True Disciples – by Bruce Decker

“My true disciples produce much fruit. This brings glory to my Father” (John 15:8)

I like the clarity and simplicity of our mission statement as a church: Bent Tree exists to be used by God as He transforms people into disciples of Jesus Christ, here and around the world. Think about it- as followers of Jesus at Bent Tree, we have the privilege of experiencing God working through us to “produce much fruit” and to change lives, all for His glory. What is this “fruit” that Jesus spoke of? It is the outward living of the indwelling Spirit which we receive when we trust Jesus as our Savior.
I love the way Stuart Briscoe describes “true disciples” in his “Devotions to Men” book on the May 23 entry. He says, “true disciples seek to live in such a way that will point people toward God and will demonstrate the power of God at work in human beings. They glorify God by refusing to live for themselves and by living a loving, sacrificial lifestyle.”

We know this in our head, don’t we? But isn’t it all about our heart?  It’s about our complete surrender, our complete dependence and obedience that come from our intimate relationship with our living Lord. As we walk with Him, we can indeed “practice what we preach,” and by the power of the Spirit we can model for others what true discipleship is all about.

Exodus 33 reveals to us how Moses truly modeled intimacy with God as he regularly spent time with Him and interceded for His people in intimate personal communion with his Father.  Moses served as a great example for His flock and he understood that “people do what people see.”

I’m excited that beginning the week of April 19, for six consecutive weeks, through our “Taste of Community” opportunity, many Bent Treers will be experiencing Biblical community together as our hosts will model for them what a small group is all about.

I can’t wait to hear the stories about how people’s hearts are touched through these groups. In fact, we are always looking for testimonies about how God is working through our Biblical communities (our LifeGroups, servant groups and other small groups) to change lives. If you have any stories that you would like to share, please click here.

My heart’s passionate desire is that as “true disciples” of Jesus at Bent Tree, we will “produce much fruit” to touch others as we “experience Life in Christ” together.

Speaking of “experiencing Life in Christ” together, we have several upcoming opportunities:

1. Community Impact - ongoing opportunities to touch the lives of teachers, students, and their families right here in our “backyard” where God has placed us:
     a. Keep Carrollton Beautiful Day - Saturday, April 4 – click here for more information and to register by March 25.
     b. McWhorter Elementary School - model following Jesus to a child through mentoring. Click here to learn more.
     c. Perry Middle School - there are many ways to serve at Perry. Find out more.

2. God of the City - Tuesday, May 5

Imagine what God could do if thirty thousand people who are unified through prayer and worship, and are revived by a fresh encounter with God’s Spirit are unleashed to serve as catalysts for transformation in their cities? 

You have just pictured the God of the City gathering to be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 5, at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, TX! The goal of God of the City is to unify believers across denominational lines in order that God would send revival to the north Dallas Metroplex, resulting in unprecedented prayer and ongoing city transformation.  May 5 will be an evening of prayer, worship, repentance, and proclamation of the Word that results in May 6 and beyond - churches working together for the transformation of their cities! It is a picture of Acts 2 in our present day. more

On the Journey together,
Bruce

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go 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 I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” (Mt. 28:18-20)