THE VALUE OF GODLY STANDARDS

By George Irungu

Matthew 13:24-27
As weeds sprung up among the wheat, the question that arose was, "what is the problem?"

Matthew 12:33
A tree will be what you make it. We will be of influence - either good or bad.

2 Corinthians 9:6
We reap what we sow. The outcome is a result of the input. In this way, life turns out according to what you make it to be.

Q. As you embark on 2005, what lessons have you learnt from 2004? Where did you go wrong?

1. GO, MAKE DISCIPLES

Matthew 28:18-20
This passage and the conviction of living it out has brought about the salvation of each one of us.

As this passage continues to be in the bible, it continues to commission us, and should continue to be our conviction.

Q. Did you make disciples in 2004?

Jeremiah 6:14
We must preach repentance and make disciples, not say, "peace, peace," when instead people need to be reached out to and saved.

Mark 4:30-32
The kingdom of God is designed to grow. That is precisely what we see in the book of Acts. The church is designed to grow. If your ministry/bible talk did not grow in 2004, you must have the courage and humility to admit that something went wrong.

Luke 10:1-4
Verse 2. The harvest is plentiful. The harvest is not the problem.
Verse 3. There will be opposition, such as a lamb might expect from wolves.
Verse 4. We should trust God, not having the right set of equipment.

Challenges should not dim our expectations. Jesus sent out his disciples and expected them to be effective in a challenging environment.

Q. Do you still expect yourself and those around you to have on-going bible studies with non-disciples?
Q. Do you still expect your bible talk to grow? If you make it good it will be good.
Q. Do you expect yourself to have visitors with you at bible talk and church services?
Q. Do you still expect baptisms in your bible talk?
Q. Do you expect it of yourself to bring your children to church services?

God never fails to fulfill his promises; it is we who don't hold to our part of the "agreement."

Luke 10:17
The disciples came back full of joy having been effective. That was the fruit of Jesus having high standards in leading and discipling them.

2. GOD HAS ALREADY CHOSEN HIS PEOPLE

John 6:60-65
While some will feel offended by high standards, there are those, and God knows them, who will rise to the occasion. Be of those who rise to the occasion, and seek out those whose heart and desire is to do the same.

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