During His time on earth, Jesus often said to people “Follow Me.” That same invitation is extended to us still today. But, what exactly was He saying? There are many opinions of what it means to be a disciple, but Jesus had something specific in mind.
This week we began a new series where we will be exploring The Discipleship Challenge. Our desire is to rediscover what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. We’re challenge some commonly held assumptions about discipleship in the church today, and hopefully we will be challenged by the words of Jesus.
Today was all about laying a foundation. Not only for the series, but also the foundation of our relationship with Jesus and what it means to be a follower of His. Discipleship is a choice, and it isn’t always easy, but the burden is light (Matthew 11) when we join with Jesus.
Here’s what we did together:
Our service flow:
Blessed Be Your Name (Redman)
Greeting Time
Welcome/Announcements
Special Lay Leader Recognition
Call to Worship: Psalm 147:7-11
This week, my wife led us in the call to worship and reminded us of the greatness of Jesus.
Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King (Robinson/Miller)
Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Chisholm/Runyan)
Prayer
For our prayer time, reminded the congregation of the importance of our investment in prayer and that as we are faithful to pray, He is faithful to answer. I shared some needs with them, invited them to pray silently, and then we concluded this segment with the senior pastor leading in a corporate prayer.
Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting (Pigott/Hampton)
Before leading into this song, shared a thought about rest, communion with God and King David from John Owen
Offering
During the offering, we introduced the song Unashamed Love (Heibert)
Message
Video: Plastic Jesus from Igniter Media
Response/Prayer
Encouraged people to consider Jesus’ call to discipleship, the kind of life they were living, and whether they were finding it too difficult, out of control, or just having a hard time. What was God saying to them, and what was their response?
Unashamed Love
During the song, read Psalm 91:1-4
Prayer
That we would know the rest of Jesus and that we all have ears to hear the words of Jesus over the next few weeks in regards to the truth of discipleship.
Close: Hebrews 13:20-21
Some Observations:
- We were a bit down in attendance today, but we also had some guests today. We are continuing to grow together. I’m looking forward to seeing what God will do in our midst over the next few months.
- I experienced a microphone failure today while giving announcements. The older wireless handheld mic just doesn’t like me for some reason. It always seems to fade in and out when I use it (and it’s not the sound guy being silly). Fortunately, I think I may have access to a replacement.
- We also had a song challenge today. Halfway through Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting I discovered that the congregation didn’t know it. There were a few valiantly singing, which I appreciated. Beck and I seemed to have a hard time getting in sync with the song, and at one point she lost her place in the words. Let’s just say that I wrapped that one up rather quickly and moved on. However, I think Unashamed Love was well received, and we’ll be coming back to that one.
- The message was good today, too. A great reminder and great challenge. Our hope is that many will hear and respond with a truer commitment in the weeks to come.
I hope your time together this morning was special and God-honoring. I hope that you found encouragement and strength to live the rest of this week in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To find our what other churches did together this week, be sure to check out Sunday Setlists at The Worship Community.
See you next week!
