Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of August 1 - August 6

Lets Ride Together - July 31

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 (NRSV)

MONDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 The final task

In the Gospel of Matthew, the final task of Jesus was to commission the
Disciples to continue the ministry that he had started. Consider what your
thoughts and feelings might have been if you had received that commission.
HYMN: Lord, You Give the Great Commission - UMH NO. 584
TUESDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 Commissioning 1
A common definition of commissioning is to authorize the production of
something.
REFLECTION: What were the disciples being authorized to produce? What
does God authorize us to produce?
WEDNESDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 Commissioning 2
A second definition of commissioning is to bring something newly produced
into working condition.
CONSIDER: Consider what changes need to be made in your life to bring
your relationship with God into working condition.
THURSDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 Confidence
Verse 17 tells us that some recognized Jesus but some doubted. Even still,
Jesus gave authority to all of them.
REFLECTION: How does having confidence placed in you change the way
you approach a task? How can I place that confidence in others?
FRIDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 Inclusion
Jesus said to go to all nations. Gods love and invitation is for everyone. All
are welcome into the family of God.
REFLECTION: Has there been a time when you met someone and even
for a moment wondered about Gods love for them? Who do you need to
welcome into the family of God?
SATURDAY: Matthew 28:16-20 Promise
Jesus ends his commission with the promise to be with them always.
PRAYER: Dear God, help us to understand your commission to us. Help us
to trust that Christs promise to the Disciples is a promise to us as well, and
guide us on our path, leading us as we lead others.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus
had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some
doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and
on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have
commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47 (NRSV)

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done
by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all,
as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple,
they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the
Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.All rights reserved.

My Notes:

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