The Great Ones is our theme for the next 3 months. Each month will have a sub-theme:
September = Commands
October = Chapters
November = Choices

This month we are looking at 4 commands of Jesus given to those who would one day become mature followers and leaders of the Christian faith. The commands were given in progressive nature, one building on the other.

On September 6th we looked at the first command, Come & See. Jesus invited people to investigate their understanding of who He was.

Last week we learned the second command, Follow Me. Jesus invited people into a committed realtionship with Him and others. The purpose was to deepen their faith and commitment to their church and community.

At Grace Church we use a baseball diamond to communicate the pathway of spiritual progress and the major character qualities we hope to build in to each person.
Review of the bases: Recognition, Relationship, Responsibility, and Reproduction
Review of the base path characteristics: Loving, Learning, Living, Leading

The 3rd command toward spiritual maturity was given to those who demonstrated both a heart for God and people and embraced Jesus' lordship and mission.
Jesus had been with these individuals for about 18 months at this point. The disciples had been growing and going.

Our text today is Mark 1:16-20 and a parallel passage is Matthew 4:18-22.
[NASB]

Today we'll look at 3 insights into His command, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

1. The challenge is RELATIONAL.
Mark 1:17a "Follow Me"
Jesus reminded His followers that all real spiritual growth is found in the context of relationships where He is at the center.

2. The challenge is INTENTIONAL.
Mark 1:17b "...and I will make you..."
Jesus had a clear goal and a clear plan for developing His disciples.

3. The challenge is MISSIONAL.
Mark 1:17c "...become fishers of men."
Jesus came to planet earth with a dual mission. First was to die for the sins of the world. Second was to disciple people who would take that message to the world.

How would you answer God if He asks you, "What have you done with the life that my Son died for?"
Our answer should be, "I told others about your Son, and trained them to do the same."

Explanation using the baseball diamond:

1st to 2nd base - As a person matures in their faith and grows in the areas of assurance, Bible, prayer, and serving they are truly learning about Him and His will for their life.

2nd to 3rd base - we should be looking for opportunities to make disciples, to reproduce our spiritual life into another. We call this living purposefully and passionately according to a kingdom agenda.

Application and Discussion Questions:

1. Without using notes … review these three things: a) What is our fall theme and the sub-themes for each month. b) What does the dugout and four bases represent? c) Each of the four base paths represent a character quality of a mature disciple, what are they?

2. When have you been trained / equipped in some facet of your life? What were some of the knowledge, skills, priorities, responsibilities, and expectations you had to learn and adapt to? Who have you passed these on to?

3. Review the three insights from Mark 1:16-20. What thoughts and questions do you have about these?

4. What opportunities are you involved in that will allow you to make disciples? What training could you use to make you more effective?

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Monday, September 21 - Jim & Julie Jones
Tuesday, September 22 - Benjamin Mater, Bill & Bonnie Maker
Friday, September 25 - Erich Mann
Saturday, September 26 - Shellie Theisen, Tim Schilz, Paddy MacDonald, Eric Westendorp, Joel Smith