"The Call to Discipleship"

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Call to Worship  (inspired by Matthew 10:40-42) Welcome to all gathered, as we come to worship God. With our words and our actions, we extend greetings to all. Prophets, Righteous, old and young, this is the place to find your reward. We’ve come to offer our gifts, and give thanks for all God is doing.
Even a cup of cold water is appreciated! So we lift our voices and sing our praise!
Opening Prayer
Ever-present God, we’ve come to praise your name, and to honor you with our time, our talent and our treasure.  Help us steady our hearts, and focus our minds on your presence among us.  Accept our intentions to worship you alone, for  you’ve given us power through your Spirit.  We receive what you offer, and give you our thanks, through Jesus Christ, whose life, death & resurrection we celebrate!  AMEN
Moment for Stewardship  (reflecting on Ps. 13)
For many communities, this is prime vacation time!  Summer, school’s out, weather is warm, and the earth is in full bloom.
And still, we’ve come together on this Lord’s Day morning, to offer our thanksgiving to the Giver of Life.
Here’s the challenge: What can we give to the one who has created all that is?
The Psalmist cried out in lament, and then declared                 I trusted in your steadfast love;                      my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.                 I will sing to the Lord,                     (who) has dealt bountifully with me.
Today, trusting in God’s steadfast love, we invite you to share your financial gifts, your prayers of thanksgiving and your voices, as we receive our morning offering.

Prayer

Lord, as we walked through the doors to this place of worship, we brought with us our cares and concerns, our joys and our sorrows. Touch our hearts and heal us, Lord. Make us ready to become your faithful disciples. AMEN.
Matthew 4:18-22 New International Version Jesus Calls His First Disciples 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him. 21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Introduction:
Today, we gather together to delve into a topic that lies at the heart of our faith: discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? And why is discipleship such a significant and transformative aspect of our lives as believers?
Discipleship is not merely a religious term or a religious practice; it is a way of life. It is the calling and commissioning of every follower of Jesus to become a dedicated learner, a committed follower, and a faithful imitator of our Lord and Savior. It is an invitation to walk closely with Jesus, to be shaped by His teachings, and to align our lives with His purpose.
But why is discipleship so important? It is because discipleship goes beyond mere belief or intellectual assent. It is the path that leads us to true transformation and growth in our relationship with Christ. It is through discipleship that we experience the power of God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, enabling us to become more like Jesus and live out His teachings.
In the Gospel accounts, we witness numerous encounters where ordinary men and women had life-altering experiences with Jesus. They encountered His love, His truth, and His power, and their lives were never the same again. It is through these encounters that we see the transformative power of Jesus at work, calling people to a new way of living and inviting them into a lifelong journey of discipleship.
Main Points:
1. The Invitation (Matthew 4:18-20):18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.
In the scene of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew, one of the remarkable aspects is the immediacy and radical nature of the invitation. Jesus didn't offer a lengthy explanation or a detailed plan. Instead, He simply said, "Follow me." And in that brief moment, everything changed for Peter and Andrew. Consider the response of these two fishermen. They didn't ask for time to think it over or to settle their affairs. They didn't request further clarification or negotiate the terms. No, they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. This immediate and radical response demonstrates the depth of their faith and their recognition of the unparalleled significance of Jesus' call. It's important for us to grasp the urgency and radical nature of Jesus' invitation in our own lives. When Jesus calls us, He is not offering a casual suggestion or an optional path. His call demands a response, and it demands it now. Jesus doesn't want to be an addition to our lives; He desires to be the center of our lives. He calls us to surrender our old ways of living and to embrace a new way of life in Him. The immediacy of Jesus' call also speaks to the urgency of the gospel message. Jesus knew that time was of the essence, that people's eternal destinies were at stake. His invitation was not to be taken lightly or postponed indefinitely. He called Peter and Andrew to join Him in the urgent mission of bringing salvation to the lost, and He calls us to do the same. The radical nature of Jesus' invitation challenges us to examine our priorities and make a deliberate choice. Just as Peter and Andrew had to leave behind their livelihood and their comfort zone, Jesus calls us to let go of anything that hinders our wholehearted devotion to Him. It may require us to leave behind sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, or worldly pursuits. But in doing so, we open ourselves up to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and eternal significance. Let us not underestimate the radical nature of Jesus' call. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). He calls us to live differently, to be transformed by His grace, and to bear fruit that glorifies Him (John 15:5). It's a call that challenges the status quo, disrupts our comfortable routines, and compels us to pursue righteousness and holiness. As we reflect on the immediacy and radical nature of Jesus' invitation, let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to respond without hesitation, to leave behind whatever holds us back, and to wholeheartedly follow Jesus? Are we willing to prioritize His call above all else and to pursue a life of discipleship that reflects His love and truth? May the scene of Jesus calling Peter and Andrew inspire us to respond with a resounding "yes" to His invitation. May we embrace the immediacy and radical nature of His call, knowing that in doing so, we will experience the transformative power of encountering Jesus and find purpose, joy, and eternal significance in following Him. 2. The Response (Matthew 4:21-22):21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
In examining James and John's response to Jesus' call, we see another powerful example of immediate and radical obedience. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that Jesus encountered James and John, the sons of Zebedee, while they were in their boat with their father, mending their nets. Jesus called out to them, and immediately they left their boat and their father behind to follow Him (Matthew 4:21-22). James and John's response highlights their willingness to forsake everything for the sake of Jesus' call. They abandoned their livelihood, their family, and their sense of security to become disciples of Jesus. This demonstrates their deep trust and faith in Him and their recognition of the surpassing value of following Him. It is important to note that James and John were not compelled to follow Jesus out of coercion or obligation. They willingly left behind their fishing nets and their father because they recognized the divine authority and significance of Jesus' call. They saw in Him the Messiah, the promised Savior, and they were willing to forsake all to be in His presence and to learn from Him. Furthermore, James and John's response reveals their readiness to embrace the sacrificial nature of discipleship. They knew that following Jesus would not be an easy journey. It would require self-denial, endurance, and a willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of the gospel. Yet, they were willing to pay that price because they understood the eternal value of being in the presence of the Son of God and participating in His mission. Their response also reflects their desire for intimate fellowship with Jesus. By leaving everything behind, they positioned themselves to walk closely with Him, to witness His miracles, to hear His teachings, and to experience His transformative power. Their commitment to discipleship was not merely about gaining knowledge or status; it was about cultivating a deep relationship with their Lord and Savior. As we reflect on James and John's response to Jesus' call, we are challenged to examine our own commitment to discipleship. Are we willing to leave behind our comfort zones, our worldly attachments, and our own agendas to follow Jesus wholeheartedly? Do we recognize the surpassing worth of knowing Him and participating in His kingdom work? Are we prepared to embrace the sacrificial nature of discipleship and walk closely with Him, regardless of the challenges we may face? Let the example of James and John inspire us to respond with the same immediate and radical obedience. May we be willing to forsake all for the sake of following Jesus, recognizing His authority, His worth, and His transformative power. And as we do, may our lives bear witness to the beauty and joy of true discipleship, as we walk closely with our Savior and participate in His mission to bring salvation, love, and reconciliation to the world.
3. The Promise (Matthew 4:19):19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, He made them an incredible promise: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This statement carries profound meaning and purpose for the disciples and for us as well. By using the analogy of fishing, Jesus conveyed to His disciples the mission and purpose that awaited them. Just as they were skilled in the art of catching fish, Jesus would transform them into fishers of men. He would equip them with the necessary tools, wisdom, and power to effectively share the message of the Kingdom, draw people to God, and bring them into a life-transforming relationship with Him. This promise signifies the disciples' role in fulfilling the Great Commission, which Jesus would later give to all believers (Matthew 28:19-20). They were called to actively engage in the work of evangelism, to cast their nets wide and invite people into the abundant life found in Christ. Their mission was not limited to a specific group or region, but encompassed all people from every nation and background. In this statement, Jesus also reveals His intention to mold and shape His disciples into faithful and effective ministers of the Gospel. He promised to "make" them fishers of men, indicating a process of transformation and growth. Jesus would teach them, empower them with the Holy Spirit, and develop their character and skills to carry out their mission. He would equip them to become bold witnesses, compelling communicators, and compassionate servants who would bring others into the fold of God's love and grace. For us today, Jesus' promise remains just as relevant. As followers of Christ, we are also called to be fishers of men. We are called to share the good news of salvation, to embody the love and grace of Christ, and to invite others into a life-transforming relationship with Him. Jesus equips us with His Spirit, His Word, and His power to be effective ambassadors for His Kingdom. Like the disciples, we are called to cast our nets wide, reaching out to people in our communities, workplaces, and spheres of influence. We are called to demonstrate the love of Christ, share His truth, and walk alongside others as they journey toward faith. We are called to be intentional, compassionate, and persevering in our efforts to make disciples. As we embrace Jesus' promise to be fishers of men, let us recognize the significance of this calling. It is not just a duty or a task; it is a privilege and an honor to participate in God's redemptive work. Let us be faithful and obedient, trusting in Jesus' power and guidance as we cast our nets, knowing that He will bring the increase and fulfill His promise to gather people from all nations into His Kingdom. Conclusion: Discipleship is a vital part of the Christian life. It involves following Jesus, learning from Him, and becoming more like Him. It is not just a one-time decision, but a lifelong journey of growth and obedience. Jesus' call to discipleship is personal and direct. He calls individuals by name, inviting them to leave behind their old ways of life and follow Him wholeheartedly. The call to discipleship is immediate and radical. When Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John, they immediately left their nets and followed Him. This shows the urgency and importance of responding promptly and decisively to Jesus' call. Jesus promises to transform His disciples into fishers of men. He equips them with the tools, wisdom, and power to effectively share the message of the Kingdom and draw people to God. As disciples, we are called to actively engage in the work of evangelism and invite others into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus. Discipleship involves a process of growth and transformation. Jesus "makes" His disciples fishers of men, indicating that He develops their character, equips them with His Spirit, and teaches them to be effective ministers of the Gospel. We are called to cast our nets wide and invite people from all walks of life to experience the love and grace of Christ. Our mission is not limited to a specific group or region; it encompasses all people. Discipleship is a privilege and an honor. It is an opportunity to participate in God's redemptive work, to bring others into the fold of His love and grace. It requires faithfulness, intentionality, and perseverance. The Invitation Today:
As we apply the call to discipleship to our lives, it is essential to recognize that the invitation to follow Jesus is not limited to the individuals in the biblical account. It is a call that echoes throughout time and reaches each one of us today. Here are some practical ways we can respond to the call of discipleship in our congregation: Surrender and commitment: Just as Peter, Andrew, James, and John left everything to follow Jesus, discipleship requires a complete surrender of our lives to Him. It involves a commitment to prioritize our relationship with Christ above all else and align our thoughts, actions, and desires with His will. Learning and growing: Discipleship is a lifelong journey of learning from Jesus. We are called to study His teachings, immerse ourselves in His Word, and cultivate a deep intimacy with Him through prayer and worship. This commitment to spiritual growth enables us to become more like Christ and deepen our understanding of His purposes. Discipling others: Jesus' call to be fishers of men means actively engaging in the work of making disciples. As a congregation, we can embrace this responsibility by intentionally investing in the lives of others, sharing the Gospel, and guiding fellow believers in their faith journey. This can take the form of mentoring, discipleship groups, or simply being a supportive and loving community. Demonstrating Christ-like love: Discipleship is not just about sharing knowledge or leading Bible studies; it is about embodying the love of Christ in our interactions with others. We are called to display His compassion, forgiveness, and grace to those around us. This includes reaching out to the marginalized, extending a helping hand to those in need, and fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. Bold witness and evangelism: Our call to discipleship includes a commission to share the Good News with others. We can actively engage in evangelism by sharing our testimonies, inviting people to church, and participating in outreach activities that meet the physical and spiritual needs of our community. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Gospel, compelling others to inquire about the hope we have in Christ. Persistence and perseverance: Discipleship is a journey that requires perseverance and faithfulness. We may face challenges, setbacks, and opposition along the way, but we must stay committed to following Jesus and His teachings. Through trials and triumphs, we rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and draw strength from our relationship with God.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious time we have shared together as a congregation today. We are grateful for the truths we have learned about discipleship and the call to follow You. As we leave this place, we ask for Your continued guidance and presence in our lives. Help us to apply the lessons we have learned and to live as devoted disciples, shining Your light in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
Benediction:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all as we go forth from this place. May we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, carrying His love and light into the world. May His peace guard our hearts and minds, and may His Spirit empower us to live as faithful disciples. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen.
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