Today's Scripture: “...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20, ESV
Theme: Our charge is to teach baptized disciples to follow Jesus, by example and in community.
HOW TO TEACH AND LEARN
From the time before my birth, I attended Sunday School. I got my newborn Bible from the nursery department when I was two weeks old. Many years, I had perfect attendance in our Sunday School because even when we were out of town on vacation, I went to church (and brought back a bulletin to prove it). Does this remind you of Paul, listing his religious qualifications?
Sunday School and our denomination’s stringent adherence to the Bible taught me so much. Yet The Cove does not have “Sunday School” except for Cove Kids for your children. But you know what we have found? There are other effective (maybe more effective) ways to disciple. Our teenage children learned to serve--seriously serve--in the early days of The Cove. It became one of the five habits we have for developing spiritually. As Life Groups came together, people learned not only to be in a class, studying the Bible, but to study for themselves, ask questions, learn to pray aloud, and “do life” in community with other believers. Fellowship was deeper and sweeter.
OTHER HABITS
The Cove stressed a personal quiet time. I had spent years checking the boxes on daily Bible reading, but this focus on a relationship with Jesus grew me in new ways. I had been giving and tithing since childhood, but a lifestyle of generosity, beyond my gifts to the local church, changed my heart and, I hope, made me more like Jesus. Of course, attending a weekly service, praising God with others, and hearing the message is also an integral part of growing in Christlikeness.
PERSONALLY AND CORPORATELY
Individually, we are to disciple others. Find a friend who is not as far along in their faith journey as you are, and just start an informal discussion. Maybe take a book of the Bible, or discuss the weekend message, or something you learned in your quiet time. You could invite them to your Life Group, where they can find community and godly discussions. Invite them to serve alongside you, so that we can, together, grow to be like our Servant-King Jesus. Take advantage of the opportunities God gives you, and the strategies provided for you by your church.
Make It Personal: Is there someone you know who would welcome a lunch break discussion of the Bible? A walk around the park praying? Do you know someone with almost your exact personality who might like being bold and welcoming people—or being hidden, behind the scenes, running a camera? Are you faithfully feeding yourself in a quiet time relationship with Jesus? Take advantage of the many ways to grow your own faith. Then bring someone along. It’s your assignment from Jesus Himself.
Pray: Father, help me be faithful to attend to my own spiritual needs. But help me not stop there! Open my eyes to see others who need my encouragement and my friendship in their faith journey. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Acts 14:21-23; John 13:34; Colossians 4:3-4