Discipleship

Disciple:  a fully-devoted follower of Christ;

one who knows Him, walks with Him, and is sent by Him into the world.

Jesus Christ was born, died, rose from the dead, and is alive today. 

He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.

I am a follower of Christ - a disciple.   

Therefore I am called to...

...Discipleship:  (see definition of disciple) the actual going into the world to declare and teach the Gospel.

This year, Chris and I have been co-leading small groups at our church.  (Chris has his own group of boys and I'm with the girls - of course.)  Once a week, we study the Bible with some of the most wonderful high school students.  It is one of the most rewarding nights of my week.  I cherish these friendships that God is building.

Once a month, all the leaders of these high school groups get together for what's called "Leadership."  (Self-explanatory title)  This Sunday Chris and I hosted Leadership at our house.  As 25ish of us gathered in the living room, Adam (the youth minister) gave us the 4 C's to none other than Discipleship:

1.  Content - giving Biblical truth to our high school friends in the context of the Gospel and the entire Bible.

2.  Character - teaching and modeling characteristics of Christians; love, perserverence, grace, etc...

3.  Community - learning (and modeling again) how to live with one another in Christian community.  How we love, forgive, encourage, hold accountable, edify, and teach other Jesus believers.

4.  Competencies - the "know how" to study scripture, pray, tithe, etc...  Most importantly though, how to cultivate relationships with Christ.

That's a lot.  A lot of responsibility.  When I'm honest, I know I'm selfish.

And just on Sunday night as I was thinking about how much there is to do, our group was reminded to turn our focus from what we're supposed to do and be and teach and yada yada to wallowing in the Truth.

To WALLOW.  To soak up who He is and who I am because of Him.

I am a sinner, saved by His GRACE... 
Not by anything I've done or will do, but because He saved me.

When we go back to #1 and rest in the content of scripture, Christ will begin to cultivate our relationships with Him.  We'll hear Him more clearly and be able to follow the Holy Spirit (living in us) more.

As Philippians 1:6 was shared: 
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

I was reminded that discipleship isn't about me.  It's about Christ.  He started this in me and has already promised to continue working on it until Jesus comes.

And that truth, my friends, I do have to offer to my high school friends, family, peers, co-workers, strangers, and neighbors.

My beautiful Small Group friends