MAY 3, 2026 SERMON NOTES

Acts: What Disciple-Making Looks Like

Acts 14:19-23

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

I. Disciple-Making is about Spiritual Perseverance (Acts 14:1-7)
1. A Disciple's Ministry
2. A Disciple's Message  

II. Disciple-Making is about Authentic Worship (Acts 14:8-18)
1. A Disciple's Temptation
2. A Disciple's Transformation  

III. Disciple-Making is about Biblical Priorities (Acts 14:19-23)
1. A Disciple's Toughness
2. A Disciple's Tenderness

IV. Disciple-Making is about Leadership Development (Acts 14:24-28)
1. A Disciple's Call
2. A Disciple's Commitment  

MAY 3, 2026 STUDY GUIDE

Acts: What Disciple-Making Looks Like

Acts 14:19-23

Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ? 

The Great Commission of the Lord commands His people to make disciples of all nations (read Matthew 28:19-20). Far too many churches focus on decisions, not disciples. A disciple is a learner and follower of Jesus. Disciple-making isn't about our performance or checking items off a list; it's about developing our identity in Christ.  

 If you consider yourself a disciple, how do you answer these questions: 

• Who did God use to disciple you primarily?

• If you've not been discipled, who would you like to help you?  

• What process did he or she use to develop your walk with the Lord?

• How are you discipling another person in the Christian faith?  

The vision statement at FBC Clarksville states that the church exists to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. Take a moment and read Acts 14. 

What does authentic disciple-making look like in the New Testament and in churches today? 

1. Disciple-Making is about Spiritual Perseverance (Acts 14:1-7). If you're going to survive serving in ministry, then you need a tender heart and tough skin. Paul and Barnabas served the Lord. He used them to see people saved, and those servants had a passion for discipleship. However, certain people caused them trouble. What challenges are you facing in ministry currently? 

2. Disciple-Making is about Authentic Worship (Acts 14:8-18). Personal and corporate worship are blessings. What is your personal worship like? Are you gathering with God's people each week? Paul and Barnabas saw a lame man walk. As people witnessed his healing, they wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. Only God is worthy to be worshiped! Is your worship authentic? 

3. Disciple-Making is about Biblical Priorities (Acts 14:19-23). Making disciples requires strong priorities. Acts 14 reveals Paul's priorities and his involvement in disciple-making. He was tough and tender at the same time. Paul didn't entertain God's people; he discipled them. Can you name your top five priorities in life? Is reaching and discipling people on your list?

4. Disciple-Making is about Leadership Development (Acts 14:24-28). Many churches are declining and dying. What's causing this heartbreaking reality? People aren't being discipled. Evangelism isn't happening. Disciple-making isn't a priority. Leaders aren't being developed. Paul knew how to disciple people and develop leaders. Are leaders being developed in your church?

The ultimate disciple-maker is Jesus! He loved people; He saved people; He discipled people; and He sent people. In your group, talk about biblical examples of how Jesus taught people and then sent them out to serve. Is your church teaching and sending people? 

Here are a few personal and relevant questions for you to answer: 

• How have you grown in Christ this year? 

• How are you serving the Lord in your neighborhood or the nations? 

• How can you help your church make disciples by teaching and sending people? 

Disciples of Jesus invest time in prayer. Here are five prayer requests for you and your group: 

• Pray for one another in your group by name. 

• Pray for your church to make disciples as Jesus commanded.

• Pray for churches that are declining and dying. 

• Pray for persecuted believers around the world.

• Pray for new believers in your church to hunger and thirst for righteousness.     

 Thank you for taking the time to study God's Word. May the Lord grow you as a disciple, a learner and follower of Him! 

You're always welcome at FBC Clarksville! 

View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.

GROWTH GROUPS

NEW Wednesday night Growth Groups are available, and we’d love for you to get connected! Check out all of the new 2026 Growth Groups and sign up today at fbct.org/growthgroups.

NIGHT OF PRAYER AND PRAISE

may 3 | 3-5pm

Join us on Sunday, May 3 from 5-7pm in the Grace Worship Center for a Night of Prayer and Praise!

Childcare is available for Kindergarten and younger. Childcare registration closes April 29.

END OF SCHOOL BASH

may 20 | 5-7pm

Join us on Wednesday, May 20 from 5-7pm for our End of School Bash Church-Wide Fellowship in the Grace Parking Lot for food, games, and inflatables. In case of rain, we will move into the Laida Fellowship Hall. We can’t wait to see you there!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE: June 15-19 | 9:00am-12noon

• WHO: Entering Kindergarten to Completed 5th Grade
  Preschool VBS is available for Volunteer children who are PreK and younger.

• WHAT: A 5-day intensive Biblical learning experience for kids that is also FUN for kids & teachers alike! Our kids kick-off the day with Worship Rally, then rotate through Bible study, Rec., Missions, Snacks, Crafts & MORE!

• WHEN: June 15-19 | 9am-12noon

• COST: FREE

Get Involved: Interested in joining the team as a leader or volunteer?

Email vbs@fbct.org for more information.
Volunteer Early to reserve your VBS shirt.
Click HERE to Register to Volunteer. 

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

DINNER: 4:30-5:40PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

CLASS: 6:00PM Grace BUILDING, 3rd Floor Steeple Landing

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious meal in the Laida Fellowship Hall, and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form at fbct.org/firststeps or by contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!