
Are you a disciple of Jesus? If so, what is it that makes you a follower? If you were put on trial for following Jesus, would there be enough evidence to convict you? And what would that evidence be?
Unfortunately, it is often hard to distinguish the lives of church-going Christians from the lives of others. But the calling of Jesus is one that calls us to live radically different. But what is the difference?
Join us this Fall as we explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We will identify the marks of discipleship that are necessary to prepare us and equip us to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and follow Jesus.
Part 1: The Call to Follow Jesus
September 27, 2020 – In this introductory message, Pastor Phil explores what is the evidence to prove that discipleship is happening. We will also look at some of the excuses we make and the reasons we lose focus of this highest calling in life.
Part 2: The Training Manual
October 4, 2020 – If you are going to follow, you need to know where he is leading. You need to know where he is directing you, and guiding you, and telling you to go. You can’t follow without direction. It is the Bible that gives us that direction.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105, ESV
Part 3 : Talk to the Coach
October 11 – One of the distinguishing marks of a follower of Jesus is prayer. There is much that could be said on prayer. But what is it that distinguishes the prayers of the disciples of Jesus?
Part 4: Setting the Priority
October 18 – Part 4 of the Cross Training Series is “Setting the Priority.” This message is all about worship. What is worship and what distinguishes the worship of the followers of Jesus? We are always worshipping something. The question is not if we are worshipping. The question is what it is we are worshipping.
Part 5: Adequate Rest
November 8: This week we continue the Cross Training Message Series. Are you tired? An important part of training is rest. It seems counter-intuitive. To do more we think we need to work harder and longer. But God’s Word instructs us that we are most productive when we work from our rest.
Part 6: Specialization
November 15 – This week week’s message is “specialization.” It is all about our calling to serve God as his ministers, each in our own unique way.
Part 7: Teamwork
November 22 – This is the last week of the Cross Training message series. This week’s message is on Teamwork. There are no individual followers of Jesus. Jesus has called us to follow him together and he gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us to walk together. The name of this community is called the Church. The Church may be imperfect because it is made up of imperfect people. But we are made one in the Savior.
Do you want help finding another individual to meet 1-on-1 for intentional discipleship. Send an email to office@gs4nj.org.