DUMC Sermon Video | September 22, 2024

Speaker: Rev. David Hockett

September 22, 2024

Rev. David Hockett

Senior Pastor

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Sermon Title: Witnesses of Christ: Walking the Wesleyan Way

Subtitle: Embracing Wisdom, Wonder, and Service for the World

Introduction

  • Key Scripture: Acts 1:8 – "You will be my witnesses..."

  • Thesis: As United Methodists, we are called to embody Christ’s love in the world, through wisdom, wonder, and outward-focused service.

  • Series Context: Third part of a series on Wesleyan discipleship, exploring Paul Chilcote and Steve Harper’s Upward.

I. The Upward Way of Wesleyan Discipleship

  1. Review of Series:

    • The Way of Wisdom: Embodying Jesus' compassion, kindness, and love.

    • The Way of Wonder: Recognizing God’s love creates a more wonder-filled world.

  2. Today’s Focus: The Way of Christ in and for the world—our outward mission as witnesses.

II. Called to Be Witnesses

  1. Jesus' Commission (Acts 1:8):

    • To be witnesses in Jerusalem (our immediate community), Judea and Samaria (broader regions), and to the ends of the earth.

    • Witnesses of Christ’s love, not just in words, but in actions.

  2. Wesleyan Perspective:

    • Methodism is outward-focused—caring for others, not inwardly centered on the church institution.

    • The Church's mission: healing and serving the world, partnering with God’s purposes.

III. Wesleyan DNA: Service to the World

  1. John Wesley’s Vision:

    • Methodism was raised to fill the world with God’s love, not for securing personal salvation or church growth.

    • The early Methodist movement emphasized serving the poor, healing the sick, educating the unlearned, and bringing Christ’s presence to everyday life.

  2. The Church’s Purpose:

    • To demonstrate God’s love through acts of justice, mercy, and peace.

    • Focused outward, not just on internal worship or community gatherings.

IV. The Mission of the Church

  1. Following Jesus' Example:

    • Jesus' mission (Luke 4:18-19): Bringing good news to the poor, releasing the captives, and healing the oppressed.

    • Our life as a church must align with this mission—worship and study are the starting point, not the end goal.

  2. Self-Examination:

    • Are we, as Davidson UMC, bringing good news, freedom, and healing to those in need? If not, we must reevaluate our actions.

V. Authentic Discipleship

  1. John Wesley’s Challenge:

    • Discipleship isn’t about numbers; it’s about helping people love God and neighbor more deeply.

    • Let love, kindness, and compassion define our actions, both within the church and beyond.

  2. Practical Service:

    • Embody the image of a church community serving with a "towel and basin" like Jesus, caring for others with humility.

VI. Covenant Prayer: Commitment to the Mission

  • Prayer Reflection: Wesley’s Covenant Prayer is a commitment to being used by God for His purposes—whether in comfort or sacrifice.

  • Invitation: Pray for the strength and willingness to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

Conclusion

  • Call to Action: We are called not to focus inwardly, but to serve as Christ’s witnesses in all areas of life.

  • Key Question: How will we, as a church, live out the mission to be Christ in and for the world?

Closing Prayer:

Wesley’s Covenant Prayer.

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