Extreme Makeover World Edition
Saturday, March 4, 2006
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, I declare Your majesty! You are the Sovereign King of all creation. I submit myself to Your Lordship this day, and I ask that You would grand me a fire to go into the world and make disciples in Your name! I go, confidently knowing that You are always with me. Thank You Jesus for Your great power and authority. . . In Your name I declare this. . . Amen.
God’s Word Today—Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on the right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you? 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’”
Reflecting on God’s Word
One of the details that’s often missed when we read the account of Jesus’ “great commission” to his disciples, is that there were still some that doubted. Matthew 28:17 says, “When they saw (Jesus), they worshiped him – but some of them still doubted!” This passage is not specific as to whom, or how many doubted, for there may have been others who witnessed Jesus on the mountain. What we do know, however, is that “some” doubted.
Today we have many doubters as well. We have skeptics, atheists, agnostics, and people who would rather not think about the person of Jesus Christ. It’s amazing to think that there were people who even witnessed God in the flesh, as still did not believe! How much more does this unbelief exist today to a people who’ve never seen Jesus with their eyes, touched Him with their hands, or listened to Him speak. God, however, is calling us to be Jesus’ hands and His feet to those who do not yet believe. Make it your greatest ambition to be Jesus to those around you. When we all do this, God will do an “extreme makeover” in our city, our nation, and our world!
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
Re-read Matthew 28:18-20 and list all the things we are called by Jesus to do in “making disciples.”
Understanding God’s Purpose for Us
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
How do we “make disciples?”
Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose
What does Jesus mean when he says we are to “GO” and make disciples?
In your life, what does “go” mean?
What prevents you from “going” out more often to reach others?
Thoughts
God’s agenda is an “extreme makeover” of the entire world. While many want to home and body makeovers, God’s plan is to change the way the world operates. His desire is to change it from the inside out. This will not happen unless God’s people leave their places of comfort and boldly step into the unknown so that others may know the love of mercy of God in Jesus Christ. It will only happen as Christians take seriously the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and make disciples of all people. This can’t happen by our own wisdom, knowledge, power, or resources, it can only happen as we willingly submit ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit present within us!
We as the youth ministries of New Life hope that you can take this message and allow it to take root in your life! We’ve seen God do amazing things already, and we look forward to all that he’s going to do in and through us in the future. We hope and pray that God has ignited a flame in your spirit to reach out to those in need and to speak for His truth in love. May the same grace that has empowered God’s people in ages past, continue to empower you as you courageously step into God’s plan for your life!