This series will focus on six character traits of a growing disciple of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the goal is that this series will help people evaluate their relationship with God and enable them to see concrete ways in which they can continue to grow as disciples.

Note: A "disciple" is an "apprentice"; if I am Jesus' disciple that means I am with him to learn from him how to be like him. Consequently, throughout this series, I will link these "marks" to character traits that are evident in the life of Jesus.

"A Heart for Christ Alone"
Sept. 26th, 2004
Matt. 22:37; John 15:4; Luke 14:26-27

The first mark of the authentic disciple is a heart for Christ alone. The other marks may be encountered in any order, but the first mark has to come first! This mark reminds us that following Christ is a journey of surrender. In this message we will discuss what it means to live life in surrender to Christ. We will also talk about confronting the idols in our lives that can distract us from following Jesus.

In this message, we will also talk about grace. I don't want this series to become another exercise in Christian "do's" and "don'ts"; rather, I want to ravish people with the character of God and encourage them to respond accordingly. To confront the idols in our lives, we must be confident of God's love for us and and our ability to trust in him. Understanding God's grace is foundational to the life of a healthy disciple. As Glenn McDonald observes, "…if there is a fundamental misunderstanding in our minds as to when we are so privileged to have a relationship with Christ-then every other step on the journey will take us in the wrong direction."

"A Mind Transformed by the Word"
Oct. 3rd, 2004
John 8:31-32; 2 Tim. 3:16-17

In teaching his followers, Jesus taught them that their lives could be transformed by his teaching. Ultimately, that's the purpose of Scripture-not simply to provide information about God but also to produce transformation within the lives of his followers.

In this message, we will talk about ways in which God's word can transform our minds. We will also discuss how to get started in understanding, studying and meditating on Scripture.

"Knees for Prayer"
Oct. 10th, 2004
Luke 11:1-13

In this message we will talk about the importance of prayer in the life of a discipleship. When we look at the life of Jesus, particularly as it is recorded in Luke's gospel, we are struck by the regularity with which Jesus prayed.

In this message, we will talk about some of the hang-ups and miscues associated with prayer. We will also talk about what prayer looks like as it becomes an everyday part of our relationship with God.

"Arms of Love"
Oct. 17th, 2004
John 13:35

As Jesus prepared his followers for his departure, he taught them that love would be a defining mark of their association with him. To understand what Jesus is saying, we need to understand what "love" is. Ultimately, it's not a feeling but a decision that leads to action.

As we talk about this "mark," we will address several questions: (1) How do we grow in our love of others? (2) How do we love those that are hard to love? (3) How do we love when it is costly?

Missions Conference
Oct. 24th, 2004

"A Voice to Speak the Good News"
Oct. 31st, 2004
1 Peter 3:15; Col. 4:5; Acts 1:8

Ultimately, being an apprentice of Jesus means that we will have an outward perspective. Jesus didn't simply instruct us to be disciples-he also instructed us to make disciples.

Jesus' challenge requires that we examine how we look at the people around us. Are they competitors I need to beat? Are they annoyances I need to avoid? Are they customers I need to market? Or are they people who at the end of every day need essentially one thing-the wholeness of being in a genuine relationship with Jesus? In this message, we will talk about how God's grace can free us up to live a life that authentically witnesses to others about Jesus.

"A Spirit of Servanthood and Stewardship"
Nov. 7th, 2004
Luke 14:33; Mark 10:45; Matt. 25:14-30

The call to discipleship includes the challenge of answering several questions: (1) What does "success" in my life look like? (2) Where is my "true home"? (3) What's my job? (4) Who is in charge of my life?

As we move closer to Jesus, he provides specific answers to those questions. Specifically, we learn that he has provided us with a variety of resources so that we can make an eternal difference in the world in which we live.

In this message we will talk about what it looks like to acknowledge that we are stewards and not owners of our resources.

Where Do We Go From Here???
Nov. 14th, 2004

This message will focus on possible "next steps" that flow out of this sermon series. Among other things, I will discuss new small group options and the ways in which existing groups can follow-up on this series. I will also discuss resources that are helpful for individual use.

In discussing "next steps," I will come back to two themes that I stressed earlier. First, obedience and abundance are interrelated. This life of discipleship is worth pursuing because that's where we experience the life that is truly life! Secondly, the life of a disciple involves relationships; consequently, I will talk about types of relationships that we need to be maturing followers of Christ.

Last Update: 25 September 2004
Copyright 2004 by Salem Evangelical Free Church of Fargo, North Dakota, USA