As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
—Matthew 4:18-20
These first two days of our series are designed to prepare you for the journey of the next few months! Today, you’ll hear from Pastor Rick and tomorrow you will learn from Marcus Brown before starting the first in depth teaching with Marc Turnage this Wednesday for Day 3!
Today, Pastor Rick explains that studying what Jesus said and did helps us navigate what we say and do—how we deal with strongholds in our lives, how we walk out forgiving others, how we use wisdom in decision-making, and how we bring peace into our homes and relationships. One day we will all see Jesus face-to-face; we want this series to strengthen you in your faith and walk to be ready for that day! Sign up to receive reminders by texting JESUS to (501) 200-3122.
Take Action: Get a Bible, a pen, and a journal, then choose a specific time & place to grow in God every day this semester. Find 2-3 people to walk through this journey with you!
We are SO excited to hear from Marcus Brown today as we continue to lay the foundation for where we are headed this semester! Just a reminder that tomorrow will start our first in depth teaching with Marc Turnage!
Today, Pastor Marcus invites us to get prepared by establishing a specific time and place to dive into God’s Word every single day; to get organized with a Bible, pen, and note-taking journal; and to get a few friends to walk with you in the journey! Commit to doing this every day, rather than binge-watching it once a week. Sign up to receive reminders by texting JESUS to (501) 200-3122.
Take Action: Get a Bible, a pen, and a journal, then choose a specific time & place to grow in God every day this semester. Find 2-3 people to walk through this journey with you!
Scripture
For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.—Ezra 7:10
Question:
Quiet yourself before the Lord and ask Him, “Holy Spirit, what are you whispering to me about through today’s message? What is my next step because of this?”
Family Chat:
What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ? What does it look for YOU to be a disciple of Christ?
Take Action:
Phone a friend—whether it’s a mentor, a close friend, or an accountability partner, and talk to them about what you sense the Lord is impressing on you from today’s message!
Additional Resources:
Scripture
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” –Matthew 7:24-27
Hey New Life!
In today’s devotional, Jesus tells the parable of two foundations in Matthew 7:24-27 comparing to the differences between the sand and rock foundations to people “who hear my words and do them,” versus those “who hear and do not do them.” Marc mentioned that the word “to hear” also meant “to study” back in Jesus’ day.
Today, Marc challenged us to make studying the words of Jesus a part of our everyday lives and discipline, and to do that not just by ourselves but with others! Being his disciple is not just about knowing his words or believing something about him or even believing in him. Being his disciple is doing what he said. Remember, in John He says, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”
Question: What do you need to be doing today to implement the teachings of Jesus in your life? How can you challenge and encourage those around you to follow Jesus more perfectly in their doing?
Family Chat: How long do sand castles last? What about a building built on solid rock, how long would that last? Then, tell them about the story Jesus told in today’s lesson.
Take Action: Find a few people today who you will trust to ask you the hard questions, and you can ask them the same. Commit to a season of accountability as we learn and grow in following Jesus more perfectly in our doing.
Additional Resources:
Scripture
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
—Matthew 18:20
Question: How will you set aside time today to study the words of Jesus, and who will you study them with?
Family Chat: True or False. Jesus wants us to study his word together as a family. Why?
Take Action: Find two or three people—whether over video or in your own home—that you can study one part of the gospels and the words of Jesus with. Then ask them this question, “How are we going to do this today?”
Additional Resources:
Scripture
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’—Matthew 7:21-23
Today, Pastor James makes clear in this passage that Jesus did not accept a person into the Kingdom of Heaven just because they called Him, “Lord, Lord,” but rather based on their obedience to the will of God in their life. We truly cannot call Jesus our Lord if we’re not willing to do what He says.
Question: Are you growing in your obedience, or are you shying away from that?
Family Chat: Did you know that when you obey your parents you are learning to obey Jesus? Why is it so hard to obey?
Take Action: Choose today to joyfully obey God the first time and every time He challenges you! Journal about your experiences, talk about it with your friends and family, and let us know about it! We want to hear from you!
Additional Resources:
Scripture:
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.—Luke 14:25-27
Additional Resources:
Scripture
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”—Luke 9:57
In today’s devo, Heather takes us through a look at three people who pledged to follow Jesus. Unfortunately, each of them had to give up something to follow Him—one had to let go of living in comfort, the second was challenged to walk away from cultural expectations, and the third to put his loyalty to Jesus above all other loyalties, even his family. Because God is the same yesterday, today and forever, the cost of following Him has always been the same. He’s asking us to lay everything down to come and follow Him.
Question: Which of the three—your comfort, your culture, and/or your community—is standing between you and Jesus? What have you allowed to take priority in your life over following Jesus wherever He leads you?
Family Chat: How does my life show I am committed to Jesus? Do my friends know I am a follower of Jesus?
Take Action: Whatever the Lord just showed you that is standing between you and Him, agree with Him about that, and set right your relationship with Him today. Submit that thing to God, then call your accountability partner about it.
Additional Resources:
Scripture
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”—Matthew 28:19-20
In today’s devo, Tony breaks down the Great Commission—Jesus’ plan of action to fulfill God’s purpose on the earth—into three commands: to go, to evangelize, and to teach to observe loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus summed up all the commands in love, and He gave this plan to the whole church across the world to reach all nations with the gospel.
God has entrusted you with the people in your circle of influence. Will you offer yourself to Jesus, to continue his work on this earth by making disciples among this circle, unique to you, by going, sharing the good news of the Kingdom, and by teaching others to observe His commands?
Question: Who played a role in helping you to follow Jesus? What did that influence look like? Who in your circle can you begin praying for, loving on, and encouraging with the truth of God’s Word?
Family Chat: How can your life at your young age look like a disciple of Christ?
Take Action: As you begin praying for the person Holy Spirit pointed out above, do whatever He lays on your heart to do, i.e. if He lays a verse on your heart, then send it; if He tells you they need a Sonic gift card, then buy and deliver it; if He tells you they need encouragement, then send that text or that card.
Additional Resources:
