Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”
Jesus didn’t say go and save souls. He said “go and make disciples.” In the Oct. 27th entry of My Utmost for His Highest, Chambers says, “Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself.”
How much time and effort do we put into becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ? How does it compare to your TV watching or your favorite hobby? I don’t think that putting in your hour on Sunday morning and/or an occasional Bible Study counts for true discipleship. This post isn’t about giving you the formula for becoming a disciple though.
The real issue is that when we don’t live the life of a disciple, we don’t make very good disciples. You can’t get away with a do as I say thing here. People are looking at the way you live and they are counting on you to point the way to Jesus. He’ll take care of the rest.
Reading in Romans today made this even more clear.
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15
There is a process that people go through to become “right with God.” But it starts with us being obedient just to go…and share what we know about living the life of faith… Hopefully it is a true life of faith that we are putting out there and not a life of “whatever” sprinkled with a little of Jesus and a “get out of hell” free card.
Family Day – November 14, 2010
This is a Family Day you don’t want to miss. We will have a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixin’s….
Bible History
If you like Bible History, this site will seem like heaven to you. Check it out – http://www.bible-history.com/
Small Group Questions* – Acts 5
The disciples had gained the respect of the people; their authority was confirmed by miraculous signs; and hundreds were being added to the church. This was the time that Satan chose to strike. He tempted Ananias and Sapphira to lie. The Holy Spirit recognized the challenge this small deception was to the purity of the church and responded appropriately.
OPEN
1. When have you felt especially vulnerable to temptation?
EXPLORE
2. How did Ananias and Sapphira try to deceive the church? (5:1-2)
3. Who did Peter identify as the source of this wicked plan? (5:3)
4. How did God demonstrate the seriousness of Ananias and Sapphira’s sin? (5:5-6, 10)
5. How did this event impact the early church? (5:5-6, 10-11, 13)
GET IT
6. When have you been disappointed by news that a fellow believer has stumbled in his or her faith?
7. Why is it dangerous to ignore or downplay Satan’s power?
8. In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to sin?
9. How does it help you to know your own weak spots?
APPLY
10. What steps can you take this week to strengthen your defenses against Satan’s attacks?
*taken from Ilumina Bible Software
Sunday Sharing
Do you want to read Acts 5 in a different version? You can go here - http://www.biblegateway.com/ If you want to look at Greek and Hebrew words, you can go here - http://www.studylight.org/
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