Call to Discipleship First Sermon George Dyson December 2025

First sermon as Discipleship Pastor.
Emotional experience: equal parts exciting and terrifying.
Background in prison ministry and military chaplaincy.
Affirmation of the pastoral call from church leadership (Josh and the elders) and personal affirmation from his wife, Tracy.
Importance of not leaving his wife behind in ministry decisions.

Transition from being responsible for lives as a pilot (F-18, $70,000,000 airplane) to shepherding souls.
The eternal value of souls is emphasized (one soul worth more than achievements).
Aspirations for the church: desire to run the race of discipleship together until elderly.

Inquiries about specific programs or books are redirected; emphasis on a vision for discipleship rather than a specific agenda.
Personal commitment to discipleship articulated clearly.
Highly interactive engagement with the congregation through questions.
- Questions posed: "Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?" and "Are you making or developing disciples of Christ?"
Shift from traditional terms (Christian) to deeper engagement (Jesus follower) to prompt real introspection.

Introduction of the "free grace movement" of the 1980s.
- Definition: According to this movement, saving faith is merely being persuaded that Jesus guarantees eternal life (a controversial view).
- Observations about how the movement simplifies the gospel to a minimalistic call: "Pray this prayer, and you will be saved."
Issues raised concerning absence of ritualistic prayer in biblical texts.
Risks associated with misconstrued interpretations of salvation.

Distinction between costly grace (Jesus’ sacrifice) and cheap grace (no cost or change required).
Criticism of modern theological trends that suggest one can have salvation without discipleship, obedience, or behavioral change.
Insight from theologian John MacArthur on the potential danger of a diluted gospel message.
Reference to Galatians 1:6-7 highlighting the distortion of the Gospel by false teachers.
Emphasis on how modern interpretations often lead to an unchallenging view of grace.

Definition of a disciple: learner, follower of Jesus.
Emphasis on the lifelong process of learning, believing, and living out faith through the Holy Spirit.
Scriptural references supporting the call to discipleship quoted from the Gospel accounts (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 5, John 1).

Emphasis on Jesus as Lord, which is central to the Christian doctrine.
Scriptural references to affirm the importance of acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).
Definition of "Lord" in Greek (Kurios) as one with absolute power over life.
Descriptive references to the term "doulos" meaning slave, urging believers to understand their relationship with Christ in terms of ownership and submission.

Commentary on the importance of obedience as evidence of faith (James 2:19; Romans 10:9).
Distinction between simply recognizing Jesus versus following him in every aspect of life.
Personal anecdotes and scriptural references emphasizing the responsibility taken upon accepting Christ as Lord.

Discipleship as a community effort; churches must foster a culture of accountability and encouragement.
Reference to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20): make disciples, baptize, and teach.
- Explanation of participles (go, baptize, teach) as action-oriented and necessary for fulfillment of the commission.
Encouragement for personal growth and understanding God's commands following baptism.

Discussion on the struggle to sustain deep commitment among congregation members.
Recital of experiences with individuals neglecting basic doctrines despite prolonged church attendance.
- Highlighted example of someone unaware of Jesus's two great commandments.

Emphasized need for true discipleship versus superficial engagement.
Clarification on baptism and its significance as a heartfelt declaration and beginning of the journey.
The imperative for deeper understanding and living according to God’s Word, emphasizing holiness.

Explanation of authority in church context, including the importance of obedience and reliance on scripture for community standards.
Statement addressing authority given to the church by Christ, with roles in safeguarding spiritual health.

Reflections on the importance of diligent discipleship and the cost associated with following Jesus.
Urging for a high standard of commitment as the congregation progresses.
Final prayer seeking God’s guidance and support for the church in nurturing genuine discipleship and community holiness.

Several scriptural references cited throughout the talk to reinforce key points, urging deeper scriptural engagement.
- Key verses: Galatians 1:6-7; Romans 10:9; John 8:36; Matthew 22:37-39; 1 Peter 1:14-16; Matthew 28:18-20.

Invoking imagery of the 10 virgins from Luke's Gospel representing readiness and the cost of discipleship.
Emphasizing the need for readiness as the return of Christ approaches, warning against complacency.
Encouragement to build a vibrant discipleship culture at the church for everyone’s spiritual growth.