What are we to be doing today as a church?

Intro:

Give Bios of family

"What are we to be doing today as a church?"

If you had to describe what the church does in one word what would that be? I bet you we would have multiple different answers just in this room here this morning. This should not be so because if we are going to function correctly we must know what we are to be doing today as a church. This is seen in the secular world…

Starbucks= Coffee

Michelin= Tires

I’m lovin’ it= McDonald’s

Eat Fresh= Subway

So what word or phrase describes the church? Lets look at to find out (READ SCRIPTURE)… I believe the one word or phrase that should describe the local church is Discleship or Disciple-Making.

*3 Truths about Disciple-making

We must realize Christ has all the power (16-18)

Matthew 28:16–18 KJV 1900

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

a. His authority stretches over heaven and earth

i. The phrase heaven and earth should sound familiar because that is the very first thing we learn about God in is that he is the creator and sustainer of both

ii. The authority of earth was given to Adam as he named creatures and tended to the garden but he fell in Genesis chapter 3

Romans 5:12–17 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: 13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. 15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. 16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

1. We should worship Him (17)

The very first thing the disciples did when they saw Christ was worship Him, in turn this should be our first response

2. We should hear Him (18-20)

He gave specific instructions and we should see this as a command and not a mere suggestion

TS: We have seen that Christ how all power not lets see that Christ has a plan

We must realize Christ has a plan (19-20a)

Matthew 28:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

1. We make disciples by going

2. We make disciples by baptizing

3. We make disciples by teaching

Making disciples is challenging so what are some strategies that can help us?

1. We ourselves need to be discipled

a. How many of you were like me and given a Bible and basically told cya when we need ya

b. 3 of out of 50 in Lawless’ class was discipled

2. We need to be outwardly focused

a. Want to know someone priorities look at their checkbook and calendar

b. Where do you spend your time and money?

3. We need to have a plan

a. “If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time” – Zig Ziglar

4. We need to be devoted to discipleship and stay for the long haul

a. The church has become a place to run to instead of a place to get rearmed for battle

i. First century church reloaded to go back out into persecution

ii. Paul mentions armor of God and spiritual warfare is certain

TS: We have seen that Christ how all power and we have seen that Christ has a plan now the third truth is that Christ makes a promise

We must realize Christ has a promise (20b)

Matthew 28:20 KJV 1900

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

III. We must reaqlize that Christ makes a promise

1. Jesus is with us constantly

2. Jesus is with us continually

Jesus is with us:

1. Always- in this life

2. Unto the end of the world- after this life

Conclusion: People’s last words are important and usually carry a lot of weight and these are some of the last words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as He was preparing his disciples before his ascension. The question is how seriously are me and you going to take His command. This morning you are in 1 of 3 categories.

1. You are lost this morning and need to repent of your sin and turn to Christ this morning and start being discipled

2. You are a new believer or a mature believer (years being saved not physical age) and you need to take discipleship more seriously and you need to repent and start discipling today

3. You are a disciple making disciple of the Lord Jesus Chris and you need to seek Him and pray for more wisdom and guidance as you bring and teach others for His Namesake.

Either way we all have something to pray about this morning so let me invite you to come up and pray this morning. Pray for yourself, pray for your church, pray that God burdens you and everyone here into becoming better disciple makers for His Kingdom and His glory… and all of God’s children said AMEN!