Emmanuel’s purpose is to grow disciples who exalt, explore, embody and engage. Through January we are going re-visit Emmanuel’s purpose

ENGAGE

Another aspect of being a disciple is our desire for other people to become disciples to. As a church we want to grow disciples who will grow disciples. This is a responsibility of all followers of Jesus. To facilitate that we will have at least one intentional relationship where we will share our faith, in the hope God will lead them to faith in Jesus Christ..

READ

Romans 10:9-15

because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. Read the passage again.

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. What does this passage tell me about my relationship with others?

5. What responsibility does it place upon me?

6. What am I going to do about it.

7. What is there in this passage that I want to apply to my own life?

PRAY

Dear Lord thank you for your gift of grace for me and setting me free. Help me to live a life that more fully reflects living as a follower and disciple of yours. Each day may I find ways to exalt you and may my life reflect my love. May I earnestly read and explore your word and apply it to my life. Help me to live a life that embodies what I believe. That what I say and what I do resonate and ring true. Lord help me to be committed to your mission, to make disciples and to earnestly pray and commit to sharing your love and grace with those I love who do not know you. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ who is my Saviour and Lord.

Emmanuel’s purpose is to grow disciples who exalt, explore, embody and engage. Through January we are going re-visit Emmanuel’s purpose

EMBODY

As disciples we are called to live out (embody) our faith where we are. At home, at work or school at church and in our community. Embody is about using our spiritual gifts to serve the communities in which we live seeking to grow the Kingdom of God.

READ

1 Peter 4:8-11

Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. Read the passage again. What are the key words and phrases?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. What does this passage tell me about my relationship with others?

5. What is there in this passage that I want to apply to my own life?

Be prepared to share this with someone and report back on how it has gone.

PRAY

Dear Lord thank you for your gift of grace for me and setting me free. Help me to live a life that more fully reflects living as a follower and disciple of yours. Each day may I find ways to exalt you and may my life reflect my love. May I earnestly read and explore your word and apply it to my life. Help me to live a life that embodies what I believe. That what I say and what I do resonate and ring true. Lord help me to be committed to your mission, to make disciples and to earnestly pray and commit to sharing your love and grace with those I love who do not know you. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ who is my Saviour and Lord.

Emmanuel’s purpose is to grow disciples who exalt, explore, embody and engage. Through January we are going re-visit Emmanuel’s purpose

EXALT

The word exalt means to praise highly or to glorify. When Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment, he responded You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.’ In exalting God, we acknowledge his greatness and our place before him. In worship we surrender ourselves to God, praise his name and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit. It is important to think about how we exalt God throughout the week and not just on Sundays

READ

Matthew 22:36-40

DISCUSS

1. How has your week been? How have you seen God at work in your life?

2. What do you understand by exalting God?

3. When and how do you exalt God?

4. In Thessalonians Paul speaks of a life worthy of God. (1 Thess 2:12). How is your life worthy of God or reflect God’s kingdom?

5. Try and find the time to praise and exalt God every day this week.

PRAY

Dear Lord thank you for your gift of grace for me and setting me free. Help me to live a life that more fully reflects living as a follower and disciple of yours. Each day may I find ways to exalt you and may my life reflect my love. May I earnestly read and explore your word and apply it to my life. Help me to live a life that embodies what I believe. That what I say and what I do resonate and ring true. Lord help me to be committed to your mission, to make disciples and to earnestly pray and commit to sharing your love and grace with those I love who do not know you. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ who is my Saviour and Lord.