Living as the Church: A Call to Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission—Our Call to Make Disciples

Jesus calls every believer to go and make disciples, not just by sharing the message of salvation but by teaching others to follow Him in every aspect of life. This is not a passive invitation but an active mission that involves both proclaiming the gospel and modeling Christlike living through our words and actions. The call is global, extending from our immediate community to the ends of the earth, and it is a responsibility shared by all who claim the name of Christ. As we step into this mission, we are reminded that Jesus Himself promises to be with us always, empowering us for the task. [27:11]

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life you can intentionally encourage or teach in their walk with Jesus this week, and what specific step can you take to reach out to them today?

Day 2: Scriptural Holiness—Grounded in God’s Word and Holiness

Scriptural holiness means living a life rooted in the teachings of Scripture and striving to become holy as God is holy, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. This is not about perfection but about opening ourselves to God’s ongoing work, letting His Word shape our hearts, and letting our faith be visible in our actions—especially in how we love God and our neighbors. Holiness is both personal and communal, calling us to justice, mercy, and compassion, and to invite others into the same transforming relationship with Christ. [41:52]

Leviticus 19:2 (ESV)
“Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you to deeper holiness, and how can you respond to His call today?

Day 3: Holiness in Action—Letting Faith Transform Our Lives

True faith is not just a matter of belief but is demonstrated in the way we live, as we allow God to change our hearts and actions to reflect His love and righteousness. This transformation is ongoing, requiring us to be open to the Holy Spirit’s conviction and guidance, and to let our lives shine as a testimony to God’s grace. It is not enough to simply profess faith; we are called to let Jesus transform us so that our lives bear witness to His presence and power. [46:33]

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV)
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can let your faith be seen in your actions today, especially toward someone who may be difficult to love?

Day 4: Transformation—A Lifelong Journey of Grace

The journey of following Jesus is not a sprint but a lifelong process of transformation, where God continually shapes us through personal change, practical application, and community. This journey involves moments of conviction, growth, and renewed purpose, as we allow God to mold us and as we walk alongside others in accountability and fellowship. We are called to be open to God’s ongoing work, recognizing that transformation happens over time and in the context of supportive Christian community. [49:23]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: Where do you see God at work transforming you right now, and how can you invite others to walk with you in this journey of growth?

Day 5: Passion for the Lost—Sharing Christ’s Love with the World

A heart transformed by Jesus develops a passion for those who do not yet know Him, compelling us to reach out, share the gospel, and invite others into the life-changing relationship we have found. This passion is fueled by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God’s love for all people, reminding us that our mission is not just personal growth but also to make a difference for God’s kingdom by loving and reaching the lost. We are called to pray, to act, and to never take for granted the privilege of pointing others to Christ. [56:27]

Luke 15:4-7 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

Reflection: Who in your life is far from God, and how can you intentionally pray for and reach out to them with Christ’s love this week?

Sermon Summary

Today begins a journey into what it truly means to be the church—God’s people called to live out the mission of Jesus in the world. The church is not a building or a program; it is each of us, together, living as Christ’s body. Reflecting on the Great Commission in Matthew 28, the call is clear: go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. This is not a passive identity but an active calling to multiply, to share the good news, and to invite others into a life-changing relationship with Christ.

The story of Robert illustrates this transformation. Though he grew up in church, it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus personally that his priorities shifted. He developed a hunger for God’s Word, a desire to share his faith, and a passion to see others experience the same joy and peace. This is the heartbeat of the Global Methodist Church: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe.

Scriptural holiness is more than biblical knowledge or moral living; it is a life grounded in Christ, shaped by the Word, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is both vertical—our relationship with God—and horizontal—how we love and serve others. Holiness is not about perfection but about opening ourselves to be transformed, striving to reflect the image of Jesus in all we do. This transformation is ongoing, a journey rather than a sprint, and it happens in community. Through accountability, fellowship, worship, and mission, we are shaped into Christ’s likeness and sent out to be his witnesses.

John Wesley, the father of Methodism, emphasized that salvation is not just forgiveness but transformation. Personal change, practical application, a lifelong process, and deep community are all essential. We are called to be holy because God is holy, to let our lives be a testimony to the world, and to never take this calling for granted.

As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and are reminded that we are one body, broken and sent for the world. This meal is both a gift of grace and a commissioning—to go out, make disciples, and spread scriptural holiness in every sphere of life. May we be filled with God’s love, grace, and mercy, and may we carry that into the world, living out the mission of Jesus with passion and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. The Church Is Not a Place, but a People on Mission Being the church means recognizing that each of us is called to embody Christ wherever we go. The responsibility to care, serve, and witness does not rest on a select few but on every believer. When we see a need or an opportunity, we are the church in action—God’s hands and feet in the world. [26:14]
2. Discipleship Is a Lifelong Journey of Multiplication The call to “go and make disciples” is not just about conversion but about nurturing growth and maturity in Christ. True discipleship involves both inviting others into faith and walking alongside them as they learn to obey Jesus’ teachings. This process is ongoing, requiring patience, intentionality, and a willingness to invest in others for the long haul. [34:35]
3. Scriptural Holiness Is Both Personal and Social Holiness is not merely private piety; it is a life shaped by God’s Word and expressed in love for neighbor. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and actions, so that justice, mercy, and compassion flow from us. We are called to be holy as God is holy, striving to reflect Christ’s character in every relationship and circumstance. [41:52]
4. Transformation Is the Heart of the Gospel Salvation is not just about forgiveness but about being changed—personally, practically, and communally. God desires to mold us into the image of Christ, and this happens through personal surrender, practical obedience, and deep community. The journey is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring perseverance and grace as we grow together. [46:33]
5. Community and Worship Are Essential for Spiritual Growth Accountability, fellowship, and worship are not optional extras but vital means by which God shapes us. Life groups and bands provide spaces for honest sharing, encouragement, and support, while worship centers our lives on God and equips us for the week ahead. Together, we are strengthened to live out our calling and to spread scriptural holiness in the world.

** [49:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:14] - What Does It Mean to Be the Church?
[27:11] - The Great Commission: Our Foundational Calling
[28:13] - Praying for Wisdom and Understanding
[29:22] - Robert’s Story: Encountering Jesus
[30:38] - Transformation Through the Holy Spirit
[31:26] - A Hunger for God’s Word
[32:34] - Sharing Faith and Inviting Others
[33:23] - The Mission of the Global Methodist Church
[34:35] - The Call to Multiply Disciples
[38:08] - Scriptural Holiness: What Does It Mean?
[40:42] - Loving God and Neighbor: The Justice Element
[41:52] - The Call to Holiness
[45:00] - John Wesley and the Heart of Methodism
[46:33] - Transformation: Personal, Practical, and Communal
[49:23] - Community, Accountability, and Worship
[52:46] - Communion: Remembering and Reflecting
[53:44] - Personal Testimony: Conviction and Calling
[55:52] - A Passion for the Lost
[58:05] - Living Into Jesus’ Mission
[59:43] - Preparing for Communion
[60:46] - The Meaning of the Bread and Cup
[61:35] - Prayer for the Sacrament
[63:18] - Sent to Make Disciples
[64:32] - Closing and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV) — > 16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.
> 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.
> 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
> 19 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,
> 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Leviticus 19:2 (ESV) — > “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Hebrews 12:14 (ESV) — > Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:19-20, what specific actions does Jesus command his followers to do?
According to the sermon, what does it mean that “the church is not a building or a program, but each of us, together, living as Christ’s body”? [[26:14]]
What changes happened in Robert’s life after he encountered Jesus personally? [[30:38]]
In Leviticus 19:2 and Hebrews 12:14, what is the connection between holiness and our relationship with God and others?

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus connect making disciples with teaching them to obey everything he commanded, rather than just believing in him? How does this shape our understanding of discipleship? [[34:35]]
The sermon says scriptural holiness is both “vertical” (relationship with God) and “horizontal” (how we love and serve others). Why is it important that holiness is not just private but also social? [[41:52]]
John Wesley emphasized that salvation is not just forgiveness but transformation. What does it look like for someone’s life to be transformed, not just forgiven? [[45:00]]
The sermon describes community, accountability, and worship as essential for spiritual growth. Why might these be necessary for ongoing transformation? [[49:23]]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “The church is not a place, but a people on mission.” Think about your daily life—work, school, neighborhood. What is one way you can intentionally “be the church” this week outside of Sunday morning? [[26:14]]
Robert’s story showed a hunger for God’s Word and a desire to share his faith. Do you feel a similar hunger or desire? If not, what is one step you could take to grow in this area? [[31:26]]
The Great Commission calls us to “go and make disciples.” Who is one person in your life you could invite into a conversation about faith, or walk alongside as they grow? What might that look like this month? [[34:35]]
Scriptural holiness means letting the Holy Spirit transform both our hearts and our actions. Is there an area of your life where you sense God is calling you to change or grow? What is one practical step you can take this week? [[41:52]]
The sermon says transformation is a journey, not a sprint. Are you sometimes discouraged by slow progress in your spiritual life? How can you remind yourself to be patient and keep moving forward? [[46:33]]
Community and accountability are described as vital. Are you part of a group or relationship where you can be honest about your struggles and growth? If not, what is one step you could take to find or build that kind of community? [[49:23]]
As we come to the Lord’s Table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and are sent out to live his mission. How does participating in communion shape your sense of purpose and calling for the week ahead? [[52:46]]

Sermon Clips

To make disciples is actually making sure that, one, people claim Jesus as Lord and Savior, but then teaching them what it means to follow Jesus by everything we say and by everything we do. [00:35:38] (16 seconds) #LivingDiscipleMission

Loving God and loving neighbor, there is a justice element in our faith. And the justice element, again, here's the guardrails on justice, right? People say, well, shouldn't we do this and this and this because of justice? Well, if it's in scripture, yes. Jesus gives us the guardrails. He says, go feed those. Do unto the least of these. Those who are hungry, feed them. Those who need clothing, clothe them. Those who are sick, visit them. Those who are in prison, visit them. Welcome the strangers. And all of those guardrails fit with the Old Testament. Take care of the widows and the orphans. Take care of those who have needs, who have special needs, right? So, love God and love neighbor. It's a part of that scriptural holiness. You cannot have faith without action. [00:40:07] (55 seconds) #HeartReflectionTransformation

What is our life calling? What is our purpose? It's to strive to be holy. Now that's daunting, right? Because we all fall short, but you and I are called to strive to be holy because our God is holy. We're called to strive, as we've talked about in Ephesians, to live in the image, to come closer to being the image of Jesus Christ for the world. [00:41:51] (30 seconds) #WesleyanAwakening

It's not enough to just say, yes, Lord. It's not enough to just say, Jesus is my Lord and Savior. We have to let our heart reflect. We have to be open for transformation and let Jesus transform us. That means change us into the people he desires us to be. striving to be. Striving to be holy is to let the word of God speak into our heart. Let the Holy Spirit shape and mold and send us out to be the people God calls us to be. [00:44:03] (37 seconds) #GraceJourneyMarathon

Wesley talked about a process and he talked about a process and he helped define grace different ways that God connects with us at different points in our life. But he mentioned it's a journey. Friends, if you miss a lot of other stuff as we head to what it means to be a committed disciple in the next few weeks and how we live that out at Asbury, hear this, it is not a sprint, right? If I asked all of you to line up and sprint to the end of the parking lot, we probably have to call some paramedics for a couple of people, right? It is more of a long walk. It is more of a long hike. It's more of a marathon that is run at your pace. [00:48:02] (55 seconds) #GlobalMethodistMission

It's about community. And so all this is scriptural holiness. All of it helps shape us grounded in God's word to God in his word reveals his kingdom about who he is, about who we are, about whose we are, about how we need to live our lives and that he wants you and me. That old poster of Uncle Sam saying, I want you, right? It's like God saying, hey, I need you, right? I need you. I created you to be in relationship with me, but also to help me reach the ends of the earth. [00:49:20] (44 seconds) #ConvictedAndCalled

It's about transformation. It's about teaching people to follow Jesus and what that means to be his disciple. It's about spreading scriptural holiness where we point people to a better way that there's a better life, where we do our best to make a difference for God's kingdom by reaching the lost and loving on those who need it the most. May we never take our call for granted. And may we strive to live into Jesus' mission. And by living in the Jesus' mission, if we strive to do that, we'll live into the mission of the Global Methodist Church. And by living into Jesus' mission, we will be living into the mission that we're going to talk about at Asbury that's on the walls outside over the next few weeks. [00:57:37] (59 seconds)

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