Isn’t Belief in Jesus Enough?

Sermon Notes September 16, 2018 Matthew 28:19,20 Short Review Review the main points of the morning message. Focus the group on the main theme: Can I be a follower of Jesus if I don’t believe (trust, accept the authority of) the Bible? Some Questions: 1. As you’ve talked with friends and family, what do most believe about the bible? How many people would say: a. It is inspired. (What do they mean by that?) b. It is inspiring, a good book to read. c. It has some good teaching in it. d. It is the Word of God. e. Just one among many books claiming to be God’s Word. 2. Let’s focus on this theme by answering this question: What would you say to someone who said, “I’m a Christian, I consider myself a follower of Jesus, but I don’t really believe or read the bible. It’s a book written long ago by a bunch of different people.” 3. Comment on Mt. 19:20a – What does this verse say about the authority and position that Jesus claims for Himself? Explain. 4. Review and discuss the four questions. a. Do I love to share the words of Jesus? [“Going” – not just traveling, but as we go we make disciples] b. Do I choose to walk with others who follow Jesus’ words? [I Cor. 12:13 – “Baptizing” means being made part of the church] i. What are the practical, emotional, relational challenges of doing this? ii. Why is it important? [Heb. 10:24,25, Prov. 13:20] iii. Why is this important in parenting our children? c. Do I love to hear Jesus’ words? i. Why is this a mark of being a follower of Jesus? See John 14:15; 8:31 ii. How did your reading and interest in the Bible change when you came to faith? d. Do I trust Jesus’ words even when they are challenging? i. What are some of the most challenging commands of Jesus to us personally? ii. What are examples of commands and teachings of Jesus which go across the grain of our culture today? iii. How do you honor Jesus while at the same time genuinely loving and honoring those who disagree with His word? 5. What resonated with you? Were there particular applications to your own life which the Spirit was making? 6. How can we pray for one another in response to the word today?