article 8: Our Vocations - LOVE & DISCIPLE-MAKING
We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor, and justice for the oppressed. With God's Word, the Spirit's power, and fervent prayer in Christ's name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ's commission, we are to make disciples among all peoples, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed.
Objective:
To understand and be impacted by what God expects of us.
[In each section start with the green question and do the others as time permits.]
Open in Prayer
Watch the Video [5–10 minutes]
Video Reflections [10 minutes]
- Why does it seem that it is particularly difficult for us to show compassion for people who have been pushed to the margins of our society? How can we begin to care for them more and to fight for justice for them? What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?
- What happens when we do what we were designed to do as followers of Jesus? What about our lives should be different? What about our communities should be different?
- What is the purpose of fruit? What does this have to do with Christian living? What can we do, in conjunction with one another, to become more fruitful?
Read
"We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor, and justice for the oppressed. With God's Word, the Spirit's power, and fervent prayer in Christ's name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ's commission, we are to make disciples among all peoples, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed."
(Lake Avenue Church Statement of Faith: Article Eight – Christian Living)
Questions from the Statement of Faith [20 minutes]
"Up" Questions (Worship)
- What is the difference between justification and sanctification? Which one do you tend to focus on more? How can we, within community, help one another in our sanctification processes?
- What kinds of impact can individual and corporate worship exert on our ability to live out our faith where we work, live, and play?
"In" Questions (Community)
- How can we hold each other accountable to living the Christian life as spelled out in the Statement of Faith? How can we do this without being mean, judgmental, and counterproductive?
- How can Christian community get in the way of our caring for one another, showing compassion toward the poor, and fighting for justice for the oppressed?
"Out" Questions (Service)
- How can we prevent our communities from becoming merely service organizations? What should make Christian service distinct? How can we connect serving with making disciples?
- Read over the text from the Statement of Faith and underline all the words in it that challenge us to live out our faith. Which words did you underline? Which of them do you think may be most difficult to implement in your life? In the life of your community? Why?
- CHALLENGE: Which of the things listed in the Statement of Faith might be most natural for your community to live out (or continue to live out)? Is there a way that you all can do this action more frequently and intentionally? Make a plan together.
Questions from Scripture [10 minutes]
- Read Matthew 28:19-20. What is a disciple? How is it different from a convert? What is meant by “nations”? How can you engage in disciple-making among all the nations as an individual? What about within your small group or class? What about as a larger congregation?
- Read Luke 4:16-19. Rank the things that Jesus quoted from the Old Testament here in order from the one you do most commonly to the one you do least commonly. Share your list with the group. What did you notice? Think about how you, as a community, can engage in more of the things that Jesus highlighted here.
Prayer
Father, we admit that we have a long way to go. We do things that are wrong and fail to do things that are good. Sometimes we value things, money, and prestige more than people. God forgive us! Sometimes we're more wrapped up with our own concerns, bills, and complaints than the pain of those around us, people whom you made in your image. God forgive us! And sometimes we simply don't want to obey you at all. God forgive us! Father we beg you to guide us, move us, and shape us. Help us become people who live out the good news of your son and his kingdom where you have placed us. Be with us. Inspire us. In Jesus' holy name. Amen.