Tag Archives: 2 Timothy 2:2

Calvary Chapel of Lima Christmas Eve 2013 Candlelight Service

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Opening song – Handel – Hallelujah Chorus

Angels We Have Heard on High – Paul Baloche 

1 John 4:9-10

By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

We gather here tonight on the eve of the day we celebrate the birth of God into this world, to offer Him our thanksgiving, praise, and worship. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, He is Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God, our Immanuel.

Let us join together in song offering up the praises of our lips.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing – Paul Baloche

O Come Emmanuel – Paul Baloche

Message

We discussed Christmas from heaven’s eyes at length on Sunday.  Tonight I want to touch briefly on 4 specific points in support of this theme.

First point – the 1st Christmas was a declaration of war and therefore we should be reminded that we are still in a battle.

  • Ephesians 6:10-18 – We must daily take up our “equipment.”
  • Romans 13:12-14 – We must know the time is short.
  • 1 Peter 5:8 – We must know we will be challenged

Second point – the 1st Christmas brought the world’s rightful ruler to earth therefore we must “occupy till He comes again.”

  • Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus last words must be our heartbeat
  • Hebrews 4:14 – we must stand firm in His word w/o wavering
  • 2 Timothy 2:2 – we must be a disciple who makes disciples

Third point – the 1st Christmas was God’s invitation of reconciliation to the human race therefore we must be heralds of the gospel of grace.

  • Mark 1:38 – Jesus came to preach a Kingdom message
  • Acts 17:30 – the message is repent and be saved
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 – it is our individual & corporate message

Fourth and final point – the 1st Christmas was a demonstration that Jesus Christ has already overcome the power of the evil one and therefore all who are in Christ are overcomers as well.

  • John 16:33 – knowing Christ as Savior brings peace of/with
  • 1 John 2:14 – faith overcomes the evil one
  • 1 John 4:4 – we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit for power
  • 1 John 5:4-5 – our faith is in Christ not ourselves

Christmas looks vastly different when you understand it through the lens of Scripture.  Isn’t it time we truly give Jesus Christ the central place in our retelling of the Christmas “story”?

I remind you again of Paul’s words to the Christians residing in Rome about the necessity to be bold for Christ in witness and deed – Romans 13:12.

Prayer

What Can I Do – Paul Baloche

Book Review – Growing Up: How To Be A Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty

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Robby Gallaty has added a valuable addition to the growing list of resources calling believers back to fundamentals in his new book Growing Up: How To Be A Disciple Who Makes Disciples.  In ten fast-paced chapters Robby builds a road map that begins with the Great Commission and ends at the juncture of disciplee becoming the discipler.

Right from the start Robby anchors his book in the Word of God.  Understanding the need for discipleship comes from an understanding of the Word of God concerning this subject. Consider for example the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy:

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses
entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2

The process of producing a “faithful” disciple who will replicate the process of teaching and training was modeled by Jesus and involved in the least:

    • Jesus ministered while the disciples watched.
    • Jesus included the disciples by allowing them to assist him.
    • The disciples ministered and Jesus assisted them.
    • Jesus observed as the disciples ministered to others.

Apparent in Jesus’ approach is that at the heart of discipleship is a relationship. Relationship plus opportunity results in maturity. This is one important principle we can derive from studying the Master’s Model of discipleship.

On this foundation Robby moves quickly through the necessary progression of:

    • Training ourselves in godliness (Chapter 4)
    • The importance of prayer (Chapter 5)
    • Developing good study habits (Chapter 6)
    • Obedience as the hallmark of a disciple (Chapter 7)
    • The abundant fruit from memorizing Scripture (Chapter 8)
    • The proof that discipleship has taken root – evangelism (Chapter 9)
    • The absolute necessity of spending time studying the Scriptures (Chapter 10)

This first book in what will be a trilogy, delivers a powerful message – churches everywhere can reclaim the ground lost through lack of teaching/training, indifference, or fear of engaging our friends, co-workers, and families by simply returning to the instructions of Jesus – Go, baptize, teach.

Fittingly, the book captures Robby’s heart as expressed on the first pages of acknowledgement as he dedicates this book to his two sons with these words – “May Jesus’ last words be your first work.”

We have work to do disciple. Let it begin now and let it begin with you and me.

Visit Robby Gallaty’s ministry website – Replicate Ministries – for more great resources. http://www.replicateministries.org