Jesus' Invitations:Matthew 11

Gary DeLashmutt

Matthew 11:28-30

Jesus invites everyone to come to Him and receive rest for their souls. This is not a rest that is the cessation of labor, but a rest that refreshes which no other force on earth can offer. It is the 'rest' of reconciliation with God, resulting in an active, fruitful love relationship with Jesus.

The Calling

Ryan Lowery

Luke 5:1-11

The people that Jesus called to be his disciples were not the most educated, moral, or highly esteemed people, but instead were people willing to listen to what Jesus had to say, weigh it as evidence for his lordship, and respond in trusting obedience. Jesus makes the same call to all of us, first, to have us consider his existence and offer of forgiveness, then, having responded to that offer, calling us to trust him, take small steps of obedience, and serve him.

Jesus and His Disciples

Ben Foust

John 1:35-50

People started out skeptical of the claims Jesus was the Messiah. But spending time with Jesus quickly changes people's opinion of him. Something about Jesus makes people want to show him to others. All we really have to do is share what we know with who we know.\r\nGod knows us as we are. Because of Jesus Christ, he accepts us before we even show up. He has a plan and a vision that perfectly fits our life. Our only role is to come and see.

Preach the Word

Ben Foust

2 Timothy 4:1-5

Paul exhorts Timothy to let the Word of God be his foundation and not let anyone budge him away from it. It is the avenue in which people can be saved. The Word is truth from God. It is revelation from God, not human speculation. It is useful for transforming, over time, new believers into capable workers for God. Paul sums up his main point as, "Go, preach the Word!"

What Is Wrong with the World

Ben Foust

2 Timothy 3:1-15

Paul charges Timothy to confront false teachings in the church. Paul tells him the false teachers are on a path divergent from Timothy's path. The false teachers' path is based on lies and will not lead to fulfilling God's purpose, but Timothy is on a true and better path that, though it includes suffering and persecution, will accomplish God's purpose. \r\nPaul calls Timothy to do three things: To realize, to avoid and to continue. \r\nTimothy must realize the trajectory of the world. Because people are fallen and have rejected God, the world will only go from bad to worse. The world is full of people who are lovers of self rather than God. \r\nTimothy must avoid the influence of the way of the world. Do not be captivated by the worldly allure of living for self. It is a powerful current that must be resisted. \r\nInstead, continue in the better way, the way Timothy had been taught since youth, the way of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the antidote to the life built on self.

A Mindset for Multiplying

Jim Leffel

2 Timothy 2:1-7

In Paul's final letter to Timothy, he explains how to transmit the legacy of the Gospel through the passing on of the Gospel message to individuals, from life to life. Jim Leffel explains how we can carry on this disciple-making process today.

God's Discipline

Ryan Lowery

Hebrews 12:1-13

The author of Hebrews discusses suffering and how God can use suffering to discipline us like a good parent disciplines a child. It is a mark of our sonship and God often uses suffering to hone our character or make us more dependent on Him. There is no avoiding suffering in this life, but our response can either allow God to use our pain to grow us and help others, or cause us to become bitter, self-centered, and alienated.

Discipleship and Friendship--Growing Together in Love

Lee Davis

Hebrews 12:1-13

Deep friendships are a crucial element of successful discipleship relationships. Too often, discipleship is reduced to a transfer of information, rather than shepherding the whole person, leading them to treasure Jesus above all. True discipleship, in the biblical sense, requires a deep level of friendship that reflects the intimate nature of the Trinity.

The High Cost of Following Jesus

Joe Byler

Hebrews 12:1-13

Many Christians fall under two traps: 1) legalism - that following Jesus is a list of "do's" and "don'ts" or 2) forgetting or ignoring that Jesus wants to transform your life. This is a sort of "gospel crisis." The truth is that Jesus wants his Gospel to deeply transform our lives as we commit to him. What does it mean to follow Jesus with our lives? We will look at Jesus' call to discipleship and both the difficulties and fulfillment that following his call leads to.