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Summer Camp 2025 | All Invite | Glen Rowden
In final night of Summer Camp 2025, Glen Rowden's message, "All Invite," emphasizes that Christians are called to be disciples who make disciples.
Rowden began by reflecting on the songs of worship, noting that they highlight Jesus as the Lord of heaven and earth, the Savior of the world, and the name above every name. He asserted that this understanding of Jesus's identity should compel believers to live differently and be "all in" with the Gospel. He stressed that our purpose in life comes from Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Referencing Colossians 1:16-17, he underscored that all things were created through and for Jesus, and that He holds everything together.
The core of Rowden's message centered on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), urging the audience to view it not just as a command to "do" something, but as a call to "be" someone. He clarified that "all nations" means every person, regardless of their background or how difficult they may be, is valuable to God and invited into His family.
He explained that a disciple is someone who follows and strives to be like their teacher. Therefore, making disciples means inviting others to join you in following Jesus and trying to become like Him. This involves showing them how to follow Jesus through your own life and actions, rather than just telling them information. You cannot invite someone to follow you somewhere you are not going yourself.
Rowden then outlined key aspects of what it means to be a disciple:
Baptism: He presented baptism not as a means of salvation, but as a public act of obedience and identification with Jesus. It symbolizes the death of the "old self" and the resurrection to "newness of life" in Christ (Romans 6:4). He likened it to a wedding ring, a public symbol of commitment and love, emphasizing that refusing to be baptized when Jesus commanded it would be akin to a spouse refusing to wear a wedding ring. He also noted that taking this initial step of obedience often leads to further obedience in a believer's life.
Obedience to Jesus's Commands: Disciples are called to "observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). This means striving to live as Jesus lived, not picking and choosing which commands to follow. This commitment to obedience is a continuous, lifelong process, not just a Sunday activity. Rowden acknowledged that no one is perfect, but when disciples fall short, they should agree with God about their sin, admit their mistakes, and make adjustments to change.
Rowden concluded by reiterating that this mission of discipleship is not undertaken alone. Citing Matthew 28:20, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age," he reminded them that God's Spirit indwells believers, providing the strength and guidance needed to fulfill this calling. He challenged the audience to consider if they are truly disciples, believing that everyone present at the camp was there for a purpose orchestrated by God. He urged them to take their "next step" in their faith journey, whether that meant trusting Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, or making a significant change in their life to align with God's will.
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By Dunwoody Baptist ChurchIn final night of Summer Camp 2025, Glen Rowden's message, "All Invite," emphasizes that Christians are called to be disciples who make disciples.
Rowden began by reflecting on the songs of worship, noting that they highlight Jesus as the Lord of heaven and earth, the Savior of the world, and the name above every name. He asserted that this understanding of Jesus's identity should compel believers to live differently and be "all in" with the Gospel. He stressed that our purpose in life comes from Jesus, who has "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Referencing Colossians 1:16-17, he underscored that all things were created through and for Jesus, and that He holds everything together.
The core of Rowden's message centered on the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), urging the audience to view it not just as a command to "do" something, but as a call to "be" someone. He clarified that "all nations" means every person, regardless of their background or how difficult they may be, is valuable to God and invited into His family.
He explained that a disciple is someone who follows and strives to be like their teacher. Therefore, making disciples means inviting others to join you in following Jesus and trying to become like Him. This involves showing them how to follow Jesus through your own life and actions, rather than just telling them information. You cannot invite someone to follow you somewhere you are not going yourself.
Rowden then outlined key aspects of what it means to be a disciple:
Baptism: He presented baptism not as a means of salvation, but as a public act of obedience and identification with Jesus. It symbolizes the death of the "old self" and the resurrection to "newness of life" in Christ (Romans 6:4). He likened it to a wedding ring, a public symbol of commitment and love, emphasizing that refusing to be baptized when Jesus commanded it would be akin to a spouse refusing to wear a wedding ring. He also noted that taking this initial step of obedience often leads to further obedience in a believer's life.
Obedience to Jesus's Commands: Disciples are called to "observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20). This means striving to live as Jesus lived, not picking and choosing which commands to follow. This commitment to obedience is a continuous, lifelong process, not just a Sunday activity. Rowden acknowledged that no one is perfect, but when disciples fall short, they should agree with God about their sin, admit their mistakes, and make adjustments to change.
Rowden concluded by reiterating that this mission of discipleship is not undertaken alone. Citing Matthew 28:20, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age," he reminded them that God's Spirit indwells believers, providing the strength and guidance needed to fulfill this calling. He challenged the audience to consider if they are truly disciples, believing that everyone present at the camp was there for a purpose orchestrated by God. He urged them to take their "next step" in their faith journey, whether that meant trusting Jesus for the first time, getting baptized, or making a significant change in their life to align with God's will.