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Title: Practicing the WayMain Text: Luke 5:1-11Key Points:The Discipleship CrisisMany profess faith but do not practice the way of Jesus.Salvation is not just being saved from something—it's being saved to something: life with Jesus.The Call to FollowIn Jesus' day, being a rabbi's disciple was the highest honor—but Jesus didn't choose the elite.He called the backups—the ordinary, the overlooked—and said, "You're exactly who I want."Jesus initiates the call, not the other way around.Simon Peter's Encounter with JesusDespite logic and experience, Peter obeys Jesus' command to fish again—“because you say so.”Encountering Jesus confronts us with our sin, our smallness—and invites total surrender.The Cost and the InvitationPeter, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus.Following Jesus costs something, but the invitation is open to whoever is willing.The Kingdom of God is not for the qualified—it's for the willing.Be With Jesus. Become Like Jesus. Do As Jesus Did.Discipleship isn't passive; it's a relationship, a transformation, and a mission.Acts 4:13 reminds us that the world notices when ordinary people have been with Jesus.Final Challenge:Are you simply professing Jesus? Or are you truly practicing the way of Jesus?
This week we're challenged to rethink our approach to generosity, particularly with our finances. The central theme revolves around understanding money as a tool - not just for our own needs, but for serving others and worshipping God. We're reminded of Jesus' parable in Luke 16 about the dishonest manager, which surprisingly teaches us to use our 'worldly wealth' to make eternal friends. This isn't about manipulating others, but about using our resources to show God's love and expand His kingdom. The story of the widow's mite in Luke 21 further emphasizes that God values our heart in giving more than the amount. We're encouraged to start with a tithe (10%) as a baseline, but to grow beyond that, even to the point where our generosity 'pinches' us a little. This radical approach to generosity isn't just about following rules; it's about transforming our hearts to be more like Christ's, trusting in God's promise to bless us abundantly when we step out in faith.If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com
The Way of Jesus - Week #7: Become Like Jesus (3-16-25)
In our exploration of spiritual disciplines, we've uncovered a powerful tool for transformation - fasting. This practice goes beyond mere abstinence; it's about creating space in our lives to seek God more intentionally. We've seen examples from the Old Testament where fasting was used to seek guidance, forgiveness, and courage. But perhaps most striking is Jesus' own 40-day fast, reminding us that even the Son of God saw value in this discipline. As we consider fasting, we're challenged to remember that 'man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.' This profound truth invites us to shift our dependence from worldly sustenance to the life-giving power of God's word. How might our lives change if we regularly set aside our physical needs to focus on our spiritual hunger?This week we look at the wonderful and beautiful spiritual discipline of fasting.If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.comThanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning!CCLI # 279146 Streaming License: CSPL092112
Life takes some unexpected turns, but God uses them all to grow us. Let's talk about how we can become more like Jesus through every unexpected turn.
In exploring the parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, we're invited to reflect on God's immeasurable love and the true value He places on each of us. This familiar story takes on new depth as we consider not just the wayward son, but also the older brother's perspective. Both sons, in different ways, miss the heart of their father - a poignant reminder of how we often fail to grasp God's unconditional love. The father's extravagant welcome challenges us to see ourselves and others through God's eyes. Are we, like the older brother, struggling to rejoice when the lost are found? This parable urges us to examine our hearts and recognize the image of God in every person, even those we find difficult to love. It's a call to embrace the spiritual discipline of community, investing in deep relationships that reflect the self-giving love of the Trinity. As we commit to journeying with others, we're shaped to see the world more as God does, valuing people over possessions and extending grace beyond our comfort zones.If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com
Description: Do you ever feel disconnected between the promises of Jesus and the actual state of life you are living? Join us this Sunday for a life-changing teaching on how to be transformed into someone with the peace, love and joy of Jesus!
23rd February 2025 | Jordan Van Aalst | Deep Discipleship: Be with Jesus, become like Jesus | PM
In our exploration of the spiritual discipline of Sabbath, we uncover a profound invitation to rest in God's presence. Through Jesus' interactions in Luke 14 and 13, we see how the true essence of Sabbath transcends rigid traditions. It's not about following a set of rules, but about entering into God's rest and worship. The Sabbath was made for us, not us for the Sabbath. This perspective shift challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of rest and worship. Are we truly resting our souls, or merely going through motions? The beauty of Sabbath lies in its personalized nature - what's restful for one may be work for another. As we embrace this spiritual discipline, we're called to intentionally set aside time to rest, worship, and enter into God's presence. It's an opportunity to break free from the world's constant demands and remember that our worth isn't tied to our productivity. By practicing Sabbath, we can experience the deep rest and renewal that our souls crave, ultimately drawing us closer to God and reshaping our lives to be more Christ-like.If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out!If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.comThanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning!CCLI # 279146 Streaming License: CSPL092112
Pastor Doug continues our latest series "Practicing the Way"
"The most important thing God gets out of your life is the person you become." — Dallas WillardWhen you truly know Jesus, you'll want to be like Him. In this episode, we explore how transformation happens through time with Him, practical disciplines like fasting and serving, and daily choices to reflect His character.Challenge: What's one habit you need to start (or stop) to look more like Jesus?
In our journey of faith, we often approach prayer with our own agendas and desires. However, this limits the power of prayer and gives a false sense of connection to God. Today we talk about the heart and core of prayer. That is aligning our hearts with God's heart. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11, we're reminded that prayer is not about manipulating God to do our will, but about transforming ourselves to seek His will. This profound insight invites us to reconsider how we pray and what we pray for. Are we truly seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness first? The message encourages us to pray Scripture, engage in fixed-hour prayer, practice prayer walking, and embrace listening prayer. These methods can help us focus on God's desires rather than our own, leading to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. As we align our hearts with God's, we may find ourselves changed in unexpected ways, becoming more forgiving, compassionate, and patient – truly reflecting the character of Christ. If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com Thanks for joining us this morning for worship!! Please feel free to comment and interact with us and others this morning! CCLI # 279146 Streaming License: CSPL092112
Welcome to Practicing the Way, an important new series where we'll explore the life-changing invitation to apprenticeship under Jesus. Jesus invites us to follow His example by arranging our lives around three transformative goals: Be with Him Become like Him Do as He did This isn't about adding more to our busy lives—it's about creating space for God to transform us through the rhythms and practices Jesus modeled. At White Oak, right here in Colerain and Ross, we believe transformation is possible when we embrace Jesus' way of life with genuine faith, boldness, and generosity. Let's journey together as apprentices of Jesus, allowing His love to shape our lives and our communities. Catch previous messages and find resources at www.thewocc.com/messages. Ready to take your next step with White Oak? Visit www.thewocc.com/welcome.
This week we're invited to explore the vital discipline of engaging with Scripture. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of prioritizing our time with God's Word. Just as Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, we too are called to make intentional choices in our spiritual lives. The sermon presents four practical ways to engage with Scripture: memorization, meditation, exegesis, and intentional reading. Each method offers a unique pathway to deepen our relationship with God and apply His truth to our daily lives. As we reflect on these practices, we're challenged to consider: Are we, like Martha, distracted by the busyness of life, or are we choosing the 'better part' by immersing ourselves in God's Word? This message encourages us to see Scripture not as a chore, but as a life-giving encounter with the living God, essential for our spiritual growth and transformation.
This past Sunday, we explored what it means to “Become Like Jesus” as part of our apprenticeship journey. Spiritual formation, the process of being transformed into Christlikeness, begins when we turn to Jesus and allow the Spirit to work in our lives. While we are all being spiritually formed by the stories we believe and the influences we embrace, true transformation happens through a willingness to surrender and create space for God's grace. By embracing the tension of grace and effort, we open ourselves to the Spirit's work, shaping us in ever-increasing glory. As apprentices, we are invited to examine what is forming us, replace deforming habits, and faithfully walk with Jesus as he renews and restores us.Support the show
Today we look at the spiritual discipline of witness, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of sharing our faith. The core message revolves around Luke 9:2, where Jesus sends out his disciples to 'proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.' This isn't just about evangelism; it's about our own spiritual growth. By regularly sharing what God has done in our lives, we're not only potentially impacting others, but we're also reinforcing our own faith. The practice of witness becomes a powerful reminder of God's presence and work in our lives, helping us stay centered on Him in a world full of distractions. Just as God instructed the Israelites to set up physical reminders of His faithfulness, our acts of witness become living testimonies that strengthen our own relationship with God. This message encourages us to be intentional about recognizing and sharing God moments, not primarily for others' benefit, but as a discipline that shapes our own hearts and minds.If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com
This week we continue our sermon series called, "Practicing the Way." Based in the gospel of Mark and informed by John Mark Comer's recent work (also "Practicing the Way"), we're looking at what it means to approach our spiritual formation as apprenticeship to Jesus. This week we talk about how we are changed and what we can do to cooperate with God's grace working in our lives. Scripture: Mark 3:7-19
In the third message of our annual Rhythms series, Rev. Michael Hands challenges us to consider the power of spiritual formation. Are we being formed by Jesus, or something else? Through passages like Matthew 7 and Matthew 5, we explore how spiritual formation is not optional—it's happening all the time. By embracing intentional practices of teaching, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be shaped into the image of Christ over time, even through suffering. Join us as we reflect on the rhythms that are forming us and ask the crucial question: Who am I becoming?We pray this message encourages you as we apprentice to become more like Jesus.We'd love to hear from you!hello@church.nuwww.facebook.com/newlifegoldcoastwww.instagram.com/@newlifegoldcoast ★ Support this podcast ★
In John 15, Jesus invites us to abide in Him — but how do we live this out? By cultivating spiritual practices such as prayer, reading Scripture, and building community, not only does our outward behavior change, but our character is transformed and made new.
Before Jesus' ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations. So, "discipleship" is the big E on the eye chart. Unfortunately, the modern church is facing a discipleship deficit. We are constantly being shaped by the world around us and we often don't really know HOW to become like Jesus. Simply, we need a clear pathway.
Before Jesus' ascension into heaven, He commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations. So, "discipleship" is the big E on the eye chart. Unfortunately, the modern church is facing a discipleship deficit. We are constantly being shaped by the world around us and we often don't really know HOW to become like Jesus. Simply, we need a clear pathway.
Who are you becoming? What does it take to become like Jesus?
In our journey of faith, we often overlook the profound gift of solitude. This message invites us to explore solitude as a powerful spiritual discipline, one that Jesus himself practiced regularly. Through the lens of Luke's Gospel, we see how Christ often withdrew to lonely places to pray, setting an example for us to follow. Solitude isn't just about being alone; it's about intentionally creating space to rest in God's presence, allowing Him to reveal truths about ourselves and His character. As we embrace this discipline, we may find that it becomes a source of strength and renewal, much like the promise in Isaiah 30:15 that 'in quietness and trust is your strength.' This practice challenges us to step away from the noise of our busy lives and truly listen for God's gentle whisper, as Elijah experienced in 1 Kings 19. By incorporating solitude into our spiritual routines, we open ourselves to receive God's guidance, correction, and blessings in ways we might otherwise miss in the hustle of daily life. If you want help in starting this journey, please don't hesitate to reach out! If you want to talk to someone about going deeper in your faith or starting to walk with Jesus on a daily basis, please reach out to us at office@graceva.com
If you want to learn more about Bethel Cleveland and how to get involved, please visit our website at bethelcleveland.com.
This week, Pastor John continues our fall series “The Way of Jesus' Kingdom” with a message titled ‘Vision to Become Like Jesus (Philippians).' This message is from our service on Sunday, October 27, 2024. ******************************************** This message is from Antioch Community Church in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Follow Antioch Ann Arbor on Instagram Follow Antioch Ann Arbor on Facebook Follow Antioch Ann Arbor on Youtube *******************************************
In our spiritual journey, we're called to become like Jesus, not just to find our 'true selves.' This countercultural message challenges us to look upward rather than inward. The apostle Paul's words in Galatians 4:19 remind us that our goal is to have 'Christ formed in us.' This isn't about self-improvement, but about a profound transformation where we're reshaped into Jesus' likeness. We're invited to consider: are we actively participating in this formation process? The path of Jesus is presented as the way to become fully human, reversing the curse of Adam's fall. By 'putting on Christ,' we're not losing ourselves, but uncovering who we truly are meant to be. This journey of becoming like Jesus isn't about perfection, but about allowing God's Spirit to chip away at what doesn't belong, revealing the masterpiece He created us to be.
Join Fr. Anthony Messeh as he discusses what it means to become like Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/stsachurchhttps://www.stsa.church/the-well
Colossians 3 : 12 – 17 The post Helping Each Other Become Like Jesus appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
This is our second week in this sermon series based on the book Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. How should we understand what it means to become a disciple or apprentice under Jesus? In what ways should that direct our path in life. Join us this week as we discover the answer to those questions and the three primary goals of any apprentice.
Weekend Services from New Vine Community Church in Franklin, Ohio.
Weekend Services from New Vine Community Church in Franklin, Ohio.
Become Like Jesus, Part 2 (Ben Pease) - October 13, 2024 by Bethany Covenant Church
In part three of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains what it means to become like Jesus. He reminds us of the three goals of a disciple: to be with your rabbi, to become like your rabbi, and to do as your rabbi did. God's purpose for his people is for them to become like Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around Jesus (being with him, becoming like him, and doing what he did). A non-disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around anything else. Becoming like Jesus means imitating him and surrounding yourself with an environment which promotes Christlikeness. Whether we're aware of it or not, we are busy becoming like something. We are being spiritually shaped and influenced at all times. Mel helps raise our awareness to this reality by reminding us our lives are perfectly designed to shape us into who we are at this moment. If we want to be shaped into something different, we need to change the way we do life.
In part three of our series called More Than Christians, Pastor Mel explains what it means to become like Jesus. He reminds us of the three goals of a disciple: to be with your rabbi, to become like your rabbi, and to do as your rabbi did. God's purpose for his people is for them to become like Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around Jesus (being with him, becoming like him, and doing what he did). A non-disciple of Jesus is anyone who intentionally organizes their life around anything else. Becoming like Jesus means imitating him and surrounding yourself with an environment which promotes Christlikeness. Whether we're aware of it or not, we are busy becoming like something. We are being spiritually shaped and influenced at all times. Mel helps raise our awareness to this reality by reminding us our lives are perfectly designed to shape us into who we are at this moment. If we want to be shaped into something different, we need to change the way we do life.
This podcast is from our service on September 22, 2024.
In the second part of the "Apprenticing to Jesus" series, Dr. Scott McKee delves into the process of spiritual transformation in a message titled Become Like Jesus. Drawing from Luke 6:39-40, he emphasizes that becoming like Jesus is not just about behavior modification but requires deep inner transformation through intentional training and spiritual formation. Pastor Scott explores the necessity of practices that open us to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, debunking myths such as relying solely on effort, knowledge, or doing nothing at all. He introduces a framework for spiritual growth, setting the stage for the upcoming seven-week exploration of core spiritual practices. This sermon invites us to engage in an intentional process of becoming more like Jesus, moving beyond being merely believers to becoming true apprentices of Christ.
We exist to make Gospel-centered disciples among all people for the glory of God. Stay ConnectedWebsite: https://www.christcommunity.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christcommunityclt/
Be Like Jesus. Become Like Jesus. Do What Jesus Did. From Matthew 7v13-14.
NOTES: One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. Mark 1:16–18 (NLT) THREE GOALS OF A DISCIPLE: 1. BE with Jesus. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:4–5 (NASB95) 2. BECOME like Jesus. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) 3. DO as Jesus did. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV) BOTTOM LINE: The REWARD for following Jesus is Jesus. CHALLENGE: BEGIN Practicing the Way.
"Godliness is possible, but it is not natural."John Mark discusses some of the foundational ideas from his new book: Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus, Become Like Jesus, Do as He Did. John Mark challenges us to resist the distractions that tempt us to waste our lives, and instead become people of love who live for our eulogies rather than our resumes. To pick up a copy of John Mark's new book, you can purchase it online here, or in person wherever books are sold. This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Cheyne from Vero Beach, Florida; Christina from Burbank, California; Gabriel from Portland, Oregon; Scott from Sudbury, Massachusetts; and Jennifer from Spokane, Washington. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.