Churches With Heart

Moody-Leon United Methodist Church

Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Bishop Alfred Norris some years ago spoke at the Commencement Exercise at McMurry University in Abilene. He told those who were graduating to use their assets. “Use your assets!” As those of us who were not graduating overheard those words, we knew they applied to us as well.

Bishop Norris then revealed their assets–our assets. We have a Master, a Message, and a Mission. Our Master is Jesus Christ. Our Message is the gospel. Our mission is to make disciples.

Master - Jesus

O Master, let me walk with thee in lowly paths of service free

O Master, let me live in a peace that only you can give

O Master, teach me patience

O Master, help me the slow of heart to move–the wayward feet to stay

Are ye able said the Master, to be crucified with me?

Master our spirits are yours, remold them, make us like you.

Message - Gospel. The message is the gospel, the good news. To spread the good news is to be evangelical. God loves us. God came in the flesh — Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgivness of our sins. Jesus rose from the dead that we might have eternal life.Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins. Jesus Christ offers us life everlasting.

Mission - Make disciples. The purpose of the local church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Our mission is not to add members to a church role. Our mission is not to care for one another. Our mission is not to have fun together. Our mission is not to collect and spend money. Our mission is not to build buildings. OUR MISSION IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES FOR JESUS CHRIST.

To make disciples is to bring people to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ, teaching them what the Master commanded, nurturing them in the faith.

Who is our Master?

Is it our job — family — money — success — pleasure — ?

Is our Master Jesus Christ?

Do we believe the message?

Do we believe that Jesus Christ died for us, for you & me? Do we believe that there is life after death? Do we believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life? Do we believe that the Good News is the best thing that has ever happened to us? Do we believe the Message is worth sharing?

Are we followers of Jesus? Are we disciples? Are we working to make others disciples of Jesus Christ?

How do we carry out the mission of the church — make disciples?

STORY OF WEDDING AT CANA OF GALLIEE -

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. John 2:1-11 (NRSV)

Jesus said, “Fill the jars with water.” There were 6 stone jars each holding 20-30 gal. At the closing worship service of annual conference several years ago, Dr. Doyle Allen used this passage. He pointed out that the vessels must have been empty. Jesus said, “Fill the jars with water.” He began with empty vessels. He then pointed out that there are plenty of empty vessels around the church. Jesus can transform.

The Jesus who transformed water into wine can transform us into disciple makers. The Jesus who transformed water into wine can transform us into kingdom builders. The Jesus who transformed water into wine can transform these empty vessels into those God can use to bring the Kingdom of God to here on earth.

Yes indeed we all have three assets

A Master - A Message - A Mission

How will we use our assets?