James Stytle brought the message on today’s theme using the focus scripture (John 6:60-69) and also other scriptures about discipleship
John 6:60-69 New International Version (NIV)
Many Disciples Desert Jesus60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit[a] and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
(Mark 8:34-38, Luke 14:27, Matthew 28:19, III Nephi 8:53, Moroni 6:6, Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c — included below).
He talked about four types of discipleship:
– Personal – what we do in our personal life
– Relational – helping one another grow as disciples
– Communal – coming together as community (church, retreats, reunion)
– Missional – evangelism, community projects, welfare projects
James shared the following statements and/or questions:
– Do people we share with know we are Christians, even if they do not know we are Community of Christ?
– Remember, in everything we do we should be sharing the gospel.
– We are good when we gather, but we are great when we scatter.
– The church has left the building!
Mark 8:34-38
Mark 8:34-38 New International Version (NIV)
The Way of the Cross
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Luke 14:27
Luke 14:27 New International Version (NIV)
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Matthew 28:19
Matthew 28:19 New International Version (NIV)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
III Nephi 8:53
III Nephi 8:53 (The Book of Mormon, Revised Authorized Version, Community of Christ, Herald Publishing House)
53 ” And, behold, ye shall meet together often and ye shall not forbid any man from coming to you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come to you, and forbid them not.”
Moroni 6:6
Moroni 6:6 (The Book of Mormon, Revised Authorized Version, Community of Christ, Herald Publishing House)
6 And the church met together often to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls; and they met together often to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.
Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c
Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c (Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Community of Christ, Herald Publishing House)
c. Lovingly invite others to experience the good news of new life in community with Christ. Opportunities abound in your daily lives if you choose to see them.