7. A Troubled Disciple in Paradise

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:11-14

1. Life seems like a puzzle with no solution. (vs. 2)

2. I work hard and it doesn't seem to get me anywhere. (vs. 3)

3. Nature is beautiful but is full of mystery. (vs. 4-7)

4. I will wear myself out before my desires are satisfied. (vs. 8)

5. Our belief that there is anything new is a lie. (vs. 9-10)

6. The past, present, and future will be forgotten. (vs. 11)

View fullsize

Solomon's Call to Respond:

1. Trust God's Word. (vs. 11)
2. Do not trust the ever-changing counsel of the world. (vs. 12)
3. Be so in awe of God that you spend every moment of your life living for Him. (vs. 13)
4. Live with an eternal perspective. (vs. 14)

Homework:

Memorize Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Answer these questions. . .

1. Where am I failing to trust God as an unashamed disciple?
2. Do I trust the counsel of the world over God's counsel?
3. How will I increase my awe of God and live with eternal perspective?

-Pastor Terry

View fullsize

6. Last Words

Matthew 28:16-20

As a church we are focused on what it means as well as what it looks like to be an “Unashamed Disciple”. The first week Pastor spoke on the necessity for each of us to “Know People’s Stories!” If we are going to be unashamed disciples then we need to engage the people God has put in our lives. We need to enter into the messiness that is people. We need to know who they are, what they believe, where their struggles are, and help connect them with God’s story. Pastor Nate then spoke about the necessity for each of us to “Know God’s Word” so that we may we connect people to God’s story of redemption and walk with them through the ebb and flow of life. 

Last week we were reminded of the reality that being a disciple of Jesus “Comes at a Cost.” Today we will take a look at Jesus’ Last Words to His disciples before He ascended to Heaven. From Jesus’ last words I hope we are all encouraged to see His glory and are therefore moved to worship Him through the making of disciples. 

-Pastor Matt

View fullsize

5. The Cost of Discipleship - A Disciple is One Who Knows the Cost

Luke 14:25-33

We've been studying the past several weeks on what it means to be a disciple. Specifically, what it means to be an Unashamed Disciple.  Today we will look at the cost of discipleship. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it this way, "Salvation is free but discipleship will cost you your life!”

What does that mean for you and me?  As we look into our text, we’re going to find that there’s a cost to being a disciple of Christ.  So, it’s natural for us to ask, what is the cost?  Let's look together at the scriptures to learn what the cost of discipleship is to us.

-Pastor Terry

View fullsize

4. Can You Handle a Sword? - A Disciple is One Who Knows the Word

As we continue our series on being as disciple that is unashamed, we wanted to take some time to talk about the importance of the word of God in the life of a disciple. We must realize that the life of every disciple is a battle. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear that this isn’t a regular battle against flesh and blood but a spiritual battle.  If we are to engage in this battle we need to be armed and ready.  

Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God as a sword that is sharper than any sword. It is the type of spiritual weapon we need for the spiritual battle we are in. Not knowing how to handle the sword of the Lord makes us vulnerable to the attacks of sin and Satan. To be fully engaged in the war against sin we must know how to handle The Sword! I hope you are encouraged by this message to see your Bible in a new light and to be a disciple that knows the word.

-Pastor Nate

View fullsize

3. A Disciple is One Who Lives in Community with Other Believers

Acts 2:42-47

In our study to define and understand a Disciple, we have come to learn that a disciple is a follower of Christ, and one who believes and obeys Christ. In today's study, I want us to understand that a disciple is one who lives in community with other believers. The word "community" can both be attractive to us and repulsive to us.  We long for the benefits of community but we resist the demands that community makes. Our scripture passage in Acts 2 will show us what this means to us.

It’s my prayer that as we look into our text and get a glimpse of the communal life and spirit of the early church that each of us will be encouraged to live passionately in community with other believers as we follow after Christ.

-Pastor Terry

View fullsize

2. Are You Satan's Slave? - A Disciple Is One Who Believes and Obeys

John 8:31-41

As we continue our series on Discipleship, we want to continue to define and explain, according to the Bible, how one can be a disciple of Christ. In our text today Jesus teaches us that being a disciple, at its core, is truly very simple.  Even though it is very simple it involves our whole life.  This is where the message of Jesus becomes hard for many to accept and believe.

My prayer for you today is that you will see clearly the simplicity of following Christ and the majesty of God in what He does for His disciples. I hope that you are encouraged to passionately follow after Christ as one of His disciples and see the freedom you have been given in Christ.

-Pastor Nate 

View fullsize

1. A Disciple is One Who Follows Christ

Matthew 4:18-22

In a couple of days 2015 will soon be behind us.  We were challenged this year to be Unashamed of the Gospel in our Home, in our Neighborhood, in our Workplace, in our Church, and in our World.  Now, let's build upon that by taking on Christ's call and command to “Come and follow me” (Matthew 4:19) and “Go and make disciples”.  (Matthew 28:19).

Today, we begin our Vision Launch 2016!  This year we want to challenge everyone to be a Christ follower… a disciple of Christ. Now that raises a fundamental question. What does it actually mean to be a “disciple” of Jesus? If we are going to make disciples, we need to know what that is.  In our text, Matthew 4:18-22 will show us just what that means. It’s my desire that you will be encouraged in the Word today and be committed in the coming new year to be a disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-Pastor Terry

View fullsize