Teaching Newbies

September 8, 2015/CathyChung/

Topics to Dig Into

Who is He?

What is God like? Who is this man Jesus? How can we understand the Holy Spirit?

The Visible God

God is present and active in our lives, often working through people and ‘coincidences’. Thank and praise Him!

Making it Practical

Following Jesus in today’s world can be challenging. But living according to Jesus’ teaching is incredibly worthwhile. Call it life-changing.

He Knows You

God’s love is unconditional. He knows our hearts and continually invites us into relationship.

Ah-Ha!

Learning about the culture and language of Bible times can reveal new meaning in familiar scriptures. Let’s call them ah-ha moments.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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. -Jesus

Matthew 28:18-20 (NLT)

I’m guessing that you’re familiar with the ‘go and make disciples’ and the ‘I am with you always’ parts of today’s scripture, but perhaps not so familiar with the middle. At least that’s true for me.

Teach them to obey all the commands I have given you.

All the commands. What are those commands? Can I name 5?

I’d start with love. Yes, God is love and Jesus’ entire message can be summarized by love. So love. Love God and
love your neighbor.

Then I’d say forgive. Forgive others because we have been forgiven.

Then my memory gets murky. What else did Jesus command?

I consider myself a disciple, following Jesus as best I can. I know He loves me (and you), offers me grace every day and guides my path. I am filled because of my relationship with Him.

As for obeying His commands, I know in general that I should live a life caring for others as Jesus did. But the specifics? I have to think hard in order to name 3 more, let alone all of them.

Can you name 5 of Jesus’ commandments?

If so, good for you! Pass it on! Teach new followers!

If not, do you think generalities are sufficient? Should we know Jesus’ commandments?

#seedsofscripture #commandment #teach

3 Comments

Wendy Kohman on September 9, 2015 at 2:02 PM

This is a good word. I know I tend to live in generalities too much of the time. Will ponder this for a while. Wish I could join you in your discussion series. I pray it is life-changing for all!

Reply
Wendy Kohman on September 10, 2015 at 12:04 PM

This morning I started in Matthew. "Repent of your sins and return to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." Today I want to be sensitive to repent of specific sin and turn my heart and mind (and actions) to God.

Reply
- CathyChung on September 10, 2015 at 12:20 PM
  
  Wow! I hadn't even thought of statements like this as some of Jesus' commandments, but of course, they are. Yes, repent and return. I like your effort to get specific and not just an overall 'feeling' of repentance. You've taught me!
  
  Reply

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Psalm 119:105

Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5 (NLT)

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.