Now What?

Scott Risley

Matthew 28:16-20

After Jesus resurrected from the dead, He met with the disciple and commissioned them to send them out into the whole world to continue the mission He started. He came to seek and save those who are lost. As the Father sent Him, He likewise sends the disciples to go and make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teach them everything Jesus had taught them. Just as the disciples were commissioned, so is every Christian called to follow their example.

Three Important Questions

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 16:1-27

Through his interactions with the Pharisees and his disciples, Jesus brings up three major questions that are worth answering. The first question that comes up is who people think Jesus really is. Peter responds that he is the son of God, and Jesus promises that he will build his church to which nothing will overpower it, not even Satan. The second question concerns the call of discipleship, and if people are willing to follow Jesus' radical call of self-sacrifice. The last question concerns the cost of not following after Jesus, which is the forfeiture of one's own soul as Jesus will ultimately judge people according to their deeds. People must make a clear decision on what they think about Jesus.

The Two Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make

Scott Risley

Matthew 16:1-24

Every person alive will need to decide who they believe Jesus is. Their eternal destiny depends upon this decision. The second decision, if one believes Jesus is the Son of God, is whether or not you will follow Him. There is no cost to you to receive salvation but there is a cost to follow Jesus. The best part of the Christian life is reserved for those who go all the way. Can you afford to not follow Him?

An Unlikely Disciple

Scott Risley

Matthew 9:9-34

When Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow Him, Matthew gets up and follows Him and throws a big party for Jesus and His disciples. Even after seeing all the miracles Jesus has performed so far, the Pharisees object to Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus responds by saying it was not the healthy that need a a doctor but the sick and then continues to do miracles. Then the Pharisees accuse Him of preforming miracles by the power of Satan. The miracles validated Jesus as the Messiah but the Pharisees could not see it.

Reaching High School and College Students

Ruth W

1 John 2:15-17

Insights into three barriers to student ministry, highlighting the "Gen Y" or the "Millennial" generations as examples and practical approaches to student ministry are discussed.

Insights on Coaching Leaders from the Pastoral Epistles

Scott Risley

1 John 2:15-17

The Discipling Church

Dennis McCallum

Hebrews 5:13-14

Scripture makes it clear that God's desire is to see every member of His church grow into maturity. This can be accomplished through successful discipleship relationships. To be a strong disciple-maker a large focus should be on character qualities and a focus on the inner life. God's Word is crucial for this to occur. It is in God's Word where we can motivate others towards God's goals with true conviction. In the Word lies the power for true character change.

Jesus Takes His Ministry to the People

Dennis McCallum

Matthew 4:12-22

Jesus travels to the sea of Galilee where he meets Peter and Andrew and calls them to follow him. Later, he calls John and James as well to leave behind what they have and follow them. This is the first introduction of Biblical discipleship, the way in which Jesus would reach others. Through one one one mentoring, Jesus would use this method to equip people to go out and reach others to mentor in the things of God. Discipleship is the method used throughout the New Testament by people like Paul, Timothy, and others. The first step for someone who wants to become effective in discipleship is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ by asking for his forgiveness.

Paul's Second Journey (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum

Acts 15:36-16:13

Paul's second missionary journey reflects several key New Testament principles of serving God through ministry: 1) timing; 2) contextualization; 3) centering ministry around discipleship; and 4) being led and empowered in the work by the Holy Spirit. From Paul's example, we see someone who, from the moment he received Jesus Christ into his heart, began immediately serving God. Paul made extensive efforts to ensure there weren't barriers for communicating with people from different cultures. He also centered his work around training and equipping others in discipleship to go and do God's work and wasn't human-centered, but depended on God's guidance through the Holy Spirit in the work God had placed before him.