Bear Much Fruit

In one paragraph

Norris Williams, a missionary who grew up connected to First B Jackson, spoke about the disciple-making movement his organization, Accelerate, is seeing across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. He described how ordinary believers in some of the world's most dangerous places are multiplying disciples through simple, obedient engagement with Scripture. The offering taken was to support Norris and...

Read together

1. Romans 13 cited as the biblical basis for why God institutes government and what role government is meant to play
2. John 15 quoted to explain pruning: every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away, and every branch that bears fruit is pruned so it will bear more fruit
3. Luke 15:8 cited as the passage Norris referenced about the Father being glorified when disciples bear much fruit
4. Romans 12:1-2 read at the close of the sermon urging the congregation to present their bodies as a living and holy sacrifice and be transformed by the renewing of their minds

Talk about it

1. Norris's father told him there is no room for laziness in mission work and that supporters deserve a return on their investment. How does that standard challenge the way you think about your own Christian life and what you are producing for the kingdom?
2. Norris drew a clear distinction between a personal response and a national response to neighbors in need, saying his personal call is simply to love whoever becomes his neighbor. How do you navigate that tension in your own thinking and conversations?
3. The discovery Bible study format asks three questions: what does the passage say, what does it mean, and what will I do in response, followed by who can I tell so another group can start. Which of those steps is hardest for you personally, and why?
4. Norris described how suckers on a fruit tree suck energy away from the branches that actually bear fruit, and said the same dynamic plays out in our lives and ministries. What are some things in your own life that might be drawing energy away from fruit-bearing, and what would it look like to prune them?
5. Several of the leaders Norris works with have faced severe persecution, and he said they are often quicker to commit to a cause because they have already decided they are willing to die for something. What does their example stir up in you about the cost and seriousness of your own discipleship?