Backstage Pass

What goes on backstage at a performance?  What does the artist expect before the act goes on?

 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 

 All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor f all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 

--Acts 2:41-47  (NIV)

Characteristics of disciples of Jesus Christ
 

1.  Regularly practicing spiritual discipline
     Am I regularly reading the Bible?  Am I praying regularly?

2.  Obeying God

     Am I listening and obeying what I hear?
     When was the last time your life actually changed in response to the voice of God?
3.  Being transparent.
     Am I real?  Do I have someone in my life to whom I can confess?  Scripture says confess your

     sins one to another.

4.  Building relationships
     Who are my people?  Do you have a community of like minded people who are helping you become the person you are meant to be?

5   Giving time, talents and resources
     Am I blessing people with the gifts God has given me?  Am I content with what I have?
     Am I using what I have to further advance the Kingdom of God?

6.  Serving others
    How often do I put my faith into action?  Do I have a heart of compassion driving me to take steps

    of action?
7.  Exercising faith
     Am I taking new and exciting steps in my walk with Jesus?
     Am I taking steps to become the disciple Christ wants me to be?

All of these characteristics can be seen in the scripture lesson.

  

Over the next few weeks we will look behind the scenes to see how God prepares us for discipleship. We will have a backstage pass!

Pastor Johnnie Blair

Sunday morning