November 4, 2007

Worship through Song

 

Offering

I Will Follow

U2

 

Simple Instructions for Life

 

Message:  Follow

Pastor Scott & Pastor Clare

 

Communion

 

Church Family News

 

Prayer

 

Any musical selections and/or media elements used in our services are for illustrative purposes only and are not an endorsement of any artist, musical group, film or television program.

 

 

K.I.S.S. Week 1

Follow

 

Jesus came to make it clear how to connect to God.

 

The Initial Invitation:

 

Matthew 9:9-13(TNIV)

     9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

    10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

    12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

 

 

 

1.  Jesus didn’t come to the earth to be exactly right, he came to be  ___________________(a).

 

 

2.  Jesus came for those that are  ______________(b).

 

 

3.  “Follow me” is a  ______________________(c) invitation.

 

Follow:  akoloutheo (ak-ol-oo-theh'-o); from NT:1 (as a particle of union) and keleuthos (a road); properly, to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

 

The Progression of Following:

 

Call John 1:43-46

 

Confession 1 John 1:9 James 5:16

 

Palms Up Palms down prayer.

 

Begin by placing your palms down as a symbolic indication of your desire to turn over any sins or concerns you may have to God. Whatever it is that is bothering you or weighing you down, silently turn it over to God.

 

Next, turn your palms up as a symbol of your desire to receive from the God. Ask for whatever you think you need.

 

Finally, end with a time of inner silence, simply letting the Lord commune with you, to love you.

 

(Cf. Foster, Celebration, 30-31.)

 

Communion 1 Corinthians 11:26 Acts 2:46-47

 

Commitment Proverbs 16:3

 

Answers:

a. followed   b. lost   c. relational

 

Conversation:

1.  What did the general public think of tax collectors in Jesus’ day?  Are there any parallel types of individuals in our society?

2.  Can you imagine anything that may disqualify you from a relationship with God?

3.  What seemed to be the standard Jesus used in establishing relationships?

4.  What does it look like for you to follow Jesus with your life?

5.  Do you think following Jesus should make a person more gracious or less gracious toward others?  Why?

6.  When Jesus talked about being “healthy” or “sick” in Matt. 9, what do you think he meant?

 

 

Next steps in following for those who are:

Exploring Faith: “Come and See”

        Prayer

        Bible reading

        Weekend services

        Connection with other Christ followers

 

Christ Followers: “I believe in Jesus, and I desire to know Him and follow His ways.”

        Bible reading

        Prayer

        Small group opportunities

        Serving opportunities

 

Sources: 

Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, and quoted individuals

 

Recommended resources available in the CCM Bookstore:

How Good is Good Enough?  by Andy Stanley; Next Door Savior  by Max Lucado; Celebration of Disciplines  by Richard Foster

 

 

Today’s message is available in the bookstore on CD or DVD. Streaming audio and videos of today’s message are also available on our website:  ccmonline.org.