The first message in our Summer Series of Walking With Jesus: Learning to Be a Disciple was about the DNA of being a Disciple.
That DNA of being a Disciple was described as:
• Divine Truth. Truth comes from God. It is the revelation of God to humankind. This comes from the Son, the Spirit, and the Scriptures. The Son (Jesus) is both God and human and came to reveal to us in his person what God is like and what God requires. The Scriptures were authored by God and reveal God’s unfolding plan for humanity. The Spirit of God is also Divine Truth, since he brings revelation and direction to believers.
• Nurturing Relationships. Humans were never created to be alone. We are social creatures and have an intrinsic need for relationships. Our relational orientation is a reflection of the image of God in us. God Himself is relational and exists in a community—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is love because God is relational. To the Christian, God is love because he has always existed in relationship. Is love possible without someone to love? This should be the defining characteristic of our faith. All men should know that we are Christ’s disciples by the love that we have for one another.
• Apostolic Mission. Apostolic means that someone is sent as a representative with a message. We are here for a purpose. We have been given a prime directive to fulfill—to make disciples of all the nations. This part of us also comes from the nature of God. Jesus is an Apostle. He is the Chief Cornerstone of the apostolic foundation. Before he left this planet, he sent his disciples into the world with a mission.
One of the key tools we talked about in Walking With Jesus was Life Transformation Groups. Find out more on our website.
Below is the full Sunday Morning message by Phil Helfer:
Phil Helfer - May 19, 2019
Counterculture-Acts-17
Acts 17 Continuing on his journey, Paul visits Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. Each new location he visits, he uses the same template: His history as a Pharisee allows him to enter the synagogue where he begins teaching to the local Jews; Paul outlines the history of the Jews while emphasizing the mentions of the coming Messiah; Paul declares and proves Jesus as the Messiah. While many people are convinced and become believers, others are not so quick to join the bandwagon. Mobs form to combat Paul, and he is rushed to the next city. Paul’s experience is a reminder of what we should expect as we live our lives as believers and share with the world what we know. Our information is counter-cultural. When Satan’s kingdom and the Kingdom of heaven share space, conflict will arise. In order to be obedient to God’s will and spread the message of Jesus’ gospel, we are going to have to risk that conflict. Just like God surrounded Paul with them, God not only surrounds us with people who encourage us and embolden us, but he also puts people in our lives who challenge us and who need to hear His good news. Every interaction, no matter how small, is an opportunity for a life-changing event. Who are you going to have a conversation with this week and share in that experience together?
Scripture References: Acts 17:1-34
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