The document discusses Christian discipleship and what it looked like based on Jesus' teachings in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12. It describes discipleship as an intentional process of being conformed to Christ's likeness over time. Jesus taught his disciples principles like humility, justice, and righteousness. Spiritual practices that embody these principles include things like refusing self-promotion, honoring others, helping the poor and oppressed, and treating all people fairly.

1. PROOF, NOT PRACTICES Matthew 5:1-12

2. What is discipleship? Christian discipleship is an intentional process (or lifestyle) by which a believer is increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of Christ over time.

4. What Did Discipleship Look Like? Gospel Text: Matthew 5:1-12

5. 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-12

6. He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-12

7. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:1-12

8. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:1-12

9. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:1-12

10. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:1-12

11. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:1-12

12. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Matthew 5:1-12

13. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:1-12

15. The Beatitudes

17. What Does Discipleship Look Like? Serving at loaves & fishes Adult Sunday School Singing in the choir Small Group Personal Bible Study Etc.

18. What Does Discipleship Look Like? Key is intentionality Christian discipleship is an intentional process (or lifestyle) by which a believer is increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of Christ over time.

20. Spiritual Practices Humility Desire: To become like Jesus in his willingness to choose the hidden way of love rather than the way of power

21. Spiritual Practices Humility Definition: Humility is not thinking less of yourself it is thinking of yourself less. Humble people let go of image management and self-promotion. They honor others by making the others’ needs as real and important as their own.

22. Spiritual Practices Humility Practice Includes: Refraining from image management Deliberately keeping silent about accomplishments and talents

23. Spiritual Practices Humility Practice Includes: Refusing the impulse to name-drop Backing away from becoming the center of attention; drawing others out Avoiding favoritism; honoring others as God does Choosing downward mobility so others have more

24. Spiritual Practices Humility God-Given Fruit Having Jesus increase and you decrease Keeping company with Jesus so your identity rests with him alone Taking your identity from being God’s dearly loved child rather than from possessions

25. Spiritual Practices Humility God-Given Fruit Being free from ostentation and pretense Living and authentically grateful life

27. Spiritual Practices Justice Desire: To love others by seeking their good, protection, gain and fair treatment

28. Spiritual Practices Justice Definition: Justice seeks to help others through correcting and redressing wrongs. It treats others fairly and shows no favoritism.

29. Spiritual Practices Justice Practice Includes: Being responsible to God and others Being a good steward of what you own Supporting just causes with time, action and financial support

30. Spiritual Practices Justice Practice Includes: Treating others impartially and fairly Providing for the poor, needy and oppressed through the means available to you

31. Spiritual Practices Justice Practice Includes: Volunteering for prison ministry, food-bank work and ministries that serve needs in the local community Refusing to buy products of companies that take advantage of the poor

32. Spiritual Practices Justice God-Given Fruit Keeping company with Jesus, living out his concern for the poor and oppressed Living sacrificially in order to bring justice and freedom to others Having concern and praying for the oppressed Being other-centered rather than self-centered

34. The Nautilus Shell The nautilus is a symbol of beauty and proportional perfection. An essence of energy and unfolding. The nautilus has long been recognized as the epitome of perfect proportion. Different stages of life (the chambers) spiraling to their center.

35. The Nautilus Shell A symbol of life, internal harmony and perfect proportion. The nautilus grows into increasingly larger chambers throughout its life cycle symbolizing protection, expansion and renewal. Its structure embraces the concept of balance and continual growth.