by Dave Miller
Next Introduction
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.
-John Wayne
I must admit, as a Xennial, fame and stories intrigue me. No stronger place do these worlds collide than on the silver screen, or at least my LCD, because Redbox is much cheaper. There, a world is filled with stories of famous men and women who accomplish great things. Even the incredible forgotten and hidden stories are brought to life and inspire, from Michael Oher to Louis Zamperini. My family and I watch as the, genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, overcomes his ego, giving himself in a snap of a finger to SAVE THE WORLD.
We watch against all odds, as Louis raises the railroad tie, defying the Bird with his unbreakable resolve. We then remember how we want to do something incredible, something that really matters with our life. Well, I can promise you that you can do something incredible, something that really matters with your life, but you won’t ever get credit for saving the world. If you will embrace the Story, and take your place in history’s march towards the return of Christ, saving the world is just what we will do.
John Ewart, a decade long mentor, which I realize is a distinct privilege, once told me a person with a common-sense approach to the bible, a focus on the big picture, and not wanting credit would serve well in Jesus’ Kingdom. So, what would happen if we all took our place in the Story of God’s glory? What would happen if the church saw themselves as a disciple-making machine? What would happen if like an intricate pocket watch we each played our role as individual gears in perfect time? What would happen if fame was only for Jesus Christ and the story we tell becomes the heartbeat of Jesus Christ? I believe nothing less than an ancient story of the early church retold, the story of Jesus Christ and his church turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). But you don’t have to save the world, because together, each doing our part, we could create SENTERGY to complete the Great Commission until there is #NoPlaceLeft.
Afraid and I like it
I have heard you calling my name.
I have heard the song of life that You sing.
So I will let you draw me out beyond the shore into your grace.
You make me brave.
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves.
No fear can hinder now the promises you made.
– Bethel Music
I get it. I really do get it. You have never been discipled. No one has ever personally walked with you to show you the ways of Jesus. You assume everyone else knows and one day you could become an incredible influence for the kingdom of God. But you don’t know where to start, what to do, or if anyone would listen to what you have to say. The culture tells you to keep your faith quiet, the church you attend doesn’t have this or that, or you’re not yet “spiritually mature” enough. Excuses.
If you have never had a follower of Jesus, personally show you the ways of Jesus, it is time to break the pattern! In Christ you have the freedom to fail and fail we must. In failing comes trying, and in trying comes learning, and in learning comes disciple making, and in disciple-making come followers of Jesus Christ from every nation, from all tribes, peoples, and languages.
Our God has made a way through Jesus Christ. The promise is that all nations will join around the throne of the Lamb singing in chorus of the holy majestic renown of our Savoir. God has made a way and called you by name. God saved you with somebody else in mind so there are no excuses, no reasons, no obstacles that should stand in your way to join the revolution of old things made new. The nations will become like Jesus Christ through disciples who make disciples empowered by Holy Spirit on mission of God carrying the message of the gospel until there is #NoPlaceLeft.
Take this journey with us. Let us show you how we were moved from weak and timid discipleship to engaged and empowered disciple-making. Let us plant the mustard seed of the kingdom and watch it grow into a tree where the birds of the air can nest. Where we move from addition to multiplication, where 2 can become billions with time and intentionality, and where Jesus, People, Practice and Theology Collide. Let’s be a part of a 21st Century Sentergy where the Lord adds daily to those who are being saved!
Until there's #NoPlaceLeft...
Next up: Sentergy Introduction
Sentergy: When Jesus, People, Practice and Theology Collide
Chapter 1: The Glory of God
Chapter 2: The Glory of God in Jesus
Chapter 3: The Glory of God in the Gospel
Chapter 4: The Glory of God in Disciple Making
Chapter 5: If You Love Me You Will Obey What I Command
Chapter 6: Monday Morning Disciple Making
Chapter 7: Monday Morning Disciple Making Part 2
Interlude: The Father's Heart
Chapter 8: All Scripture All People All Places by Carter Cox
Conclusion: The Lump In Your Throat
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