Sermon INTRODUCTION

If you want to know what it means to live as a Christian then you shouldn’t go to the Bible to find out. “DISCIPLE”

Maturing and Equipped Follower of Jesus If someone attends our church for 7 months what would he/she think is the organizing MINISTRY priority the of Highlands?

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.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

God met that group where they were and used them to change the world Discipleship is hard because it can’t be accomplished through a #hashtag

Living under a New Authority 28:18ff Jesus calls us to count the cost, but He also points out that there is an eternal benefit.

“..it cost abiding peace, a life penetrated throughout by love, faith that sees everything in light of God’s overriding governance for good, hopefulness that stands firm in the most discouraging circumstances, power to do what is right and withstand the forces of evil. It costs you the abundant life Jesus said he came to bring.

The cross shaped yoke of Christ is after all an instrument of liberation and power to those who live in it with him and learn the meekness and lowliness of heart that brings rest to the soul.” -Dallas Willard

It’s not about what we do for Jesus; it’s about how we experience more of what He has done for us.

Living out of An experience of Grace – 28:19-20 He is WITH US. We are not left alone or powerless to do what he has commanded

THE COMMISSION v. 19 – ‘as you are going’ … Make Disciples

A disciple is “one who is committed to observing all the commands of Jesus.”

Discipleship is not an option. It is a journey. The sign of true disciples is their love for one another.

Love is for the messy times 500 YEAR VISION For Highlands