Intro: There is a call for a moral revival and change in congress and the white house that people believe would turn the nation of the United States around. Don’t get me wrong please I believe we are to be Salt and light. Salt slows down the decay of things and light reveals things. As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be salt and light. But it is not our involvement in this society that will keep it from dying. We as Holy Spirit filled believers are to reveal peoples need for Jesus and if we are living out our faith slow the downward spiral of a totally immoral Godless culture.
We have talked a lot about healing and getting our family of faith together. But I want to share some of the words of Jesus with you this morning. I believe with all my heart that unless we are doing as God commands we may be comfortable but we will not be complete.
Why did Jesus come? Luke 19.10 “I came to seek and save that which was lost.” Mark 10.45 Jesus came to serve, John10.10 So that we might have eternal life, Matthew 11.27 to reveal the Father, 1 Peter 2.21, Matthew 11.29 He came to give us a pattern and example of how to live Godly, 1 John 3.8, Hebrews 2.14 He came to destroy the works of the devil.
It is all too easy to stay focused on ourselves and miss the fact that our lives are to be surrendered and sacrificed to Jesus. In fact Hebrews 10:24, 25 tell us to stir each other up to love and good deeds. So why does Immanuel exist? Are we merely here for each other or is there more to us. We exist so that God can live among us and teach us as His bride to love Him and love each other. As His body he teaches us to love those outside of our family of faith.
So what should we do as a family of faith? First our relationship with Jesus must be the focus, individually then corporately. We also need to remember that Jesus gave us a mission. (Read Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8. How do we do this?
John Piper, ““Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn't.”
So what we have in Matthew is a command to make disciples. A disciple is not someone who merely says they love Jesus. Jesus made it clear in this passage to teach them to obey all things. When we are baptized by the Spirit of God into the New Covenant we are placing our lives under the authority of Jesus the King. The goal of Immanuel is to be involved and invested in what moves the heart of God. Introducing people to Jesus and instructing them how to follow Him! Life change is God’s goal. God is glorified when we surrender everything to Him and become trophies of grace. A disciple is a person who has given Jesus the keys to his heart and life. Jesus calls for disciples!! A disciple is a learning, follower, doer of God’s word!
So how do we make disciples? It is given to us in the text by three participles
I. Live a life of trusting and following Jesus (Go, as you are going)
Albert Schweitzer, “The way you get to know Jesus is by following Him.”
The Greek of this text it assumes that you will go to those without Christ. It could be translated like this, “when you have gone, make disciples.”
It seems clear to me that this calls for initiative and urgency for the Kingdom of God.
It also calls for obedience and ingenuity. Obedience is expected by Jesus because he commanded us to make disciples. He wants us to be intimately involved in developing people that will hear and heed what Jesus says in their lives. What do you think is the biggest reason discipleship is not happening in churches across America and the world today? Because only those that faithfully follow Jesus, or those that hear his voice and obey His commands are able to reproduce after their kind. A rabbit will never reproduce a hound dog. A person that does not follow Jesus will never reproduce a follower of Jesus.
So how do we live a life of faith and following Jesus?
Proverbs 3:5-6
We learn to trust what God has said not what we see. Tell about peace God gave me when Tina was in the Hospital. What will trusting what God says do in your life and lifestyle?
It will lead to a faith that is practical it will impact you daily decisions and interactions with people. What seemed to you like a chance meeting was a divine appointment set up by God. The thought in your head to write a note or call someone was God impressing you to live what you believe. Jesus has given us a command to make disciples as part of your daily lifestyle are you following Him?
What ways can this be practical?
1) Pray that in November God’s will is done, then pray for the president and other leaders
2) Pray for your pastor and leaders of this church for power, faithfulness and vision
3) Pray for your family and your relationship with Jesus to grow
4) Ask God to reveal the places he is leading you and or your family
What family in Carlisle has God laid on your heart? What age group in the city or church do you seem to move toward? What issues move your heart with compassion? Don’t lean on your limited knowledge ask God to give you wisdom, the ability to make good decisions based on knowledge. Don’t forget Jesus said all nations. Church is there a people group he wants us to adopt. Sunday School class is there a family in town he wants you to adopt? Is there a group of children that need mentors? Jesus assumes you will go if you trust Him and are following Him.
II. Live a life that teachers and typifies Jesus
“teach them to obey all things I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20 “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” The Message
Baptizing – Into the name is a clearer and more complete translation of in the name. When we are baptized it is because we were brought into union with God through the work of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.
By the Holy Spirit we are baptized into the family of God. We are adopted into the rights and responsibilities of a child and follower of Jesus Christ. It speaks of possession. I asked myself this question at our associational annual meeting. We say that Jesus is our possession but I wonder does He possess you?
Teaching – to observe. There is the communication of expectation of obedience to the teaching, principles, and character of Jesus.
III. Live a life that looks to the ultimate goal
“I am with you always”
Ed Stetzer “When focusing too much on the barn we sometimes forget the wheat will not harvest itself.”
The ultimate goal of creation is worship of Jesus Christ. As the bride we are to be intimate and joined to Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit. This also joins us to each other and we become His body. As His bride we experience Him. As His body we explain and demonstrate Him
The ultimate way we accomplish that goal is trusting and following Jesus as He uses us to make others worshippers.
How can I be part of what Immanuel is about?
1) Learn more about who we are through my 2 week Sunday morning connecting class
2) Join our fellowship of faith and get involved
3) Ask God to reveal needs inside and outside the family of faith He has given you.
4) Seek out a mature believer to help disciple you
5) You that have followed Jesus for years seek out others to disciple
Jesus was clear in His expectations of us. As you are going, show others who I am and how to follow me.
What should be our goals as a church family?
1) Look for the divine opportunities God gives us to introduce others to Him
2) Look for the divine opportunities God gives us to teach others to follow Him
What should be the goal of this church body? Generally to worship and represent Jesus
Every month we should set a goal to touch at least one family’s life for Jesus
Every year we should set a goal to touch at least 12 family’s lives for Jesus
Matthew 5:16 “In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
This is God’s command to align our individual and corporate lives according to God’s goal. Since your light let it shine so people with praise God.
G Campbell Morgan said, “The church does the most for the world when it is least like the world.”
We reflect so faint and flickering a beam, because our posture is so seldom that of the apocalyptic angel. "standing in the sun." How do we influence people? Bow low before God shine bright before men.
