THE WEEKEND OF JANUARY 21-22, 2017KEY

HE’S HERE -- WORSHIP: God chose you. Not the other way around. Because He has called you into relationship with Himself, He is worthy of your praise and worship.

HE KNOWS -- LEARN: Review the One Story reading list and review the various conditions and characteristics of Jesus’ disciples.

HE’S ABLE -- SERVE: Carry the message you’ve been give to others who are in need to receive.

Here in week 3 we will pick up our One Story teaching series with Jesus selecting and calling His disciples. Let’s take special note on the culture and context of the choices Jesus makes for the very first apostles (sent ones) of His church.

First and foremost the gospel is known, demonstrated and delivered by Christ. Scripture tells us that the church is the Body and Christ is the Head of the church. The gospel is the unifying message that reaches out and brings new members into the Body.

God chose to choose. He chose to bring others into the greatest and most important endeavor the world has ever known, the expansion of His Kingdom. Who were these disciples (learners) who were called to align their lives with the King of all creation?

FACTORPOINTS

1. Have you ever doubted your ability to share the gospel with others?

2. In what ways are you growing in intimacy with the Lord? 3. Are there areas in your life where you feel as though you

are struggling for control.

A difference in reception of the gospel is clearly seen when Jesus calls Matthew, the tax collector. Matthew was so moved

Monday: Matthew 5Tuesday: Matthew 6Wednesday: Matthew 7

Thursday: John 2Friday: John 3

WEEK 3 READING PLAN / JANUARY 22 - 28

WEEK THREE:The Gospel Carriers

January 21-22, 2017Pastor Joseph S. Sissac

INTRODUCTION

HE CHOSE TO CHOOSE

SAME MESSAGE, DIFFERENT HEART

DISCUSSION QUESTIONSAll four of the gospel accounts give details regarding Jesus selecting His disciples. One of the most interesting facts that we notice is that Jesus doesn’t chose His closest disciples from among the spiritual elites of the day. He chose fishermen, a tax collector and a zealot to name a few. These men didn’t fit the normal profile of rabbis or Pharisees. This shows us that the gospel is not just for a select group of theologians. The message, and the work of spreading it throughout the world is for everyone who hears. The question is: What have we done since hearing the good news?

NOT-SO SPECIAL SELECTIONSMATTHEW 4:17-22, JOHN 1:43-51

LUKE 5:27-39, 6:12-16

by his encounter with Christ that he threw Him a party whichwas attended by other tax collectors, Pharisees, scribes and many sinners. They were all present at the same place and time, yet not for the same reasons. It’s possible that the tax collectors had never been treated with compassion or respect by a religious leader. This compelled them to follow. While the Pharisees and scribes had never felt so threatened by the authority of another religious leader.

In your own walk with the Lord, are you progressing in intimacy or fighting to maintain control. Those who receive the gospel should also become carries as well. God is still seeking, choosing and equipping ordinary, unassuming vessels to do extraordinary eternal works for His glory.