Discipleship stands as a profound and pivotal theme within the Christian faith, underscoring the imperative of committing oneself to the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. In our discourse today, we elucidate the essence of discipleship, commencing with a thorough examination of the Great Commission articulated in Matthew 28. It is through this directive that we comprehend the critical responsibility entrusted to us: to make disciples of all nations, thereby perpetuating the transformative message of Christ. This episode aims to delve into the fundamental question of what it truly means to be a disciple, emphasizing the necessity of personal commitment to Christ's teachings as a precursor to cultivating disciples within the church community. As we navigate this vital topic, we invite listeners to reflect upon their own discipleship journey and consider how they can embody and impart the teachings of Jesus in their lives.

Takeaways:

• Discipleship is fundamentally about committing oneself to follow Jesus and His teachings diligently.
• The Great Commission serves as a crucial directive for making disciples within the church community.
• A disciple is defined as a follower and learner of Christ, embodying His principles in daily life.
• True discipleship requires both the power of God and a sincere commitment to His Word.
• A critical aspect of discipleship is the willingness to deny oneself and prioritize Christ above all else.
• To effectively make disciples, we must first examine our own commitment to following Jesus.

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

The Easter Sunday Service at Middletown Baptist Church, led by Pastor Josh Massaro, serves as a profound exploration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its implications for believers. The sermon begins with a declaration of the significance of the resurrection, emphasizing that it is not merely a historical event but a transformative occurrence that provides hope and assurance to the faithful. Pastor Massaro draws on the teachings found in First Corinthians, particularly chapter 15, to articulate the results of the resurrection, which include conversion, change, confidence, comfort, and a challenge to believers.

At the heart of Pastor Massaro's message lies the assertion that the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith, as it assures believers of their salvation and eternal life. He expounds on the necessity of faith in the resurrection as the means by which individuals are transformed and granted new life in Christ. This transformation is characterized by a departure from sin and a new identity as children of God, free from condemnation. The pastor’s eloquent exposition serves to remind the congregation of the immense love of Christ, who willingly sacrificed himself and triumphed over death.

The sermon further challenges the congregation to reflect on their own faith and the imperative to share the gospel with others. Pastor Massaro emphasizes that the implications of the resurrection extend beyond personal salvation; they call believers to actively engage in the mission of the church. The message culminates in a powerful invitation to respond to the call of Christ, reinforcing the notion that the resurrection is not just a doctrine to be celebrated but a dynamic force that should inspire action and witness in the world. Thus, this Easter Sunday Service encapsulates a rich theological reflection on the resurrection and its enduring significance for the life of the church and the individual believer.

Takeaways:

• The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event but a profound declaration of God's power over death, offering believers hope for eternal life beyond this world.
• Through the resurrection, we are granted the gift of salvation, which is not contingent upon our works but is a result of God's grace and faith in Jesus Christ.
• The transformation that occurs in believers is a fundamental result of the resurrection, enabling us to live as new creations through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
• The resurrection instills in us a confidence that transcends earthly challenges, as we are assured of our eternal security in Christ and the promise of life after death.
• We are called to share the message of the resurrection with others, fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to all nations.
• Ultimately, the resurrection serves as both a comfort in times of sorrow and a challenge to live out our faith actively, reflecting the love and grace we have received.

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/

The Easter Sunrise Service at Middletown Baptist Church, presided over by Pastor Josh Massaro, provides a profound exploration of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This service, held on April 20, 2025, serves as a poignant reminder of the hope and victory that the empty tomb symbolizes for Christians around the world. Pastor Massaro opens the service with a warm welcome, encouraging the congregation to embrace the transformative power of the resurrection in their lives. He reflects on the historical context of the resurrection, drawing from the Gospel of Luke to illustrate the moment when the disciples discovered the empty tomb. The narrative emphasizes the bewilderment and fear of the initial witnesses, juxtaposed with the joyous revelation of Jesus' victory over death. Through scripture, Pastor Massaro articulates the essential message of hope, asserting that the resurrection signifies not only Christ's triumph but also the promise of everlasting life for believers.

As the service unfolds, Pastor Massaro delves deeper into the implications of the resurrection for modern believers. He articulates a powerful message about how the resurrection empowers Christians to overcome fear and doubt, urging the congregation to trust in God's promises. The theme of hope resonates throughout the sermon, as he encourages attendees to reflect on their personal relationship with Christ and the peace that can be found in Him. The pastor’s eloquent exposition of scripture serves to reinforce the message that faith in the risen Christ is the cornerstone of Christian belief and provides the ultimate assurance of salvation. The service culminates in a heartfelt invitation for individuals to embrace this hope, reinforcing the centrality of the resurrection in the life of every believer.

Takeaways:

• The significance of Easter lies in the profound realization that the empty tomb symbolizes our hope, confidence, and victory as Christians, marking a pivotal point in our faith journey.
• The Easter Sunrise Service at Middletown Baptist Church serves as a reminder of the everlasting life promised to believers through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated annually.
• Pastor Josh Massaro emphasizes the importance of remembering and reflecting on the resurrection of Jesus, which not only instills hope but also calls for active participation in sharing the gospel with others.
• The power of God, demonstrated through the resurrection, is the same divine strength that believers can rely on in their daily lives, providing encouragement to overcome personal struggles and fears.
• The experience of the women at the tomb illustrates the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ, prompting them to share the good news with the disciples and emphasizing the call to evangelism in the Christian faith.
• As followers of Christ, we are called to not only acknowledge the resurrection but also to embody its significance in our lives by living out the principles of love, service, and sharing the gospel with the world.

Thank you for joining our podcast. Visit our website at https://middletownbaptistchurch.org/

Subscribe to our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@middletownbaptistchurchde5091

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This podcast is produced by Ralph Estep, Jr., host of the Ask Ralph Podcast, a daily podcast on Christian Finance you can find it at https://www.askralphpodcast.com/