Part 1 in the series NCC 2021 Vision. Acts 2:42-27– The members of the early church were “all in” in their devotion to Christ. Because of this, they were able to display Christ to the broken world.
Fresh Hope for New Beginnings
Sermons on Discipleship
Ephesians 1:1-3–Ephesians is a general epistle written directly to us. It represents Paul’s urgent and essential message for the church.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 5:12-24 What makes a good church? Here Paul commends the church for their work produced by faith, their labor prompted by love, and their endurance inspired by faith. God is raising up an army of disciples who are ready to make other disciples. It’s time to get organized for action! [Note: first…
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 This passage provides clear instruction on the way to live in order to please God. We can call it discipleship or living the quiet life. However we label it, these commands are practical and necessary to reflect Christ in our church, in our homes, in our community and in our world.
Hebrews 10:19-25; Ephesians 5:15-21 “Encourage one another.” “Love one another . . .” “Speak to one another . . . ” “Let us not give up meeting together . . .” You can’t escape it. The Lord wants for us to spend time together. So . . . Come to church!
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother? . . . Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “. . . not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Forgiveness = uncomfortable and difficult, but necessary according to the Lord.
“…you were once dead in trespasses and sins … BUT GOD because of His great love for us, made us alive in Christ…” What is required to be an “insider”? First, we need to remember the basics of how we came to be insiders. Then we need to move forward in being disciples and making…
1 Peter 3:13-22 “Fanaticism–marked by excessive enthusiasm or uncritical devotion.” Is it necessary to be a fanatic to truly follow Jesus? Peter lists some steps to becoming a fanatic for doing good. He also reveals that the consequences for doing this might not be what you’d expect.
Ephesians 1:3-14 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Chosen. Adopted. Forgiven. Grace lavished on us. Sealed by the Holy Spirit. Rich inheritance promised. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of Christ’s family?
Matthew 16:16-20; Matthew 28:18-20 The “church” is referred to in a lot of different ways. People speak of going to “my” church. But the church doesn’t really belong to the people; nor does it belong to the pastor. In these passages Jesus makes it clear who the church really belongs to and what is to…