WEBVTT 00:00:00.640 --> 00:00:05.060 Okay, so on your bulletin, if you're going to keep notes tracked with me, there's going 00:00:05.060 --> 00:00:06.940 to be five questions I'm going to ask. 00:00:07.140 --> 00:00:10.200 The first two questions are going to be the most dense. 00:00:10.480 --> 00:00:15.300 So you want to kind of keep the first half of your notes for those first two questions 00:00:15.300 --> 00:00:17.039 and then the second half for the last three. 00:00:17.160 --> 00:00:22.140 So we'll spend our most time on the first two and then kind of hop on it for the last 00:00:22.140 --> 00:00:22.640 three. 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:30.760 Okay, have you ever experienced something like this before where you're going somewhere 00:00:30.760 --> 00:00:35.340 and you've got some time to kill before you come back? 00:00:35.420 --> 00:00:40.519 So you go, you're sitting, kind of like, okay, what should I be doing with my time right now? 00:00:40.620 --> 00:00:41.640 And then you head back. 00:00:41.700 --> 00:00:42.780 Has anybody experienced that? 00:00:43.340 --> 00:00:46.400 I experienced that every time I go to pick up my daughter at school. 00:00:46.560 --> 00:00:47.799 I go there, I'm waiting. 00:00:47.900 --> 00:00:49.299 I'm like, what am I going to do with my time? 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:50.859 And then I come back. 00:00:50.859 --> 00:00:59.759 As Christians, we are in a very interesting moment because Jesus, he died, he was raised, 00:00:59.879 --> 00:01:05.620 he's ascended to heaven, and he's gone there now, but he's coming back. 00:01:06.819 --> 00:01:11.400 And so we live in between the time of his going and his coming, and we got to be asking ourselves 00:01:11.400 --> 00:01:13.980 as a church, what are we supposed to be doing? 00:01:14.719 --> 00:01:20.159 What are we supposed to be doing in that in-between time of his going and his coming? 00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:24.539 And the good news is that he has told us what we are to be doing. 00:01:24.859 --> 00:01:28.939 So if you want to open up your Bibles to Matthew chapter 28, 00:01:29.159 --> 00:01:35.959 it's the passage that Eric opened us up with, and he's going to close us with, 00:01:36.039 --> 00:01:43.340 but I'm going to read it once more because Jesus has given us a charge as a church 00:01:43.340 --> 00:01:48.140 of what we should be doing between his going, and he's at the right hand of God in heaven, 00:01:48.140 --> 00:01:53.120 and his coming back when he will judge all things, make things right. 00:01:53.420 --> 00:01:54.560 So let me read this. 00:01:55.460 --> 00:01:57.260 May God bless the reading of his word. 00:01:59.180 --> 00:02:01.080 Matthew 28, 18 through 20. 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:04.280 And Jesus came and said to them, 00:02:04.500 --> 00:02:07.140 All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. 00:02:08.680 --> 00:02:12.300 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:15.219 baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 00:02:15.759 --> 00:02:17.860 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:21.539 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:02:21.780 --> 00:02:24.219 Just a quick thing to notice. 00:02:24.560 --> 00:02:25.680 When Jesus says, 00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:28.240 As all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, 00:02:28.819 --> 00:02:30.540 he's making a massive claim. 00:02:32.040 --> 00:02:37.860 He's saying he has all rights and authority as the risen king to tell us what to do. 00:02:39.800 --> 00:02:41.140 There's no denying it. 00:02:42.340 --> 00:02:44.719 And so here we are, Christ the King Church, 00:02:45.020 --> 00:02:47.640 looking at this commissioning, 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:49.100 and we've got to ask ourselves, 00:02:49.280 --> 00:02:50.540 Well, what does this mean? 00:02:51.219 --> 00:02:52.900 So here's how we're going to proceed. 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:54.840 That little word, disciples, 00:02:54.840 --> 00:02:56.439 Go, therefore, make disciples, 00:02:56.560 --> 00:02:57.379 disciples of Jesus, 00:02:57.939 --> 00:02:58.659 that word disciples. 00:02:58.819 --> 00:03:00.460 Let's ask it five questions. 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:02.259 Why make disciples? 00:03:03.360 --> 00:03:04.659 What is a disciple? 00:03:05.199 --> 00:03:06.900 How do you make disciples? 00:03:07.199 --> 00:03:08.199 Who makes disciples? 00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:11.280 And where do you make disciples? 00:03:11.860 --> 00:03:13.680 So the first half of the sermon, 00:03:13.900 --> 00:03:14.879 or this teaching, 00:03:15.020 --> 00:03:16.420 is going to be on the first two questions. 00:03:17.300 --> 00:03:18.360 Why make disciples? 00:03:19.159 --> 00:03:21.000 And what is a disciple? 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:24.539 Here's what you need to be aware of. 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:28.700 If we aren't clear on this, 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:34.460 we will end up as a church in the individual members of the church, 00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:36.800 living for good things, 00:03:36.920 --> 00:03:38.219 but less important things. 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:41.819 This commission is defining for us. 00:03:42.819 --> 00:03:44.520 It aims us as a church. 00:03:45.240 --> 00:03:49.280 And so I'm committed to deliver a message like this at least twice a year, 00:03:49.419 --> 00:03:54.639 in order to keep us focused on what Jesus has commissioned us to do, 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:56.860 so that we're all on the same page, 00:03:57.079 --> 00:03:59.219 because we can drift from these things. 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:01.960 All right, having said that, 00:04:02.020 --> 00:04:05.240 let's ask this first question, 00:04:05.580 --> 00:04:06.520 why make disciples? 00:04:06.860 --> 00:04:11.000 And this is a time to come draw with me. 00:04:11.439 --> 00:04:12.520 Who likes drawing pictures? 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:15.740 One person. 00:04:17.819 --> 00:04:18.540 All right. 00:04:19.100 --> 00:04:20.339 Why make disciples? 00:04:20.860 --> 00:04:21.920 Well, you could say, 00:04:22.139 --> 00:04:23.259 well, Jesus commanded it, 00:04:23.259 --> 00:04:24.719 and that is on mark. 00:04:25.620 --> 00:04:26.939 But we can ask another question, 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:28.519 well, why did Jesus command it? 00:04:29.680 --> 00:04:30.599 And he commanded it, 00:04:30.659 --> 00:04:33.099 because God's got a plan for the fullness of time. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:35.399 This is Ephesians 1.10. 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:38.300 To unite all things in Christ, 00:04:38.399 --> 00:04:38.980 things in heaven, 00:04:39.039 --> 00:04:39.659 and things on earth. 00:04:39.759 --> 00:04:40.000 And so, 00:04:40.300 --> 00:04:42.039 God has a big plan. 00:04:42.139 --> 00:04:42.839 It's a plan. 00:04:43.679 --> 00:04:43.919 And so, 00:04:44.019 --> 00:04:47.039 there's five components to this plan. 00:04:47.339 --> 00:04:48.379 The first is, 00:04:48.699 --> 00:04:49.979 it is a Father, 00:04:50.379 --> 00:04:50.719 Son, 00:04:51.079 --> 00:04:51.919 Holy Spirit, 00:04:52.419 --> 00:04:53.500 triune plan. 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:55.839 That's the first thing you need to understand, 00:04:55.939 --> 00:04:59.019 that this is a triune plan. 00:04:59.219 --> 00:05:00.259 You remember in the Great Commission, 00:05:00.399 --> 00:05:00.859 Jesus says, 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:02.319 baptizing them in the name, 00:05:02.500 --> 00:05:02.779 singular, 00:05:03.299 --> 00:05:03.899 of the Father, 00:05:04.079 --> 00:05:04.279 Son, 00:05:04.319 --> 00:05:04.979 and Holy Spirit. 00:05:05.159 --> 00:05:07.339 This is a triune plan. 00:05:07.639 --> 00:05:09.459 But it's not just a triune plan. 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:12.519 This is a big plan. 00:05:13.479 --> 00:05:19.339 This is a big plan for all people and all time. 00:05:19.479 --> 00:05:24.299 So, the triune God is reigning over all people and all time, 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:28.179 accomplishing His big plan. 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:30.559 This is why we make disciples. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:34.079 We get to join Him in what He's doing. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:39.139 So, this is a plan for all people and all time. 00:05:39.139 --> 00:05:42.719 But we also know that this plan 00:05:42.719 --> 00:05:45.879 is a Christocentric plan. 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:50.219 This is a plan in which Jesus plays a central role. 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:53.319 God the Father ordains salvation. 00:05:54.000 --> 00:05:56.459 God the Son accomplishes salvation. 00:05:57.139 --> 00:06:00.759 And God the Holy Spirit applies that work to us. 00:06:01.079 --> 00:06:03.139 And so, what we want to represent it is this way. 00:06:03.139 --> 00:06:05.879 Jesus is at the center of this plan. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:06.979 His cross work. 00:06:07.279 --> 00:06:09.039 His death and His resurrection. 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:12.479 But we also know that Jesus, 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:14.099 the second person of the Trinity, 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:14.759 is the Creator. 00:06:15.199 --> 00:06:18.000 And we also know that the second person of the Trinity, 00:06:18.479 --> 00:06:18.699 Jesus, 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:21.979 is actually the judge of all. 00:06:21.980 --> 00:06:23.680 So, this is a Christocentric, 00:06:23.860 --> 00:06:28.259 this is a Christ-pervasive plan. 00:06:29.460 --> 00:06:31.560 This is a big plan for all time, 00:06:31.900 --> 00:06:32.620 all people, 00:06:32.939 --> 00:06:34.920 and it's focused on Christ. 00:06:35.280 --> 00:06:37.100 God's going to unite all things 00:06:37.100 --> 00:06:39.240 in this plan for the fullness of time in Christ. 00:06:40.200 --> 00:06:40.939 It's a big plan, 00:06:41.220 --> 00:06:42.259 with Jesus at the middle of it. 00:06:43.040 --> 00:06:46.140 But it's also a people-moving plan. 00:06:46.560 --> 00:06:47.680 This is the hardest one to draw. 00:06:47.939 --> 00:06:48.920 I know you were wondering. 00:06:48.920 --> 00:06:54.259 What we learn from our Bibles 00:06:54.259 --> 00:06:58.420 is that people are born into sin, 00:06:59.060 --> 00:07:00.680 and they reject God. 00:07:01.340 --> 00:07:05.319 And so, instead of running to the cross of Jesus Christ, 00:07:05.420 --> 00:07:06.960 they're actually running away from it. 00:07:07.500 --> 00:07:09.720 They are created by God, 00:07:09.900 --> 00:07:12.720 but they don't want to have anything to do with God. 00:07:12.879 --> 00:07:14.700 They are living for idols. 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:17.139 They're living for created things, 00:07:17.139 --> 00:07:18.740 not the Creator of all things. 00:07:19.500 --> 00:07:22.080 And so, what God in His grace and mercy does 00:07:22.080 --> 00:07:25.040 is those people who are living in the domain of darkness, 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:26.300 Colossians 1.13, 00:07:26.720 --> 00:07:29.680 He graciously calls to Himself 00:07:29.680 --> 00:07:31.720 through Jesus Christ. 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:33.480 And what He does is 00:07:33.480 --> 00:07:36.259 He's creating a people 00:07:36.259 --> 00:07:38.620 who are born of God. 00:07:38.700 --> 00:07:41.759 They get flipped by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, 00:07:42.460 --> 00:07:45.319 and now they are living for Him. 00:07:45.319 --> 00:07:47.639 And we talk about this as 00:07:47.639 --> 00:07:53.060 together following Jesus. 00:07:54.560 --> 00:07:57.959 This is how the church is populated. 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:00.240 How the new people of God 00:08:00.240 --> 00:08:02.000 comes into being. 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:04.480 It's through the work of Jesus Christ. 00:08:05.660 --> 00:08:07.300 And so, this is a triune plan. 00:08:07.620 --> 00:08:09.899 This is a big plan for the fullness of time. 00:08:10.160 --> 00:08:11.819 It's a Christocentric plan. 00:08:12.160 --> 00:08:13.800 It's a people-moving plan 00:08:13.800 --> 00:08:17.319 of God delivering people from the domain of darkness 00:08:17.319 --> 00:08:21.180 and transferring them into the kingdom of the beloved Son. 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:23.980 But we also know that 00:08:23.980 --> 00:08:27.579 this plan is a glory plan. 00:08:27.579 --> 00:08:30.339 This is about God's glory 00:08:30.339 --> 00:08:32.059 in all the world 00:08:32.059 --> 00:08:34.379 by rescuing people from Himself. 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:36.879 So this is Revelation chapter 9, 00:08:37.019 --> 00:08:38.240 or 7 verse 9, 00:08:38.360 --> 00:08:39.919 where God is, 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:41.939 through His gracious work, 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:45.860 populating the throne room of God 00:08:45.860 --> 00:08:47.879 with worshipers. 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:49.600 John Piper talks about it as 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:52.360 missions exist because the worship of God does not. 00:08:52.759 --> 00:08:54.340 And so what He's doing is 00:08:54.340 --> 00:08:56.279 He's creating for Himself, 00:08:56.539 --> 00:08:57.320 gathering for Himself 00:08:57.320 --> 00:08:59.460 from every people, tribe, and nation, 00:09:00.419 --> 00:09:01.659 a blood-bought people, 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:03.039 a new people 00:09:03.039 --> 00:09:06.120 who have Jesus at the center of their very living. 00:09:06.919 --> 00:09:09.639 So this is why we make disciples. 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:11.840 So what are we supposed to be doing 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:14.159 in between Jesus going and His coming? 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:17.320 Well, we get to join in what God is doing 00:09:17.320 --> 00:09:20.420 in His big plan for the fullness of time. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:23.419 And it starts reorienting you 00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:26.819 in how you think about your daily schedule 00:09:26.819 --> 00:09:30.019 to get to join in what God is doing. 00:09:31.139 --> 00:09:33.259 Okay, so the next question becomes 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:34.819 not just why make disciples, 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:36.879 He's got a plan for the fullness of time, 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:39.659 but we've got to ask an even more basic question, 00:09:39.819 --> 00:09:40.599 what is a disciple? 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:42.799 Let's just say that we are a company 00:09:42.799 --> 00:09:44.259 working together to build 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:47.559 carbon fiber handlebars for mountain bikes. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:51.599 or we're a company building really cool pants 00:09:51.599 --> 00:09:53.459 to be walking in. 00:09:53.639 --> 00:09:55.319 So we would have to be very clear 00:09:55.319 --> 00:09:57.819 on what this product is 00:09:57.819 --> 00:10:00.019 and the kind of things where we're using it 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:02.539 and how we go about making these things 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:04.379 and so that we are actually 00:10:04.379 --> 00:10:06.739 kind of fulfilling our purpose as a company 00:10:06.739 --> 00:10:09.139 and generating these items, right? 00:10:09.239 --> 00:10:11.559 We've got to be all united on what this is 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:13.000 that we're moving towards, 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:15.100 and that is a disciple of Jesus Christ. 00:10:15.179 --> 00:10:16.379 We all got to be clear 00:10:16.379 --> 00:10:18.860 on what is a disciple of Jesus Christ, 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:20.460 not only for our own sake, 00:10:21.899 --> 00:10:25.279 but as we make them more and more. 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:29.419 So I am basically, 00:10:29.720 --> 00:10:31.519 you can call a disciple of Jesus 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:34.899 as a wholehearted follower of Jesus. 00:10:35.700 --> 00:10:36.820 It's all about Jesus. 00:10:36.820 --> 00:10:40.420 But we use an acronym around here 00:10:40.420 --> 00:10:43.200 to kind of spell that out. 00:10:43.840 --> 00:10:46.060 And it's the acronym TUMB. 00:10:48.000 --> 00:10:50.140 I know this might be hard to see 00:10:50.140 --> 00:10:52.140 because it's so low for those in the back. 00:10:52.660 --> 00:10:53.960 But what I've written is 00:10:53.960 --> 00:10:56.280 the word TUMB, T-O-M-B, 00:10:56.740 --> 00:10:58.960 and it is vertically laid out. 00:10:59.660 --> 00:11:00.980 Now here's why I'm doing this. 00:11:00.980 --> 00:11:06.460 Jesus went dead into the tomb 00:11:06.460 --> 00:11:09.480 and came out of the tomb alive. 00:11:10.060 --> 00:11:11.039 This is gospel. 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:14.320 This happened in real time, in real space. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:16.340 And He went into the tomb dead 00:11:16.340 --> 00:11:17.759 and came out alive 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:20.879 so that we could treasure Him above all else. 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:22.920 He went into the tomb dead 00:11:22.920 --> 00:11:23.759 and came out alive 00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:25.960 so that we could obey Him 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:26.680 in all that He commands. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:28.759 He went into the tomb dead 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:29.659 and came out alive 00:11:29.659 --> 00:11:31.039 so that we could magnify Him 00:11:31.039 --> 00:11:31.939 among all people. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:34.519 He went into the tomb dead 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:35.339 and came out alive 00:11:35.339 --> 00:11:37.319 so that we could belong to Him 00:11:37.319 --> 00:11:38.259 with all who treasure Him. 00:11:38.339 --> 00:11:40.740 That we would love one another 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:42.100 just as He has loved us. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:44.079 And so when we talk about 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:45.519 this idea of tomb, 00:11:45.860 --> 00:11:46.259 what it is, 00:11:46.360 --> 00:11:47.600 is just simply talking about 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:49.839 kind of the functional centrality 00:11:49.839 --> 00:11:50.579 of the gospel, 00:11:50.759 --> 00:11:51.719 if you've heard that before. 00:11:52.319 --> 00:11:55.120 This is the centrality of Christ 00:11:55.120 --> 00:11:56.559 operating in our midst. 00:11:57.279 --> 00:11:59.019 So let's just spell this out 00:11:59.019 --> 00:11:59.519 a little bit. 00:11:59.659 --> 00:12:01.360 So Jesus died, 00:12:01.639 --> 00:12:03.219 went into the tomb dead, 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:04.879 and came out alive 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:09.259 so that we would treasure Jesus 00:12:09.259 --> 00:12:12.339 above all else. 00:12:12.719 --> 00:12:13.419 You know that command? 00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:15.699 You shall have no other gods before me. 00:12:15.819 --> 00:12:17.139 That's what we're talking about here. 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:20.480 That Jesus is our greatest treasure. 00:12:20.659 --> 00:12:22.899 How did Paul say it in Philippians 3.8? 00:12:24.159 --> 00:12:26.179 I think he said it like this. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:29.039 I consider everything a loss 00:12:29.039 --> 00:12:32.519 because of the surpassing worth 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:35.799 of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 00:12:35.899 --> 00:12:37.039 That's value talk. 00:12:37.579 --> 00:12:38.979 That's treasure talk. 00:12:39.539 --> 00:12:41.479 That's recognizing that Jesus 00:12:41.479 --> 00:12:44.159 is His greatest treasure. 00:12:44.279 --> 00:12:45.539 For me to live is Christ 00:12:45.539 --> 00:12:46.579 and to die is gain. 00:12:46.580 --> 00:12:49.540 Next week I'm going to start preaching 00:12:49.540 --> 00:12:51.000 through the book of Colossians. 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:52.580 And we're going to be in the book of Colossians 00:12:52.580 --> 00:12:54.480 all the way most likely through June. 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:58.480 And the title of the sermon series 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.960 is Christ Central. 00:12:59.960 --> 00:13:03.560 Because He is preeminent 00:13:03.560 --> 00:13:05.000 and pervasive 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:07.240 in all that we are and do. 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:10.240 And so treasuring Jesus, 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:12.240 I know that might sound great, 00:13:13.920 --> 00:13:14.900 but boy, 00:13:15.160 --> 00:13:16.100 it's a daily fight 00:13:16.100 --> 00:13:17.900 for the allegiance of our hearts. 00:13:19.600 --> 00:13:20.820 And so here's how that shakes out 00:13:20.820 --> 00:13:21.820 on a daily basis. 00:13:23.340 --> 00:13:24.300 Sometime during the day. 00:13:24.360 --> 00:13:25.700 For me it has to happen early, 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:28.860 otherwise other things 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:30.940 will lay claim to my heart. 00:13:31.520 --> 00:13:32.600 It's got to happen early. 00:13:32.820 --> 00:13:34.400 And it goes something like this. 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:35.020 It says, 00:13:35.520 --> 00:13:37.460 Jesus, You are worth everything in my life. 00:13:37.520 --> 00:13:38.480 I'm not my own. 00:13:38.560 --> 00:13:39.780 You've bought me with a price. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.120 I belong to You. 00:13:41.220 --> 00:13:42.060 All that I am, 00:13:42.140 --> 00:13:42.940 all that I do, 00:13:43.300 --> 00:13:44.400 I am Yours. 00:13:44.400 --> 00:13:45.580 You are worthy. 00:13:46.120 --> 00:13:47.780 My life is forfeit 00:13:47.780 --> 00:13:50.259 for Your namesake. 00:13:51.280 --> 00:13:53.280 Because You're worthy of that. 00:13:53.279 --> 00:13:55.659 So could you imagine 00:13:55.659 --> 00:13:57.459 if more and more of us 00:13:57.459 --> 00:13:58.399 on a daily basis 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:01.600 are purposefully 00:14:01.600 --> 00:14:04.139 treasuring Jesus above all else 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:04.919 and recognizing 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:06.579 it's through His cross work 00:14:06.579 --> 00:14:07.860 that He makes it even possible. 00:14:09.659 --> 00:14:09.879 So, 00:14:10.679 --> 00:14:12.620 treasuring Jesus above all else, 00:14:13.019 --> 00:14:14.299 I'm going to make an argument. 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:18.100 That is the very headwaters 00:14:18.100 --> 00:14:21.139 of discipleship to Jesus. 00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:23.879 It's where everything starts, 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.639 where everything flows out of. 00:14:26.379 --> 00:14:28.039 And so if you're trying to obey Jesus 00:14:28.039 --> 00:14:29.279 without treasuring Him, 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:31.179 it's going to be a little challenging. 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:33.980 But if you're going to obey Jesus 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.699 out of saying, 00:14:34.799 --> 00:14:36.159 Oh, He is my everything, 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:37.740 you know what happens to obedience? 00:14:38.899 --> 00:14:41.120 There's joy that rings through it. 00:14:42.759 --> 00:14:43.860 Okay, so let's keep moving. 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:46.259 So treasure Jesus above all. 00:14:47.059 --> 00:14:50.299 Obey Jesus in all. 00:14:50.299 --> 00:14:51.859 There's that little spot 00:14:51.859 --> 00:14:53.240 in the Great Commission 00:14:53.240 --> 00:14:55.179 where Jesus has just said, 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:57.379 Hey, go make disciples, 00:14:57.599 --> 00:14:58.639 baptizing them 00:14:58.639 --> 00:14:59.799 in the name of the Father 00:14:59.799 --> 00:15:01.159 and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 00:15:01.839 --> 00:15:03.979 Teaching them to observe 00:15:03.979 --> 00:15:06.939 all that I have commanded. 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:09.139 To obey Jesus 00:15:09.139 --> 00:15:11.159 in all that He commands. 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:14.000 That's what it means to be a disciple. 00:15:15.479 --> 00:15:17.939 That we're taking Jesus' words 00:15:17.940 --> 00:15:18.820 and obeying them. 00:15:19.360 --> 00:15:21.520 Because He's the all-authoritative King. 00:15:22.560 --> 00:15:24.160 All authority on heaven and earth 00:15:24.160 --> 00:15:25.100 has been given to Him. 00:15:25.640 --> 00:15:26.860 So what He says goes. 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.720 And if you're treasuring Him 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.700 above all else, 00:15:29.860 --> 00:15:31.160 when you hear Him tell you 00:15:31.160 --> 00:15:31.760 to do something, 00:15:31.880 --> 00:15:32.340 you are like, 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:34.360 Of course I will do that. 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:36.480 There's no one like you. 00:15:37.480 --> 00:15:38.560 I'll obey you. 00:15:39.640 --> 00:15:41.220 Because I want more and more people 00:15:41.220 --> 00:15:42.420 to treasure you as well. 00:15:42.419 --> 00:15:44.419 So that obedience, 00:15:45.639 --> 00:15:46.099 if you're kind of like, 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:47.799 Well, that sounds great. 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:49.179 Where do I look that up? 00:15:49.699 --> 00:15:51.679 Where do I look to find 00:15:51.679 --> 00:15:53.179 where to obey Jesus? 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:55.059 A great spot is the Sermon on the Mount. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.919 Matthew 5, 6, and 7. 00:15:57.299 --> 00:16:00.000 Jesus lays out for His followers 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:02.919 what it looks like to obey Him. 00:16:03.479 --> 00:16:05.379 It is a beautiful passage. 00:16:06.219 --> 00:16:08.259 And so He addresses moral issues. 00:16:08.419 --> 00:16:09.519 He addresses all sorts 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.500 of different issues. 00:16:10.500 --> 00:16:13.419 He addresses where our hopes lie, 00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:14.779 how to deal with conflict. 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:16.019 It's all there. 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:19.120 So what is a disciple? 00:16:19.320 --> 00:16:20.559 Wholehearted follower of Jesus 00:16:20.559 --> 00:16:23.220 who treasures Jesus above all else, 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:27.440 who obeys Jesus in all that He commands, 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:34.379 who magnifies Jesus among all people. 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:36.940 And when you hear that word magnify, 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:40.399 maybe you think microscopic magnification, 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:42.399 where you have a little beep-boop-beep-boop, 00:16:42.480 --> 00:16:43.299 little microscope, 00:16:43.519 --> 00:16:44.360 and you've got little things, 00:16:44.480 --> 00:16:45.879 and you're trying to make little things 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:46.740 bigger than they are, 00:16:46.840 --> 00:16:47.159 and you're like, 00:16:47.220 --> 00:16:48.480 Oh, that's pretty interesting. 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:52.059 This is not microscopic magnification. 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:54.279 This is, another John Piper quote, 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:56.860 telescopic magnification. 00:16:57.100 --> 00:17:00.539 This is something heavenly and glorious 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:04.539 that we are bringing into clearer focus. 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:06.240 And you know what? 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:08.019 We're the telescope. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:14.740 We're the ones who are to a world living in darkness. 00:17:15.519 --> 00:17:19.460 We are the ones who get to telescope Jesus 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:21.940 to show His great worth, 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:26.500 to live lives that are consistent 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:28.700 with who He is and what He's done. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:33.360 There's this great little sweet spot 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:35.840 in Matthew chapter 5. 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:37.759 It's part of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.920 Very early on, 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:41.360 Jesus says this, 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.940 In the same way, 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:45.340 this is where He's talking about salt and light. 00:17:47.319 --> 00:17:48.000 In the same way, 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:49.500 let your light shine before others 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:51.180 so that they may see your good works 00:17:51.180 --> 00:17:53.880 and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. 00:17:53.880 --> 00:17:58.880 So our very lives, telescope, magnify Jesus, 00:17:59.840 --> 00:18:00.360 or they don't. 00:18:01.740 --> 00:18:02.700 And so this is what it means 00:18:02.700 --> 00:18:04.780 to bring glory to the name of Jesus 00:18:04.780 --> 00:18:06.920 in all that we say and do. 00:18:07.920 --> 00:18:10.960 So this is part of what it means 00:18:10.960 --> 00:18:12.200 to be a disciple of Jesus. 00:18:12.580 --> 00:18:14.080 Another way to talk about it is 00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:16.600 you're no longer living for your name, 00:18:17.420 --> 00:18:19.420 you're living for the name of Jesus 00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:22.280 to magnify it, to make much of it. 00:18:22.279 --> 00:18:27.259 The last one is belong to Jesus. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:31.119 And this is the horizontal aspect 00:18:31.119 --> 00:18:33.019 of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:35.720 We belong to Jesus with all who treasure Him. 00:18:36.139 --> 00:18:38.180 It means we are making concerted, 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:40.379 intentional, purposeful effort 00:18:40.379 --> 00:18:42.379 to love one another 00:18:42.379 --> 00:18:45.019 just as Jesus has loved us. 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:49.180 This is John 13, 34 and 35. 00:18:49.180 --> 00:18:50.880 This is the sticky love 00:18:50.880 --> 00:18:52.880 of being a follower of Jesus. 00:18:53.060 --> 00:18:54.740 Not sticky gross, sticky good. 00:18:55.620 --> 00:18:57.960 This is something that unites us together 00:18:57.960 --> 00:19:00.360 and it marks us. 00:19:01.140 --> 00:19:02.740 It separates us out. 00:19:03.279 --> 00:19:04.519 Listen to how Jesus says it 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:06.600 in John chapter 13. 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:09.299 He says this, 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:14.059 A new commandment I give to you 00:19:14.059 --> 00:19:14.960 that you love one another 00:19:14.960 --> 00:19:16.220 just as I have loved you. 00:19:16.599 --> 00:19:18.019 You also are to love one another. 00:19:18.519 --> 00:19:20.299 He's about to lay down His life for them. 00:19:21.720 --> 00:19:22.359 Verse 35, 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:24.599 But this, by this, 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:26.460 this love for one another, 00:19:27.659 --> 00:19:29.579 people will know that you are my disciples 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:32.700 if you have love for one another. 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:38.400 This is something that we teach disciples to do. 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:40.819 It's a commandment to observe. 00:19:41.319 --> 00:19:43.039 But what I want to do is mark it out 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:44.799 as being this is normal course 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:47.279 for being a follower of Jesus Christ. 00:19:48.080 --> 00:19:49.600 Jesus went to the tomb dead 00:19:49.600 --> 00:19:50.880 and came out alive 00:19:50.880 --> 00:19:53.620 so that we could love one another 00:19:53.620 --> 00:19:55.160 as He has loved us. 00:19:55.160 --> 00:19:56.720 So we love one another 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:59.000 over and beyond our differences. 00:19:59.000 --> 00:20:01.359 And we're loving one another 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:02.619 unto Jesus Himself. 00:20:03.619 --> 00:20:05.740 This is what marks us as unique. 00:20:06.140 --> 00:20:06.859 Francis Schaeffer, 00:20:07.799 --> 00:20:10.880 that old pastor guy who wore knickers, 00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:14.279 he talked about our love for one another 00:20:14.279 --> 00:20:15.880 as being the final apologetic. 00:20:16.759 --> 00:20:19.319 It makes a claim 00:20:19.319 --> 00:20:22.900 about the validity of the Christian faith. 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:23.900 So it's possible 00:20:23.900 --> 00:20:27.039 that someone who's not a Christian 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:28.980 can see the way that we're loving one another 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:30.400 and draw a conclusion. 00:20:31.759 --> 00:20:32.480 Hold on. 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:35.279 That is unusual love. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:38.099 Maybe even supernatural love. 00:20:38.759 --> 00:20:41.420 Maybe what they're saying about Jesus is true. 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:42.799 Do you see how that works? 00:20:44.160 --> 00:20:45.779 That's what Jesus talks about. 00:20:45.900 --> 00:20:47.240 Not just here in John 13 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:48.799 but in John 17 as well. 00:20:49.940 --> 00:20:51.700 So Jesus went to the tomb 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:52.460 and came out 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:55.200 so that we would treasure Him above all else, 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.700 obey Him in all the commands, 00:20:56.900 --> 00:20:58.480 magnify Him among all people, 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.900 and that we would belong to Him 00:21:00.900 --> 00:21:02.480 with everyone who treasures Him. 00:21:03.299 --> 00:21:06.360 So this is just kind of basic Christianity. 00:21:07.140 --> 00:21:09.339 And do you know what this little acronym does for us? 00:21:11.099 --> 00:21:12.299 It's a diagnostic. 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:18.039 It helps you to evaluate your own following of Jesus. 00:21:19.579 --> 00:21:21.980 Are you treasuring Jesus above all else? 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:25.539 What's contending for your heart? 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:30.079 Are you obeying Jesus in all that He commands? 00:21:30.079 --> 00:21:33.799 When was the last time you looked to His commands? 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:37.519 Are you telescoping Jesus in all that you do? 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:41.359 Are you giving Him other people 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:44.359 that He's the reason why you have hope? 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:51.240 And are you making effort to love our brothers and sisters around us? 00:21:51.479 --> 00:21:53.419 So it's a helpful little diagnostic. 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:54.099 Do you see that? 00:21:55.179 --> 00:21:55.599 All right. 00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:57.019 How much time have we got? 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:57.979 I've got about 10 minutes. 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.319 We've got to put it in overdrive. 00:22:01.379 --> 00:22:01.679 Okay. 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:03.819 So why make disciples? 00:22:04.119 --> 00:22:05.240 What is disciple? 00:22:05.759 --> 00:22:06.919 So Jesus is gone. 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:08.179 He's at the right hand of God. 00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:09.500 He's going to come back. 00:22:09.500 --> 00:22:11.299 And in between, what are we supposed to be doing? 00:22:12.240 --> 00:22:14.380 We join what God is doing 00:22:14.380 --> 00:22:16.000 in His plan for the fullness of time. 00:22:16.420 --> 00:22:20.279 And we ourselves are seeking to be wholehearted followers of Jesus 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:24.259 and help others treasure Jesus above all else. 00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:28.200 What a worthy calling on our lives. 00:22:29.240 --> 00:22:29.519 All right. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:32.619 Let's put it into overdrive. 00:22:34.000 --> 00:22:35.839 Did it come out right side up? 00:22:35.900 --> 00:22:36.380 Yes! 00:22:39.500 --> 00:22:42.960 It's like pulling out a cake and, well, it rose. 00:22:43.500 --> 00:22:43.720 Okay. 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:46.019 So three more questions. 00:22:48.240 --> 00:22:50.160 Next one is how to make disciples. 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:54.220 Oh, by the way, I never mentioned this. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:59.140 This material originated out of a book called The Vine Project. 00:22:59.140 --> 00:23:03.079 It's something the elders went through almost four years now. 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:09.339 And the book is intended to help churches become disciple-making churches. 00:23:09.500 --> 00:23:10.839 I'll tweak some of it. 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:13.480 But by and large, these questions are coming from that book 00:23:13.480 --> 00:23:15.720 to help us fulfill the Great Commission. 00:23:16.460 --> 00:23:18.380 So now the question is how to make disciples. 00:23:19.400 --> 00:23:22.319 And in the book, we are given four Ps. 00:23:24.099 --> 00:23:25.279 First P is this. 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:32.160 Proclaim God's Word. 00:23:32.160 --> 00:23:33.160 Proclaim God's Word. 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:39.560 So, I hope you know this, but I'm just going to state it to make it explicit. 00:23:40.660 --> 00:23:44.620 There's no following Jesus without God's Word. 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:49.660 This book is a light unto our path, a lamp unto our feet. 00:23:50.120 --> 00:23:52.000 This book reveals God. 00:23:52.400 --> 00:23:53.340 It reveals His will. 00:23:53.759 --> 00:23:55.140 It reveals God's salvation. 00:23:55.580 --> 00:23:57.940 It reveals Jesus from Genesis to Revelation. 00:23:57.940 --> 00:24:03.980 This book is absolutely vital in order to make disciples of Jesus, 00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:08.480 in order for you to be a wholehearted follower of Jesus. 00:24:08.620 --> 00:24:09.420 So you need this book. 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.259 It's living and active. 00:24:10.779 --> 00:24:13.680 Penetrates, you know, heart, mind, soul. 00:24:14.100 --> 00:24:16.380 This book is actually originated. 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:20.640 Every word from the very mind of God, it is God-breathed. 00:24:20.640 --> 00:24:28.700 This book is central to our own discipleship and our disciple-making. 00:24:30.020 --> 00:24:31.540 And so if we're going to be making disciples, 00:24:32.100 --> 00:24:35.880 we're going to be constantly bringing people back to this book. 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.640 Helping them understand who God is. 00:24:39.320 --> 00:24:41.780 Helping them understand God's will. 00:24:42.259 --> 00:24:45.600 This book is absolutely vital to that. 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:48.400 So we're proclaiming God's Word. 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:50.820 Now that doesn't mean like you're having, 00:24:51.580 --> 00:24:53.660 you're at the buzz with a friend, 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:55.259 they're struggling with something, 00:24:55.360 --> 00:24:56.540 and you pull out your pulpit, 00:24:56.880 --> 00:24:59.000 and you set up and you preach to them. 00:24:59.620 --> 00:25:01.660 That's not how that rolls. 00:25:02.620 --> 00:25:05.000 How it rolls is, conversationally, 00:25:05.120 --> 00:25:07.240 you're raising things from God's Word. 00:25:07.519 --> 00:25:08.360 Have you thought about this? 00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.420 Do you know this is in your Bible? 00:25:10.900 --> 00:25:11.200 Okay. 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:20.039 Next thing is pray in step with God's Spirit. 00:25:22.380 --> 00:25:23.519 The Holy Spirit. 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:26.940 The Holy Spirit is seeking to apply the finished work of Jesus 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:28.100 to the life of the believer. 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:31.920 And so we are constantly asking things like this. 00:25:32.259 --> 00:25:33.840 God, how can I help? 00:25:33.839 --> 00:25:37.339 What are you doing in Josiah's life, 00:25:37.459 --> 00:25:38.359 or Zach's life, 00:25:38.459 --> 00:25:39.259 or Jenny's life, 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.339 or Mary's life, 00:25:40.439 --> 00:25:42.199 or this life of my brother here, 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.119 or this sister here? 00:25:43.199 --> 00:25:44.259 What are you doing, Spirit? 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:48.519 And would you direct me to love them with your Word? 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:53.579 And so we're praying for kind of fresh pouring outs 00:25:53.579 --> 00:25:55.439 of the Holy Spirit in the life of our church. 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:58.000 We're praying that the Holy Spirit will be applying 00:25:58.000 --> 00:26:00.980 the truth of God's Word to the life of people 00:26:00.980 --> 00:26:03.360 and transforming them for the glory of Christ. 00:26:04.220 --> 00:26:05.299 So we're praying that. 00:26:06.640 --> 00:26:10.000 Prayer is absolutely vital to making disciples. 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:13.220 So we proclaim, we pray. 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:19.559 People are God's co-workers. 00:26:21.700 --> 00:26:22.960 And this can mean a couple things. 00:26:24.160 --> 00:26:24.940 It means that, 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:27.700 I'm going to develop that more under the next question, 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:29.539 but essentially what it means is 00:26:29.539 --> 00:26:32.259 is that every Christian has been gifted by the Holy Spirit 00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:35.299 to contribute to the building up of the local church. 00:26:35.420 --> 00:26:37.720 That's right in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. 00:26:38.339 --> 00:26:40.819 So we want to help Christians find out what their gifts are 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:43.039 to use them to the building up of the church, 00:26:43.180 --> 00:26:48.319 but we also want to get our brothers and sisters gifts 00:26:48.319 --> 00:26:51.000 functioning in our life together as a church 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:53.980 in order to make disciples of people. 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:57.019 And so people are God's co-workers. 00:26:57.019 --> 00:26:59.460 We believe in what's called the priesthood of all believers, 00:26:59.539 --> 00:27:00.099 around here, 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.779 that every member is a minister. 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:04.119 It's the last one. 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:09.500 Persevere step by step. 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:14.659 There are these constant calls for endurance in our Bibles. 00:27:15.779 --> 00:27:16.619 In Colossians, 00:27:17.220 --> 00:27:18.139 it starts off, 00:27:18.220 --> 00:27:20.920 Paul's going to be praying for strength for the Colossian church 00:27:20.920 --> 00:27:22.139 that they would endure, 00:27:22.779 --> 00:27:23.740 that they'd persevere. 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:28.039 Making disciples requires perseverance. 00:27:28.220 --> 00:27:28.720 Do you know why? 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.620 People are messy. 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:35.640 There's a lot of people drama 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:37.740 when it comes to making disciples. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:41.799 Making disciples isn't for the fainthearted. 00:27:41.799 --> 00:27:46.240 If you don't like messy, uncontrolled situations, 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.480 out of control feelings, 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.980 sometimes it's going to be tough to be making disciples. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:52.339 But instead of trying to control it yourself, 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:53.220 what you're doing is, 00:27:53.839 --> 00:27:56.379 you're entrusting yourself to your God. 00:27:56.879 --> 00:27:58.960 And you're persevering step by step, 00:27:59.079 --> 00:27:59.759 day by day, 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:02.940 and bringing God's word to bear in the life of your brothers and sisters. 00:28:03.680 --> 00:28:04.779 It requires perseverance. 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:06.099 It requires endurance. 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:07.500 It's hard work. 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:09.819 You'll get yelled at. 00:28:10.719 --> 00:28:11.740 You'll get ignored. 00:28:13.199 --> 00:28:15.240 People impute motives on you 00:28:15.240 --> 00:28:16.919 because you're trying to help, 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:18.000 but they see threat. 00:28:19.399 --> 00:28:22.219 And so this is the stuff we need to persevere through 00:28:22.219 --> 00:28:24.659 because we treasure Jesus above all else. 00:28:25.859 --> 00:28:27.439 So how to make disciples? 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:28.679 Well, the four Ps, 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:29.579 proclaim God's word, 00:28:29.699 --> 00:28:30.659 pray in step of the Spirit. 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:32.699 People are God's co-workers, 00:28:33.259 --> 00:28:34.299 persevere step by step. 00:28:34.719 --> 00:28:35.480 Jesus has gone. 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.599 He's at the right hand of God. 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:38.160 He's going to come back. 00:28:38.759 --> 00:28:40.460 And so what are we going to do in between? 00:28:41.339 --> 00:28:42.839 We're going to make disciples of Him. 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:44.059 We're going to persevere in that. 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:46.339 We're going to help others do that. 00:28:46.420 --> 00:28:47.660 Now, you might be saying, 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:51.200 well, that sounds great theoretically, Salvati, 00:28:51.799 --> 00:28:54.839 but man, I don't know where to start with that kind of stuff. 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:59.480 Would you write down in your notes three dates? 00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:02.220 March 14th, it's a Thursday. 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:04.920 March 21st, it's a Thursday. 00:29:04.920 --> 00:29:07.580 Thursday, March 28th, it's a Thursday. 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:12.600 What we're going to do here is we're having a disciple-making workshop, 00:29:13.220 --> 00:29:15.279 Thursday nights in March, 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:19.660 so that you can be equipped in how to make disciples. 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:21.940 Okay. 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:24.080 Who makes disciples? 00:29:28.080 --> 00:29:32.240 Short answer is, we all do. 00:29:34.120 --> 00:29:37.640 Disciple-making is a church project. 00:29:37.640 --> 00:29:43.580 You're not paying me to make disciples of the nations. 00:29:44.980 --> 00:29:46.700 According to Ephesians 11, 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:50.020 well, that'd be great if Ephesians had 11 chapters. 00:29:50.880 --> 00:29:52.940 Ephesians chapter 4, verses 11 and 12, 00:29:53.300 --> 00:29:58.380 we learn that the risen Christ has given the gift of leadership, 00:29:58.380 --> 00:30:06.120 pastor-teacher in order to equip the saints for works of ministry, 00:30:06.120 --> 00:30:07.060 service. 00:30:07.060 --> 00:30:07.500 Service. 00:30:09.640 --> 00:30:14.860 It's we, you, who are to be making disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:30:14.859 --> 00:30:18.079 The illustration that I like to use in this one is this. 00:30:18.079 --> 00:30:21.819 If you went to our website, you hit the menu, 00:30:22.559 --> 00:30:26.719 and one of the menu features is the ministry staff of Christ the King Church. 00:30:26.919 --> 00:30:32.779 And you clicked it, and all 130 members of Christ the King Church showed up. 00:30:32.779 --> 00:30:36.599 There you have the ministry staff of Christ the King Church. 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:40.299 We all are the ministry staff of Christ the King Church. 00:30:41.480 --> 00:30:43.200 We believe in the priesthood of all believers. 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:45.639 We believe in every member of ministry. 00:30:45.859 --> 00:30:50.139 We believe that every Christian in the room has been gifted by the Holy Spirit 00:30:50.139 --> 00:30:53.619 with a particular gift to build up the church. 00:30:54.700 --> 00:30:58.119 Do you want to know where your sweet spot of ministry is? 00:30:58.240 --> 00:30:58.980 Here's where it is. 00:30:58.980 --> 00:31:05.720 It's a cross-section between there's a need somewhere in making disciples, 00:31:06.120 --> 00:31:08.900 and then there's the gift the Spirit has given you. 00:31:09.019 --> 00:31:15.740 That intersection will be the sweet spot of your ministry, of your service. 00:31:16.319 --> 00:31:17.559 And you want to find that. 00:31:17.660 --> 00:31:18.640 You want to know what it is. 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.700 And so here's what we're going to do. 00:31:20.680 --> 00:31:25.680 So we've got this disciple-making workshop coming up in March. 00:31:25.680 --> 00:31:32.759 Soon thereafter, probably in April, we're going to have a ministry fair down in the fellowship hall. 00:31:33.759 --> 00:31:36.560 We're going to be like, okay, here are the ministries of Christ the King Church. 00:31:37.220 --> 00:31:45.340 Here's where you can get involved and now use your gift to make disciples as part of our church together. 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:48.980 And so we'll come up with a more specific date on that. 00:31:49.339 --> 00:31:59.199 But what you need to understand is, we don't think of Christians as being simply passive spectators in a gathering, 00:31:59.699 --> 00:32:05.299 but active participants fulfilling the Great Commission together as a church. 00:32:05.299 --> 00:32:12.980 And so if you're a member or you're a Christian and you're not using your gift, that's got to change. 00:32:14.000 --> 00:32:15.339 We need to get you in the game. 00:32:16.299 --> 00:32:17.299 You need to be equipped. 00:32:17.500 --> 00:32:18.419 You need to get placed. 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:19.519 And we're here to help with that. 00:32:19.599 --> 00:32:23.139 That's one of my jobs, is to find a spot for you to meaningfully serve. 00:32:31.339 --> 00:32:32.039 Last question. 00:32:32.579 --> 00:32:33.619 Where are disciples made? 00:32:33.619 --> 00:32:33.639 Where are disciples made? 00:32:35.299 --> 00:32:39.240 Where do we make disciples? 00:32:40.399 --> 00:32:44.159 Wherever the church be, we be making disciples. 00:32:45.159 --> 00:32:50.539 Wherever the church be, we be making disciples with one little caveat. 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:55.539 When we're in glory, we're no longer making disciples. 00:32:56.639 --> 00:33:03.960 So really, wherever the church be, this side of Christ's return, we be making disciples. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:10.259 We've got a window of time in all eternity to be making disciples of Jesus Christ. 00:33:11.400 --> 00:33:24.180 If you leave this building in the front door, in the back door, in the jam above the door, you'll see this phrase, 00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:26.080 you are now entering your mission field. 00:33:28.080 --> 00:33:28.880 That's on the money. 00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:31.900 It's every time you leave this place. 00:33:31.900 --> 00:33:36.799 When the church gathers, the church is scattered, and you go out into your mission field. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:43.980 And so, moms, grandmas, grandpas, dads, you know where your mission field starts? 00:33:43.980 --> 00:33:45.220 With your children. 00:33:45.860 --> 00:33:46.779 That's your mission field. 00:33:46.839 --> 00:33:47.519 You're living in it. 00:33:48.480 --> 00:33:49.319 That's where it starts. 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.920 It goes to our neighborhoods. 00:33:51.819 --> 00:33:53.640 Do you know the names of your neighbors around you? 00:33:54.559 --> 00:33:56.140 It goes into our workplaces. 00:33:56.839 --> 00:33:58.500 It goes into our recreation. 00:33:59.559 --> 00:34:06.279 It goes into Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, kids' activities. 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:10.820 When your kids are playing soccer or baseball, what an opportunity that is. 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:15.320 Wherever the church be, we be making disciples. 00:34:17.860 --> 00:34:20.599 So, where do we make disciples? 00:34:20.820 --> 00:34:21.679 Well, wherever. 00:34:23.820 --> 00:34:24.940 Wherever we go. 00:34:25.599 --> 00:34:31.719 So, even if that means you get transferred by your job to another place, another city, 00:34:31.719 --> 00:34:35.619 you'll be going to make disciples for Jesus Christ. 00:34:36.959 --> 00:34:40.379 So, wherever the church be, we be making disciples. 00:34:41.579 --> 00:34:44.279 Remember that quote by John Piper, 00:34:44.379 --> 00:34:46.899 missions exist because the worship of God does not. 00:34:48.419 --> 00:34:49.579 It's what we're talking about. 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:57.039 The city of Kenosha is filled with false worshipers. 00:34:58.099 --> 00:35:01.439 And we have the opportunity to make disciples. 00:35:01.719 --> 00:35:06.579 And they, to bring glory and majesty to Jesus. 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:11.039 Alright, let me just wrap this up. 00:35:12.819 --> 00:35:13.819 Jesus has gone. 00:35:13.899 --> 00:35:14.959 He's at the right hand of God. 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:17.539 And we're one day closer to His return. 00:35:18.279 --> 00:35:19.659 So, what should we be doing? 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:22.859 We should be making disciples. 00:35:23.980 --> 00:35:24.379 Why? 00:35:25.359 --> 00:35:27.319 Because God's got a plan for the fullness of time. 00:35:27.399 --> 00:35:28.439 And we get to join Him in that. 00:35:29.500 --> 00:35:29.899 What? 00:35:29.900 --> 00:35:35.260 Jesus went to the tomb and came out so that you could treasure Him above all else. 00:35:35.320 --> 00:35:36.000 And obey Him. 00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:36.940 And magnify Him. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:37.840 And belong to Him. 00:35:38.559 --> 00:35:40.940 As well as help others treasure Him. 00:35:41.360 --> 00:35:41.980 And obey Him. 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:42.680 Magnify Him. 00:35:42.740 --> 00:35:43.380 And belong to Him. 00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:44.780 How are we to do it? 00:35:44.840 --> 00:35:45.840 We're to use God's Word. 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:46.760 We're to pray. 00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:50.260 We're to leverage the gifts that God has given us. 00:35:50.340 --> 00:35:51.599 And we're to persevere in that. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:53.440 Who? 00:35:53.759 --> 00:35:55.279 We are the disciple makers. 00:35:55.860 --> 00:35:57.960 We're the ministry staff of Christ the King Church. 00:35:58.659 --> 00:35:59.000 Where? 00:36:00.139 --> 00:36:00.539 Wherever. 00:36:01.860 --> 00:36:03.779 Wherever the church be, we'd be making disciples. 00:36:05.259 --> 00:36:06.339 So, let me ask you this. 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:11.599 As we went through this, was there one particular area where you're saying, 00:36:11.599 --> 00:36:15.619 Yeah, God found a mark right there. 00:36:17.019 --> 00:36:18.860 I need to take a step right there. 00:36:20.279 --> 00:36:22.579 And if you're like, well, I don't know. 00:36:22.719 --> 00:36:24.239 I don't have a particular area. 00:36:24.299 --> 00:36:25.199 I got one for you. 00:36:26.460 --> 00:36:28.679 Start with treasuring Jesus above all else. 00:36:28.679 --> 00:36:36.940 Start with, okay, just start saying, Lord Jesus, would you reveal yourself to me in greater and greater majesty. 00:36:37.460 --> 00:36:41.480 That's the great, He is the great headwaters of discipleship. 00:36:43.399 --> 00:36:44.179 Okay, gang. 00:36:45.039 --> 00:36:50.279 I'll probably share a sermon like this with you in probably six months or so. 00:36:51.099 --> 00:36:53.819 Our tendency is to drift away from these things. 00:36:54.599 --> 00:36:55.960 So, let's just stay focused. 00:36:55.960 --> 00:37:03.480 And when Jesus comes back or we see Him face to face, we can say, Oh Lord, we did everything we could for the glory of Your name. 00:37:04.400 --> 00:37:04.960 Let's pray. 00:37:06.960 --> 00:37:17.599 God in heaven, thank You so much that You have rescued us from little plans, temporary plans, 00:37:19.199 --> 00:37:25.199 a purpose that has a limited scope and effect. 00:37:25.199 --> 00:37:27.199 But You've called us to what You are doing. 00:37:27.339 --> 00:37:28.559 We are so grateful for that. 00:37:28.719 --> 00:37:34.980 Father, would You pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us that we would serve You together in gladness, 00:37:35.599 --> 00:37:36.960 making disciples of Jesus. 00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:44.000 God, would You add to our numbers, like-minded brothers and sisters who treasure You and obey You and magnify You and belong, 00:37:44.259 --> 00:37:47.679 that we are deeply loving one another. 00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:52.319 Father, we entrust ourselves to You for the glory of Your name. 00:37:53.000 --> 00:37:53.279 Amen. 00:37:54.139 --> 00:37:54.419 Amen. 00:37:54.419 --> 00:37:54.519 Amen.