Go and Make Disciples

Go and Make Disciples of All Nations – Matthew 28:18–20

As a young man, I dreaded certain Scriptures.

Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21). He also asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Scripture warns that in the last days many will fall away and the love of many will grow cold. In Revelation, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm and the church in Ephesus for having forsaken its first love.

I feared becoming task-oriented rather than relationship-focused, much like Martha in contrast to Mary. The reality, however, is that both are required. We are called to be a people who know the Shepherd intimately and who also obey His voice.

When I last spoke, I spoke from Christ’s command to co-mission with Him.

I said that when we align ourselves with Him and co-labour, co-operate, and co-mune with Him, and when we speak forth the things that are unseen as though they are, we walk in the authority and power of the Spirit who is cohabiting with us as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).

Today, I want to go deeper into the authority we have to go and make disciples. Together, we will explore what, why, and how of this commission.

What? – Jesus Said We Are to Go and Make Disciples

Often, when we think of “going,” we think of missionaries who have been sent to some faraway land on a meagre allowance, suffering alongside the local people. The reality, however, is that Jesus intended for all of us to be on mission with Him, and that mission begins at home.

The Greek word translated as “go” is poreuthentes, which means “as you are going.” Jesus intentionally chose this word because it is not just about being sent to a particular place; rather, it is about recognising that wherever we are, there is an opportunity to be on mission with Christ and make disciples.

Our mission field begins at home. If we are not making disciples of our own children first, then we are missing an important part of what Jesus was saying.

We see this model throughout the early church. Wherever the disciples went, they looked for opportunities to share the good news and speak about Jesus. Peter and John, while on their way to the temple to pray, encountered the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate. Jesus, while travelling through Samaria, met the woman at the well and, through making one disciple, transformed an entire region.

The phrase “make disciples” comes from the Greek word matheteusate, meaning “to make learners” or “apprentices.” This speaks to intentionality.

In Jewish culture, it was common for young men to spend two or three years alongside a rabbi, learning not only teachings but also a way of life. As apprentices of the rabbi, they would say what the rabbi said and do what the rabbi did.

Repeatedly, we see Jesus intentionally making disciples—people who would know the Father and understand the ways of His Kingdom. Jesus understood that the Father's desire was not only that all people would know Him, but that they would know Him intimately and then share that relationship with others.

Jesus also commanded us to disciple “all nations.” The Greek word is ethne, from which we derive the word “ethnic,” referring to all people groups.

This aligns with Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:14:

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world... and then the end will come.”

Jesus declared:

“The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:35–38).

Why? – Jesus Said We Are to Go and Make Disciples

John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This may be one of the most familiar verses in Scripture, but do we truly understand the depth of God’s love revealed in it?

This verse epitomises God's unfathomable love for humanity. Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. There can be no true love without forgiveness.

John tells us:

“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16).

Paul writes:

“Nothing can separate us from the love of God” (Rom. 8:38–39).

His love is immeasurable and inexhaustible.

Romans 5:8 declares:

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Before we had a chance to respond, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins and for the sins of the world.

1 John 4:9–10 tells us that God sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for mankind.

Ephesians 2:4–5 reminds us that God is rich in mercy and love and has made us alive in Christ. His love never runs out and never runs dry. He is the endless source of love.

What Is Love?

Jesus said:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses...” (Acts 1:8).

The word “witnesses” comes from the Greek word martyr, reminding us that following Christ often involves sacrifice.

Jesus also said:

“If anyone wishes to follow Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24).

First John 3:16 says:

“By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”

Jesus taught that if we are to follow Him, we must daily take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Him.

In John 13:34–35, Jesus said:

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

This foundational Kingdom principle stands in stark contrast to much of the culture we see around us today.

In Matthew 22, Jesus taught that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love one another.

2Cor 5:14, “For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died. And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.”

 1 Corinthians 13, says without love, we become like a clanging cymbal—mere noise without substance.

Jesus said He would leave the ninety-nine for the sake of the one. Luke 15

Love is action. Without demonstrating love, we cannot genuinely claim to love others. As James reminds us:

“Faith without works is dead” (James 2:14–26). Love without action is nothing

How? – Jesus Said We Are to Go and Make Disciples

At the heart of the “how” is hearing the voice and heart of the Shepherd.

Jesus said:

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

The word “know” comes from the Greek ginōskō, which speaks of intimate knowledge and relationship.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep. Shepherds would often touch their sheep daily, strengthening trust and maintaining closeness within the relationship.

Revelation 3:22 emphasises this same principle:

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

It takes practice to hear, but even more to listen and understand.

In any relationship, our ability to hear another person sincerely reflects the depth of that relationship.

Also required is obedience to the voice of the Shepherd.

Romans 8:14 teaches that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

This truth is also reflected in Psalm 23:

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters... He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”

King Saul serves as a warning. He acted ahead of the prophet Samuel—and ultimately ahead of the Lord Himself. His disobedience marked the beginning of the end of his kingdom and paved the way for David to become king.

From this account comes the well-known declaration:

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22).

Jesus said:

“If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).

And again:

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love” (John 15:9).

Missions throughout the ages

Throughout the last two thousand years, countless believers have responded to the call to go and make disciples. Each dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel among the nations. The Moravians sold themselves into slavery so that they could be a witness to slaves.

In more recent history, five American missionaries travelled to the Waodani people of Ecuador in 1956 and were speared to death while attempting to share the Gospel. Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of Jim Elliot, later returned to live among that same tribe, demonstrating extraordinary forgiveness and love.

Dr Livingston transformed Africa, along with John G Lake. John Allen Chau attempted to reach the people of North Sentinel Island. Brother Andrew risked everything as “God’s Smuggler,” delivering Bibles into Communist nations.

William Carey, called the father of modern missions, founded the Baptist Missionary Society and travelled to India, serving 41 years. He laboured for seven years before seeing his first convert.

We could also mention Martin Luther, John Calvin, George Grenfell, Mary Slessor, Gladys Aylward, and Caroline Chisholm, who established schools, orphanages, hospitals and ministries of compassion around the world and even here in Australia.

In Australia, Help agencies such as Barnardos, CatholicCare, Wesley Mission, The Benevolent Society, and UnitingCare, continue to serve vulnerable families through practical expressions of Christian love and service. 

When we choose to Go, God’s power and authority flows.

Displacement - Henry Nouwen, the Catholic Dutch theologian, pointed to Jesus, who willingly left his heavenly glory, entered our brokenness, and suffered alongside humanity, he willing chose to be subjected to the suffering of a man, as reflected in Phill 2:5-8.

Henri Nouwen taught that one of the greatest forms of compassion is hospitality—not merely offering someone a meal but welcoming them into your home and community and giving them the same rights that you have in that space and to choose how they will participate.

Community is about sharing in solidarity with others suffering, by being a conduit of love and care that Christ displayed to us. This is true solidarity this is what Jesus calls His church to when He says: take up your cross and follow me. And this is what it means to go and make disciples of all nations.

Authority and Power of Believers

 The Power and Authority of Every Believer

Matthew 28:18–20

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations… And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”

 

Introduction: The Authority Behind the Commission

Family, notice how Jesus begins.

He doesn’t start with “Go.”
He starts with “All authority has been given to Me.”

The command to go only makes sense because of who is sending us.

And yet, before the disciples went, Jesus told them to wait. In Acts 1:8 He says:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”

So, here’s the pattern:

• Authority belongs to Jesus.

• Power comes through the Spirit.

• Mission belongs to the Church.

We are not sent in our own strength. We are sent in His authority and empowered by His Spirit.

 

1. Jesus Was Commissioned — and So Are We

In 1 John 3:8 it says:

“For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

Jesus came with a mission:

• To destroy sin

• To break rebellion

• To expose deception

• To crush the power of death

Through His death and resurrection, He didn’t just forgive sin — He disarmed the enemy.

Colossians 2:15 says He “disarmed the rulers and authorities… triumphing over them by the cross.”

That means the enemy operates from defeat — not victory.

And now here is the incredible truth:

The One who was sent now sends us.

Just as the Father commissioned the Son, the Son commissionsHis Church.

 

2. The Pattern of Power in Jesus’ Life

Before Jesus began His public ministry, something significant happened.

• John the Baptist prepared the way.

• At His baptism, the Spirit descended like a dove.

• Heaven was opened.

• Then immediately, Jesus was led into the wilderness.

Notice this:
Anointing was followed by testing.

In the wilderness, Jesus defeated Satan not with emotion, not with force — but with the Word of God.

Then His ministry began — and it was marked by power:

• The blind saw.

• Lepers were cleansed.

• Demons fled.

• The dead were raised.

Jesus didn’t negotiate with darkness.
He exercised authority over it.

And through the cross and resurrection, the victory became complete.

Ephesians 1 tells us Christ is now seated “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion.”

All authority is His.

And here is the miracle — He shares His authority with His body.

 

3. Authority vs. Power

Let’s make this simple.

• Authority is the right to act.

• Power is the ability to act.

A police officer has authority because of the badge.
But that authority only works because there is power backing it.

Jesus said in Luke 10:19:

“I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.”

And in Acts 1:8:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”

Authority comes from your position in Christ.
Power comes from the presence of the Spirit.

You don’t generate either one.
You receive both.

Authority is not arrogance.
Authority is alignment.

We exercise authority when we live submitted to Christ.

You cannot stand in authority if you are not under authority.

 

4. What Is This Power For?

This is important.

Power is not for ego.
It’s not for platform.
It’s not for spectacle.

Power is for Kingdom purpose:

• Healing the sick

• Delivering the oppressed

• Proclaiming the gospel

• Establishing heavenly order in earthly chaos

Jesus did not say, “Pray that I will heal them from heaven.”

He said, “Go.”

There is a difference between begging and believing.

We are not trying to win a victory.
We are enforcing a victory already won.

 

5. The Encounter Changes Everything

The disciples had walked with Jesus for three years.

They had seen miracles.
They had heard the teachings.
They had witnessed the resurrection.

But they still waited.

Then came Pentecost.

In Acts 2, the Spirit fell.

And timid disciples became bold witnesses.

They didn’t receive better strategies.
They received power.

And here’s something we must understand:

They did not live off one encounter.

Jesus regularly withdrew to pray.
The early church prayed continually.
Romans 8 tells us the Spirit helps us pray.
Ephesians 6 tells us to pray in the Spirit.

Power flows from presence.

You cannot walk in authority publicly if you are not cultivating intimacy privately.

 

6. Why Many Believers Live Powerless

Let me speak plainly.

Many believers today are like bodybuilders who train daily but never lift anything meaningful.

We know scripture.
We attend church.
We understand theology.

But we rarely step out in faith.

Sometimes we stay in the safety of our homes — our routines — our comfort.

Authority requires action.

When I have ministered in places like Romania and other nations, I have seen something:
When you step out in obedience, God meets you with power.

Not because I am special.
But because the mission belongs to Him.

Power is released in obedience.

 

7. A Call to Alignment

Spiritual authority is not about shouting louder.

It is about standing firmly in who Christ says you are.

All true authority belongs to God.

We do not fight flesh and blood.
We are not battling people.
We are standing against spiritual forces — and Christ has already triumphed.

So what does this mean for us today?

• It means you don’t have to fear the enemy.

• It means you don’t have to shrink back from darkness.

• It means your prayers carry weight.

• It means when you speak the Word in faith, heaven backs it.

Not because of your name.
But because of His.

 

Conclusion: The Authority Is His — The Mission Is Ours

Jesus said:

“All authority… therefore go.”

He didn’t say:
“Go if you feel ready.”
“Go if you feel powerful.”
“Go if you are confident.”

He said go — because He is with us always.

The same Spirit who descended upon Jesus…
The same Spirit who filled the upper room…
The same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead…

Dwells in you.

The question is not:
“Do we have authority?”

The question is:
“Will we walk in it?”

Let’s not be spectators.
Let’s not be passive.
Let’s not be believers in theory but powerless in practice.

Let us live aligned under His authority,
filled with His Spirit,
and bold in His mission.

Significance of wine during Hebrew betroval tradition

 In ancient Hebrew betrothal ceremonies, the offering of wine played a significant role, particularly in the proposal stage. The man would offer a cup of wine to the woman as a symbol of his love and offer of his life, according to That the World May Know. The woman's acceptance or rejection of the proposal was signified by her drinking or not drinking the cup, as also noted by That the World May Know. The man's father might also offer him a cup of wine, which he would then present to the woman. This act of offering wine represented the man's commitment and the woman's potential acceptance of that commitment.

Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

• Symbolism:

  The wine cup represented the man's love, his offer of his life, and the potential union of their lives.
• Acceptance/Rejection:

  Drinking the wine indicated acceptance of the proposal, signifying a commitment to the man's life and a reciprocal offering of the woman's life.
• Man's Father's Role:

  The father's offering of wine reinforced the seriousness of the proposal and the family's blessing on the union.
• Ceremony:

  The act of offering and accepting the wine was a public declaration of intent and commitment, solidifying the betrothal agreement.

1 Thessalonians 3 Faith and Love – The church’s response to persecution

 Introduction

Thessalonica was known as a cosmopolitan and progressive city, mostly due to it being on a major trade route which saw the city swell with visitors. Thessalonians were always known for their liberal behaviours and sexual immorality. Paul’s preaching was opposed to this kind of lifestyle which offended the Thessalonian population.

As believers, Jesus never promised a rose garden, that is, that all would always be smooth sailing. In fact, as Christ followers, we can expect to be persecuted and hated just as Christ was hated and persecuted (John 15:18-19).

Paul and the church at Thessalonica experienced much persecution, in fact Paul only lasted a few weeks in the city prior to having to flee from rioting crowds. A number of Thessalonians lost their lives at the hand of the religious leaders of the time.

What should our response be, when our hopes and dreams are shattered by opposition, whether it be human or spiritual attack, knowing the real enemy is Satan (John 10:10), not people?

What lies at the heart of Paul’s letter, is a shepherd’s heart for his sheep (John 10:14), one who has laid down his own life for the sake of others. No greater love has a man than this, that he lay down his life for another (John 15:13).

In this letter, we will hear Paul’s love for the Thessalonians which resulted in his action to ensure their faith was steadfast and unwavering. In addition, Paul encourages the people around their responses to persecution. 

Purpose of this letter and Tmothy’s sending was to establish and encourage the church in their faith

1. Whilst Christ has called us to be in the world, he has said we must not be of the world (John 17:14-17). The very word church (Ecclesia in the Greek) means called out ones, but we are also to remain in the world as salt and light (Matt 5:13-16; 16:18).

 The word establish means “to set” like when we set a post in concrete.

 Jesus said those who hear his words are like the wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt 7:24-27)

 Jesus is our rock (Matt 16:18) and cornerstone (Eph 2:20-22) on which to build our lives. 

 The word used for encourage is “parakaleo” the same root word used for the Holy Spirit

 Timothy was therefore to establish the believers in the way of the Holy Spirit.

 The first fruit of the Holy Spirit is “Love” (Gal 5:22:23).

 This kind of love refers to “Agape” love, that unconditional, sacrificial love that Christ had for you and I.

2. Paul chose not to send just a messenger, but his greatest apprentice, Timothy, to ensure the believers had survived the persecution.

 Sometimes, it takes the younger generation to deliver the message the older generation cannot. 

 We must invest in the next generation the seeds of faith to see the Gospel spread.

 Timothy was encouraged to “Despise not your youth …” (1 Tim 4:12) which came from the word of prophecy.

The Results of Paul’s preaching and Timothy’s work

1. Increased faith – faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not yet seen (Heb 11:1). 

 Faith is not just words but actions which produce real change lives.

 Faith is more than belief it is a verb which results in action.

 Hebrews 11 notes the patriarchs and matriarchs which trusted God and put their faith into action. 

 Moses opposed Pharoah and Abraham left his home to establish future generations, despite not seeing the fulfillment of these things in their lifetimes.

2. Increased love – If there is one thing which has transformed the world more than anything else, it must be love. 

 Not any kind of love but Agape unconditional Love, which God has for His creation. 

 Jesus went to the cross because of the Father’s love for us and whilst we are not called to die for sins of others (John 3:16), we are called to lay down our lives for others (1 John 3:16).

 In the great Co-Mission (Matt 28:16-20), Christ commanded the church to go into all the world.

 Jesus said we would be his witnesses (meaning martyr - Acts 1:8)

 It is this love and sacrifice which the Thessalonians displayed and has seen the gospel spread across the world, which has transformed billions of lives.

 Today there are countless churches and Christian organisations which work to share God’s love in our World. We are called to continue this work.

John 14:12-24 The Call of Discipleship

 The Call of Discipleship -John 14:12-24

Background

• Jesus is in the upper room celebrating the Passover with the disciples. 

• Jesus is about to leave his disciples, who believed he would remain will them and usher in a new “permanent” kingdom, which would overthrow the current Roman occupiers.

• Jesus shares with them 3 important aspects of discipleship which equates to his promises.

• In Matthew 28’s great commission, Jesus commands the disciples to go into all Nations and make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”

Disciples

The Greek term μαθητής (mathētēs) refers to any “student,” “pupil,” “apprentice,” or “adherent,” as opposed to a “teacher.” In Hebrew, the term Talmid refers to student.

The three main characteristics of a disciple: To follow the Rabbi where he went; to do what he saw the Rabbi do and continue the Rabbi’s mission when they left him.

Jesus is about to leave his disciples and is imparting to them, what is probably the most important message they need to remember as disciples.

1. “Whoever believes in me…..will do greater works then these…” Hard to believe, knowing all the things that Jesus did. Yet when we examine the combined works of the church today, it is amazing what has been done by the power and name of Jesus.

Consider the gov organisations which help countless thousands of people every day. Not to mention the churches on every street corner who continually and tirelessly preach the good news. That’s without knowing the countless acts of service which are committed by believers everywhere which see lives dramatically transformed.

The basis of these works has to be that we “believe” in Jesus. See Heb 11:1

Jesus asked the disciples what they believed about him and Peter replied “you are the son of God” and Jesus said this was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit and …he would build his church and the gates of Hades would not prevail against it. See Matt 16:16-18

Again, Jesus said in Matt 18:19 “that which you bind on earth, would be bound in heaven…” Jesus even went on to say that we would forgive people their sins and they would be forgiven. See John 20:23

2. If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

The word for love in Hebrew (Ahava) is an action word which is associated with giving. As a father, I first understood how this felt the moment I looked at my new born child. It’s almost impossible not to give them all they desire. 

Jesus commanded us to love one another – see John 13:34-35

• Jesus demonstrated true leadership by washing his disciples feet.

• John 3:16 God so loved…that he gave…”

• 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

• Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

• Luke 9:23 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Jesus said three times in the garden of Gethsemane “not my will but your will be done”, before going to the cross. See; Luke 22:42

• Jesus continually sought out and obeyed the will of the father. See Isa 50:7

Jesus commanded us to love one another and said the basis of the whole law hinged on two key commandments, that is: Love the Lord your God with all you heart, mind, soul and strength” and “love others as you love yourself”. See Mat 22:36-46;Deut 6:5

Jesus said we must “Seek first the kingdom of God…” – Matt 6:33 

3. I will send another comforter in my name. 

Jesus promised to send another comforter, one like himself.” In other words, the other comforter be do the things Jesus did for the disciples.

• Jesus was reassuring them that though he was leaving, he would send them one “like” him in his name. In other words, the Holy Spirit would come with the same character and mission that Christ had. They could trust the Holy Spirit to empower them to continue the work that Christ had begun.

• Paul said we have a spirit of adoption, sealed by the Holy Spirit that joins us into the family of God. See Rom 8:15

This word comforter comes from the Greek to mean advocate, that is one who stands alongside such as a lawyer in court. Jesus promised he would abide in you also and later promised he would come upon you with power to be his witnesses. See Acts 1:8

• Jesus as the Rabbi would have been responsible to ensure the disciples had everything they needed, such as food, lodgings etc. 

• The disciples’ believed Jesus was ushering in a new kingdom which would overthrow the current reign of Ceaser the Emperor of Rome had over the land of Israel. They would have been very fearful of losing Jesus and being tortured and killed as a result of their allegiance to Christ. See Acts 1:6

Walking in the Light by James Kenny

 Walking in the Light – 1 John 2:1-16

1. The purpose of this letter is so that you do not sin

• Romans 3-6 is one of the most comprehensive teachings we have on sin and grace.

• Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Jesus was the only exception to this as he was not born with a sin nature (Adam’s seed) but born of the Holy Spirit.

• Genesis and elsewhere says sin results in death. Genesis 3:3; Rom 6:26

• Sin is rebellion or disobedience towards God. 1 Sam 15:23

• Adam and Eve’s sin was that they disobeyed God’s command. As a result of their sin their eyes were opened to their nakedness and were ashamed resulting in them hiding from God. Genesis 3

• God hates sin because it separates us from him. Isa 59:2

• Sin means to “miss the mark” whilst repentance means to “turn around”.

• Sin is often done in darkness due to the feelings of shame and guilt it produces.

• The story of the Prodigal defines sin and repentance. Sin is when we turn our back on the father and choose our own path. Repentance is when we turn our back on sin and turn back to the father and the path he has for us. Luke 15:11-32

• There are many great men and woman of the bible who sinned. David was one such man, yet God referred to him as a “man after his heart”. Acts 13:22

• The difference between believers and non-believers is the attitude of their hearts to repentance and conviction. 

• Grace does not give us a free ticket to sin, but the power to overcome. Rom 6:1-2

• Grace (unmerited favoured of God) is receiving something we don’t deserve. Mercy (our debt paid) is not receiving what we do deserve. Eph 2:8

2. Jesus is our advocate when we do sin

• Advocate comes from the Greek “paraclete” and means to come along side. 

• Jesus is in heaven, at the right hand of the Father, in the courts of heaven. Rom 8:34

• Jesus is our atonement (propitiation = make right) for sin and sprinkled his own blood on the mercy seat of heaven. 1 John 2:2

• Jesus Justified (paid the penalty of sin) by taking our place on the cross. Rom 5:1

• When we go to court, there are 3 positions of advocacy, in front, behind or beside.

• When the accuser comes before the throne with his allegations against us, Jesus stands with us and proclaims, “inadmissible your honour”, and shows the father our clean slate which is stained by his blood. Zech 3:1-2; Rom 8:33

• Jesus was tempted in every aspect, lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life. Matt 4:1-11; 1 John 2:16

• Jesus overcame temptation by the power of the Spirit (baptized in power prior) and the word of Truth (quoting God’s word).

• The Holy Spirit is also the advocate, who is now living in us, meaning he made his home in us. He continues the work of Sanctification (Holiness) in us, bringing us to perfection. John 14:26

• We are temples of the Holy Spirit, the same Spirit which was in Jesus when he walked the earth. We are able to be and do like Jesus. 1 Cor 3:16; Rom 8:11

3. When we are in Christ, our fruit is that we walk in Light

• God (Trinity) is light, there is no darkness in them. 1 John 1:5

• Light indicates that we have Christ but also indicates we have knowledge and understanding of good and evil. 2 Cor 4:6

• Evil deeds are done in darkness. 

• Light shines in and dispels darkness. At night a city lit by light stands out.

• Jesus is Light to the World, but metaphorically and spiritually, bringing illumination to our hearts and symbolizing a light to those in darkness.

• We are a city on a hill, light of the world, called to spread light in the world. Matt 5:14

• Love is a direct result of walking in light. If we hate, then we are not walking in Light. Matt 22:35-40

• Love is a fruit of the Spirit, indicating we have the Spirit at work in us. Gal 5

• Walking in Light, results in our spiritual develop. From “children” to “young men” to “fathers”. Children need their parents; young men need guidance; whilst fathers bring direction and correction. Rod and Staff

LIGHT Acronym

L = LIGHT results in LIFE and is displayed in LOVE

I = ILLUMINATION, the work of the Holy Spirit in us to God’s truth.

G = GROWTH, which comes from being in the Light (SON).

H = HARSH, when we are in darkness, light can feel harsh, it expels darkness and often results in conviction of sin.

T = TRUST, we won’t be ashamed of our sin and honour God with our lives and remain in him and be at peace and safety.

Celebrating the Returning Son