From Fans to Followers: Embracing Core Values
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we had the joy of starting our service with the baptisms of Christina and Megan, who publicly declared their faith in Jesus Christ. As we continue our series, I want to remind you of the importance of being a follower of Jesus rather than just a fan. Fans are enthusiastic but fickle, while followers are loyal and committed through thick and thin. This distinction is crucial as we strive to be a church that embodies the teachings and values of Jesus Christ.
We have ten core values that guide us, and today we will focus on three of them. First, we value introducing others to Jesus. This is not just a task but a heartfelt mission. Remember the moment you first encountered Jesus and how much you mattered to Him. Lost people matter to Jesus, and they should matter to us too. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world.
Second, we value spiritual growth. This is not just about numerical growth but about deep, meaningful spiritual development. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are to grow into maturity, attaining the fullness of Christ. This involves adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith. Spiritual growth keeps us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Lastly, we value life-changing community. Spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation; it requires community. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their lives and resources, and God added to their number daily. Small groups are essential for this kind of growth. They provide a space for accountability, mentorship, and mutual support.
As we move forward, let's commit to these values. Whether you need to make a decision for Christ, seek prayer, or join a small group, take that step today. Let's be a church that not only grows in numbers but in spiritual depth and community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Introducing Others to Jesus: Reflect on the moment you first encountered Jesus and how much you mattered to Him. Lost people matter to Jesus, and they should matter to us too. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This is not just a task but a heartfelt mission. [45:53]
2. Spiritual Growth: Spiritual growth is not just about numerical growth but about deep, meaningful spiritual development. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are to grow into maturity, attaining the fullness of Christ. This involves adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith. [58:21]
3. Life-Changing Community: Spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation; it requires community. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their lives and resources, and God added to their number daily. Small groups are essential for this kind of growth. [01:11:08]
4. The Role of Accountability and Mentorship: Life can be challenging, and we need accountability partners, coaches, or mentors to help us navigate through difficult times. Spiritual growth happens when there is a desire to grow and a willingness to participate in the growth process. [01:08:38]
5. Living Out the One Another Statements: The New Testament is filled with "one another" statements that guide us in how to live in community. These include loving, honoring, forgiving, and serving one another. Practicing these can transform our communities, making them more reflective of Christ's love and teachings. [01:14:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:59] - Baptism of Megan
[39:30] - Introduction and Team Jerseys
[40:10] - Fans vs. Followers
[42:09] - Core Values Introduction
[42:58] - Authority of the Bible
[43:37] - Value of Prayer
[44:18] - Introducing Others to Jesus
[45:53] - Ministry of Reconciliation
[46:47] - Ambassadors for Christ
[47:38] - Statistics on Sharing the Gospel
[48:38] - Responsibility to Share the Gospel
[49:31] - Love One Another
[50:12] - Evangelism as a Lifestyle
[51:04] - Comfort and Capability in Sharing Faith
[52:37] - Command to Make Disciples
[55:09] - Lost People and the Gospel
[56:00] - Value of Spiritual Growth
[58:21] - Ephesians on Spiritual Growth
[59:36] - Adding Virtues to Faith
[01:11:08] - Life-Changing Community
[01:14:47] - One Another Statements
[01:16:36] - Discipleship Pathway
[01:17:09] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:18-21: "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
2. Ephesians 4:11-15: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
3. Acts 2:42-47: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 say about our role as ambassadors for Christ? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on introducing others to Jesus? [45:53]
2. According to Ephesians 4:11-15, what roles did Christ give to the church, and for what purpose? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s point on spiritual growth? [58:21]
3. In Acts 2:42-47, what activities did the early church devote themselves to? How does this passage illustrate the sermon’s point about life-changing community? [01:11:08]
4. What are some of the virtues listed in Ephesians 4:11-15 and 2 Peter 1:5-7 that we are encouraged to add to our faith? How do these virtues contribute to spiritual growth? [59:36]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does being an ambassador for Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, challenge our daily lives and interactions with others? What does it mean to you personally to be an ambassador for Christ? [45:53]
2. Ephesians 4:11-15 speaks about attaining the fullness of Christ. What does this fullness look like in practical terms within a church community? How can we measure our spiritual growth against this standard? [58:21]
3. Acts 2:42-47 describes a community that shared everything in common. How can modern small groups emulate this sense of community and mutual support? What are some practical steps we can take to foster this kind of environment? [01:11:08]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, and self-control to our faith (2 Peter 1:5-7). How do these virtues help prevent us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ? [59:36]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own experience of encountering Jesus for the first time. How can you use that memory to motivate you to introduce others to Jesus? What specific steps can you take this week to share your faith with someone? [45:53]
2. Spiritual growth involves adding virtues to our faith. Choose one virtue from 2 Peter 1:5-7 (e.g., self-control, perseverance) that you feel you need to work on. What specific actions can you take this week to cultivate this virtue? [59:36]
3. The early church in Acts 2:42-47 devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. How can your small group incorporate these elements into your meetings to foster a life-changing community? [01:11:08]
4. Accountability and mentorship were highlighted as crucial for spiritual growth. Do you have an accountability partner or mentor? If not, who could you approach to fill this role in your life? How can you be an accountability partner or mentor to someone else? [01:08:38]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of living out the "one another" statements in the New Testament. Choose one "one another" statement (e.g., love one another, forgive one another) and think of a specific way you can practice it in your interactions this week. [01:14:47]
6. Reflect on the idea of being a follower rather than just a fan of Jesus. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to be a loyal follower? What changes can you make to deepen your commitment to following Jesus through thick and thin? [40:10]
7. The sermon mentioned the need for spiritual growth to be a priority over numerical growth. How can you personally contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community? What specific actions can you take to support this value? [56:00]
Devotional
Day 1: The Heartfelt Mission of Introducing Others to Jesus
Description: Reflect on the moment you first encountered Jesus and how much you mattered to Him. Lost people matter to Jesus, and they should matter to us too. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with the world. This is not just a task but a heartfelt mission. As ambassadors, we carry the responsibility and privilege of representing Jesus to those who have not yet experienced His love and grace. This mission is driven by love and compassion, not obligation.
When we introduce others to Jesus, we are participating in the ministry of reconciliation, helping to restore broken relationships between God and humanity. This involves more than just sharing the gospel; it means living out the love of Christ in our daily interactions, showing kindness, and being a light in a world that often feels dark. Remember, every person you meet is someone Jesus loves deeply and desires to know personally. [45:53]
2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you intentionally show them Christ's love this week through your actions and words?
Day 2: Deepening Spiritual Growth
Description: Spiritual growth is not just about numerical growth but about deep, meaningful spiritual development. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are to grow into maturity, attaining the fullness of Christ. This involves adding virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love to our faith. Spiritual growth keeps us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.
True spiritual growth requires intentionality and effort. It means seeking to understand God's Word more deeply, applying it to our lives, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. This growth is a lifelong journey, marked by continual learning, repentance, and renewal. As we grow spiritually, we become more like Christ, reflecting His character and love to those around us. [58:21]
2 Peter 1:5-8 (ESV): "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unproductive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify one virtue from 2 Peter 1:5-8 that you need to develop more in your life. What practical steps can you take this week to grow in this area?
Day 3: The Power of Life-Changing Community
Description: Spiritual growth doesn't happen in isolation; it requires community. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared their lives and resources, and God added to their number daily. Small groups are essential for this kind of growth. They provide a space for accountability, mentorship, and mutual support.
Being part of a life-changing community means being vulnerable, open, and willing to invest in others. It involves sharing not just our successes but also our struggles and failures. In a supportive community, we find encouragement, wisdom, and strength to persevere in our faith journey. This kind of community reflects the love and unity that Jesus prayed for His followers to have. [01:11:08]
Acts 2:42-47 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 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: Are you actively participating in a small group or community within your church? If not, what steps can you take to join one and build deeper relationships with fellow believers?
Day 4: The Role of Accountability and Mentorship
Description: Life can be challenging, and we need accountability partners, coaches, or mentors to help us navigate through difficult times. Spiritual growth happens when there is a desire to grow and a willingness to participate in the growth process. Accountability and mentorship provide guidance, encouragement, and correction, helping us stay on the right path and grow in our faith.
Having someone to walk alongside us, pray for us, and hold us accountable can make a significant difference in our spiritual journey. Mentors can offer wisdom from their own experiences, helping us avoid pitfalls and make wise decisions. Accountability partners can challenge us to stay true to our commitments and encourage us when we feel discouraged. Together, we can grow stronger in our faith and become more effective in our walk with Christ. [01:08:38]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Do you have an accountability partner or mentor in your life? If not, who is someone you respect and trust that you could ask to fill this role? How can you take the first step in establishing this relationship?
Day 5: Living Out the One Another Statements
Description: The New Testament is filled with "one another" statements that guide us in how to live in community. These include loving, honoring, forgiving, and serving one another. Practicing these can transform our communities, making them more reflective of Christ's love and teachings. Living out these statements requires intentionality and a heart that seeks to put others before ourselves.
When we love one another as Christ loves us, we create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged. Honoring one another means recognizing the worth and dignity of each person, treating them with respect and kindness. Forgiving one another reflects the grace we have received from God, and serving one another demonstrates the humility and selflessness of Christ. By living out these "one another" statements, we build a community that glorifies God and draws others to Him. [01:14:47]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Choose one "one another" statement from the New Testament (e.g., love one another, forgive one another, serve one another). How can you intentionally practice this in your interactions with others this week?
Quotes
1. "We want to become a group of people, a healthy team that works together and who is loyal to the teachings and the opinions and the instructions of Jesus Christ. And we implement that. We're loyal through and through, through thick and thin, ups and downs. And that's what we're trying to cultivate." [42:09] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We value introducing others to Jesus. Everybody say Jesus. That is ultimately what we're about. We want to introduce others to Jesus. Now, I don't know if you can do this or not. This is difficult for some of us because some of us have been following Jesus. We've prayed and asked Jesus to save us and to forgive us of our sins many, many, many, many, many years ago. And others of us, this has happened just recently." [44:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If lost people matter to Jesus, then lost people matter to Jesus now. And if lost people matter to Jesus, they should matter to us. You and me, if you're here today and you're a follower of Christ, you've asked him to forgive you of your sins. You've asked him to be the leader. You've asked him to be the leader of your life and the Lord of your life, then lost people should matter to you. They should matter to us because they matter to Jesus." [45:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are not responsible for salvation. You are responsible for sharing the gospel. You are responsible for introducing people to Jesus. That's our responsibility. What they do with that is not your responsibility. Jesus, the Holy Spirit does all the salvation work. You and I, we just have the job to introduce them to Christ." [48:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus tells us that we, all of us, regardless of who you are, regardless of your nature, we are commanded to love each other and to take the gospel to them. And today we find ourselves in 2024 living in a culture that I think has one way or another bombarded us with this idea that if it's uncomfortable, if it challenges you, if it's hard, that it can't be what God wants for you." [52:37] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Go therefore and make disciples. He doesn't give any kind of if, go therefore if. He just says, go therefore. It's your job, it's my job, it's all disciples. Go therefore and make disciples. How do we make disciples? It starts by sharing the gospel. Introducing people to Jesus Christ. Lost people don't know they're lost until they meet Jesus, and Jesus reveals them. He reveals their lostness." [55:09] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We value spiritual growth. Say spiritual growth. Notice that we didn't just say we value growth. This is really important. Because don't misunderstand me, church. I would lie to you if I didn't say, I dream of a day where Northcliff Church has every service that we have, maxed capacity, our student ministry is overflowing with kids, our children's ministry is overflowing with kids, we have volunteers galore that we don't even know what to do with because everybody is stepping up to say, I want to serve." [56:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We value life-change. Spiritual growth doesn't happen automatically. Again, you have to engage in the process. You have to engage. You have to be willing to do that. It requires us to dream. It requires us to decide. And then we have to decide and commit to the discipline and devotion. Maturity is not just about passage of time. The good news for you and for me is that we have access to everything we need to grow spiritually." [01:09:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "There is immense power in doing life together. Small groups are essential to every believer's journey. But here's the thing, I say this on mission trips that I lead, and I say it now for small groups. We'll get out of them what you invest into them. Okay? I like to think about it this way. I can have my hood of my car popped open in my garage, and I could be standing at the front of my car with the tools in hand, and that's not going to solve my engine problem." [01:11:08] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "We are to love one another, by far, the biggest repetitive statement. Love one another. Then there's honor one another. Greet one another. Welcome one another. Show hospitality to one another. Have fellowship with one another. Agree with one another. Live in harmony with one another. Be at peace with one another. Be kind to one another. Forgive one another. Bear with one another. Bear one another's burdens. Comfort one another. Care for one another. Confess your sins to one another. Pray for one another. Build one another up." [01:13:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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