1. Disciples follow the ways of Jesus by surrendering their own path.
2. Disciples display selfless love to others.
3. Disciples make disciples of others.
So, how do we become this type of disciple?
1) Remember the Jesus that we follow - wise, kind and divine.
2) Identify yourself primarily as a child of God and a follower of Jesus.
3) Remind yourself that following Jesus is greater than ruling the world.

1. What is a miracle?
2. What is the purpose of miracles?

A. Be aware that God rejoices in the repentant sinner but resists the self-righteous (Luke 7:36-50)
B. Be active in showing compassion to the needy (Luke 10:25-37)

Main idea: Since Jesus came to replace our emptiness with undeserved abundance, let's thank him and speak often of the good news he brings.
Good News: Jesus was sent by God to rescue us (Luke 4:18; Ps 23:6)
Good News: Our bankruptcy is replaced with riches (Gal 2; 2 Cor 8:9)
Good News: Our captivity is replaced with freedom (Rom 3:2; Eph 2)
Good News: Our inability to see and savor God is replaced with an ability to see and savor God (Acts 26:18; 2 Cor 4:4)
Good News: Our despair from a shattered life is replaced with the promise of Shalom (Luke 4:18)

1. What was the purpose of Jesus' baptism?
2. What was the purpose of Jesus' wilderness temptation?
Conclusion

Truth 1: God favors you by saving you through the birth of Christ (Gal 4:4-5; Luke 2:25-32; Acts 4:12; and Luke 2:33-34).
Application: Thank God often that he demonstrated his delight in saving you.
Truth 2: The life of Jesus displayed he favored God his father (Luke 2:41-52).
Application: Make decisions that grow your favor of God.

1. Is this the Gospel era?
2. What was John the Baptist's role in redemptive history?
Conclusion

Worshipping with us today is one of our Faith Promise supported families, the Wheelers, who serve in Bundibugyo, Uganda. Rhett Wheeler shared a 15 min testimony (not included on audio) of God's work in Uganda. As a church family, we also spent time in prayer for this family. To read more about the Wheeler's work in Uganda, please visit https://serge.org/staff/id-51095/

Sermon outline:
1. Act #1 comes to a close
2. Act #2 is being prepared
Conclusion

Consider: Is your desire to know and reveal God growing or stagnant?
Main Truth: Since walking with God in his ways brings our deepest satisfaction and impact, let's always seek continual spiritual renewal.

Principles of Spiritual Renewal:
1. We ask the Lord to begin the work of renewal. Ezra 1:1-2; 1:5; 7:27-28; Nehemiah 2:8; and Ps. 51:10-12.
2. We recognize that suffering, sin and struggle are necessary for true renewal. Ezra 4:4-6; Nehemiah 4:7-8; Matt. 5:3,4,10-11; and Phil. 3:8.
3. We need Biblical heart repentance along with life change. Ezra 10:2-4 and Joel 2:12-13
4. We recognize renewal is created and sustained through the means of grace: gathered worship and community with other believers and seeking God in the Word and prayer. Ezra 3:3 and Ezra 7:10