Preparing for the Lord's Day
This week, I will continue our summer sermon series on discipleship by looking at the "welcome of discipleship." The passage I’ve chosen (Matthew 25:31-40) is a challenging one. It’s challenging not because it’s difficult for us to understand. Rather, it’s challenging because it reminds us that discipleship will cost us. The currency of discipleship is our time, our talent, our treasure, yes even our very lives, and what we find is that it’s quite “expensive.” Discipleship stretches and moves us. It takes us out of our comfort zones and that's certainly true when it comes to the welcome of discipleship.
As we examine Matthew 25:31-40, we'll see that one of the evidences given for faithful discipleship is "welcoming the stranger." But what exactly does that mean and who is the stranger and why should we welcome them? How we answer that question will move us closer or further away from being a welcoming church.
To come prepared for worship, please take time to reflect upon Matthew 25:31-40 and Romans 15:7. Ponder the blessing of living lives that reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ for the good of those around you. As you pray for worship, look forward to singing the Hymn of Praise “Come, Thou Almighty King,” the Acclamation of Praise “The Church's One Foundation,” and the Hymn of Response “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
SERMON TEXT: Matthew 25:31-40
THE SERMON: “The Welcome of Discipleship”
(Third Sermon in the series of Making Disciples)
- The What of Welcome
- The Who of Welcome
- The Why of Welcome