DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: THE WORD IN US

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: THE WORD IN US

Monday, February 24, 2014

The following is from notes taken and thoughts provoked from Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon.

Hebrews [NLT] 10:23-26 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. [Also note Psalm 50]

  Studying discipleship is the easy part. Being one is the hard part. Discovering How To and Being can be poles apart!

  Much in the way of How To has been Biblically explained since the first lecture in this 6 month series: DISCIPLE IS NOT JUST A WORD; DISCIPLES ARE LEARNERS, MAYBE; DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: ME; DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: US; DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: PARTNERING IN TRUTH; DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: THE WORD OF GOD; and last week, DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: FIRM FOUNDATIONS.

  It’s now time to ask “How has this Truth impacted me, family, this church, our community?” Or have I just found these lectures interesting but I remain unchanged?

  The Apostle Paul urged the Colossian followers of Christ “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (NLT 3:16-17) This exhortation is just as pertinent today as those many centuries ago. God still speaks His Word to us today! However, do we hear and speak this Word to others?

  Consider the USA church situation today, read Pew, Barna, and others. The picture is not a good one. Why the discombobulation? Why so much belief far from the truth of God’s Word? Why do so many Christians trusting blessings having to do with financial prosperity and health as assurance of God’s love? Should we simply blame Satan . . . or consider it is the result of godly Christians praying for the fire of revival? (Pastor believes the latter reason.)

  Are we listening?!! “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (NLT 2Tim.3:16-17)

  Let us consider the faith of Habakkuk, a prophet sadly lamenting the iniquity of the times, as one sensibly touched with grief for the lamentable decay of religion and righteousness. (Matthew Henry) “I have heard all about you, Lord. I am filled with awe by your amazing works. In this time of our deep need, help us again as you did in years gone by. And in your anger, remember your mercy.” (NLT 3:2)

  If we are really listening God may this week bring something new before us a individuals and/or as a local congregation. And then how shall we live?