The way of a Disciple: Do what Jesus Did.

Greetings, dear friends!

As I stood before you on Sunday morning, I was struck once again by the beauty of our community, gathering together to worship, sing, and reflect on the profound truths of our faith. It’s a privilege to walk this journey of faith with each of you, and I was particularly moved by the depth of connection that worship brings, as evidenced in our heartfelt singing of songs like "Hosanna" and "His Mercy is More."

During our time together, I shared about the importance of keeping the main thing the main thing—an idea so critical to our personal and communal faith journey. It's a guiding principle that holds everything together, yet can sometimes be overshadowed by the busyness of life. The main thing, as we discussed, is to love God and love people, a mandate so powerfully encapsulated in Jesus' teachings.

Reflecting on the Great Commission, I am reminded of the task Jesus left us—to make disciples. It's easy sometimes to separate evangelism and discipleship, as history and tradition might suggest, but at the core, they're inseparable. Making disciples is about inviting others into this life-changing relationship with Christ, embedding His love into our everyday interactions, and growing together.

One might wonder about the simplicity and, yet, the complexity of this task—to go, baptize, teach, and to carry this out with the authority and presence of Jesus Himself. It’s an assurance that we’re not alone in this endeavor; He promises to be with us—all authority, all the time, as I fondly like to call it, our "authority sandwich."

Discipleship isn’t about reaching a finish line or completing a checklist. It’s a lifelong journey. As Paul admonished, we are to follow Christ’s example, living each day more attuned to His purpose and presence in our lives. Jesus’ resurrection wasn't just a miraculous event; it was a clarion call reminding us of what really matters—loving God, loving people, making disciples.

For those who met Chris Moore, her 38 years with us exemplified this kind of life—quietly powerful, deeply impacting, always encouraging. As we bid her farewell, we remember not just her presence, but the way she lived out her faith, a reminder of what it means to be a disciple.

I urge you to reflect on how God might be calling you in your everyday life. Is there a neighbor you could reach out to? A colleague to pray for? Perhaps a family member who might need your guidance and love? And let's not overlook our own spiritual growth. Engage in prayer first, invite God into every aspect of your life, seeking His wisdom and direction.

And let’s not forget—living out our faith is not done in isolation. We have each other. We have this beautiful community. I encourage you to participate in our prayer gatherings or simply reach out to someone in our church family this week. Share your burdens, celebrate your blessings, and continue to make Christ’s love known.

May we never grow weary of the calling to be disciples who make disciples. Together, let's keep the main thing the main thing and carry the light of Christ into every part of our world.