What Would Jesus Think: Why Your Mind Needs Renewing

Scripture References: Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:35; Ephesians 4:11-12

Intro: Continuing our series on biblical tensions, last week we explored Grace and Truth. Today, we tackle another: the tension between making more disciples (evangelism, outreach, width) and making better disciples (teaching obedience, spiritual depth, cohesion). Churches often lean one way, but how do we navigate this biblically?

Key Points:

1. The Great Commission Tension (Matt 28:19-20): Jesus commanded us to "Go make disciples... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded." This creates a natural tension: Is the primary goal reaching new people or deepening existing believers? How we answer the "why" of church gatherings shapes the "how."
2. The "More" vs. "Better" Camps:
   • More Disciples Focus: Churches may prioritize outreach, making services accessible to seekers (sometimes called "seeker-sensitive"). Risk: Potential shallowness, neglecting deep discipleship.
   • Better Disciples Focus: Churches may prioritize teaching and internal community health. Risk: Becoming insular, losing outward focus ("frozen chosen").
3. Radiant's Approach: Living in the Tension: We believe God calls us to both. We aim to be cohesive and inclusive, deep and wide. We strive to be "seeker-sensible" (understandable, welcoming) without compromising depth.
4. Resolving the Tension: Glorifying Jesus: The ultimate "why" we gather isn't primarily to make more or better disciples, but to glorify Jesus Christ. Both evangelism (more disciples) and discipleship (better disciples) bring Him glory. Focusing on Him unites these aims.
5. Metaphor: Church as a Fishing Net: Instead of individual fishermen, view the church as a strong, interconnected net. Its effectiveness relies on the strength and integrity of the relational bonds (the net itself). Leadership equips (mends) the net (Eph 4:11-12). Strong connections enable us to effectively "catch" people for the kingdom together.
6. Moving Toward Commitment & Calling: We encourage progression: from interested -> connected -> committed -> called. Deep commitment and relationships are vital foundations before fully stepping into one's calling, providing support needed for the mission.

Conclusion: We navigate the "more vs. better" tension by centering our gatherings on glorifying Jesus. As a community on mission, like a strong fishing net, we build deep, cohesive relationships so that we can effectively reach out inclusively, bringing glory to Him through both transformed lives and new believers.

Call to Action:

• Embrace the vision: Commit to both personal spiritual growth (better) and reaching out (more).
• Center your "why": Participate in church gatherings with the primary aim of glorifying Jesus.
• Strengthen the "net": Intentionally connect with people above, beside, and younger than you in faith. Invest in relationships.
• Take the next step: Move from being loosely connected to deeply committed, preparing to live out your calling within the community on mission.

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