ReGeneration Church

Pastor Eric McCall introduces us to the transformative journey of Peter, from a rough, unlearned fisherman to a prominent leader in the early Christian church. Despite his initial shortcomings and denials of Jesus, Peter's encounters with Christ and his unwavering commitment to the Gospel message exemplify a life redeemed by faith. Through his experiences, we are encouraged to reflect on our own journey of faith and commitment to Christ. As Peter embraced his mission to spread the Gospel, we are reminded of our call to actively participate in God's kingdom work and to declare Jesus Christ as the foundation of our lives. Ultimately, Peter's life serves as a powerful testament to the living hope we have in Christ, inspiring us to trust in God's will and find joy even in the midst of trials.

Discipleship isn't just about passive belief, but a call to live out our faith through action and compassion. Through the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, we'll look at the profound responsibility bestowed upon us as followers of Christ. As we reflect on our role in intervening for those in need, we'll uncover the essence of true discipleship–to extend compassion, love, and practical help to the marginalized and forgotten. By embracing this calling, we not only fulfill the Great Commission but also experience the profound joy of serving others as we serve our Lord.

Pastor Matt explores the essence of discipleship through the lens of service and mentorship. Drawing inspiration from Jesus' call to spread His message to all nations, we'll delve into the importance of actively living out our faith by guiding and nurturing others spiritually, practically, and relationally. Through examples of humble leadership and steadfast dedication, we'll uncover how each of us is called to play a vital role in fulfilling the Great "Co-mission," shaping a community of believers grounded in love and and guided by Jesus.

Discipleship isn't just a passive observance, but an active process of change and growth. We'll look at the examples of Moses being changed by encountering God's presence, and the disciples being changed by following Jesus. Through daily commitment and surrender to God, we're invited to walk the path of discipleship, allowing His teachings and example to shape us into vessels of love, compassion, and service to others.

In the first part of the series "Becoming Disciples/Making Disciples," Pastor Matt explains the relational, transformational, commissional, and interventional aspects of discipleship. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands his followers to go and make disciples... But what does that entail? What does it mean to be a disciple? We must make ourselves like Jesus by learning and obeying what he teaches. We must also surround ourselves with people devoted to the same goal, to learn from, be encouraged by, and be accountable to.

As dawn breaks, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary arrive at the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest. Suddenly, a great earthquake shakes the ground as an angel descends, rolling back the stone from the tomb's entrance. The angel announces Jesus's resurrection to the astonished women, instructing them to spread the news to the disciples. Overwhelmed with joy and wonder, they quickly obey and encounter the risen Jesus along the way, who reassures them of his victory over death. Jesus commissions them to share his message of hope and salvation with all nations, promising to be with them always.

After Jesus's resurrection, Peter and some of the disciples return to fishing but catch nothing. Jesus appears on the shore and advises them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. Miraculously, they haul in a large catch. Upon recognizing Jesus, Peter eagerly swims to shore to meet him. Jesus shares breakfast with them and asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Each time, Peter affirms his love. The chapter ends with Jesus foretelling Peter's and John's roles in the Church. As we read John's account, let's consider our own relationship to Jesus and the calling He has for our lives.

In John 20:19-31, after Jesus' resurrection, on the evening of the first day of the week, the disciples are gathered together behind locked doors out of fear. Suddenly, Jesus appears among them, despite the locked doors, and greets them with peace. He shows them his hands and side, proving his identity as the crucified and risen Lord. Thomas, one of the disciples, is not present during this encounter and expresses doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he sees and touches the wounds himself a week later when Jesus appears again, leading him to believe.

In John 20:1-18, Mary Magdalene arrives at the tomb early in the morning while it is still dark. She sees the stone has been removed from the entrance and runs to tell Peter and another disciple. They race to the tomb, find it empty, and leave, but Mary stays, weeping. Jesus appears to her, calling her by name. Overjoyed, she recognizes him and clings to him until he instructs her to go tell the disciples of his resurrection.

Roman soldiers lead Jesus, carrying his cross, to the place of crucifixion called Golgotha. They nail him to the cross alongside two others. The soldiers divide his garments and cast lots for his tunic. Standing nearby are Jesus' mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene, and the disciple John. Jesus proclaims, "It is finished," and dies. Afterwards, Joseph of Arimathea obtains permission from Pilate to take Jesus's body down. He wraps it in linen cloths with spices, and lays it in a new tomb in a garden.