Two Decisions

Dennis McCallum
Luke 9

Jesus gives two decisions to his followers: die to self or live for self. Choosing to pursue Christ above everything else is the key to effective discipleship and followership as we weigh the cost in our lives. Those who decide to live spiritually mediocre lives will lose themselves, while those who have counted the cost of discipleship and are eager to sell out for God will gain true life. This decision happens after the decision to accept Jesus Christ as savior has occurred.

The Disciples Learn About God's Power

Dennis McCallum
Luke 9

Jesus' sending of the twelve shows that God's work will be done God's way. Jesus' method was to send his disciples to seek those who were spiritually responsive to his message, as God empowered their work. Their service depicts Christian ministry, a unique opportunity for Christians to see God work in their lives as they look to meet the needs of others. The feeding of the 5,000 shows that Jesus' method was using people who were available and willing to serve others, leading to real satisfaction.

The Disciples Learn About God's Power

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus sends the disciples out to do ministry and tells them to depend on Him for power and authority. Then Jesus feeds 5,000 men through the disciples, with 12 left over baskets. Similarly, we are called to depend on God's power to meet other people's needs, trusting that God will provide for us as we minister. Donal O'Mathuna shares his testimony.

Fishers of Men

Dennis McCallum
Luke 5

Jesus' calling of the 12 disciples was towards a life that was a thrilling mission orchestrated by Jesus. The disciples were willing to suffer for the sake of Christ and ultimately led the way during the early church movement. God's call on people's lives is for their good and for the good of others. For those who encounter Christ, they should be willing to get equipped and ask for his forgiveness.

The Sending of the Twelve

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 10:1-40

God elects to work through humans. In this chapter, Jesus sends his twelve disciples on a special mission. This passage reveals ten principles of Christian ministry: 1) in most cases, God calls us to work together, not alone; 2) we should prioritize ministry; 3) we offer the power of God, not our own power; 4) the Lord's work, done the Lord's way, will receive the Lord's provision; 5) we should find responsive people and focus on them; 6) we should be sensitive and alert, but never compromise; 7) serving God is not popular; 8) truth is divisive and exclusive; 9) those who live their lives for themselves will end up empty and dissatisfied, but those who give their lives to Christ will find a full and satisfying life; and 10) what we are here to do is extremely important.\r\n

Discipleship

Dennis McCallum
2 Timothy 2:2

Jesus chose personal discipleship as his teaching methodology to pass on the message of the Christian faith. Teaching in the context of deep personal relationships allows us to pass truth down in teaching and in action. Jesus sent his disciples to go out and practice this same method of teaching the Christian message.

Replicating Home Groups (Part 1)

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 4:12

Since the beginning of Xenos Christian Fellowship the philosophy of ministry has always been growth through home groups. The first thing you need to have a successful home group movement is leaders. Leaders are raised up through discipleship relationships creating duplication over a substantial period of time. You must make sure that your leaders are equipped in these areas: law and grace, sanctification, hermeneutics, Bible study method, theology proper, Satanology, apologetics, witnessing, ecclesiology, ministry, relational maturity, and in their understanding of the ministries of the Spirit and person of Christ.