The requirement – shaping disciples

1. The requirement – shaping disciples

2. Reminder regarding January • The church is requested to pray and fast all food from 12/31 at Midnight to 1/1/13 at Midnight and pray for our nation • The church is requested to fast something of your choosing for the entire month of January • The church is asked to come to church 15 minutes early every Sunday for 2013 to pray for our leaders and nation.

3. Dr. Hayfords prophetic word • Unless we pray and intercede for our leaders • Unless we seek being living examples of worship in humility, recognizing that He is our strength • Unless the Churches first priority be developing disciples unto transformation • Unless the Church is willing to stand and pray for Israel, recognizing that they are His chosen people

4. Unless the pulpits, sanctuaries and classrooms of the church be once again employed as centerpieces of shaping disciples unto transformation 

5. For role of the church • The meeting and gathering of single minded disciples for the purpose of • Learning and understanding the Word of God • Acting as the collection point for resources by which to help • A common place where you can always find someone who has been through similar circumstances to learn from and help through current challenges

6. Disciple • Used 268 times in the NT – the goal of all who follow Christ • One who is disciplined to follow the leaders direction closely • One who accepts and assists in spreading the Doctrine of one who is greater, or their leader

7. The marks of a disciple (Rom 12:9-21) • Love without hypocrisy (dissimulation) • Not reciprocal, but universal. Not one kind to friends and another fake kind for enemies • Abhor what is evil • The more of Christ that is in you, the less evil you will tolerate. Abhor is much stronger than dislike • Cling to what is good • Do you watch for, reward, and encourage good

8. Kindly affectionate, brotherly love, preference • He that waters is watered also • Not contending for superiority, preferring above • Not lagging, fervent, serving the Lord • Energized and passionate to lift others up • Seeking opportunities to overthrow laziness • Rejoicing in hope • Patient in tribulation – not complaining • Continuing always in prayer

9. Distributing to others needs • Would someone know you are a Christian if they looked in your checkbook or MAC receipts? • Matthew 25 goats and sheep • Hospitality – making someone feel at home even when they are not • Bless and do not curse persecutors • The ultimate unfairness was the cross • Be what others need when they need it • Take the time to laugh and cry with others

10. Do not set your mind on the high things (seats at the banquet, washing the disciples feet) • If you really are wise, you won’t need to tell anyone…. • Not repaying evil for evil, regarding good things, in as much as it depends on you • The nature of conflict • You don’t need to avenge yourself – God is much more able • Good overcomes evil. Love covers a multitude of sins

11. Transformation And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom 12:2