Today, we bring this series of messages to a close. In this message, we will emphasize that the reason God gives us life is so that we can impact our world.
Life comes to us on its way to someone else.
Why Does the Church exist?
“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing!”
Matthew 28:19-20, God and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…
A disciple is a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Luke 14:25-27, Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes even one’s own self—
The Vision of City Church of Chattanooga
To be a Life-giving church, helping the people of Metro Chattanooga..
Ø Experience God’s presence
Ø Feel His Love
Ø Hear His Word
Ø Become Jesus’ Disciples
cannot be my disciples. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciples. (The Message) Discipleship is the processes of helping people become more like Jesus in their attitudes and actions.
Three Characteristics of a Disciple:
1. ______________ John 8:31
2. ______________ John 13:35
3. ______________ John 15:8
Charting Your Discipleship Journey:
Crowd: Casual attender who shows up for services and other programs of the church. (Come and see)
Congregation: Baptized believer whom God has added tot he church. (Come and follow me)
Committed: Believer who is active in the church and serious about God’s will performed in your life. You’re making spiritual decisions and increasing your involvement in the ministry of the church. (Come and be with me)
Core: Believer with a deep spiritual commitment who has prepared yourself to reach out to others in evangelism and ministry. (Go and Make Disciples)
Baptizing implies that a person must have a relationship with Jesus in order to be a disciple.
The inaugural act of discipleship is the new birth.
We cannot be in the discipleship business without being in the evangelism business. It is two sides of the same coin.
Baptizing also means that a person must have a relationship with God’s people to be a disciple.
1 Corinthians 12:13, For by one Spirit we have all been baptized into one body.
Instruction in God’s Word is a vital part of discipleship.
The purpose of teaching is transformation, not just information.
The end result of discipleship is a spiritually mature man or woman of God.
“A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing is worth nothing,” Martin Luther.