Only One Truth, Only One Gospel

Galatians 1:1-10

Historical Background: Paul Preaches the Gospel in Galatian (Acts 13:13-41)

1. The True Herald of the Gospel (Gal 1:1-2)

God defines it!

2. The True Heart of the Gospel (Gal 1:3-5)

God does it!

3. No Other Gospel Saves! (Galatians 1:6-10)

We cannot DESERT the Gospel (Gal 1:6a)

We cannot DEFINE the Gospel (Gal 1:6b-7a)

We cannot DISTORT the Gospel (Gal 1:7b)

We cannot DEVIATE from the Gospel (Gal 1:8-9)

We must DECLARE God’s Gospel!! (Gal 1:10)

4. The Source of the True Gospel is God! (Gal 1:11-12)

Because the gospel is NOT from men, we exalt it above all religion. Because the gospel IS from Jesus Christ, we trust it for life

Discipleship – Growing Together in the Mission of God

1 Peter 2:1-10

Purpose: to grow in Christ together, His Nation proclaiming of His excellencies

1. Exhortation to Spiritual Growth

Hindrances to Spiritual Growth (1 Peter 2:1)

Genuine love (1:22) requires believers put off malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy & slander

Crave the Word Like Babes Crave Milk! (1 Peter 2:2-3)

The Paradigm for Spiritual Growth

See 1:23-25 for Peter’s emphasis on the Word

2. Your Identity in Christ Supplies Two Reasons for Spiritual Growth

You Are Part of The Holy Building (1 Peter 2:4-8)

Jesus Christ is the foundation and focus

The Materials of the Building = born-again believers in Jesus Christ! (v. 5)

Jesus is the capstone/corner stone (v. 7; Ps. 118:22; Heb 12:1-2)

You Are Part of The New Nation (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Believers in Jesus must spiritually grow because they are a New Nation

          Described in 4 terms (v. 9):

1. A Chosen Race (see Is. 43:20ff; Deut 10:15)
2. A Royal Priesthood (see 1 Pet. 2:5; Is. 61:6, 66:21; Rev. 1:6)
3. A Holy Nation (see Ex. 19:6; Deut. 7:6)
4. A People for God’s Own Possession (see Ex. 19:5; Deut. 4:20, 14:2; Titus 2:14)

          The New Nation’s Purpose (v. 9b)! Proclaiming God’s Excellencies! 

          What is proclaimed? God called us out of darkness into light!

          Because (v. 10)? We have received God’s mercy in Christ!

Conclusion: This is The Priesthood of the Believer

1. Each individual believer has the privilege to approach God for himself or herself in Christ
2. Each individual believer has a responsibility to serve and love others

                                                 The Certainty of Discipleship
                                                             Acts 1:1-11 (ESV)

1. Jesus presents himself as the risen Lord.
Acts 1:3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

The authority and power of Jesus is verified by his physical resurrection.

2. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:4-8 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me;5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 

He focuses them on and empowers them for the mission.

3. Jesus proclaims his triumph.

Acts 1:8 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b]the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

He makes the success of his mission and the work of his disciples certain.

SO WHAT?
ALL disciples reproduce.

Discipleship - Joining the Mission of God As One

Romans 12 (NASB)

Purpose: Together in the Body of Christ, we are A Holy Sacrifice to God

1.  Worshipping God Together As One

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

In v. 1, “you/your” is plural, while “a holy sacrifice” is singular! Do not conform to this world, but be transformed, renewing your mind!

2. God Is the Source!

Romans 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

3. Many Believers, One Body

Romans 12:4-5 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

God’s Gracious Gifts (Paul mentions 7 gifts)

Romans 12:6-8 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;  if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;  or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Care Commanded (5 charges)

Romans 12:9-10 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

Preferential Treatment (9 WAYS to “give preference”!)

Romans 12:10-13 give preference to one another in honor;  not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,  contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Body Building (14 More Charges!)

Romans 12:14-21 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.  Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.  “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

THIS IS ALL WORSHIP!!!!

                                               The Cost of Discipleship
                                                      Mark 8:31-38 (ESV)

1. Jesus was obedient to die, in order to bring life.
Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

The ways of Christ seem like foolishness to our earthly minds, but disciples are called to think and act in light of eternity.


2. Jesus demands we follow Him through death to life.

Mark 8:34-36 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 

No ONE and no THING can come before Jesus.

 
3. Jesus is coming in glory and will hold us accountable.

Mark 8:37-38 For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

As disciples, obedience will be rewarded and disobedience will be rebuked.

SO WHAT?
ALL disciples die to live.

Joining God’s Mission in Christ’s Body

Ephesians 4:7-13 (NASB)

Christ’s purpose is to build us into one body, mature in faith and service

1. Christ Gives Gifts to His Church

Ephesians 4:7-8   But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says,

         “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,

         HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,

         AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.”

            Who gave the gifts? Jesus Christ.

To whom? ­­­­­­­­Each one of us.

Ephesians 4:9 Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.

Doctrinal section: Where did this Giver come from and go to? Far above the heavens.

2. The Gifts Christ Gives

Ephesians 4:11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

            What are the gifts mentioned here? 

            Some as apostles

            Some as prophets

            Some as evangelists

            Some as pastor teachers

3. The Purpose for Christ’s Gifts

Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Why were the gifts given?

For the equipping of the saints

            For the work of service

            To the building up of the body of Christ

            Until “we all” attain to the unity of the faith

            and of the knowledge of the Son of God

            To a mature man (note the singular “a man” made                   up of “we all”)

            To the measure of the fullness of Christ

                            The Course of Discipleship
                             Matthew 11:25-30 (ESV)

            1. We can know God intimately.

             Matthew11:25-26  At that time Jesus declared, “I 
             thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that
            you have hidden these things from the wise and
            understanding and revealed them to little children;

             yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

              The Father reveals himself to those who come to     
              Him in faith. It is not our knowledge or intellect that
             is the key, but a humble trusting heart.

            2. Jesus wants to reveal God to us.

            Matthew 11:27 All things have been handed over to 

           me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except
           the Father, and no one knows the Father except the
           Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal

           him.

          When we see Jesus, we see the Father. To follow Jesus,
          is to learn who God is, His nature, character, and will,
          and to be known by Him.

      
            3. When we follow Jesus, we find rest.

             Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and
             are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my

             yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle

            and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your

             souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

              Being a disciple is about trust, not about our
             proficiency or effort. It is resting in  the reality that

             God will transform us more completely than we

            could ever change ourselves.

              SO WHAT?

              ALL disciples imitate Jesus.

“Disciples, Joining the Mission of God Together”

Acts 2:36-47

“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”  - Peter in Acts 2:39 (NASB)

Purpose: to show how disciples join the mission of God as the church of Jesus Christ

What is the God doing here in Acts 2?

            Jesus is both Lord and Christ (2:36)

            Using Peter’s Preaching (2:37, 40)

            Promising Salvation to gospel believers (2:32, 39)

            Providing the Holy Spirit (2:38)

Calling People to Himself (2:39)

            Adding more saved people (2:47)

The Lord’s Church in Born When People Respond

            Pierced to the heart (2:37)

Repent (2:38)

            Each believer baptized (2:38)

            “Be saved from this perverse generation” (2:40)      

How many did this? 3,000 +  (2:41, 47)

            The Way of Life in the Church of Jesus Christ:

            Continually devoting themselves to (2:42):

1. the apostles’ teachings (discipleship)
2. fellowship
3. breaking of bread
4. prayer

Everyone felt awe, apostles’ signs & miracles (2:43)

Together in biblical fellowship how?

            All things in common (2:44-45)

            With one mind, worshipping, praising (2:46-47)

            Gladness, heart sincerity, eating together (2:46)

The Mission of God is About The Gospel

            The gospel of Jesus Christ saves sinners

            The gospel gathers the saved in church

            The gospel church continues the mission

First Baptist Church Exists to Glorify Christ

in Worship, Discipleship, and Mission

The Call of Discipleship
Matthew 4:18-22 (ESV)

1. Jesus meets them where they are.

Matthew 4:18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 21 And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. 

              Jesus meets them at their daily work of fishing. They are not in a religious
              school, nor is this a monumental moment, but a miracle of the ordinary.

2. Jesus gives them a new identity and purpose.

   Matthew 4:19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

   Jesus tells them who they will be, no longer fishermen, but fishers of men.

3. Jesus meets them where they are.

   Matthew 4:20Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

              Following Jesus required an immediate and decisive answer.

SO WHAT?

ALL disciples are called.

It is possible that some of us still haven’t chosen to follow.

Are we still fishing when he is wanting to do so much more through us?

The King’s Commission

Matthew 28 (NASB)

Purpose: Making disciples of the nations is the first command of the risen King!

• The King’s Cross

            The Crucifixion of King Jesus (Matthew 27:33-56)

                        FULFILLMENT of Psalm 22

Jesus is buried (Matthew 27:57-61)

The Pharisees and Pilate post a guard (Matthew 27:62-66)

• The King’s Victory – Jesus Is Alive!

Matthew 28:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” 8 And they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.”

“Go quickly and tell” what? That Jesus is risen from the dead! (Matthew 28:7)

Another last-ditch fabricated conspiracy (see Matthew 28:11-15)

“Worship!” Mourning turned into worship! (Matthew 28:9, 17)

• The King’s Command!

Matthew 28:16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The King’s authority is universal (v. 18)

“Go” means “Go”! (v. 19)

The King’s command is particular, make disciples of Jesus Christ!

                        “How to” make disciples? “baptizing” and “teaching” (vv. 19-20)

The King’s commission is to His church

The object of the King’s message is “all the nations”

The King promised His presence as we engage in His mission

Making Disciples of the Nations, the First Command of the Risen King!

Jesus is King of Kings

Matthew 27 (NASB)

Purpose: Despite the false claims, Jesus is the true King!

• King Jesus Handed Over to Roman Judgment – While Judas is “Too Little, Too Late”

Matthew 27:1 Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death; 2 and they bound Him, and led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate the governor.

Matthew 27:3 Then when Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that He had been condemned, he felt remorse and returned the thirty 1pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” 5 And he threw the pieces of silver into the temple sanctuary and departed; and he went away and hanged himself. 6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the temple treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7 And they conferred together and with the money bought the Potter’s Field as a burial place for strangers. 8 For this reason that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “AND THEY TOOK THE THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER, THE PRICE OF THE ONE WHOSE PRICE HAD BEEN SET by the sons of Israel; 10 AND THEY GAVE THEM FOR THE POTTER’S FIELD, AS THE LORD DIRECTED ME.”

Judas is remorseful for his betrayal and hangs himself

            FULFILLMENT of: Zechariah 11:12-13

• King Jesus Tried by Romans, Sentenced by Crowds – While Pilate is a Weak Judge

Matthew 27:11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 And He did not answer him with regard to even a single charge, so the governor was quite amazed.

Matthew 27:15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the people any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 At that time they were holding a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. 17 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.

Matthew 27:19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death. 21 But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Crucify Him!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they kept shouting all the more, saying, “Crucify Him!”

Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.” 25 And all the people said, “His blood shall be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

Jesus admits He is the King of the Jews (vv. 11-14)

Pilate offers to release a prisoner (vv. 15-18)

Pilate is warned by his wife (v. 19)

The chief priests and elders manipulate the crowds (v. 20)

The crowds cry crucify (vv. 21-23)

Pilate releases Barabbas, washes his hands, and delivers Jesus to death (vv. 24-26)

• King Jesus in Victory Over Sin and Death – While Soldiers Mock Jesus

Matthew 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. 28 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. 31 After they had mocked Him, they took the scarlet robe off Him and put His own garments back on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 32 As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross.

The King's Prayers

Matthew 26:36-75 (NASB)

Purpose: King Jesus does the Father's will, fulfilling Scripture and declaring His sovereignty!

• King Jesus Prays Submitting to the Father's Will

Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me."

Matthew 26:39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Matthew 26:42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 "Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!"

King Jesus prays to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane

Three times Jesus prays for His Father's will to be done (vv. 39, 42, 44)

• King Jesus Arrested Fulfilling the Scriptures

Matthew 26:47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him." 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you have come for." Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

Matthew 26:51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 "How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?"

Matthew 26:55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 "But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets." Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

Judas betrays Jesus the King (vv. 47-50) 

            A disciple (Peter) attacks a priest (vv. 51-54)

            Jesus says that the Scriptures must be FULFILLED in this (vv. 24, 54, 56)

            Jesus addresses the crowds (vv. 55-56) 

• King Jesus Testifies "“ Declaring His Sovereignty!

Matthew 26:57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death. 60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, "This man stated, "I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.'" 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, "Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?" 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God." 64 Jesus said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN."

Matthew 26:65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?" They answered, "He deserves death!"

Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?"

            The high priest compels Jesus "by the living God" to answer if He is Christ (v. 63)

Jesus the King's defense: He will FULFILL Psalm 110:1 & Daniel 7:13 (v. 64)

• Peter Denies Jesus 3 Times " “ Fulfilling the Prophecy of Jesus

Matthew 26:69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, "You too were with Jesus the Galilean." 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are talking about." 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, "This man was with Jesus of Nazareth." 72 And again he denied it with an oath, "I do not know the man." 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, "Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away." 74 Then he began to curse and swear, "I do not know the man!" And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, "Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.

            FULFILLMENT of Matthew 26:33-34

Conclusion:

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

GO - Sharing Christ in Everyday Life

We are all evangelists -  sports teams, preferred vehicles, favorite restaurants, essential oils"¦.   5 OBSERVATIONS, 4 OBEDIENT ACTIONS, 5 OPPORTUNITIES.

THE POINT           

• John knew Jesus and points others to Him.  (John 1:35-36)
• We all heard the gospel from someone else.

• The two investigated themselves. (John 1:37-39)
• They spent time with him themselves.
• We all have to have our own relationship
• Andrew and Philip believed and told others. (John 1:40-46)
• Andrew found his brother.
• Philip found his friend.
• Both said we have found him.
• Come and see"¦.
• Philip is obedient. (Acts 8:28-38)
• Spirit provides an opportunity.
• Shares with one whom the Spirit is already preparing
• Paul and Barnabas are set apart. (Acts 13:1-4)
• Have learned. (They teach)
• Are worshippers.
• Seeking the glory of God with their lives.
• Barnabas "“ Cyprus, Paul "“ Rome.

OBEDIENT ACTIONS

Start with what you know
             What has been revealed to you about Jesus?
             What are you learning about him?

Start with who you know
              Family "“ kids, brothers, and sisters, etc.
              Friends "“ People you know and are close to already

Start new relationships
              Pray about it. Be determined to be obedient.
               The Holy Spirit will set the appointments and bring people into
                your life.

        
         Start to change the World
                         God may send you across the street.
                         God may send you across the world.
          

SO WHAT?

Every movement of God starts when his people take responsibility.
           Who will you be responsible for?

We want to be a church where people don't just come, but where people go"¦

OPPORTUNITIES

      Tonight "“ Start with your kids, grandkids. "“ Sunday night to family time.

       June 27th "“ Community night      Food pantry on Wednesday mornings.

       Life on Purpose Workshops "“ Helping find your role.

      Go on the next mission trip.