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Sunday, May 18, 2008

Disciple the World

First Sunday after Pentecost

Scriptures: Genesis 1:1—2:4a/1:3—2:4a IV; Psalm 8; II Corinthians 13:11–13; Matthew 28:16–20/28:15–19 IV; II Nephi 3:43–66; Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16

Sharing Christ’s Peace

Spend sufficient time together to ensure a mutual understanding of evangelistic priorities and approaches.—Doctrine and Covenants 163:5c

Worship Setting

Photocopy a world map in black and white. Color in the countries where the church is represented. Have this map at the front of the church as a focal point. If congregation members have traveled internationally, ask them to bring items from countries they have visited to place around the map. Have children and youth of the congregation color flags of the countries where the church is located.

Prelude

*Hymn

“Let Us Sing a Worldwide Anthem” HS 468
OR “Let All the World in Every Corner Sing” HS 30

Have children and youth place their flag pictures around the map during the singing of this hymn.

*Invocation

Call to Worship: Selections from Genesis 1:1—2:4a/1:3—2:4a IV

Hymn

“This Is My Song” HS 315
OR “Community of Christ” R-14

Focus Moment

Discuss with children and youth what it means to be a disciple. Have them talk about the flags they prepared.

Disciples’ Generous Response

Each Sunday, as part of the Disciples’ Generous Response, we ask you to integrate the message of “share equally” between Local and World Ministries Mission Tithes. Offertory stories are provided to keep the church in touch with how contributions to Mission Tithes spread the peace of Jesus Christ. Please use the stories, testimonies, and up-to-date contribution information as part of your offertory ministry. Visit www.CofChrist.org/offertory to print a copy, or contact your pastor, congregational financial officer, or worship coordinator for a copy.

Scripture: Psalm 8

Blessing and Receiving of Mission Tithes

Hymn

“All Are Called” R-9
OR “Lord of All Nations” HS 467

Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16–20/28:15–19 IV

Message: Based on Matthew 28:16–20/28:15–19 IV

*Congregational Hymn

“Take the Path of the Disciple” R-19
OR “Weave” NS 51

*Benediction

*Response: “Santo, Santo, Santo” Use as a solo or congregational response. NS 43

*Sending Forth: Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16

Sermon Helps

Scriptures: Genesis 1:1—2:4a/1:3—2:4a IV; Psalm 8; II Corinthians 13:11–13; Matthew 28:16–20/28:15–19 IV; II Nephi 3:43–66; Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16

Exploring the Scriptures

In today’s scripture lesson we find the final verses of Matthew’s Gospel where Jesus Christ meets with his apostles for the first time since his resurrection. They have gathered to a mountain or place of divine revelation as previously directed by Jesus.

Their reaction as Christ comes to them is mixed. They have come out of obedience and worship him, while at the same time some of them are uncertain (v. 17). While they now witness of the risen Christ firsthand, their response is more faith than fact based, thus the doubt.

Jesus proclaims the beginning of his divine rule with all authority given to him by God. In this context the disciples are given a four-part commandment/commission:

1. Disciple all people. Their earlier mission specifically sent them to the people of Israel and not to the Gentiles or Samaritans (vv. 5a–6). This is now withdrawn in favor of a mission to all people.

2. Baptize them. Matthew shares no account of the apostles being engaged previously in a baptizing ministry. Baptism is the means by which new disciples live out their relationship with Christ in the community of believers.

3. Teach them. Up to this point, Jesus had done the teaching with the apostles being the students. Now it is their mission to teach what Jesus had taught them and bring people to a new life of obedience.

4. Remember. Jesus instructs those present to remember him. The focus is not on his ascension but on the fact that he will always be with them. It was vital that their response to their commission was that they remember the Lord.
   These divine insights into the commission of the disciple are basic to contemporary followers of Christ as well. Today is a day to extend the invitation to seekers to make their personal response to Christ’s message to them: to be baptized, to learn, and to remember that Christ is with them always. It is also an opportunity to invite disciples to recommit their lives in response to the Great Commission.

Central Ideas

1. The mission of the church is entrusted by Christ to those who are not perfect and whose faith sometimes wavers.

2. Each congregation of Christ’s disciples is to share the witness of invitation with everyone and be prepared to assist them with specific ministries of discipleship formation.

3. In order to be a Great Commission disciple/congregation, it is vital that we are spiritually connected with the Christ we follow.

Questions for the Speaker

1. How have you personally experienced the Great Commission in your life?

2. What are the barriers or distractions that limit the living out of this commandment in the places where you serve?

3. In what ways are the teachings of Christ relevant today?
    What are some specific spiritual disciplines that can assist disciples in their daily remembrance that the Spirit of Christ is always present?
   
    

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