“Many More in ’24”

A     I want to give you four words this morning that will help us understand the Great Commission.      

Identity

B      At Crossgate Church, we are all about being and making disciples. In fact, we’re so focused on being and making disciples that we’ve developed a definition of what a disciple is, which is something that less than 2 percent of all churches have ever done: “A disciple is a growing follower of Jesus, who lives and loves like Jesus and leads others to follow him.”

C.       Follow

·        Notice that we call a disciple a “follower” and not just a “believer.” God calls us to far more than simply believing the right things about Jesus; God calls us to follow Jesus with our lives. 

D.      Become

·        Notice that a disciple’s responsibility is to “live and love like Jesus.” A disciple’s desire is to become more like his or her Master—to become more like Jesus. And if that’s not true of someone, then how can they call themselves a disciple?

E.       Lead

·        Notice also that a disciple’s responsibility it to lead others to follow Jesus. That’s where the Great Commission comes into play. That’s where “more” disciples comes into play.

·        Here’s a theme I want to introduce to you: “Many More in ’24.” As disciples, Jesus has given us a timeless commission to make “more” disciples. He gave that commission to his disciples 2,000 years ago, and it remains just as valid today as it was when the words first left his mouth.