Disciple is a word we often use, but who and what is a disciple? At The Orchard we say, “Be Family, Live With
Purpose, Make Disciples.” How does the gospel connect to being a disciple? What is the gospel? How would
you explain the gospel to someone? Is there a difference between conversion and discipleship?
Many individuals lack belief in their ability to disciple others, often stemming from insecurities about their
knowledge and experience. Despite this, Jesus tasked his followers with the mission to "Go and make
disciples," meaning no one is exempt. How does Jesus' authority play a role in this process, and how can we
find peace and assurance in fulfilling this purpose—MAKE DISCIPLES?
Make Disciples - Gospel Centered
March 19, 2023 • Matthew 28:16–20, 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
Disciple is a word we often use, but who and what is a disciple? At The Orchard we say, “Be Family, Live With
Purpose, Make Disciples.” How does the gospel connect to being a disciple? What is the gospel? How would
you explain the gospel to someone? Is there a difference between conversion and discipleship?
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is an identity, not a verb. We have different roles in our lives, but our identity is
found in Jesus, and we are his disciples, which changes how we see the world and live. Being gospel-centered means that Jesus and his work are central in every area of our lives. MAKE DISCIPLES must be GOSPEL-CENTERED.
Live With Purpose - Maintaining A Divine Oneness
March 12, 2023 • Ephesians 4:1–6
Live With Purpose: Love Others
March 5, 2023 • Luke 10:25–37
LIVE WITH PURPOSE — WORSHIP
February 26, 2023 • Romans 11:30—12:1
“Worship is the highest and noblest activity of which man, by the grace of God, is capable.”
—John Stott
Because of our relationship with Jesus, Christians LIVE WITH PURPOSE. 1 Corinthians 10:31 encourages us to
glorify God in all we do. One of the ways we LIVE WITH PURPOSE is worship. But what is worship? Is it music?
Is it a feeling? Is it something else? We come together to worship Him, understanding that our love and
admiration for Him exists because He first loved us and chose us. The Holy Spirit prompts us to demonstrate
our reverence and devotion through worship. We actively pursue a relationship with God, honoring His
directive to worship Him. Our worship is motivated by God’s mercy, flows from a heart of faith, and is informed
by God’s revelation. All of our life is to be offered in worship and is a way to LIVE WITH PURPOSE.
BE FAMILY (Part 4)
February 19, 2023
On April 15, 2019, the world was stunned when Notre Dame de Paris blazed with fury. As if it were a mere twig, its spire snapped and plummeted 314 feet into the nave below. Through this ceiling of intricate carvings which had been meticulously crafted by artisans hundreds of years prior using five thousand pieces of oak timber - an entire city saw their “City Of Lights” burn before them as nightfall approached. As the blaze raged, viewers were left wondering if Notre Dame's iconic twenty-eight flying buttresses—a revolutionary invention of Gothic architecture—would collapse inward and bring down the building. Fortunately, they managed to withstand such a great test of strength! This was an important reminder that these stone structures created in 1180 are what have kept this structure standing for so long. Without them, it would have been reduced to rubble like matchsticks.
Paul's poetic language calls to mind his reminder of the church as the "pillar and buttress" of truth (1 Tim.3:15). In other words; it is our responsibility to uphold what is right. The church of Jesus Christ is good, beautiful, and true. The truth is her mission. The truth is her message. The truth is her reason for existing in the world. The church must hold the truth high.
BE FAMILY (Part 3)
February 12, 2023 • Ephesians 4:11–16
Beautiful is an uncommon adjective to use when describing the church. Generally, words such as organization, mission, vision, and body are used instead of beautiful. Although administrative details are necessary to carry out the church's mission, we do not want to lose sight of our purpose and reduce the church to being just like any other organization. We must be careful with how we assign roles and duties, emphasizing the qualifications and responsibilities of church leaders and keeping the church’s theology and mission at the forefront. We often focus on the benefits we receive from the church but rarely allow ourselves to be moved by its beauty and loveliness.
BE FAMILY because you are part of what makes The Orchard BEAUTIFUL. Jesus has given you gifts for ministry at The Orchard, and you are his gift to The Orchard. If The Orchard is to grow, it needs every member to work for unity, contribute in ministry, and grow toward maturity.
Be Family - Part 1
January 29, 2023 • Ephesians 2:19–22
As Christians, we have the incredible privilege of being declared "fellow citizens" with God's people and are cherished as his chosen people. Our heavenly citizenship gives us a new identity, strong defense, and purpose on our journey through this world. But even more than that, we become a part of God's family and share a special relationship with all who have faith in Jesus Christ. BE FAMILY is the magnificent invitation God gives us to experience this beautiful identity of those who follow Him.
God is transforming the world through the Church, the body of Christ. The Church is a spiritual building founded on apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as its chief cornerstone. Each Christian contributes to the building of this sacred place, and the Holy Spirit of God fills the house and its inhabitants with His power. By living our lives together, the Lord builds this house, and through it, He is transforming the world.
Three Things
January 22, 2023 • Hebrews 12:1–3
Outline
Be Family—a single drop doesn’t make a cloud.
• The story of our lives is finished in the lives of others.
• Run your own race, but don’t run it alone.
Live With Purpose—lay aside the things that slow you
down and run.
• The things that slow you down may not be bad.
• Sin easily entangles us because it is our default.
Make Disciples—look to Jesus and help others do the same.
• Focus on Jesus—the example, object, and source of our faith.
• Keep looking when you’re not sure you can keep running.
