Some things to keep in mind in regards to #BeMakeXSend:

Let’s keep in mind a number of matters as we move forward in this series and as a church and to make as matters of prayer!

1. ARBC nor any church is intended to sell a product and make a profit. ARBC and every church is about sharing a Person (Jesus) and making disciples.
2. Churches can make profits and self-medicate themselves into non-existence, but churches can struggle financially and still make a great difference for the Kingdom (read 2 Corinthians 8:1-8).
3. If we are faithful in doing what God says, He will provide all we need to do what He commands (Philippians 4:10-19).
4. If we are concerned about attendance, yet are not inviting and investing others to get under the gospel, then we believe that making disciples is someone else’s responsibility (Luke 9:57-52—“You come follow me!”).
5. God never called us to open a door, stand at the door, and hope people come in. He called us to “[as you] go, and make disciples” as we live outside the four walls Monday through Saturday.
6. Satan will do all he can to distract us and divert us from making disciples, not necessarily with bad things, but with things that may seem rather good.
7. Discipleship is not a piling up of programs, events, and administrative meetings alone; discipleship is a process in which we seek to glorify God in all we do, say, and think (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:23).
8. Discipleship is not bringing people into agreement with us in regards to political and cultural issues. People have gone to hell who have paid their taxes, stayed faithful to their spouse, are pro-life, are Republicans (or Democrats) and have gone to church their entire life. We could be saying, “Change your behavior and your alliances, and God will love you.” This is a false gospel, and we know what Paul said about that (Galatians 1:8-9).
9. Our primary citizenship as Christians is in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21), not as Americans. Yet, with the freedoms God provides as Americans allow us to invite others to church openly, unlike other countries. Persecuted countries are often stronger in their faith than those in free countries due to a full reliance on the Spirit. May we learn from them!
10. Jesus does not call for our respect or admiration (the point of Matthew 7:21-23), but calls for our surrender to Him. We are broken in need of rescue, not simply sick and in need to get well (Ephesians 2:1-10).
11. God has placed us here. In Denver. In 2018. The culture has changed values and fashions and fads over the years. But what hasn’t changed is Christ (Hebrews 13:8) and the gospel (John 3:16). Our hope is not to recapture a preferred time and place, but to capture the glory of God with hope and joy!
12. The community does not exist for the church but the church to connect with the community. The church not meant to hide from the community and culture, but to engage it with the salt and light of Christ (Matthew 5:13-16).