Back to Basics - Part 6

This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on July 21st 2024 by Colin. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here.

Jesus gave this command to his disciples before his Ascension - "Go and make disciples..."

The home between his ascension and return is when we have a job to do.

There are 3 things that identify a disciple. All those can be found in the book of John. There are many amazing miracles performed by Jesus - fed 5000 people, raised Lazarus to life, the centurion's servant, water into wine and many more. 

Jesus also makes these "I am" statements. I am the light, the way, the truth, the life, the resurrection and life, bread of life, true Vine, good shepherd and door.

3 statements that Jesus said: 

John 8:31-32 NIV - [31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

The truth will set you free. If you hold onto my teaching. 

The Jews believed in Jesus. But Jesus said that was not enough. 

James 2:19 NIV - [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Mere acknowledgement is not enough. 

1. We must hold onto Jesus

          i.               It means, being obedient by abiding in His Word.

Very soon, we will be starting discipleship groups to feed on the Word and get into it. 

How are we connected to the Word? Are we reading it daily? How much do you need and how much are you putting into practice? 

We need to increase our intake and meditation. 

Sometimes, we need to read whole chunks and allow God to speak to us.

Ephesians 4:2 NIV - [2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 

Matthew 4:4 NIV - [4] Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"

Acts 2:42 NIV - [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

 

        ii.               Doing his will is very important

Matthew 12:50 NIV - [50] For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

John 14:15 NIV - [15]  “If you love me, keep my commands. 

The one who obeys is the one who loves Jesus and the Father reveals himself to you.

 

2. Love One Another

John 13:34-35 NIV - [34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

What was new? As I have loved you. That sets the bar very high. We love to the point of death. 

Romans 5:8 NIV - [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We live Jesus but we also need to love one another.

We need to invest time and resources into loving people. It is a costly love.

How do we love? 

Colossians 3:13 NIV - [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

          i.               Be united, agreeing with one another 

        ii.               Bearing one another's burdens

      iii.               Forgiveness and compassion

We must start reaching out to the lost. 

John 17:21 NIV - [21] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 

3. Bear fruit

John 15:8 NIV - [8] This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Fruit - 

* Christlikeness - our behaviour should reflect Jesus

* Impact on society - many people made an impact on society. Jesus has called us to be light

* Seeing souls saved - God has commanded us to do this. This is an important part of fruit bearing that they Gospel will go out to the end of the earth

This happens as you remain in Word. 

John 15:7-8 NIV - [7] If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. [8] This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

The Word is a mirror - we can see where we need to be changed. What are the things you need to change ?

Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.