move forward in our spiritual journey, we are called to grow and transform, leaving our comfort zones behind. This movement is essential for deepening our relationship with Christ and fulfilling our purpose as His followers. [00:23]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a practical step today to move forward in that area?
Day 2: The Church as God's Plan A
The church is God's chosen vehicle to bring hope to the world, and there is no plan B. This mission requires us to be all-in followers of Jesus, impacting every area of our lives and moving beyond our comfort zones to reach others with the gospel. As part of the church, we are called to actively participate in this mission, understanding that our collective efforts are crucial for reaching every person on the planet. [02:38]
"And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the church's mission in a way that stretches you beyond your comfort zone? What specific action can you take this week to support the church's role in bringing hope to the world?
Day 3: Investing in the Future Generation
Planning for the future is crucial for the church's mission. By defining our current reality, envisioning where God is leading us, and creating a plan, we can ensure that the church remains vibrant and impactful for the next generation. This involves intentional investment in the next generation, equipping them to carry forward the mission of making disciples and spreading the gospel. [04:38]
"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one young person in your life that you can invest in spiritually? How can you intentionally encourage and mentor them in their faith journey this week?
Day 4: The Personal Nature of Disciple-Making
Disciple-making is not just about attending classes or programs; it's about investing in relationships that are centered on God's Word. This process is personal and requires us to move toward others, being intentional in our interactions. By building relationships over time, we can effectively share the love of Christ and help others grow in their faith. [14:21]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may need encouragement in their faith. How can you reach out to them this week to build a deeper, Christ-centered relationship?
Day 5: The Power of Baptism and Teaching
Baptism is a bold declaration of faith, symbolizing our commitment to follow Jesus. Teaching others to observe God's commands is a vital part of the Great Commission, and it can happen in both formal and informal settings. We are called to be faithful in these tasks, trusting God with the results. By engaging in baptism and teaching, we participate in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of others. [21:47]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Have you considered the significance of baptism in your own faith journey? If you haven't been baptized, what steps can you take to explore this commitment? If you have, how can you share the importance of baptism with someone else this week?
Quotes
"Jesus is saying here, I'm not going to take you on a hike and be a mile ahead and lose you. We've all been with that person, right? Jesus says, I will go with you. I'll go at your pace, but we're moving. What does it mean to follow Jesus? It means tomorrow you're going to be different than you were today. You're going to take a step of faith. It means you don't have the answers and you don't know the outcome of it. You don't know what God's doing." [00:01:52]
"It's up close and personal over time, disciple making. It is an all-in follower of Jesus. And Jesus says, I will never leave you. I might call you to do some really difficult things. I'm going to take you places that you feel completely out of your comfort zone. And behold, I'm with you always. His presence is with us. Thank you, team. You may be seated." [00:05:00] (26 seconds)
"Go is in God's name. Go is also in the gospel. G-O. The gospel is about going. As you go, we're to be moving. As a church, we should always be moving. And personally, as a follower of Jesus, we should always be moving. Because God loves you as you are. He loves you right where you are. But he loves you too much to leave you there. That's true in all of our lives." [00:11:07] (31 seconds)
"Who you invest in is much greater than what you invest in. And every one of you, regardless where you're at on your faith journey, you have something to offer someone else. What does this look like practically speaking? I love to make disciples not because I'm a pastor. Now, please hear me on this. I make disciples because I'm a follower of Jesus. And I don't want to be a follower of Jesus. I don't want to do it many times. It is inconvenient. It's draining." [00:15:42] (28 seconds)
"Lean in to making disciples. What does it look like? It's up close and personal over time. It's not a class. It might include a class, right? It includes getting to know the Bible. But. Every one of those environments, we're building friendships that are centered on God's word. Some may say Jesus's greatest miracle as a middle-aged man, as he had relationships with 12 guys. He had 12 friends as a middle-aged man. Do you know how rare that is?" [00:18:49] (36 seconds)
"And the Lord added to their number, those who were being saved. God does that. That's not our job. Our job is to be faithful, to do what he's called us to do. And then we trust God with the results. And if we do these things, if we're intentional with people, God will add people. God will add people. I want to just take a moment and talk to you about the next generation here at Boulder Mountain." [00:30:53] (29 seconds)
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