Sermons on Discipleship
Credibility – Fruit of the Spirit
As Part 3 of the Litmus Test series, this week’s message “Credibility” offers a good standard for determining what it looks like for us to follow Jesus. What proof or evidence is there that someone is truly a follower of Jesus? The “fruit of the spirit” offers some helpful guidance. Key Scriptures: John 15:5-8 (NLT), Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
Confession – Jesus is Lord
What does a Christian have to say or believe in order to be considered a Christian? There is one confession that cost even the earliest disciples their lives: “Jesus is Lord.” What does “Jesus is Lord” mean for us today? Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:3, Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)
Retirement and Other Things that Don’t Exist in the Kingdom
Retirement does not exist in the Kingdom of God. While we might be retired now or dream of retirement one day, we do not retire from the work of being a disciple of Jesus. Once we begin our journey with Jesus, what is next? Join us as we look into how God is never done working through us and how God is never done working on us. Key Text: 2 Timothy 1:8-9 (NLT)
Ash Wednesday
What do we do when we are tempted to escape early? How do we stay faithful in the midst of tempting moments even during Lent this year? Rev. Jamie Ellis leads us through an explanation of what it means for us as followers of Jesus to be in wilderness moments. Key Text: Matthew 4:1-11
What’s Next?
Life is a journey. Seeking and believing in Jesus are only the first steps. How do you move from just believing, to being a disciple and then a disciple-maker of Jesus? Key text: Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
Introducing Pastor Chris Bryant
Newly appointed Senior Pastor, Chris Bryant, shares his first message at RUMC. Chris shares part of his personal journey and ultimately dives into what it really means to follow Jesus rather than just believe in him. Key text: John 21:15-19
Bearing Fruit
When we abide in Jesus, the True Vine, and allow God to guide our growth, we produce an abundance of fruit that demonstrates our connectedness to Jesus. While many of us want to skip to this step, the reality is that bearing much fruit requires commitment and diligence that is life-long and healthy. Key Text: John 15:8-11
Connecting to the Vine
While our culture pushes independence and self-sufficiency, the life that Jesus sets for us is one of sacrifice and surrender. Using a very detailed visual example, Jesus explains that God is the Vinedresser, Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches. Being a follower of Jesus means that we choose to abide and remain in Jesus. Key Text: John 15:1,4-5 Images of Connections Click for larger image and description.