Sermon Central
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Future Disciples Of Christ Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Aug 7, 2013 (message contributor)
Summary: Examining the lives of future disciples of Christ.
Future Disciples Of Christ
Today we will conclude our series on “Disciples Of Christ” - Over the past 5 weeks we have seen False …Fearful …Fallen …Faithful & Fruitful Disciples of Christ.
• Each disciple (or follower) of Christ that we have considered thus far has been individuals who lived here on earth and followed Christ before His ascension. Today we will consider the conversion of the Apostle Paul. This event happened well after Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father. Jesus had a desire for His followers to be fruitful and to make more disciples.
He commissioned His followers to do just that – Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
For those of you who are “disciples” of Christ, you did not wake up one day and think “I am going to be born again today” . But before the foundation of the world, God knew you and God had a plan for your life.
You may be here and you have not yet met the Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Little do you know that He knows you and He may very well call your name today. This was the case for Saul of Tarsus. He was opposed to everything associated with Jesus. Saul spent his life fighting against the church during its infancy. Then one day as he was living his own life, striving for his own religious goals Jesus came to him and called his name!
Though you are not saved now, you very well may be a “Future Disciple Of Christ” Let’s look to Paul’s conversion and consider that very thought … “Future Disciples Of Christ” - There are some similarities in Saul’s story and the lives of many unbelievers today. Notice:
I. Future Disciples May Be Rebellious - v1a And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,
Saul was not a friendly character before his conversion. Consider his own testimony of his past - Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
He was not just a silent objector, he was an intense persecutor of Christ & the Church. We read where he held the coats as the Deacon Steven was stoned to death. He had no concern for the things of Christ. In fact, he was opposed to them.There are many today, in fact you may be one today that could care less about the things of Christ.
You have heard all of the religious speak. You have been taught by family & witnessed to by friends. In fact, you may even believe these things and you just don’t care!
You are “living in the moment”
You are living for yourself
You have heard the Word and rejected it
You have been convicted of your sins and you refuse to repent
You may have plans to make things right one day
You just aren’t ready yet.
That is a dangerous life to live, for you are not promised tomorrow. I have some encouragement, you may not know it yet, but Jesus may call your name before you leave this place today! You may say “not me! I don’t believe this fantasy world that you are preaching about” Paul would have said the same thing before he walked down Damascus road.
I have seen men who at one time didn’t even believe in God surrender to Christ. I have seen some who were the worst that society had to offer, be humbled at the conviction of the Holy Spirit. I have seen people who thought they had been saved for decades come to know Jesus. Great things can happen when Jesus calls your name!
Pay attention my “rebellious friend” You just may be a “Future Disciple Of Christ’ As we mover further I would like to submit to you that:
II. Future Disciples Might Be Religious - v1b went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.Saul was not your “stereotypical sinner”, he was actually a very religious man. Listen to his personal testimony of his life before Christ
Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
