Being a Disciple

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Being a Disciple

October 1, 2023 • Psalm 1:1–3

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Psalm 1:1-3

Introduction to the Bible:

*The most popular/preeminent book

7 billion total, 44 million copies per year

*The most powerful/influential book

The Bible is preeminent in influence. Why? Because it has the power to change lives!

*The most precious book

(Matthew 4:4)

I. A manual for life — God has spoken

Christianity is a revealed faith. We cannot find out about God unless God reveals Himself. God has revealed Himself in a person, Jesus Christ. He is God’s ultimate revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2; II Timothy 3:16-17). If it is God’s Word, then it must be our supreme authority for what we believe and how we live. It’s a manual for life.

II. A love letter from God – God speaks

It is also a love letter from God to you. John 5:39-40 The Bible is only so wonderful and exciting because it is about Jesus. It helps us come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

*To those who are not Christians

First, He brings faith to those who are not yet Christians. Romans 10:17.

*To those who are Christians

Become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18); Joy and peace in the midst of a storm (Psalm 23:5); Guidance (Psalm 119:105); Health/healing (Proverbs 4:20-22); Defense against spiritual attack (Matthew 4:1-11); Power (Hebrews 4:12); Cleansing (John 15:3)

III. How do we hear God speak through the bible?

1. Time, Place, Method

Ask God to speak

Read & study the Bible (What does it say and mean? How does it apply?)

Respond in prayer

Put it into practice

Matthew 7:24

God's Global Plan

November 19, 2023 • Gregg Parris • 2 Corinthians 8:1–7, 2 Corinthians 8:10–11, 2 Corinthians 8:20–21

II Corinthians 8:1-7 A “faith promise” offering is simply FAITH in God to provide an amount of money followed by a PROMISE to give it. Paul called this the “grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Grace is always a provision of something we don’t have. A “faith promise” offering is a commitment to give what we will trust God to provide. I. An offering supplied by God’s grace. “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches… They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability… See that you also excel in the grace of giving.” II Corinthians 8:1-7 The grace of new opportunity The grace of discipline The grace of the unusual II. An offering to be completed within a year. “Last year you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by our completion of it.” II Corinthians 8:10-11 III. An offering to be carefully administered. “We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.” Paul understood the need for financial accountability and strategic investment! II Corinthians 8:20-21

Healing, Signs & Wonders

November 12, 2023 • Gregg Parris • Acts 3:1–10, Mark 1:15, Matthew 4:23

Acts 3:1-10 I. HEALING IN THE BIBLE In the Old Testament. The Ministry of Jesus. The teaching of Jesus “The time has come,” he said. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 All who believe will be totally healed on that day! The Kingdom of God is both “now” and “not yet" The ministry of Jesus “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Matthew 4:23 The commission of Jesus II. HEALING IN CHURCH HISTORY III. HEALING TODAY

Make New Disciples

November 5, 2023 • Gregg Parris • Matthew 28:16–20, 1 Peter 3:1–2

Matthew 28:16-20 1. The Command of Jesus (Great Commission) 2. Needs of Others. 3. The Gospel is Good News. I. PRESENCE “…if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.” I Peter 3:1-2 II. PERSUASION (not pressure) III. PROCLAMATION Invitational Relational Telling our own story IV. POWER V. PRAYER