Legacy is not about what we do, but about who we are. As we gather across our campuses and online, we are reminded that discipleship is the essence of our faith journey. It is not measured by the number of church services attended or scriptures read, but by the transformation of our character to reflect Christ. The early church, a group of disciples, faced immense challenges, yet their legacy continues to resonate through generations. This is the legacy we are called to build—a legacy of discipleship that transcends comfort and convenience.
The Apostle Paul exemplifies this discipleship journey. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, he speaks of being hard-pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair. This scripture challenges us to connect with the essence of discipleship, which is not about ease but about being molded and shaped like clay in the hands of the potter. Discipleship requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to be stretched and transformed, so that the light of Christ can shine through us.
Jesus calls us to a progression in our discipleship journey, as outlined in Acts 1:8. We are to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This progression is not just geographical but also relational, starting with our families and extending to our communities and beyond. Missions are not a spiritual gift for a select few but a call for all disciples. It is about connecting our hearts to people we may never meet, understanding that our generosity and sacrifice can change lives.
In Uganda, the act of pouring out water for baptisms symbolizes the sacrificial nature of discipleship. Just as the early church poured out their lives, we are called to pour out our resources and ourselves for the sake of others. This sacrificial giving is not always visible, but it is vital. It is about leaving a legacy that is not seen in the immediate but is eternal in its impact.
Discipleship is about being poured out as a drink offering, as Paul describes in 2 Timothy 4. It is about living a life that is extraordinary and extravagant in its devotion to Christ. Whether through physical presence, financial support, or fervent prayer, we are called to be disciples who leave a legacy of faith that reaches the ends of the earth.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Discipleship is about who we are, not what we do. It is a transformation of character that reflects Christ, transcending the mere actions of attending church or reading scripture. This transformation is the true legacy we leave behind. [02:19]
- 2. The early church faced immense challenges, yet their legacy continues. Discipleship requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to be molded and shaped like clay, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us. [05:23]
- 3. Jesus calls us to a progression in our discipleship journey, starting with our families and extending to our communities and beyond. Missions are a call for all disciples, not just a select few, and involve connecting our hearts to people we may never meet. [10:33]
- 4. Sacrificial giving, as seen in Uganda, symbolizes the essence of discipleship. It is about pouring out our resources and ourselves for the sake of others, leaving a legacy that is eternal in its impact. [19:05]
- 5. Discipleship is about being poured out as a drink offering, living a life that is extraordinary and extravagant in devotion to Christ. This involves physical presence, financial support, and fervent prayer, reaching the ends of the earth. [21:19]
** [21:19]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:19] - Understanding Discipleship
- [03:44] - The Early Church's Legacy
- [05:23] - Beyond Comfort and Convenience
- [07:01] - The Call to Do the Impossible
- [08:07] - Progression of Faith
- [09:30] - Importance of Discipleship
- [10:33] - Missions and Discipleship
- [11:36] - To the Ends of the Earth
- [12:57] - Connecting Two Worlds
- [14:24] - The Power of Generosity
- [16:25] - Sacrificial Giving in Uganda
- [19:05] - The Eternal Impact of Sacrifice
- [21:19] - Being Poured Out as a Drink Offering
- [22:28] - Extravagant Discipleship