Podcasts about discipleship luke

Heidi Stacey invites us to reflect on one of the most important questions Jesus ever asked: Who do you say I am? Drawing from Luke 9, Heidi explores how Jesus uses questions to lead us into deeper truth, personal revelation, and daily commitment. Whether youre feeling bold or uncertain in your faith, this sermon offers both comfort and a powerful call to respond. To catch up on the latest sermons from Deep Creek, go to iTunes, Spotify ordeepcreekanglican.comand check out the website for more info about whats happening. We are a welcoming and growing multigenerational church in Doncaster East in Melbourne with refreshing faith in Jesus Christ. We think that looks like being life-giving to the believer, surprising to the world, and strengthening to the weary and doubting. Read the transcript Scripture Reading Luke 9:1827This mornings Bible reading is in the book of Luke, chapter 9, verses 18 to 27. (If youve got the red Bible, thats on page 1611.) Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, Who do the crowds say I am?They replied, Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am?Peter answered, Gods Messiah.Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God. This is the Word of God. Introduction: The Power of a Question Good morning everyone. Im just going to get myself set up here. My name is Heidi. I have met many of you, but not all of you. It is a goal of mine to make sure I meet everyone by the end of the year. Consider myself challenged! Those in our growth group will know that it is something we are working towards at the moment, challenging ourselves to be like the church. This morning I thought Id start with just a quick question to get the juices flowing and get you thinking a little bit. How has your morning been? If you had to pick one moment that has happened this morning, how would you describe it? What is it about this moment that has stayed in your mind? If I asked you to turn to the person next to you and describe your morning, how would you tell your story? How would you engage me in that conversation? What kind of things would stand out? Now that youre thinking about that very rhetorical question, I wonder how it would feel, as a contrast, if I restarted this entire soliloquy and said: Good morning. Im sure you can agree with me mornings, am I right? I dont know about you, but mine has been chaos. Everyone cannot regulate themselves at the same time for longer than a few minutes. Wow. Mondays are needed in our house. Its quite a divisive statement, and I certainly hope its not true for the majority of us here! But what I have done in that example is taken an experience and worded it as fact. Ive created a demand that you agree with me in my statement. Ive left no room for personal reflection. I have spoken to the group as a whole and for the group as a whole as well. This is why its important that were doing the sermon series on Questions in Luke. Questions are a way of engaging our minds, engaging each other, engaging the group. We also have an opportunity to answer those questions as well. And in doing all of that, we start to see that Jesus used this as a teaching style for his disciples giving them time to reflect, time to respond, and asking engaging questions that ultimately led to personal revelation for them. Setting the Scene As with all things, we have a snapshot of Scripture in time. So lets go back and set the scene together: what was happening before this conversation occurred? The disciples have been appointed. They have been chosen by Jesus. They are taught by him. They are encouraged by him. And then he is sending them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. After their time out, he brings them back in together for a time of renewal and refreshment, which is interrupted by the crowds who are hungry and the miracle of feeding the 5,000 occurs. When they are sent back out again, they are working, and then they are called back in again to have a time of infilling, refreshing, retreating, and replenishing in a quiet space. I feel like in this in and out rhythm, we see some very subtle teaching that isnt written down, but we observe it as a demonstration of how filling up our cup is needed before pouring out again. And as this demonstrates, it doesnt always work perfectly. There isnt always the perfect infilling before the outpouring. In this particular passage, we have the disciples starting the prayer process before being interrupted by the crowds needing to be fed. (Every parent can relate that sometimes people need to be fed, and are interrupted!) I also want to draw particular attention to what else is happening in this moment: when the disciples are together and praying and spending time, Jesus himself takes that one step further a more private moment of prayer with his Father. The disciples are present, but theyre not participating in it. I think its important to see that sometimes things are not just for the group. Doing things as a whole isnt the only thing necessary in our walk with Jesus; sometimes we do need to take it that one step further into that private moment of prayer with the Father. This context introduces us to verse 18, with Jesus asking the disciples, Who do the crowds say I am? Who Do the Crowds Say I Am? Jesus asked his disciples, Who do the crowds say I am? And they replied together, as a group a broad, collected response from the people they had been talking to and ministering with. They say things like Elijah, John the Baptist, or a prophet. They are literally answering the question, Who do the crowds say I am? Do we think that Jesus is asking this question to seek knowledge? Or do we see that he is asking the question to reveal truth? The Wquestions are always popular: Who, what, where, why? Theyre engaging; they steer the conversation. Hes leading them towards some personal reflection. But in this moment, we know that Jesus actually didnt need the answer for personal affirmation He knew who He was. Matthew 3:1617 gives us that confirmation: As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. And thats confirmation for us of Jesus identity. Who do the crowds say I am? Jesus asks this not because he needs validation, but to prompt his disciples thinking. With this broad, crowd-level perspective in mind, Jesus now moves on to a more refining question. But what about you? Who do you say I am? There are no wrong answers. Jesus is not looking to be defensive or offended. What he is doing is starting to illuminate evidence that the disciples have seen for themselves, through a approach we might call Narrative Questioning. Id like to expand a little bit on what the subtext of this looks like. I imagine the disciples to be quite a chatty bunch, but what were seeing recorded here are just really short sentences summarizing their answers. The subtext behind Jesus asking Who do you say I am? might have been questions like: When did you first notice something different? What evidence supports this belief that you have? How did you feel about that? This example of taking one question and stepping it further and further is something that we have been doing in our growth group over the last couple of months. Weve been looking at what the church looks like in Acts so, big broad picture: What do we see revealed in Scripture? Then take it a step down: How does that apply to our church? And another step down: How does that apply to us as individuals within the church? Weve spent a good amount of time debating and engaging in conversation to wrestle with what this looks like for ourselves and in the context of church as well. In Jesus asking, Who do you say I am? there is an opportunity for the disciples to define things more clearly for themselves. Theyre verbalizing what they believe. When we say things out loud, it often creates an opportunity to articulate things differently, to have ideas formed more solidly. We saw that demonstrated with the baptism and confirmation service a couple of weeks ago, where we had public confessions public declarations of faith by the candidates. These were opportunities to put pieces together, to offer verbal testimony, and to confess Christ crucified. Now, while the candidates know who they are in Christ (and we know who they are in Christ), verbalizing it is an encouragement to us and it solidifies things in their own minds as well. And this is exactly what we have Peter doing here. Peter was the spokesperson for the group, and he says, You are the Messiah. Sometimes we do need an opportunity for personal reflection like this. Do we recognize who Jesus is to us? He is an individual sacrifice for each and every one of us at the one time. For each of us, He died on the cross for all of our sins but as an individual, we are called to accept it as our own. I call it not a pick-and-choose Jesus. (I was going to have a slide here of a Mr. Potato Head toy, but I thought it would ruin the vibe!) The point of using a Mr. Potato Head is that you can change out the eyes and the arms and the mouth and so on. In our current culture of customizing everything, I felt it was prudent to mention that not all things are customizable. Accepting that Jesus died for your sins gives us the hope of eternal life that is not customizable. What is unique is your relationship with him the way that he speaks with you, the type of prayer that you engage in with him. Not any of us engage in prayer in the same way as another. At different times in our lives and in our walk with him, he will reveal Scripture differently to each of us. The truth remains the same, but the uniqueness is where the joy is. We are created in his image, each uniquely able to enjoy a relationship with him. In this, we have been given an individual opportunity to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, to confess Christ crucified, and to look for his coming in glory. Jesus Predicts His Death (Luke 9:2122) So the next section in Luke chapter 9 starts at verse 21. (Again, a little bit of subtext.) This was an amazing revelation that Peter had one line: Peter answered, Gods Messiah. Those four words close out that scene, and then Jesus pivots a little bit. He strictly warns them not to tell this to anyone, because it really was not the time for public revelation as they were moving towards the cross. The whole point of the salvation work of Jesus and the demonstration of him as the Messiah was that it was not yet time for a public proclamation of what was happening. They did not yet have the Holy Spirit to give power to their testimony. But they also and hear me out they also would have messed with Gods ordained plan, the order of events. (Now, nothing can derail the plans of God!) My point in mentioning this is that although nothing happens without Gods knowledge, this command had a purpose like all commands do. In the disciples honoring of this command deciding not to tell anyone, as they were asked they then began to see the outworking of Gods plan unfold. What they saw and realized was the strengthening of their faith. What they received was the Holy Spirit. And what they ultimately created was the building of the early church. There was a reason why they were asked to do what they were asked to do, and sometimes we are fortunate enough in this lifetime to see the outworking of commands like that. Verse 22 continues: The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life again. Here is the confirmation of why they needed to be quiet for now Jesus adds that hell be raised again in three days, to confirm and align with Old Testament prophecies. But it also begins to give a realistic understanding of what he was going to endure. This is not the messianic triumph and splendor they expected; it is a very progressive and slow revelation of his coming death. The disciples were slowly able to grasp and understand these little bits and put them together these things that were previously only alluded to are now actually being spoken of. It begins to redefine their expectations: who they thought Jesus was, who he was becoming to them, versus who he always knew he was the Messiah. I wonder, has there been a time when your expectations were redefined by Jesus? He has always known you to be his child do you see that in yourself? Do you recall a time where things looked a little different, when you thought one way and God revealed Himself to you in a different way? Personal revelation. The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 9:2325) Verse 23 continues: Then he said to them all, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. So weve had the personal reflection in a small group; weve had the time of prayer together. Now Jesus is saying this to everyone a big teachable moment to the crowds. This is not a condemnation to carry a literal cross (although in biblical times this would have been a very shocking statement, because only criminals and people literally heading towards execution carried their crosses on their backs as they went to their sentence). In this context, its a call to commitment, where the outcome of eternal life with Jesus Christ is assured. But we have a time between now and then, and that time can be very hard. The taking up of your cross is a call to committing to Jesus daily and this word daily means throughout the day, regularly, multiple times a day. When we commit to Jesus, we have what we like to call a soul at peace, eternally focused. However, we remain in the bodies here on earth, and it is not always easy. It is not always restful, and it is not always comfortable. The disciples are demonstrating to us the reality of life. We have an infilling before outpouring to others, and then we try to replenish again but we dont always quite get there before outpouring again. But now, unlike the disciples in that moment, we have the gift of the Holy Spirit. And it is possible. We know there are challenges to face. Its not always what we want to do or how we want to do it. But we are able to be still and know that He is God. He is God of all of it, until we meet again our soul at peace, our body at rest with Him. Verse 24 carries on: Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. This verse really focuses on the cost here on earth although ultimately theres no cost at all when it comes to eternal life. The disciples are being presented with what was to come, and naturally they might start considering how they could prevent Jesus suffering. Because if you think of it from their perspective, they are hearing about his death and going, Well, no, thats no good were going to have to fix this problem. They didnt yet understand the outworking of Gods holy plan. It also unfortunately presents them with an opportunity to reflect on and prepare for their own deaths. If this was how the Lord was going to die, what would that look like for them? Verse 25 continues: What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Surrendering to Jesus is not passive. Its active. And as we said, it is daily an exercise in obedience. Our identity can be passive. I am a daughter (and Ill take a moment to shout out to my mom and dad watching online!). I am called a wife by Adrian in Kids Min today (fortunately, because were actually married!). The identity that I have in Christ is not self-defined; it is not given by the world. We receive it through accepting His sacrifice. We receive it and accept it. For a bit of an analogy: self-defining your identity is like shopping for new clothes choosing the next thing that seems nice, that fits well, maybe is on trend (doesnt have to be). But youre still choosing it as your own; youre still choosing it as your own identity. Or potentially its something that someone has declared over you: You are this. We dont take up these self-made identities as our cross they are far too heavy, too hard to live up to. Being a good person or a genuine friend wont get us into heaven. Releasing our self-identities letting go of who we say we are to focus on who Christ says we are. You are a child of God. We acknowledge Jesus as our Savior and our Messiah. And while some of the facts about us that I mentioned (daughter, wife, etc.) stay true, they are not who God is calling us to be as our first priority. They are not who I am, and they should not be who I am. The cross that Jesus asks us to pick up daily is our commitment to Him. Not Ashamed of Christ (Luke 9:26) Verse 26 says: Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. This begs the question: what does it look like to be ashamed of Christ? The word ashamed is defined as a sense of embarrassment, but in a public context being worried about identifying yourself with something or someone such that when someone notices, they might say, Why would you align yourself with that person? Its a very personal word. In the particular societal values of honor and shame in biblical times, this (ashamed) was the opposite of honor; this was shame. Early Christians were often marginalized and persecuted for their beliefs, so here Jesus is encouraging them to stand firm despite societal pressures. So thats biblical times we start to understand what it looked like and why it mattered then. But what does it look like in a modern context? What does it look like to be brave and to call yourself a Christian today? How do you describe your weekend when somebody asks, How was your weekend? Did you get up to anything different yesterday? And while regularly coming to church is no longer considered unusual (given that you do it most weeks), it can still be nerve-wracking to mention it. By way of analogy, I tested this out in my own life this week. At work we dont talk face-to-face much; we tippy-type on the chats which if you ask me is worse, because its there in writing. Conversations come and go, but typed words stay forever. And so, last Monday morning at 7:15, when my colleague said, Hey, whatd you get up to this weekend? I thought, Oh, God does not work in mysterious ways; He works in very obvious ways sometimes! And I decided you know what thats it, Im going to be brave. Im not always brave, but I am going to be brave this time. I did what I described to my growth group as the sandwich. So I replied: my in-laws went to visit, we went to church and saw some friends, sandwiched in there. (Take from that what you will.) And of course, my delightful colleague who is very new to the company (we have not known each other very long at all) said, Oh, church! Which one do you go to and how long have you been there? And I thought, oh well, cant hurt, right? So I told her. I mentioned I was playing piano at church last week because it was my turn. And she said, Oh, thats so good. Ive been church hopping. (Now I know, of course.) And she goes, Its really difficult at the moment because my husband and my children, they do not believe. In that moment, I really felt like God was giving me the opportunity to know how to pray for my colleague. Its not something that we are able to do all the time, but my hope is that for her, hearing that somebody else is a Christian at work and somebody a bit senior to her as well that she hopefully knows that I have her best interests at heart when doing the job that God has called me to do. God has given me the gift to be able to then, in my own prayer time, pray for her, for her relationship with her husband and her adult children. And as I typed out to her, You are an encouragement to them. You continue doing what youre doing because your faithfulness will be the thing that people see. And that, to me, is what commitment to Jesus daily looks like. For some people, it will look different. So what if youre not feeling brave? Is there hope for you? Boy, is there ever. (And I wrote down here: Absolutely.) Hope for the Fearful: Peters Example Peter and his growing maturity in faith as he learns and struggles is an example for all of us. And this is the best part of the Bible (we say that a bit tongue-in-cheek): theres something in there for all of us but there really is! As I mentioned earlier, Peter is the spokesperson for the group, voicing the realization and the revelation that Jesus is the Messiah. But if you read further, youll also see that Peter has a moment of being ashamed. When Jesus has been arrested and is on trial, in Matthew 26 we read about Peters denial. Verse 69 says: Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. You also were with Jesus of Galilee, she said. But he denied it before them all, I dont know what youre talking about. (Matthew 26:6970) And that can sometimes be really hard to read, because sometimes it is exactly what we have said out loud. But God, in His wisdom and mercy, calls us towards Himself. He reinstates Peter before Peter dies before the end of his life. John 21:16 says: Simon, son of John, do you love me? And he answered, Yes, Lord, you know I love you. Jesus said, Take care of my sheep. (John 21:16) And Peter became the builder of the early church. So we see that although we have the peaks and the troughs times of being brave and times of being ashamed God never leaves us, He never denies us. And He is always there with us. Our last verse of todays passage is verse 27, and it says: Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God. Here we see the reference to the last days the Son of Man coming in glory, eternal life and fulfillment and true hope. Now, all of the Gospels have the account that we looked at today, but Luke has a unique emphasis: he highlights that all people are able to be disciples of Jesus, and he specifically emphasizes the daily following of Jesus. An Invitation to Respond So in this series, were looking at questions. Were asking them. Were answering them. And (if you were here last week) I believe God gave me some very pointed wisdom to share with us: we can also avoid answering them if we really want to. You can continue to be self-defined, but God does not move. Sometimes Hes waiting right next to us. Sometimes Hes actively calling us to Himself. And so we ask: Are you brave enough to listen to pick up your cross of commitment daily, throughout the day and to follow Him into the gift of eternal life? In a moment, were heading into a time of singing and then communion, and Id love to invite you to respond to what the Lord is saying to you today. That can look however you want it to look. Im going to ask you some questions and ask you to visualize, either with your eyes open or closed (it doesnt matter). Take a moment to see Jesus standing in front of you. Is He calling you with what I know is a smile on His face? Is He telling you more about how He sees you? Ask Him how He sees you. You can declare to Him, I know I am Your child. What else is He saying? In our human minds, there is always a point at which we say yes to something when we feel that the benefit outweighs the cost. After evaluating the gift of eternal life, are you willing to take a step forward and place your trust in Him? When the gift outweighs the cost, what cost is there at all? Jesus approached people, but He also waited for them to come to Him. Is Jesus waiting for you today to recognize Him in a deeper way? Id love you to use this next time of worship as an opportunity to reflect on some of the things that God has been saying to you today. Further to that, as we take up communion and as we look at the promises that are on the screen, my prayer for you today is that they would resonate powerfully and be an encouragement to you. That as you lean into Jesus, He was already there. And as you take up your cross for Him, the gift of eternal life is the very next step. Amen.

What if you found a treasure? What an amazing experience that would be. To know that you were set for life and that all your greatest financial needs would be taken care of. In Luke 6:12-26, Jesus chooses the twelve apostles and then begins teaching his followers about the cost of following him. This sermon, titled "The Treasure of Discipleship," looks at this powerful passage where we see both the cost and the incredible treasure and reward of being a follower of Jesus.

Rev. Dean preaches on the cost of discipleship.

The Test of Christian Discipleship | Luke 6:43-49 | 19/01/25 | Matt Chapman by Grace Church Bristol

Many people think the story of Mary and Martha is about being too busy for God. How Martha is obsessing over her hospitality, and Mary, the calm one, gets it right by listening to Jesus while the dishes pile up in the sink. Well, I don't think that's the main point of this story. I don't think that's how the original hearers heard this story. No. Something else is going on. Something deeply significant. Something that changed the status of women forever. Find out why in this episode of Gospel Wabi Sabi. 

Luke compared the two voices inviting us to follow: the world's call to ease and comfort and Jesus' call to sacrifice and discomfort.

The Cost of Discipleship : Luke 14:25-33 : Pastor Raef Chenery : 01-05-25 by Park Community Church

Sunday Morning Service, December 29, 2024

In this episode of Pray the Word on Luke 9:57–62, David Platt calls us to follow Jesus today no matter what it costs.Explore more content from Radical.

11/24/24 Rev. Eddie Ildefonso Sermon Direct Link The Terms of Discipleship (Luke 9:23-27) The post The Terms of Discipleship (Luke 9:23-27) appeared first on Town Creek Baptist Church.

24_11_09 -Ep.337 - Run With Horses Podcast - "Write Your Purpose Statement" Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo Norman's New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It's a practical, quick read! https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04 **(28:00)** Today I want to jump off in a new direction. I have been focusing on the church for months, but today I want to turn to the individual. Do you have a purpose statement? You should, and today I challenge you to write one! Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together! Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!” **(27:00 – 23:00)** Spiritual Habits - The Power of Prayer **1. Why Prayer is Essential for Discipleship ** - Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus Himself prioritized prayer. - Prayer isn't a task—it's a relational practice that deepens intimacy with God and aligns our hearts with His will. **2. The Components of Meaningful Prayer ** - Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” - **Key Components:** - **Praise:** Start by focusing on who God is, acknowledging His greatness. - **Confession:** Bring your sins before God, seeking His forgiveness. - **Thanksgiving:** Recognize God's faithfulness and blessings. - **Supplication:** Present your requests and intercede for others. - Incorporating these components helps structure prayer and keeps our focus on God's character, rather than on our needs. **3. Prayer for Strength and Wisdom in Following Christ ** - James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - Discipleship involves challenges, and prayer for wisdom and strength empowers us to remain steadfast in following Jesus. - Start each day by asking God for guidance and the strength to live out your faith. **4. Building a Consistent Prayer Habit (1 minute)** - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.” - Intentionally set aside time for prayer. - Start a daily 5-minute prayer time, use a prayer journal, or incorporate prayer breaks throughout the day. Pray AS you go through life each day. **(23:00 – 0:00)* * Why a purpose statement? - spiritual focus, clarity and daily direction. **Why Purpose Matters for Every Believer** - purpose reflects God's design for each person Ephesians 2:10 -10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. - Aligning personal goals with God's eternal purpose. - The purpose statement as a tool for living intentionally. **What is a Purpose Statement?** - purpose statement vs. life goals. - A purpose statement as a guiding compass rooted in one's faith, aiming to glorify God and serve others. **Steps to Create a Personal Purpose Statement** - **STEP 1:** Reflect on Your Relationship with God - Questions to ponder: "How has God worked in my life? What passions or burdens has He placed on my heart?" - Prayer and seeking God's guidance through scripture. What does Gdo say about who I am and why He made me? - **STEP 2:** Identify Your Unique Gifts and Passions - Understanding spiritual gifts (e.g., Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12) and how they shape our purpose. - Considering talents, interests, and experiences God has given. ### STEP 3: Clarify Your Mission Ground it in the priorities God gives us through Scripture. While each believer's purpose will be unique, Scripture clearly defines the overarching mission and priorities that all Christians share. These biblical priorities serve as guiding principles for crafting a personal purpose statement that aligns with God's will and advances Jesus' mission. #### **A. The Great Commandment: Loving God and Loving Others** - ** Matthew 22:37-39 – “37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” - **Practical:** When clarifying your mission, consider how you will reflect love for God in your life through prayer, worship, and obedience. Likewise, think about how you can show Christlike love to others, especially through compassion, humility, and selflessness. #### **B. The Great Commission: Making Disciples** - **Scripture Reference:** Matthew 28:19-20 – 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - **Practical:** Ask yourself how you can participate in the work of making disciples. This might look different depending on your gifts and context: sharing the gospel with others, teaching in your church, supporting missions, or mentoring someone in their spiritual growth. **(00:00) END PART 1** **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2** #### **C. A Life of Servanthood: Living as Christ's Ambassadors** - **Philippians 2:1-4 – 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - **Practical:** Consider what it means to represent Jesus in your everyday life. How can your purpose statement include elements of servanthood and humility? #### **D. Holiness and Growth in Christlikeness** - ** 1 Peter 1:15-16 – 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” - **Practical:** Reflect on areas of your life where God is calling you to greater obedience and purity. Consider how your purpose might reflect an ongoing commitment to spiritual growth and maturity. #### **E. Serving in Love through Our Unique Gifts** - ** 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 – 4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: - **Practical:** Think about how your gifts, talents, and passions play a role in your mission. How can you use your strengths and experiences to serve God and bless others in ways that reflect His love? A purpose statement that reflects these biblical priorities ensures that it's not just a personal mission but a mission aligned with God's design for every believer. ### 5. **Examples of Purpose Statements** Purpose statement:Sandra Peoples - I give praise to God for what He's done in my life and how He is using me to accomplish the purposes He has for me. I am a disciple, a mentor/teacher, a connector, and a community-builder. As I grow in godliness, I encourage others to grow as well. I seek to build a community of faith for special-needs parents so they know they are never alone. I build this community both through my writing and through my local church. Purpose Statement: “I, Regi Campbell, exist to glorify God as I love, serve and challenge others to be all they can be and give all of themselves to Jesus Christ.” - My Purpose Statement– To be a mature disciple of Jesus who makes disciples and gives freely to encourage, support and equip the church on it's journey to fulfill the Great Commission. ### 6. **Living Out Your Purpose Daily** - Practical tips on using your purpose statement as a daily guide for decision-making and spiritual growth. - Encouragement to use it in prayer, self-reflection, and goal-setting. Live Intentionally. ### 7. **Conclusion and Call to Action** - Pray about your purpose and seek the Lord's leading. - Write down their purpose statement and keep it visible.Live by it. - Encourage feedback or sharing their statements with accountability partners or mentors.Share it with me, I would love to see what you come up with! norman@runwithhorses.net **(5:00 – 1:00)** Doctrine of the Month - Doctrine of Man** Made in God's Image ### 1. **God's Unique Design for Humanity** - **Genesis 1:26-27** - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness...' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." - **Key Point**: Unlike animals or any other part of creation, humans bear God's image, meaning we reflect His nature and character in a unique way. ### 2. **The Image of God and Human Dignity** - **Psalm 8:4-5** - "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor." - **Key Point**: Because we are created in God's image, every human being has inherent worth and dignity, regardless of status, ability, or background. This truth impacts how we treat others and see ourselves. ### 3. **What It Means to Reflect God's Image** - **Romans 8:29** - "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." - **Key Point**: Being in God's image isn't just a status; it's a calling. We are meant to reflect God's character—His love, justice, mercy, and holiness. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this reflection, and through Him, we are transformed. ### 4. **The Impact of Sin and the Redemption of God's Image** - **Genesis 9:6** - "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man." - **Romans 3:23** - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." - **Key Point**: Sin distorts God's image in us, leading to brokenness and separation from Him. Yet, even after the Fall, humans retain God's image, which is why life is precious and why Christ's redemption is essential. ### 5. **Conclusion: Living Out the Image of God** - **2 Corinthians 3:18** - "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." - **Key Point**: In Christ, we're being renewed into God's image. Our calling is to grow in this likeness through sanctification, loving others, and living in a way that honors our Creator. **(1:00)** - “Thank you for listening today! Training disciple makers is essential to a thriving church body on mission. As you reflect on this, consider your role—both individually and within the church—in reaching others with the hope of Jesus." -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running. **(00:00)** Parenting Manual and Pursuing Godliness Together Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo My wife has a new book out. She took some of the lessons from Scripture that helped us as parents and put them together into a parenting manual written as one thought a day from the Bible. You can find it on Amazon by searching for Susan Jane Smith, Parenting Manual. I also have a link in the show notes. If you are a parent or know a parent who is interested in raising godly children, this book can point you to Scripture that will help you keep your focus as you take the journey with your children. The book is $5 and is available as a paperback or kindle book. If you read it, leave her a review, it really does help others find it! Thanks!

Hello, Kindly listen to the teaching titled PRAYER: A MARK OF DISCIPLESHIP (Luke 11:1-10) by Mr. Oscar Kagonyera from Mid-Week Service of Wednesday, 16th October 2024

Kenny Stokes | The Gospel of Luke | Downtown

Kenny Stokes | The Gospel of Luke | Downtown

Having given a strong warning to the religious leaders, Jesus turned his attention to the crowd. They could not continue following Jesus if they were unwilling to count the cost of being a true disciple. A true disciple is called to the cross. We take a closer look at Jesus' hard words. 

Pastor Bryan Laws  Series: "Tough And Tender: Jesus In His Own Words"

Preached by Pastor, Eric Mingle, on September 22, 2024.

Preached by Pastor, Eric Mingle, on September 22, 2024.

Barriers to Authentic Discipleship : Luke 9:51-62 : Pastor Raef Chenery : 05-12-24 by Park Community Church

This series is a study of the gospel of Luke. Luke was a traveling physician and companion of the Apostle Paul. Each week, as we study Luke, we seek to find the prescription that this Christian doctor would prescribe for us to become more like Jesus.

This episode was taken from our Sunday Morning Sermon (SMS) at First Christian Church of Lubbock on April 14, 2024. The text for this sermon is found in Luke 6:12-26. This is First Christian Church Lubbock, where we exist to share the Gospel and edify the church through bible-based teachings and content. Follow us on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or your favorite podcasting platform!

This message is from a Sunday morning worship service at Leverington Church. For additional messages and other resources go to www.Leverington.org We would like to acknowledge Jamin Roller for a number of ideas and illustrations used in today's sermon.

This message is from a Sunday morning worship service at Leverington Church. For additional messages and other resources go to www.Leverington.org We would like to acknowledge Jamin Roller for a number of ideas and illustrations used in today's sermon.

This message is from a Sunday morning worship service at Leverington Church. For additional messages and other resources go to www.Leverington.org We would like to acknowledge Jamin Roller for a number of ideas and illustrations used in today's sermon.

This message is from a Sunday morning worship service at Leverington Church. For additional messages and other resources go to www.Leverington.org We would like to acknowledge Jamin Roller for a number of ideas and illustrations used in today's sermon.

An exposition of Luke 17:1-10 preached at Christ Our Savior Baptist Church on Sunday, February, 25, 2024 by Kyle Newcomer.

In this fifth and final sermon on biblical discipleship, we examine God's heart for the nations, His command to disciple the nations, and examples and instructions on how to obey this command. This sermon was preached at Hope Fellowship on Feb. 4, 2024 by Pastor Kyle Truman.  If you are in the neighborhood we would love to have you gather with us on Sundays at 76 Lewis Mill Rd. in Gatesville at 10 a.m. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Connect with us at: hopegatesville.com hopegatesville@gmail.com Online Giving YouTube Facebook  Also, please consider signing the petition to abolish abortion in NC: www.abolishabortionnc.com

A Costly Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35) Feb. 4, 2024 Jeff Kelly

Part 61 of "Luke: Mission to the World"

Part 61 of "Luke: Mission to the World"

Help me continue making great biblical content for listeners everywhere, everyday at patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessWelcome to today's episode: "Sonship and Discipleship" (Luke 9:23-26)Today, we embark on a profound journey into the teachings of the New Testament, exploring the nuanced concepts of "Sonship and Discipleship" as illuminated in Luke Chapter 9, verses 23-26. Join us as we delve into the distinctions between being a child of God and the profound commitment of discipleship.In this episode, we unravel the intricacies of sonship and discipleship, drawing wisdom from Luke Chapter 9. As we explore the requirements of discipleship outlined by Jesus, we'll discern the profound differences between being a child of God and the dedicated path of discipleship.Key Points Discussed:Desire as the Catalyst:The foundational element of discipleship starts with desire—a deep, intense hunger and thirst for righteousness. A weak desire may impede the discipleship journey, emphasizing the crucial role of a fervent longing to follow Christ.Denial of Self:Distinguishing between self-denial and denial of self, highlighting the transformative shift in perspective. Denial of self involves surrendering personal desires and aligning with God's will, a crucial step in the discipleship journey.Taking Up the Cross:Clarifying the metaphor of taking up the cross, emphasizing a willingness to accept the will of God. While commonly associated with suffering, an alternative interpretation suggests a surrender to God's plan and a daily choice to walk in obedience.Follow Me:Exploring the straightforward yet profound call to "follow me."Discipleship involves trust, obedience, and a hands-on experience of living and working with the Teacher.Distinction Between Sonship and Discipleship:Clarifying that while salvation is a gift received through faith, discipleship involves a more significant personal cost and commitment. Discipleship is an option with eternal consequences, emphasizing the distinction between accepting the gift of salvation and choosing the path of discipleship.As we conclude this episode, we encourage you to reflect on your own journey of sonship and discipleship. What is the depth of your desire to follow Christ? Are you willing to deny self, take up your cross daily, and faithfully follow Him? Remember, discipleship involves more than just acquiring knowledge—it's a daily, hands-on experience of living and working with the Teacher.Thank you for joining us on this exploration of "Sonship and Discipleship." May your desire to follow Christ be unwavering, and may your journey of discipleship lead to eternal rewards that surpass the value of the whole world.My Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessSupport the showMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Reach out and connect and partner with my ministry athttps://patreon.com/JeremyMcCandlessPodcast Episode Title: "Blessed or Otherwise: Navigating the Kingdom Values" (Luke 6:20-26)Introduction:Today we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus from Luke chapter 6, specifically exploring the introduction to the Sermon on the Mount. We'll uncover the timeless truths about being blessed by God, understanding what it truly means to be blessed, and discovering the path to receiving rewards in the Kingdom.But before we dive into the content, let's set the stage. The Sermon on the Mount is a well-known and cherished segment of Jesus' teachings, often associated with Matthew's Gospel. However, Luke also presents us with a condensed version, capturing the essence of this transformative sermon. Today, we'll focus on the introduction to the first part of Luke's rendition, exploring the beatitudes and the corresponding woes.So, grab your Bible, and let's embark on this journey into the words of our Saviour."Understanding the Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:20-23):Introduction to the first part of the Sermon on the Mount in Luke and the debate over whether Luke and Matthew's versions represent the same sermon. Viewing Luke's version as an abridged form, offering unique insights.Exploring the Beatitudes (Luke 6:20-23):Defining "blessed" as divine favour, not just transient happiness.Unpacking the first beatitude: "Blessed are the poor in spirit."Recognizing spiritual poverty and dependence on God as a prerequisite for possessing the Kingdom.The Paradox of Discipleship (Luke 6:24-26):Contrasting blessings with woes to illustrate the consequences of certain characteristics.Warning against seeking consolation in material wealth, self-satisfaction, pleasure-seeking, and self-righteousness.Embracing the paradox of discipleship, finding joy in adversity and prioritizing righteousness.The Path to Kingdom Rewards (Luke 6:20-26):Prioritizing dependence on God, hungering for righteousness, mourning over unrighteousness, and enduring persecution.Exploring the unintended consequences of seeking self-reliance, self-satisfaction, pleasure, and self-righteousness.Lesson and Application: The True Reward (Luke 6:20-26):Emphasizing the choice between worldly values and Kingdom values.Recognizing that immediate gratification in worldly success may come with unintended consequences.Choosing the values of dependence on God and righteous living as the path to true rewards in the Kingdom.Closing Message:"As we wrap up our exploration of Luke's introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, let's reflect on the profound truths revealed by Jesus. The call to be 'blessed' isn't a pursuit of transient happiness but an invitation to experience divine favour through a life of dependence on God, hunger for righteousness, and endurance in the face of persecution.Thank-You:In navigating the Kingdom values, we're presented with a choice: prioritize worldly success or choose thePlays On Word RadioIn-depth look at God's Word, Biblical Plays we perform & those who've joined us on the wayListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showMy Amazon Author Pageamazon.com/author/jeremymccandlessJeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | PatreonHelp us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Anchored in the Word Morning Reflection- Season 2 Episode 246- Mary's Humility and God's Grace- Discipleship- Luke 1-26-38

In our generation, people tend to think of evangelism as more like sales than discipleship. The gospel is presented as a sort of “limited-time offer” that needs to be accepted immediately.  But Jesus doesn't take that approach. He tells the growing crowd following Him that to be His disciple was a death sentence and they should be absolutely sure if they want to follow Him. In this lesson, Pastor Philip Jackson teaches about counting the cost for our families to be disciples of Christ.

Luke 14:25-27, 33

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.THE QUESTION: Why did the man Jesus come to earth? Why not a woman: the daughter of God—a female Messiah?JESUS CAME AS A SON NOT BECAUSE:Male is better -- Galatians 3:28 contradicts this.God is only analogically masculine, not sexually masculine. When we pray Our Father, it's not because God is male – since he isn't a sexual being. If this intrigues you, please hear the podcast on The Shack.Random genetics (50/50).LAMENTABLY, WOMEN WERE DISCOUNTED IN THE ANCIENT WORLDChristianity hadn't transformed attitudes towards minorities, the disenfranchised, foreigners, the needy, women--since Christianity did not exist yet. Jesus entered a Jewish world.Would be discounted in Roman eyes:“Only foolish and low individuals, and persons devoid of perception, and slaves, and women, and children, of whom the teachers of the divine word wish to make converts” -- Celsus in Origen, Contra Celsus, 3.49"...Augustus confined women to the back rows even at gladiatorial shows: the only ones exempt from this rule being the Vestal Virgins… No women at all were allowed to witness the athletic contests…" -- Suetonius, Twelve Caesars, Augustus 44.Would be discounted by Judaism:"... happy is he whose children are males, and woe to him whose children are females." -- Talmud Kiddushim 82b"But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex, not let servants be admitted to give testimony on account of the ignobility of their soul, since it is probable that they may not speak truth, either out of hope of gain, or fear of punishment." -- Josephus Antiquities 4.8.15"Sooner let the words of the Law be burnt than delivered to women." -- Talmud Sotah 19a"Any evidence which a woman [gives] is not valid, also they are not valid [to offer]. This is equivalent to saying that one who is accounted by the rabbis as a robber is qualified to give the same evidence as a woman." -- Talmud Rosh Hashannah 1.8Yet some Talmudic passages are more positive towards women, like Niddah 45 and Ketubot 2.6-7.(Compare to Islamic view: Female legal witness worth half that of a male “because of deficiencies of a woman's mind.”  -- Hadith of Bukhari, 3.826) BUT BECAUSE ONLY A MAN COULD FREE BOTH MEN AND WOMENLiberates males from stereotype (and rut) of maleness: "strong, dominating, independent, self-sufficient"Jesus taught Paul the important lesson, that "Christ's power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).Jesus taught, and lived out, servant leadership (Mark 10, John 13).Jesus was emotionally vulnerable (e.g. John 11:35).He was connected to others, not a lone wolf.Delayed his ministry till he was in his 30s—as oldest of 8 or more children and head male in a family.Worked with and through others. He knew men need friends, support. Jesus in this way is the paradigmatic male--showing us men how God meant for us to live all along.Doesn't just model it, but walks us through it.Women typically understand this better than men—they're more relational.Probably “macho” isn't the word you'd first apply to Jesus, but in a way he was far more masculine than most men today who are viewed as powerful.It takes strength not to go with the flow (get drunk at a party).Physical fitness – manual labor as stonemason or carpenter; then walking all over Palestine for 3 years!Jesus also showed great emotional strength:It takes strength to forgive (Luke 23).It takes strength to be patient when others repeatedly let you down.It takes strength to receive ugly censure without lashing back, or at least defending yourself.Jesus taught that true greatness doesn't lie in how others serve you, but in how you serve others.We need this message to sound out not only in our communities, in the government, and in the workplace, and evenin the church, where the charismatic alpha-male senior pastor paradigm is dominant!In short, women were expected to be nurturing, caring. One not expected to behave this way—namely, a man—was able to create a more subversively powerful example of love in action.Jesus frees women too, in several ways.He shows that gender doesn't determine worth or rank.Treated women with highest respect – unlike the world.Completely pure in how he viewed women: they were not objects, but subjects.Traditional way of blessing women depended on childbirth – Luke 11:27 – Jesus contradicts this.Discipleship:Luke 10 – called women to spend some time away from daily chores to sit at his feet as disciples. See also Luke 8.John 4 – the Samaritan woman is more the evangelist than the 12 apostles!CONCLUSIONOf course there's more to be said:We haven't even discussed the doctrine of the Trinity – how Jesus Christ was eternally the Son of God. (God couldn't send a "daughter" if he didn't have one.)or the scandal that would have surrounded an itinerant woman preacher gathering disciples…And we've only just begun to work through the implications for the current feminist controversy.I acknowledge the influence of Stanley Grentz's Theology for the Community of God, pp.289-292. For me his work was seminal, and helped me begin to think through this issue.In short, Jesus, in order to accomplish his mission, had to be a man.Not because men are better than women,but because otherwise life-bringing his message would have been:discounteddiluted or obscuredAnd the most effective modeling could only take place—in a patriarchal society—by a man.Hopefully this perspective will prove useful to you in your evangelism, in answering questions from outsiders but also from insiders.

The Cost of Discipleship (Luke 9) by Harvest Church

1. The disciples aren't ready to be faithful. (v. 37-45) 2. The disciples aren't ready to be last. (v.46-56) 3. Are you ready to be a disciple? (v. 56-62)

Tests of discipleship are many and varied. From dry spiritual seasons to tragedies, from persecution to temptation – there are many ways we encounter tests of our commitment to the Lord. In this message, Brother Luke focuses on an often-overlooked test of discipleship – whether or not we embrace the doctrine of Christ. 07.02.23.When.Doctrine.Tests.Your.Discipleship.Luke.Hagler.mp3

The Narrow Junior High Ministry

Following Jesus is costly and requires complete commitment; but in losing ourselves, we gain Christ.