Beyond Attending

Opening Scripture

John 1:35–42 NIV

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

The Disciples of Jesus’s cousin John (the baptist) had witnessed the confirmation of Jesus at the Jordan when He went to be baptized.

John’s disciples were content with just listening

John’s disciples wanted to follow Jesus because all that they witnessed at His baptism.

Jesus doesn’t turn them away but instead encourages them to come spend an afternoon with Him.

Jesus doesn’t call us to be content with just hearing His teachings — He calls us to action

Deny Yourself To Serve Others

Luke 9:23–24 NIV

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

There was another instance where people wanted to follow Jesus — Not because of what they witnessed but because of what they wanted.

Often times people will want to follow Jesus because of what miracle they believe will benefit them

Following Jesus just because you don’t want to go to hell is not enough

Following Jesus just because you want to be some popular preacher or pastor is not the right intentions

Following Jesus because you want to make your name great is vanity

Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and to take up the thing in which we struggle with (our cross) and follow Him.

Jesus acknowledges that this is not easy but in other scriptures reminds us that He is with us through it all and in it all.

Be Connected

Acts 2:41–47 NIV

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The followers of Jesus thrived in community — While community was slightly different in that day it does not change the fact that we should be in it.

There are times where we may feel that we are alone but if we are plugged into a good Christian Community (church) we will have the proper support that we need.

No church is perfect but as scripture declares we are being made perfect for the coming of Jesus

As a church we are to pray with and for one another — a church without prayer is just an entertainment venue

As a church we are to approach and converse with one another with sincere hearts — hearts that does not have a personal agenda.

We can find every excuse as to why we can’t be apart — BUT Ask yourself is your excuse greater than God’s call?

Maturity Through Serving

Ephesians 4:11–16 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Ministry has a tendency of maturing Christians

When actively serving in Ministry we realize that this isn’t that we can do on our own but instead something that we can only do with Jesus.

Ministry is NOT easy but it is Well worth it

No type of ministry is to small

No type of service is to small — Whatever it is you do to serve you do it for the glory of the Lord.

Starting off small is the training Ground for something BIGGER!!

What’s stopping you from answering the call of Jesus to make an IMPACT in the world?

Your Next Steps

1. Spend intentional time with Jesus

Jesus invited the disciples to “come” and spend time with Him. Set aside at least 15 minutes each day this week to pray, read Scripture, and listen for God’s direction.

2. Lay down one thing every day

Identify one attitude, habit, desire, or comfort that competes with following Jesus. Each morning, intentionally surrender it to God and choose one action that puts someone else ahead of yourself.

3. Strengthen one Christian connection

Do not attempt to follow Jesus alone. Contact one believer this week to pray together, study Scripture, share a meal, or have an honest conversation. If you have not been consistent in church or a small group, commit to becoming connected.

4. Find one place to serve

Choose one practical way to serve this week—inside the church, in your family, at work, or in the community. Do not wait for a title or a platform. Start with the need that is already in front of you.

5. Bring one person closer to Jesus

Andrew’s first response after encountering Jesus was to find his brother and bring him to Christ. Write down the name of one person who needs encouragement or needs to know Jesus. Pray for them, contact them, share what Jesus has done for you, or invite them to church.