DNA sermon series #8 The Path Grow
DNA Who we are as a church sermon series #8
ABC July 4, 2021
ABC DNA THE PATH: connect, GROW, serve, and go
Psalm 16:11, Matthew 28:18-20
INTRODUCTION:
DNA is the code of life that defines who you are—and the church, ABC, has one too. Our DNA describes the CENTER of who we are as a church. Over the course of this series, we will be looking at God’s plan for the church, why ABC exists, what we believe, details of our DNA and how we are going to get there.
REMEMBER: the church began in the heart of God and exists for the glory of God. God began His church to manifest His glory to the whole world.
The making of disciples is our Lord’s means for answering the prayer, “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). In His infinite wisdom, Jesus chose to use dedicated followers, His disciples, to carry the message of salvation to all peoples of the world.
Making disciples is the clear command of the scriptures and everyone should be engaged in the process. Instead, the commission to “make disciples” is often interpreted in one of two ways:
Some “make disciples” by making converts and then outsourcing their “discipleship” to a church program.
Others gather converts together and attempt to “go deeper” but place no emphasis on being a witness to their neighbor.
And while there is certainly an evangelistic aspect to Christ’s command, His instructions go beyond just spreading the gospel. The verb translated as “teach” is beautifully complex, carrying more meaning than simply accumulating converts. It communicates the idea of a learning believer-someone who is growing in his faith and his love for the Lord.
Jesus’ words emphasize not the moment of salvation but the lifetime of sanctification that follows. He made the same point in John 8:31 when He said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” It’s the difference between a one-time profession of faith and a lifetime of spiritual growth and increasing godliness-between counterfeit and genuine conversion.
How do we make disciples? The first step is CONNECT. In its essence, the Christian faith is about relationships, first with God, and then, with others in His family. The second step is GROW. Every authentic follower of Jesus Christ has the desire to grow spiritually. We are at different stages, but we are all growing. II Peter 3:18 instructs us to, “. . . grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The third step is SERVE. The natural outflow of being a follower of Christ is serving Christ in the church. We believe that an authentic follower of Jesus Christ will have an intimate connection with God and other believers, will have a thorough and practical knowledge of Scripture, and will be committed to investing his or her life in service to Christ and His Kingdom. The ultimate goal of the discipleship process is that disciples will become disciple-makers.
BIG IDEA: Making disciples is the clear command of the scriptures and everyone should be engaged in the process.
BODY:
I. THE PRIORITY OF MAKING DISCIPLES
Note: Like most everything else in this world, priorities have gotten messed up, even in the church. The marching orders of the Great Commission are plain. Jesus is telling us that while He is gone, our job is to make disciples. Making disciples MUST be the priority because if we don’t then Acadiana Baptist will die a natural death.
A. It’s the Command of the Bible
B. It’s the Calling of the Spirit
C. It’s the Challenge of the Church
II. THE PROGRAM OF MAKING DISCIPLES
Note: Discipleship doesn’t happen automatically. It isn’t automatic because of the presence of sin and the realities of our sinful nature. Disciples are made not born! It takes an intentional and proactive approach to make disciples. It takes a personal desire on behalf of the individual to invest in their own spiritual growth and make some commitments.
A. A Commitment to having a Teachable Spirit
Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 13:7, 17
B. A Commitment to Study the Scriptures
C. A Commitment to Learn about your Savior
D. A Commitment to Attend and be Active in the Sanctuary
E. A Commitment to Listen and Follow the Spirit
III. THE PRACTICES OF MADE DISCIPLES
A. They Make More Disciples-they invest in others
B. They are Filled with the Love of God
C. They Sacrifice for the Greater Good and God’s Glory
D. They Know Christ, Abide in Christ and are Filled with Joy
E. They are Winning the Battle with their Flesh
F. They are Focused on Obedience to the Lord and His Word
G. They Practice the Presence of God in their Lives
NEXT STEPS:
• Commit to an aggressive daily Bible study routine
• Never allow a day to pass without taking time to pray for ABC
• Never speak with anyone without saying a word of praise about ABC
CONCLUSION:
At the close of life, the question will not be,
“How much have you gotten?” but “How much have you given?” ‚Not “How much have you won?” but “How much have you done?” ‚Not “How much have you saved?” but “How much have you sacrificed?” ‚It will be “How much have you loved and served,” not “How much were you honored?
Remember, it is God’s Will for every life for a person to be SAVED, SCRIPTURALLY baptized and to JOIN His Church…where are you along that journey?