Sunday, April 19, 2015

Make Disciples


MAKE DISCIPLES
 

Today at Open Door Church, we were blessed to have a large group visit from “Jordan’s Crossing.”  During the worship portion of the service, God was moving and one by one the men came and knelt at the alter pouring out their hearts.  Our men joined them.  Ladies too came forward and stood with hands raised as ladies prayed with them.

Pastor Allan said, we are all ONE body in Christ Jesus; One mind and in one accord.

The devil would like to divide us.  Don’t worry about those near you, for we have come to worship Jesus.  Don’t be afraid of Pentecost, just allow the Holy Spirit to do what He wants to do.

Pastor began reading from Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you;

Jesus was saying Go forth and MAKE disciples teaching them what you have learned from me.  The disciples had been following Jesus for 3 years and He taught them further during the 40 days prior to His ascension.

Pastor Allan stated that he has taught some who are not where they should be, by their own choice.  They offer excuses why they can’t take the next step up.  Some are on a spiritual roller coaster.  Let’s not go back and forth, but be steady and hold fast to our faith.

There is a move of God and it may not be what we expect and we may not understand all of what God is doing.

Obviously we could do a better job and wonder why God can’t be more dignified.
 
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets; Ye shall know them by their fruits.  The world doesn’t want anything to do with a messy Jesus.  Don’t listen to their words of denial, but hold fast to truth that is in God’s Word.

We are not in control at times – Here comes the storm – what shall we do?  It is time to walk in our authority given to us by Christ Jesus.  If you want to be a teacher – Hold fast in the storms of life.  Let your example teach others.

The next thing we need to do is surrender – to give up and follow Jesus.  Leave those things behind that are holding you back.  Nothing is more important than a right relationship with our Lord.

Jesus said in Matthew 10:35, 36 that often there is division in the home.  "Don’t make me choose between you and Jesus, because it will be Jesus."  Trust Jesus to take care of the family and bring them into the fold.

More than ever our Nation needs God.  There may be a time we are called to give our lives for Jesus.  Preach and teach and at times you may walk home with a black eye, be criticized and misunderstood. (Just like Jesus was.)

Keep your priorities straight: First is your relationship with Jesus, Second your love and care for your Spouse, children and family, and last your job (or ministry.)

If you are so caught up in work and providing for your family, you will miss out spiritually.

Some are called to recovery, but they might say, “That’s not me.”  How much do we fight the Lord’s voice instead of surrender to his way.

The first step in Recovery is repentance and seeking God for the Holy Spirit that leads to complete Restoration. 
 
Many are missing it – teaching goes in one ear and out the other.  It is time to study and digest God’s word.
 
Paul says in  Hebrews 5:12 For at the time when ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and have become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
 

 
If you want to do great things for God – to see miracles and deliverances, seek for the Holy Spirit and Power from on High. 
 
The Holy Spirit comes in at salvation, and many are content with that much of God, but there is more.

Our destination is heaven and we need to all go in the same direction.  Yes keep the basic doctrine.  The enemy will use arguments about small differences, and we need to search the scriptures.  Put personal priorities on the back burner and obey God doing what He wants.

God is not asking for your money, He wants all of you, and that includes at least 10% of your money.

Jesus says to MAKE Disciples.   You may think you can’t do that – but YES you can.

 



4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Loved the comment about a "messy Jesus" Isn't that the truth. Oh, and don't forget the "order" of a church service! First come in and be seated - then songs, then offering, then announcements, then a short teaching, then another song...dismiss for coffee in foyer where few people actually get to fellowship, Of course I am be facetious. What is wrong with letting the Holy Spirit change it up once in a while? Enjoyed the synopsis!

Lux G. said...

We sometimes feel unworthy because we're not perfect, but Jesus' disciples aren't either. In fact He chose those who are not regarded highly by the society. Maybe to show us that we can make disciple too despite of who we are. :)

Unknown said...

You covered some ground on this one. Truth has a way of going deeper than just the mind. I'm praying for a revival for our nation.

caryjo said...

Focusing on Him, serving Him, not focusing on other gods or sinful prophetic people. Our world is full of sinfulness now and we need to consistently focus on our Father. All we can count on.