The Commander's Intent Sermon by Kevin Benta. May 6, 2023
What is a disciple?
- protégé
- cultivator
- apprentice
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE of JESUS?
- Transformed mind...believing what Jesus believed
- Transformed character - living the way Jesus lived
- Transformed relationships -loving as Jesus loved
- Transformed habits. Displaying the habits of holiness as Jesus did.
- Transformed service....ministering as Jesus ministered
- Transformed influence...leading as Jesus led
- Think of the most outrageous thing God is asking you to do...then go out and do it...God is with you.
Think of the most outrageous thing God is asking you to do...then go out and do it...God is with you.
A disciple of Jesus is someone who is following Jesus and is Changed by Jesus. A Christian disciple becomes more like Christ.
How do we know Jesus?
- Spend time in prayer
- Spend time with Jesus
- Meditating on His word
A commander must act with intent and purpose. An Iraq 2005 mission to establish a peaceful relationship with religious leaders. There is no room to question the Commander’s intent but great flexibility in carrying it out.
There are evangelical atheists
Matthew 28:16-20 ...Commander’s intent...includes His authority, our assignment and His assurance
- with pastoral and missionary responsibilities
- most Christians have a fear of rejection...people aren’t rejecting us but our Commander
- Mission to make disciples... only a command. Is mission a suggestion, an idea or a command?
Acts 1:8
Revelation 14: 6-12
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, to help people fall in love with Jesus.
Mission is both an assignment and assurance.
When people reject Jesus' message, they are rejecting Him.
When you share His message and someone criticizes you, they are rejecting the Commander, not you.
As a disciple of Jesus, what am I doing? So excited about our Master....Ex...crossing the street and talking to our neighbour?
Every heart that beats for Jesus is a missionary....mission fields all around us
Are we looking for those mission fields?
Can others see the change in me?
Who changed me?
We should be able to talk about: Life before; how we came to Jesus; how our lives changed. Each is a powerful testimony of the power of Jesus. Get people to fall in love in Jesus
- Most Christians have a fear of rejection...people aren’t rejecting us but our Commander
- Make disciples... only command.
We can share by talking about our own life
- Before Christ
- When you came to Christ
- After coming to Christ
Ways to Grow as a disciple
- connecting with God, self and others = growth
- Understanding...studying and obeying God’s Word....live by it
- Serving...participating, God’s mission; play your part
- Living in community...connect, understand and minister
Disciples grow by connection
- In relationship with God
- Individually
- In relationship with others
It is okay to have love and respect for yourself.
We grow through studying and serving. As we do so He reveals Himself to us.