At Northwest, we believe it is our responsibility and privilege to reflect God's character and share the message of restoration with everyone we meet. In the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday, I could not have been more proud at the way Northwest lived out this incredible responsibility and privilege. I continue to hear stories from Northwesters who have recently stepped out of their comfort zone to serve a neighbor, reach out to a coworker, invite a family member, and open up their home to develop new friendships in order to earn the right to share the message of Christ with people who may be far from God. As a young church we are learning that discipleship (showing people how to follow Jesus Christ) requires conversation,
modeling, encouragement, debriefing, and practice, all of which happen
in the context of relationship.
As we continue to build relationships and invest in other people, we are reminded that there are 3 moving parts in the discipleship process:
- God’s Part (John 6:44)
- Draws people to Himself
- Justification and sanctification
- Our Part (Colossians 4:2-6)
- Pray for others
- Live wisely
- Make the most of every relationship God gives us
- Their Part (Matthew 19:16-22)
- Each person is responsible for either accepting or rejecting Jesus Christ
- Individuals must make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ; You can't do it for them
great article...challenging and motivating! Gonna' share it with my Bible study peeps! A.M.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was helpful. Hope it challenges your peeps too!
DeleteIt certainly is like one of those knife commercials! Just when you think your set and your going to Heaven when you die, you get eternity with God/Christ/Holy Spirit along with that! AND THAT'S NOT ALL! FOLKS, YOU GET THE HOLY SPIRIT AS YOUR HELPER AS LONG AS YOU LIVE ON EARTH. YOU GET FREEDOM FROM SIN AND YOU GET RECONCILIATION! HEY, JACK, YOU EVEN GET THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, ANSWERED PRAYERS, FAVOR, AND NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, IT IS GUARANTEED (TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD), NO NO NO, NOT JUST FOR LIFE, BUT FOR ETERNITY! What a deal folks. You can't pass that up.
ReplyDeleteGood word bro! Love it!
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