06 | All In Celebration

Matthew 28:16-20

We end our series, “Vintage Faith: Following the Way,” with a summary of what we’re calling Great Commission Christianity, looking at all Jesus packed into these few words at the end of Matthew’s gospel. Each phrase of the Great Commission speaks to an absolutely essential aspect of what it means to know, trust, and follow Jesus in a wholistic way; lose any aspect of the Great Commission and you have a deficient form of Christianity that will inevitably result in deformed disciples. In the difficult, draining, and confusing time we live in, what a gift Jesus has given us in this simple but rich framework! Together we’re partnering as a church to live into this vision and mission for the coming year.

October 17, 2021 - Steve Hart

05 | Spirit-Dependence

Matthew 28:16-20

Following the Way of Jesus can’t be done in our own strength or wisdom, so it is really good news to know that Jesus promises to be with us always. The same Jesus we see in the gospels — flesh and blood human; teaching, serving, and suffering; rising in glory — is the same One who comes to be with each and everyone of us by His Spirit. As the church steps out into mission, the Holy Spirit leads us, reminding us that we are adopted, leading us into all truth, filling us with God’s love, and emboldening us for witness. We’re invited to increasingly rely on the empowering presence of God as he sends us to fulfill the Great Commission together.

Discussion:

1. How does the final promise of v.20 unfold in the book of Acts? What does the Spirit do?

2. Read John 14-16. What are the roles of the Spirit? Which role do you need more of right now?

Key Practices: 

1. Spend time in prayer together, conversationally, with regularity. Use the Lord’s Prayer format.

2. Ask the Spirit to do the heavy lifting in your life, community, & mission field (Desire, Rely, Yield)

October 10, 2021 - Steve Hart

04 | Gospel Rhythms

Matthew 28:16-20

Following the Way of Jesus encompasses all of life, bringing significance to even the most mundane and normal parts of our days. Jesus came to make us fully alive, to teach us to live abundant life, and obeying him is not a burden but a release and a relief. Followers are learning to engage everyday practices — eat, listen, story, bless, celebrate, recreate — as followers of his way, infusing every aspect of life with Jesus. To that end, we want everyone to craft a shared set of practices around the way of Jesus together, and commit to following the way of Jesus together.

Discussion:

1. What would you say are the marks of a life that is really rooted in Jesus & faithful to his way?

2. What most hinders this kind of life for you? What are the roadblocks? 

3. Are there a few specific practices you need to prioritize, individually and communally?

Key Practices: 

1. Determine what practices - eat, listen, story, bless, celebrate, recreate - you’ll engage together

2. Commit to a simple way of regularly connecting as family, servants, and missionaries

October 3, 2021 - Steve Hart

03 | Gospel Identity

Matthew 28:16-20

Following the Way of Jesus begins with baptism, the public declaration of what Jesus has done in us. At the same time, baptism also functions as an immersion into the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and the beginning of a new way of life. The command to make disciples is accomplished as we form people into their new identity built on their new relationship to the Father, Son, and Spirit. In this way, we are shaping a disciple’s sense of identity — who they are and to whom they belong — as we help them learn to obey Jesus. Together we’re living into our new identity in Jesus Jesus as Family, Servants, and Missionaries, and helping others to do the same.

Discussion:

1. What identities have most shaped your life? Where did you learn them?

2. What identities does God give to us in Jesus? To what degree have they been worked in?

3. Have you experienced baptism? If so, what was that like? If not, why not? (Do it on 10/17!)

Key Practices: 

1. Family: Show up to weekly gatherings eager and ready to contribute your life and gifts

2. Servants: Meet needs within and beyond your community with time, talent, and treasure

3. Missionaries: Pray for your M/C, for your neighbors, and for gospel opportunities

September 26, 2021 - Steve Hart

02 | Gospel Purpose

Matthew 28:16-20

Following the Way of Jesus is about making Jesus and his disciple-making mission the organizing principle of our lives. Jesus supplies everything we need to re-orient the whole of our lives around his mission, to step into the places he has sent us with courage and conviction, and to bring the presence, kingdom, and message of Jesus. Together we’re orienting our real, everyday lives around the mission and purpose of Jesus, and increasingly surrendering all of life to him and his way.

Discussion:

1. What images come to mind when you hear the command to “make disciples?”

2. How does your image compare to what we see Jesus doing with his community?

3. What is the “organizing principle” of your life? What is your life really about?

Key Practices: 

1. Look for opportunities to connect with your M/C beyond weekly gatherings

2. Build significant, spiritual friendships with people who don’t follow Jesus

September 19, 2021 - Steve Hart

01 | Gospel Power

Matthew 28:16-20

Following the Way of Jesus is founded on and empowered by the good news of the gospel — all that is ours in the person and work of Jesus! The massive claim of the Great Commission is Jesus’ words, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me.” Together we’re learning to rely whole-heartedly on Jesus, and humbly taking responsibility for our own growth as disciples.

Discussion:

1. What lies, fears, or doubts are regularly pulling your gaze from Jesus?

2. What is true about Jesus, what he’s done, and who he’s made you to be?

3. How might you lean into what is true this season, drawing on what is yours in Christ? 

Key Practices:

1.  Practice a life of confession, repentance, rejoicing, and transformation.

2. Embrace simple disciplines that help you and your community stay rooted in Jesus.

September 12, 2021 - Steve Hart