Following Jesus – What Was TOLD! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – What Was TOLD! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the March 23, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: What Was TOLD!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 11


“When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’  Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see.’”  
Matthew 11:2-4 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  As Matthew continues to unveil the life of Jesus through his gospel, we find John being in prison and wanting to confirm that Jesus was indeed the One who was to come.  John sent some of his followers to Jesus in an attempt to confirm what he had been . . .

  • Taught:  Matthew 11:1-3

    • John’s life was the result of God’s miraculous work in the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth and he had likely been taught all his life about the calling on his life to prepare the way for the anointed One.  As John taught in the desert about the need to repent in preparation for the kingdom of God, Jesus shows up and is proclaimed by John to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  When we consider what was told to us about Jesus, and what we tell others about Jesus, we begin with an understanding of what was taught to us and what is taught by us. 

  • Observed:  Matthew 11:4-10

    • In response to John’s question, Jesus in essence simply says, “look around and observe what is happening!”.  There is a call to consider the miraculous works being accomplished by Jesus as well as the welcoming nature of the gospel to the poor.  But it wasn’t just a call to observe what Jesus has been doing, it was also a reminder for each person to consider what it was that they were looking for when they went out to the desert to see John.  When we consider what was told to us about Jesus, and what we tell others about Jesus, it is important that we pay attention and not only observe the mighty work He does in our life, but we also live in a way that others may observe that work in us.

  • Learned:  Matthew 11:11-19

    • At the heart of being taught and observing is the need to use those things for learning.  I can be taught and observe a lot of things but if they don’t change my thinking and/or my actions I haven’t really learned anything.  As Jesus taught and did life in public, His goal was that people would learn how to live in a way which pleases and honors God.  When we consider what was told to us about Jesus, and what we tell others about Jesus, we become more effective representatives when we can share what was learned.

  • Done:  Matthew 11:20-30

    • The true measure of our acceptance of what was told involves a visible response made known by what was done.  Learning through what is taught and observed is only true learning if it leads to something being done . . . even if that something is to be still and wait.  When we put God’s Word into practice, we become those who build our lives on the solid foundation which is Jesus.  When we consider what was told to us about Jesus, and what we tell others about Jesus, the question we must consistently ask is, “what have I done with Jesus?”.  

Today, how will you respond to what’s been TOLD?

Encouragement and Prayer: Sent By God! (3/21/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sent By God! (3/21/25)

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This is the audio from the March 21, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.”
2 Corinthians 2:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray that your words and actions would carry a sincerity which comes from God.  Pray that God would purify you from all selfishness so that your words to others would always be representative of one being sent by God.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Share Good News! (3/20/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Share Good News! (3/20/25)

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This is the audio from the March 20, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:15 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray that you would live as one sent to proclaim the good news of Jesus through both your actions and your words.  Pray that you would be involved in sending others to proclaim Jesus in places you can’t be.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Help! (3/19/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Help! (3/19/25)

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This is the audio from the March 19, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.”
Acts 19:22 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray for the wisdom needed to be a helper to those who would send you and to those you are sent to.  Pray that God would surround you with people to help you do the things you can’t do on your own.  Pray for eyes which are opened to the needs of others.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Sent Into the World! (3/18/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sent Into the World! (3/18/25)

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This is the audio from the March 18, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:18 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray for courage to live as one sent by Jesus into the world to be His representative.  Pray that your life would reflect to others the work accomplished by Jesus through His ministry on earth.  Pray that the vastness of the world would not distract you from noticing the part of the world you currently live in.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Invite! (3/17/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Sent To Invite! (3/17/25)

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This is the audio from the March 17, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is to pray not only for those who are sent, but also praying about how you can be both a sender and one who is sent.  When Jesus asks His disciples to pray for workers to be sent out into the harvest field, the answer to their prayers was that He sent them!  As we prayed last week about being on mission with God, we are reminded that some people are sent to foreign lands and others are sent into the everyday workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods which are common parts of life.  Pray that you would understand the circumstances of where you are so that you would accomplish the purpose God has for sending you there.  Pray for the wisdom and courage to be both one who sends and one who is sent.  Pray for humility to recognize the whose harvest field you have been sent to and who the harvest belongs to.

“At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’”
Luke 14:17 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be obedient in sharing Jesus everywhere you are sent.  Pray that you would be actively involved in reminding people of God’s invitation for all to come to Him and find rest.  Pray that your life would be lived in such a way that your invitations for others to encounter Jesus would be attractive to them.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom

Following Jesus – Those Who Are SENT! (Sermon Audio)
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Following Jesus – Those Who Are SENT! (Sermon Audio)

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This is the audio from the March 16, 2025 sermon, “Following Jesus: Those Who Are SENT!”, shared by Tom Lemler at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

Text: Matthew 10

“He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”  
Luke 10:2 (NIV)

As one called by Jesus to “Come, follow me”, Matthew gives us great teaching on what it looks like to live a life which follows Jesus.  As Matthew’s gospel continues, we find Jesus encountering many people who had great needs.  As Jesus prepared His disciples for the work ahead of them, He told them to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field and then He chose them to be those who were . . .

  • Selected:  Matthew 10:1-4

    • Jesus selected those who would be His and those He would send out to share the good news of the coming kingdom of God.  While this particular sending in Matthew 10 was of the 12 disciples, He ultimately has selected all who would believe in Him to be sent as His messengers to everyone and everyplace they would encounter. 

  • Equipped:  Matthew 10:5-16

    • Jesus not only selected the twelve to be sent out, He equipped them for the task He called them to.  While the equipping of the disciples included miraculous gifts of healing and casting out evil spirits, we have been equipped with the Holy Spirit to be the representative of Jesus which He has created us to be.  As we are sent by Jesus to share the good news of God’s kingdom, we find He supplies all that we need when we learn to trust Him.

  • Noticed:  Matthew 10:17-23

    • Being selected and equipped by Jesus led to the disciples being noticed as they went from town to village proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God.  While some of that notice was positive and welcoming, much of it was not.  We must be careful not to allow the notice of others, whether good or bad, influence our obedience to sharing with others as one who is sent.

  • Taught:  Matthew 10:24-33

    • Life itself is a learning process and there is no greater teacher than Jesus being the living Word of God.  As Jesus sent out His disciples He made it clear that while a student is not greater than their teacher, their greatness is a reflection of what they do with what they have been taught.  As those sent by Jesus, we must pursue a faithfulness in living life consistent with all we have been taught by the Word of God.  

Today, how will you live as one who is SENT?

Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (3/14/25)
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Encouragement and Prayer: Boldness! (3/14/25)

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This is the audio from the March 14, 2025 live social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue our Lifestyle of Prayer emphasis, this week’s focus is a reminder to pray for the mission work supported by you and your congregation.  God expects every believer to be involved in sharing the good news of Jesus everywhere we go.  For some, that calling is to a coworker in a community that you’ve spent your entire life in.  For others, that calling is to take the gospel message to a people group in a distant land that you’ve never been to until responding in obedience to God’s calling.  For many, that calling is somewhere between those two examples as we carry the gospel message everywhere we go.  As we pray about the spread of the gospel, we also pray about our part in taking the message of Jesus to all the world.  Our involvement in missions ought to be an integral part of who we are as a Christian.  We give financially to missions so that their work would not be hindered by a lack of resources.  We pray fervently for missions so that we would hear how God wants to work through them, and through us in partnership with them.  We share with others about our faith so that we too are involved in being on mission with God.

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Acts 4:29 (NIV)

As you pray this week, ask God to help you be on mission with Him even as you pray for those devoted to serving as missionaries.  Pray that the missionaries, and yourself, would be filled with a boldness to proclaim the gospel as we ought.  Pray for the courage to fear God more than the threats of men.  Pray for a spirit of love to fill the bold message of the gospel.

You can find the live video feeds of these encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom