Pastor's Blog

Last week we concluded that our purpose in life is to glorify God. As promised, this week we will recognize how to best do that. We best fulfill our purpose by completing our mission. Our mission, given by Jesus, is to make disciples.

Matthew concludes his gospel with these words of Jesus, “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20

This is the mission of the church. Not only is it the mission of the church as a whole, but it is also the mission of every follower of Jesus. You exist to bring glory to God and you best bring glory to God by making disciples. This is why you are alive.

In order to make disciples, you must be a disciple. It would be helpful for our discussion to understand what a disciple is: A disciple is a fully committed follower. In our case, a fully committed follower of Jesus. This is our working definition for any time you see or hear the word disciple.

Disciples are characterized by being like Jesus. He is our leader and we live our life becoming more like him. Being a follower of Jesus is not a passive endeavor, instead, it is an everyday passion to be like Him. In the New Testament, we see the original disciple's lives marked by a few specific details.

First, disciples read their Bible. The Bible is God revealing himself to us and disciples spend time with him. Along with reading their Bible, disciples pray. Prayer aligns our will with God’s will. Disciples worship not only during the Sunday morning gathering but also as a posture of life. Disciples likewise, fellowship. There are no lone-ranger Christians. Being a disciple requires a community that both encourages and challenges. Lastly, disciples evangelize. Followers of Jesus enjoy Him so much, they want others to enjoy him too.

Before we go further, are you a disciple? Is your life marked by Christlikeness?
In the coming weeks we will breakdown more of the mission of the church.

In Christ,

Pastor Michael Covey

“Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:19