“3R’s of Discipleship: Repent, Relinquish, Retool”

Feb.27, 2011 Mt.4:12-25   Play AUDIO (24 kbps mp3)

NEW NEEDS, NEW R’S

•    new generations / realities call for revisions to ‘3Rs’

INVASION OF THE MARGINS

•    Galilee northern region given away by Solomon, rejected by Hiram, inhabited by Gentiles
•    beaten by Assyrians, held in contempt by Judeans
•    Jesus chose to minister amongst the marginalized / outcasts / sinners
•    how is our church following suit?

REPENT: REVIEWING THE SITUATION

•    confrontation by God’s power / Kingdom prompts re-thinking of attitudes, goals
•    real repentance more than just feeling sorry you got caught: results in living differently

LEFT BEHIND: CHRIST’S CALL TO RELINQUISHMENT

•    Jesus left much Himself - heaven, Nazareth home
•    disciples left nets / equipment / livelihood; God provided for family, kept in touch

A WAY-BETTER CATCH: RE-TOOLING

•    receive Kingdom of heaven: Holy Spirit, refreshing, courage
•    spending time with Jesus key in transformation

A DISCIPLE - OR JUST ATTENDING LECTURES?

•    scholar distanced himself from ‘student’ who merely attended
•    Amy Carmichael: true ‘following’ leaves its mark - scar / wound like Jesus