Harmony Christian Church

How do you understand God and His interaction with our world? How has your view of God and his involvement in our lives influenced your faith journey?  Join us to explore the depth of God's workings and discover a fresh perspective that might transform how we perceive and interact with Him. Let's dive into this eye-opening journey together! IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).  Get the fill in the blank bulletins my.harmonychurch.cc/bulletins.

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OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

I have one gift in life.  Just one, maybe two actually, my wife says I’m dashingly good looking.  But other than that, I have this gift where I can hyper focus on something I want to learn until I become good at it.  The moment I’m good at it.  I’m done with it…  Lol.  I wanted to become good at training dogs.  I literally studied dog psychology and learned all kinds of interesting things.  I worked with our Black Lab Quincy and trained her, she’s literally the perfect dog.  And then…  I was done…  Lol.  We got another little dog named Rosie, she’s a terror - she’s not that bad, but I didn’t work with her.  Why?  Cause I figured it out…

I’ve done this with cycling on a bike.  Making knives.  I even got this close to doing comedy at a comedy club…

it was actually a huge fear I had when I came to Jesus that I would “figure it out” and end up walking away…

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that God is infinitely big and I will never reach the end of learning Him…

But there is good news about me being like this…  It means I’ve asked lots of questions and have figured somethings out…

Last week we talked about how God specifically wants to partner with Humans in this world.

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This week we are going to talk about how God works in general…

A couple of ground rules:

ILLUSTRATION:

Most people do not give much thought to God or how He works and it causes HUGE problems. They’ve heard words that start with “Omni” omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent.  They see God as this all-powerful being who can do anything any time and they end up with some HUGE problems.  Like, “if God is all powerful, why didn’t He stop the pain I went through?”  The answers are grim, right?  Either God doesn’t care or doesn’t know - it’s no wonder so many people have run from God.

So many see God almost like a Genie in a bottle - when you rub the lamp through prayer He comes - and as long as you’ve still got enough wishes - you can get what you want.

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That may not be exactly how you

Tune in to our series as we uncover the purpose of humanity in partnering with God to shape our existence. It's time to step into this extraordinary journey together! IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).  Get the fill in the blank bulletins my.harmonychurch.cc/bulletins.

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ILLUSTRATION:

I used to love going on trips as a kid.  Do you remember those days?  We just got back from driving to Kansas to visit our family.  I remember as a kid getting so excited for a trip, I wouldn’t be able to sleep getting all geared up for it.  We are about to jump into a several-month trip to look at those who have gone before us in the faith and to connect with the story of God through the ages.  

And I have to tell you,

I’m excited about what we’re going to learn along the way!

A Great Cloud Sermon Series

This series has some companion study material you can grab to take it even deeper - we have two books - an adult study book and a kids study book.  Each week you can take the study deeper on the characters that we are going to be talking about and do personal study on their life and learn their stories….

My goal with this series is simple, I want you, by the end of this series, to have a grasp on the story of God and His work in the world.

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I’m going to ask something of you for this series:

Will you make a commitment to be here for as many Sundays as possible?

ILLUSTRATION:

My son is on the basketball team, and you know, just like you we’ve had different teams and activities through the year.  I’ve never seen anyone who wants to be a player on the team take a lackadaisical approach to it.

We are a church that wants to help people become serious disciples of Jesus.

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But it takes more than just commitment on the church's side, it also takes your commitment.  

Are you willing to start this year off with a commitment to get rid of the casual approach to faith?

This week and next we are going to lay some foundational ideas for the way we think about God and our interaction with Him.

ILLUSTRATION:

For pretty much all of my adult life, I thought the word was “you all” and it wasn’t till I moved to Kentucky that I learned it was “yall” Ha, you can teach an old dog new tricks.  We all know what it’s like to think you know something and then find out you didn’t really know it all.  Some of you are like, “I married that…”  lol, we’re not getting into that.  I’m talking about finding out your car has some cool features you didn’t know before or learning there’s a secret entrance at work that no one else uses.  We all have experienced that.  

Today and next week we are going to talk about some things about God that may feel a little like that, but 

What would it look like to slow down? We're diving into an unlikely story that holds a powerful lesson. Tune in to explore the true essence of Christmas and discover how God's presence demands our stillness. Join us for a fresh perspective. IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

One of my favorite moments around Christmas time is the night before Christmas.  Everything is still, kids are in bed, you’re awaiting the next day and all the hustle and bustle and excitement.  It’s the best isn’t it.  I love slowing down and sitting in the glow of the Christmas lights in the dark of the room.  I’ve been trying to identify why I love it.  I think it’s because it’s the antithesis of our world.  EVERYTHING about this time of year is Go go go.  It’s all year end, it’s all travel plans, last minute shopping, games, concerts, parties, packing, wrapping and a MILLION other things.  

What would it look like to slow down?  

I know, you don’t even think that’s possible, do you?

“Kent, how would I even do that?”

I want to take you to a super unlikely story that won’t feel Christmasy at all, then I want to show you something that came out of it

and then I want to point you to the Christmas story…

THE BIBLE

The year is 701BC, there is a King named Sennacherib from the land of Assyria.  The seat of his Kingdom is a little town called Nineveh.  You may recognize that name, it’s the city Jonah was sent to prophesy to.  This is why he didn’t want to go.  I believe Jonah is a huge part of the reason that Assyria came and attacked Israel - the Assyrians will literally swoop down and carry off the northern part of the Kingdom, up in the Galilee area.  They take off those Jewish people and they are never heard from again.  Now, in 701, Sennacherib is coming after the Southern parts of the nation.  He has attacked and captured 46 different walled fortressed cities of Judah, King Hezekiah’s cities.  Sennacherib writes on the Taylor prism of Sennacherib that he had Hezekiah caged like a bird.  He was going to destroy Hezekiah - he’s surrounded him with an army that has yet to be beat.  Hezekiah sends out his emissaries to meet with Sennacherib’s supreme commander and the commander, speaking Hebrew the commander begins to mock Hezekiah and Israel, I mean they have been cutting through the nation like a hot knife in butter.  He tells the Israelites that he will give them 2,000 horse if that would help, if they think they could even find men to ride them.  Hezekiah’s officials ask him to stop speaking in Hebrew so the people won’t hear and the commander goes to the next level and starts speaking to the people on the wall, “abandon Hezekiah and his God, come to us, we will give you life, we will protect you, we will give you what you need.”  

this looks like the end.  The are beat.  Thankfully, Hezekiah had been preparing for this moment and had built a tunnel for water to the city or they would have been in even bigger trouble, but it’s only a matter of time..

What you don’t know is that Hezekiah isn’t like most of the Kings of Judah.  M

A question to consider: "Do we trust enough to truly rest and let go of control to God?" Tune in for a message on finding peace in the chaos. #ChillSeries #SabbathRest IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

Oh man, the machine that is Christmas is in FULL force!  Isn’t it?  Trees up, lights out, shopping, treats, parties, year end budget, year end spending, getting your last sales in, I mean it just goes on and on.  

I don’t know if you’re like me, but if you are, Christmas is a mixture of wonderful and frantic craziness all at once.  

We regularly during this time of year will have people invite us to do things and we have to say no because there are Christmas concerts, last games to get out and more.  It’s just chaos all the time.  

Do you feel me on this?  Am I alone?

That’s why I wanted, for the next 3 weeks, to be the one voice in your life that is saying “It’s ok to Slow down”

It’s why we’re doing this series,

Chill- Slowing down when the world wants to go fast.

Everything at this time of year is telling you that you HAVE to be something and be somewhere and I want to pull you out of that paradigm and remind you, it’s not reality - it’s a fake machine.

Your kids will be alright if they don’t get the perfect Christmas

Your friends will be ok if you miss a Christmas party

Your family would prefer to have you over a perfect home

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It’s ok to chill…

So, today, I want to preach on an idea we don’t talk about too much in Christianity…

Sabbath-ing

What is the Sabbath?

The idea comes from the story of creation… 

listen:

Gen 2:1-3

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

2 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Eventually, God will institute for Israel the 4th of the Ten Commandments for His people to keep a Sabbath day

Exodus 20:8-11

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on

Trail Head 8 - Rationing 101. Ever wondered why Jesus talks so much about money?  Did you even know He did? Join me in finding out as we explore the question, should knowing God affect our finances? Tune in, let's dive deep. ?️ #Trailhead #Stewardship101  IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 8 - Rationing 101

Learning Godly Stewardship

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Trail 14: Should knowing God affect my finances?

OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

Have you ever been betrayed, I mean, seriously betrayed?  Years ago, I had a close friend that I invited into a leadership position.  I had shared with him some insecurities I had around my leadership being young and inexperienced.  I’ll never forget the board meeting I was in when this guy I thought was my friend started sharing the personal things I had told him one on one with everyone else and using it as a reason I maybe shouldn’t be the leader.  I remember leaving that night with my heart in my stomach, I called Jenni and told her what had happened and that I felt like I’d been betrayed.  

The world of betrayers has some famous ones, doesn’t it?  Benedict Arnold, betrayed America during the revolution

Or Judas, the most famous of all betrayers - betrayed Jesus to His death.

What if I told you there is a betrayer in our midst, would that surprise you?

Don’t turn to your spouse and say, “I knew it!” Lol!

That’s not what I’m talking about.

Actually, the betrayer is closer than a spouse, closer than a mother, closer than a brother.

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Jesus said this betrayer will show exactly who and what your allegiance is to…

Listen to who or what Jesus says this betrayer is:

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Actually, what he fully says is this:

Matthew 6:19-21 & 24

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Jesus is saying, your treasure (money) will betray what your heart is most focused on.

It is betraying you…

As a matter of fact, how you handled your possessions was one of the primary topics Jesus taught on.  

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It's estimated that around 15-25% of Jesus' recorded word

We're diving deep into practical faith. So, here's the big question to keep in mind throughout: How can we integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives? From understanding the significance of attending church to making God a part of our daily routines and discovering what we can offer to God, we're exploring the nitty-gritty of practical Christianity. So, grab your boots, let's hit the trail, and find the answers together! ?? #PracticalFaith #TrailHead7.  IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 7 - Boots to the Ground

Getting practical with your faith

Trail 11: Why does it matter if I go to church

Trail 12: How do I integrate God into the rest of my life

Trail 13: What could I offer to God?

Trail 11: Why does it matter if I go to church

ILLUSTRATION:

This is a great question right?  Honestly, who didn’t ask this question as a kid.  “Why do I HAVE to go to church?”  I don’t know if I really understood the need for the church deeply till I experienced being removed from it.  I had been in ministry about 12 years and Jenni and I moved to Wichita KS to plant a church - we did what’s called, Parachute planting.  We didn’t know anyone, we moved and started building relationships and trying to start a church for people who didn’t like church.  That’s like trying to sell pickles to people who don’t like pickles, lol.  But something weird happened during that time.  Jenni and I would go to different churches to try them out and see what they were doing.  But we didn’t have a body of Christ around us.  It was the first time as a Christian where I was removed from the church.  During that period I experienced more doubt and depression than all the 16 years before that.

I was a foot without a body…

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Why do you think we struggle with the question, “Why do I have to go to church?”

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What are the assumptions behind this sentiment?

-Church is boring

-Church is full of hypocrites

-Church is irrelevant

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Can I ask you another question?

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Why is it, that there are Christians in persecuted parts of the world that are being killed for their ability to gather together?

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Why do we dread the thing they are dying for?

ILLUSTRATION:

I’ve noticed a trend in the church in the last 5 years or so.  I call it “The Lazy River of Church”.  People come to a church for a while, 3-6 months, maybe even a year.  Something happens and they end up jumping back into the lazy river and jumping out at the next church.  I have seen a few people come through our church about 3 times in the 3 years I’ve bee

Hey there, trailblazers! ?️ Kent's sermon is up, and we've got a question to ponder: How can we align our prayers with God's will for a more impactful connection? Tune in and let's explore this together as we orient towards God! ? #Trailhead6  IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 6 - Orienteering 

Learning to orient yourself to God

Trail 9: How do I pray in a way that makes a difference?

Trail 10: How do I make God a Habit?

ILLUSTRATION:  

Last year I went with my daughter on an overnight field trip to Pine Mountain where they taught kids Orienteering, how to read a map and compass.  The idea was if these kids learned this skill, they’d be able to save themselves if they were ever lost in the woods.  Let me just tell you, after helping these kids, I don’t have much help that any of them are getting out alive if they are lost in the woods.  

Lol, learning to use a compass and a map is a skill. Learning to navigate takes some dedication and desire -it’s not hard, but it takes focus.

We are calling 

Trailhead 6 - Orienteering - learning to orient yourself to God

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For most of us, our natural bent is not to orient ourselves towards God but towards ourselves

That’s why today, we are going to look at two trails 

Trail 9: How do I pray in a way that makes a difference?

Trail 10: How do I make God a Habit?

ILLUSTRATION:

Do any of you struggle with prayer?  I know there are a handful of people that this just comes naturally for, but for others of us, it’s a HUGE challenge.  I used to always feel guilty when I’d hear other pastors say things like, “The growth of your church will be directly reflected in your prayer life.”  Because if I’m honest, I used to hardly ever really pray - even as a pastor.  

I can take you to the exact moment it happened.  I was taking a shower in college and I thinking about prayer and why we do it and I thought, “why am I praying if God knows everything I am going to ask Him anyway.  This feels stupid”.  And in that moment, I stopped asking God for things.  I stopped bringing issues before God.  I stopped engaging Him.

If you read the book this week, you know that I addressed some issues with this way of thinking. So, I’m not going to cover those, but what I am going to do is tell you what has changed everything for me when it comes to prayer.

Now, I do engage with God

Now, I do bring things before Him

Now, I do believe God wants to act based on our conversations

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2 Key concepts about Prayer:

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1.&n

How and why do you read the bible?  AND why are so many people intimidated by it? We'll bust some myths.  Plus, chat about why reading the Bible is essential and why you can trust it. ?  Join us for an eye-opening discussion! ? #HarmonyChristianChurch #Bible101.  IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 5 - Fire 101

Learn the heart of Jesus in the Word of God - a light unto your Path

Trail 8:  How to read the bible and why 

OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

I can remember the day the bible came alive for me.  I had gone on a mission trip in Arizona.  We were in the painted desert - this beautiful and barren landscape with piles of dried dirt in rainbow colors stretching as far as you could see with huge valleys worn into them from the rains.  We sat on top of one of these and my youth pastor led us in worship.  At the end, my pastor opened his bible and read to us the last few chapters of Job…  As I listened my mind opened to the word of God.  I started to hear it not just as a book that was boring, but as a letter documenting God’s love and interaction in the world.  

I literally went home and started reading the bible.  I highlighted every word for 2 chapters in Job and then realized if I highlight everything it’s just as bad as not highlighting anything :)

Here’s the deal

this wasn’t my first time reading the bible

So, What changed?

I changed how I saw the bible - it was no longer a boring instruction manual - it was a love letter written from God

Three Big “Whys”

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Why One: Why are SO many people intimidated by the bible? 

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1.  MISCONCEPTION: It’s a huge book

TRUTH: It’s a collection of 66 books (27 in the New Testament & 39 in the Old Testament)

TRUTH:  You need to get a translation that’s easier to read, try the NLT or the Message version

TRUTH: Starting at the beginning is the wrong place because the bible is a collection of books - starting with the New Testament, towards the end of the Bible is the best place to start.  It’s also ok to jump around from book to book.

ILLUSTRATION:

How many of you find it super easy to navigate through Lexington?  it’s funny because Jenni and I have a terrible time - I’m learning, but at first, we had to use Google Maps for everything.

Reading the bible is a little like this, the more you become familiar with the lay of the land, the easier it becomes to navigate.  but you have to actually get out there and get into it..

Why Tw

Have you ever thought about how you can supercharge your faith and increase your potential as a follower of Jesus? We're talking about the 4G Steps to Following Jesus: God, Groups, Growing, and Going. Want to learn more? Tune in and discover how you can step into the 4G's and experience a transformed faith journey. ?? #FaithFuel  IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 4 - Topography (get a lay of the land)

Understanding your part to play in the story of God

Trail 7:  How do I live for God (God, Groups, Growing, Going Steps)

OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

Did you guys know I used to be in a moped gang?  We were called the Moped Mafia, we used to get together and really slowly ride and block traffic.  A few years I decided to soup up my “hog”.  It was sweet chrome rims, leather seats, and a smooth ride and a mean 35cc’s under the “hood”.  

Here was the problem with my moped.  It would only go 35 mph and I needed more speed, I needed it to go faster.  So I took the carburetor apart and drilled holes in air intake.  I put a better muffler on it, and up-jetted it, meaning I allowed more fuel to pass into the carburetor, which created a bigger explosion which made my moped cook!

I supercharged that boy, I dumped fuel into to help it go faster

Today, I want to dump fuel into your spiritual life to help you go faster in your faith.  

How can you supercharge your faith and increase your potential?  To become all you were created to be in Christ?

As I reflected on my experience, I found that there were really 4 essential steps that I have taken and continue to take that have supercharged my faith and increased my potential as a follower of Jesus.

We call them

The 4G Steps to Following Jesus

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These steps are not “one and done” - these are Kaizen - they are steps you engage in daily to constantly improve your relationship with Jesus

The God Step

James 4:8

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

ILLUSTRATION:

Imagine, you have a friend come to you for advice and they say, “I’m thinking of giving up on my marriage, I’ve tried everything and nothing is working, I want it to work out, but I can’t see a way…” out of concern, you start asking them questions, “how long has this been going on?” “have you tried to get any help?”  You really dig in and try to see what you can do to help them.  Then you ask the question, “Well, how much time do you spend together?”  and your friend says, “Oh, I don’t spend any time with them… After we got married, I decided it would be better for me to stay at my own place.  She wants to text and spend time tog

Each week we are exploring different trailheads as a part of Basecamp that can lead you to deepen your faith.  This week we're exploring what your purpose is, how to get past sin and guilt, and how to have lasting power in your relationship with Jesus. IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316  to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ).

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Trail Head 3 - Hitting the Target

Setting appropriate expectations and your posture toward God

Trail 4:  What’s my purpose?

Trail 5:  What Happens if I mess up and Sin?

Trail 6: Will This Last?  I’m worried I’ll go back to my old life

OPENING ILLUSTRATION:

One of the best shots I’ve ever made in my life was as a kid, my buddies and I were down at a creek near my house hunting with our bb guns.  I was joking around and as we saw this crow flying through the air and I said, “I’ll shoot it out of the sky!” I pointed my gun randomly, shot, and the bird fell out of the sky!  It was one in a million shot.  I went down as a legend with my buddies.  They are probably still telling the story to their kids… :)

I feel like this is what most Christians are like when it comes to their faith.  They are just hoping to hit the mark, hoping they get it right, hoping they make it through.

What if you could have security in your faith - knowing what you are doing, what to do when you are missing, and knowing how to make it for the long haul?

Today we are going to go through 3 trails at this trailhead called, “Hitting the Target.”

By the end of this, my hope is you’ll be able to aim and hit your target when it comes to your faith.  

Trail 4 of the Trailhead:

What’s my Purpose?

Did you know when Jesus left the earth, He left very clear marching orders for His disciples?

Matthew 28:18-20

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 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, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Bible scholars will tell you the “imperative” of this passage in Greek is “make disciples”

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This means your purpose as a follower of Jesus is to make more disciples - followers of Jesus.

-not get more people to go to church

-not to be a better person

But to help more people be a disciple of Jesus’

What’s a disciple?

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A disciple is a person who has learned to be just like their rabbi.

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