Everyday Christianity: The Disciple-Making Life
Sermon recap
"Rise up and be someone worth imitating." -Ric Garland
Weekly Service 10:30 AM
Scripture Focus Philippians 3:17
Pastor Ric wraps up our series on everyday Christianity this week with a fifth and final message. This sermon highlights why the everyday Christian life is one of disciple-making and the weight and responsibility that it carries.
In our scripture this week, Paul shares that influence goes both ways, meaning we should surround ourselves with others who will positively impact our lives while being a positive example of God to others around us.
As humans, it is our natural inclination to wish to be a part of something, and the everyday Christian life is a life of fellowship. People who pour into us, and people we pour into. Fellowship, when done right, is an incredibly powerful thing. Fellowship brings joy, strength, security, and unity. Biblical fellowship is built on a foundation of trust. However, it can be easy for a group of people to fall into the trap of cynicism rather than trust. When there is a gap between our expectations and reality, we may find ourselves filling that gap with assumptions rather than asking questions and getting to the root of the problem. So many issues between people could be solved if we would ask questions and be direct rather than cynical of the person or situation.
“A critical element of everyday Christianity is allowing the fellowship of the church to impact and influence your life. If there is a barrier or hurdle there, that needs to be removed ASAP!” -Ric Garland.
Discipleship is allowing others to influence our lives. Being a disciple maker means that I am influencing others to be what I already am. Sounds simple enough, but consider for a moment the responsibility this holds. If others are looking to you as an example of what it means to be a Christian, what do they see? What do they feel? As John MacArthur said, “You might be the only Bible that a non-believer may ever read.” What are they reading?
“Allow God to use your life, to influence and impact the lives of others for His glory. God designed your life in every single minute detail to accomplish His goal, which is for your good and His glory! God designed you to reach someone for Him that no one else can!” -Ric Garland.
To impact others in the way God desires, our lives are to reflect the five elements of the everyday Christian life that we have been working through in this series. Click the links below for a refresher of each part, or rewatch the sermon!
Dynamic Life- A genuine desire to know God.
Dissatisfied Life- Always growing in my belief.
Devoted Life- Singularly focused on bringing glory to God.
Determined Life- Seeing my faith walk through to the finish.
Disciplined Life- Staying focused and committed to all the above.
When we live in this way, we can be true examples of God to everyone we encounter.
“Whether you like it or not, your life is impacting the lives of others. The question is, is it a positive influence towards God, or a negative one?” -Ric Garland.
