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 - August 25, 2019
Calm In The Storm-Acts 27
Acts 27 We returned to our series in Acts as Pastor Phil shared more of Paul’s journey. After maneuvering between multiple ships and setting sail, Paul warns that their vessel and their lives will be at risk. He is proven right when the waters become rough and control of the boat is lost. So much so eventually cargo and supplies were tossed overboard in the hopes of regaining some sense of control. Amidst the chaos, Paul stands before the crew and proclaims that, while the boat will eventually be lost, their lives will not for they are on a mission from God. That reassurance had come to Paul in the form of an angel the night before. True to his word, the ship got stuck on a sand bar and was destroyed by the waves. All 276 people on board were able to swim or float on wood and safely get to shore. Paul’s continuous faith and courage had to be an inspiring sight for the crew. Faced with imminent danger and death, he knew the plan that God had for him and nothing was going to get in the way of that. Paul spoke and acted in full faith and confidence in what God was preparing for him to do, bringing the rest of the crew along with him. God has something prepared for us every day. There are difficulties and perils and hindrances along the way, but they shouldn’t stop us or redirect us. Like Paul, we need to be confident in who God is, and continue to pursue his plan for us and those around us, no matter what. What does God have in store for you today? Tomorrow? The rest of your life? Are you confident and courageous enough to stay on His path for you?
Scripture References: Acts 27:1-44
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