Transforming Lives Through Community and Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we gathered to remember and pray for the family of Randy Cates, a beloved member of our church who has gone home to be with Jesus. We celebrated his life and the impact he had on our community, and we prayed for God's peace and presence to be with his family during this time.
We then turned our focus to the final part of our three-week series on the core values that guide our church's mission, as outlined in the Great Commission. Today, we delved into the concept of transformation. We are not just an organization; we are the body of Christ, called to fulfill His mission by helping people enter into a relationship with Him and be transformed into His image.
We revisited the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus, after His resurrection, instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations. This command encapsulates our mission: evangelism, the presence of Jesus, and transformation. Evangelism involves sharing the gospel so that others may be saved. The presence of Jesus means living under His authority and power, and transformation is about being changed into His image.
Transformation is not about mere behavioral modification; it is about a complete change in our spiritual, emotional, and personal lives. Jesus transforms us through His power, presence, and precepts. This transformation process involves a clear, obedient path: making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded.
We discussed the importance of community, ministry, evangelism, and stewardship in this transformation process. Each of us has a role to play in making disciples and investing in the lives of others. This investment is akin to putting resources into something valuable, which then grows and benefits many.
Finally, we were reminded that transformation happens through the investment of our own transformed lives into others. This is a command given to all of us, and it is our responsibility to obey it. As we stand in our identity in Christ, engage in a relationship with Him, and serve others, we are transformed into His image.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Community: Community is essential in the Christian life. We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Being part of a community means investing in each other’s lives, encouraging one another, and growing together in faith. This mutual investment strengthens our faith and helps us to become more like Jesus. [52:23]
2. Transformation Through Obedience: True transformation in Christ involves obedience to His commands. This is not about following rules for the sake of it but about allowing His precepts to change our hearts and minds. As we obey His teachings, we are gradually transformed into His image, reflecting His character in our daily lives. [37:04]
3. Investing in Others: Discipleship is about investing in the lives of others. Just as Jesus invested in His disciples, we are called to invest our time, resources, and love into others. This investment leads to spiritual growth and multiplication, as those we disciple go on to disciple others. [01:00:50]
4. The Role of Evangelism: Evangelism is not just the job of the pastor; it is the responsibility of every believer. Sharing the gospel is a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus. As we share His love and message with others, we fulfill the Great Commission and bring others into the transformative power of Christ. [53:20]
5. Stewardship as Worship: Stewardship involves recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Our talents, resources, and time are all gifts from Him. By using these gifts to serve others and further His kingdom, we worship Him and acknowledge His lordship over our lives. [55:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - Prayer for Randy Cates' Family
[02:24] - Worship and Testimony
[28:01] - Introduction to Core Values
[28:38] - Evangelism and Presence of Jesus
[29:45] - Transformation
[30:22] - Testimony of Gunnar and Robin
[31:19] - Context of the Great Commission
[32:17] - Worshiping the Risen Savior
[33:59] - Addressing Doubts
[34:32] - Jesus' Authority and Command
[35:07] - Vision and How-To of the Great Commission
[36:05] - Evangelism and Presence of God
[37:04] - Transformation Explained
[38:07] - Jesus' Transformation in Us
[39:22] - Power, Presence, and Precepts of Jesus
[41:22] - Legacy of the Church
[42:12] - Scriptural Basis for Transformation
[43:52] - Invitation to Seekers
[45:03] - Obedience to the Great Commission
[46:44] - Making Disciples
[48:25] - Process of Discipleship
[50:59] - Commands of Jesus
[52:23] - Importance of Community
[53:20] - Role of Evangelism
[55:00] - Stewardship as Worship
[56:32] - Transformation Triangle
[58:22] - Serving Others
[59:58] - Influence and Transformation
[01:00:50] - Investment in Others
[01:03:09] - Spiritual Investment
[01:05:11] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Our Response
[01:06:45] - Personal Responsibility in Discipleship
[01:09:01] - Invitation to Worship and Transformation
[01:11:20] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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.'"
2. Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
> "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 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."
3. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
> "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:16-20?
2. According to Romans 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do with their bodies and minds?
3. In Galatians 2:20, how does Paul describe his new life in Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 encapsulate the mission of the church? [35:07]
2. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewal of your mind as described in Romans 12:1-2? How does this relate to the concept of transformation discussed in the sermon? [37:04]
3. How does Paul's statement in Galatians 2:20 reflect the idea of living under the authority and presence of Jesus? [36:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Community Engagement: Reflect on the importance of community in your spiritual journey. How can you invest more in your church community to encourage mutual growth and faith? [52:23]
2. Obedience and Transformation: Identify one area in your life where you struggle with obedience to Jesus' commands. What steps can you take this week to allow His precepts to transform your heart and mind? [37:04]
3. Discipleship Investment: Think of someone in your life who could benefit from spiritual mentorship. How can you begin to invest your time, resources, and love into their spiritual growth this week? [01:00:50]
4. Evangelism: Sharing the gospel is a responsibility for every believer. Who is one person you can share the love and message of Jesus with this week? What practical steps will you take to initiate that conversation? [53:20]
5. Stewardship: Reflect on how you use your talents, resources, and time. What is one specific way you can use these gifts to serve others and further God's kingdom this month? [55:00]
6. Personal Transformation: Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. How can you minimize this distraction to deepen your relationship with Him? [58:04]
7. Serving Others: Serving others is a key part of the transformation process. What is one act of service you can commit to this week to help someone else grow closer to Jesus? [58:22]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key themes and apply them practically in their lives. May your discussions be fruitful and transformative.
Devotional
### Day 1: The Strength of Community
Description: Community is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is through community that believers find support, encouragement, and accountability. Being part of a community means investing in each other’s lives, sharing burdens, and celebrating victories together. This mutual investment strengthens our faith and helps us to become more like Jesus. The power of community lies in its ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. In a world that often promotes individualism, the Christian community stands as a testament to the importance of unity and collective growth. [52:23]
Bible passage: "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 a time when you felt supported by your church community. How can you extend that same support to someone in your community this week?
### Day 2: Transformation Through Obedience
Description: True transformation in Christ involves obedience to His commands. This is not about following rules for the sake of it but about allowing His precepts to change our hearts and minds. As we obey His teachings, we are gradually transformed into His image, reflecting His character in our daily lives. Obedience to Christ is a journey that requires commitment and faith. It is through this journey that we experience spiritual growth and maturity, becoming more aligned with God's will for our lives. [37:04]
Bible passage: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." (James 1:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one command of Jesus that you find challenging to obey. What steps can you take today to begin aligning your actions with this command?
### Day 3: Investing in Others
Description: Discipleship is about investing in the lives of others. Just as Jesus invested in His disciples, we are called to invest our time, resources, and love into others. This investment leads to spiritual growth and multiplication, as those we disciple go on to disciple others. The process of discipleship is a continuous cycle of learning, growing, and teaching. It is through this cycle that the body of Christ is strengthened and expanded. [01:00:50]
Bible passage: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has invested in your spiritual growth. How can you pay it forward by investing in someone else's spiritual journey this week?
### Day 4: The Role of Evangelism
Description: Evangelism is not just the job of the pastor; it is the responsibility of every believer. Sharing the gospel is a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus. As we share His love and message with others, we fulfill the Great Commission and bring others into the transformative power of Christ. Evangelism is about being a witness to the life-changing power of Jesus and inviting others to experience that same transformation. [53:20]
Bible passage: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you feel led to share the gospel with? What steps can you take to start that conversation this week?
### Day 5: Stewardship as Worship
Description: Stewardship involves recognizing that everything we have comes from God. Our talents, resources, and time are all gifts from Him. By using these gifts to serve others and further His kingdom, we worship Him and acknowledge His lordship over our lives. Stewardship is an act of worship that reflects our gratitude and commitment to God. It is through faithful stewardship that we honor God and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. [55:00]
Bible passage: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 4:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the gifts and resources God has entrusted to you. How can you use them to serve others and glorify God this week?
Quotes
1. "One of the great gifts of being a follower of Jesus is being a part of the family of God. We know that you are our Heavenly Father, and each one of us, when we give our lives to you, we are adopted. As your children, which means we have incredible brothers and sisters that you bless us with through our journey." [01:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want to take the gospel to people who need Jesus so they can be saved. The presence of Jesus. This is all about coming into a relationship with Jesus and being in his presence. And I'm so grateful for the powerful message that Pastor Matt preached last week on being in the presence of Jesus and how that works." [29:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are the body of Christ fulfilling the commission of Jesus to help people enter into a relationship with him so that he can transform us into his image. Right? And an incredible testimony from Gunnar and Robin about the impact that that had on them as young marriage being involved." [30:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The response that we should have to a risen Savior is always to worship him. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The Bible says he is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one who accomplished what no one else could. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins." [32:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus didn't come for us to act better, do better, be better. Jesus came to take us from who we were as sinners and to literally transform us in every way. Spiritually, emotionally, personally, our character. He changes us and he turns us in a completely different direction. And he spends the rest of our lives here on this earth transforming us into his image." [37:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When we do ministry submitted to the leadership and the lordship of Jesus and the power of Jesus works through us, man, that's when things happen. It is the power of Jesus. Listen, people don't come and get saved just because we open the doors. It is the activity and the power of Jesus who works to save and to transform and to work and to act." [39:22] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Everything that's good that happens in the church, it happens because Jesus did it. He is the one who is preeminent. He is the one who is acting. He is the one that we worship. Just like these people are standing here on this mountain, they are worshiping a risen, powerful, omnipotent, life-giving Savior." [41:22] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The whole process is my character being transformed and changed into the person of Jesus. Listen, just hear me a minute. If you're a seeker, if you've got questions about what it means to be saved, if you are struggling with something in your life and you just don't know if the promises that this church talks about, if you don't know that those are real, if those are going to work in your life, listen, it's not promises. It's promises that come from us. It's the person of Jesus who changes and saves." [43:52] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus' transformation involves a clear process that can and must be followed in obedience to this make command. Why would Jesus give us a command and then not tell us how to obey it? That doesn't make sense. Why would Jesus give us an instruction and a mission statement and then hide the ball from us? That doesn't make sense. There's no way. He is giving us this command to obey. He's going to equip and empower us to obey it." [46:00] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Evangelism is not the preacher's job. Evangelism is the Christian's job. When we were with our kids and we were raising our kids and they come to us why do we have to go to church this week? You're only making us go to church because you're the pastor. No, we're going to church because we're Christians. Christians go to church. That's what Christians do. That's who we are." [53:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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