Welcome to a different approach for learning about being a follower of Jesus Christ.
In over 25 years of ministry at various levels questions about discipleship have surfaced at one time or another as I have worked with both students and adults. Over the past year I have been thinking and praying about what it means to follow Christ in a very practical way. This journey began as we contemplated the idea of being a fully engaged follower of Christ as part of the goal for everyone who attends Pleasant Hill Community Church.
The purpose of this blog will be to invite each person into a conversation on discipleship. To that end this material will be printed in the bulletin, emailed to our local list and posted on a blog on our web page. It is my desire that we each grow in our understanding of what it means to follow Christ in a deeply personal way.
“Aren’t there already good programs in existence about discipleship?” Good question. Yes, there are many good programs in existence and they have a place in the process of preparing and training people to be more effective in following Jesus. However, there are draw backs as well. For instance discipleship is a life long process and cannot be mastered in 13 weeks of lessons or several small group meetings.
We will discover that discipleship is in many ways in individual process. This becomes very clear in Jesus’ words to Peter on the shore of the sea of Galilee when Peter inquired of John’s future.
When Peter saw him, he asked, "Lord, what about him?" Jesus answered, "If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that toyou? You must follow me."
(John 21:21-22)
Sometimes we lose that sense of that individuality in a pre-designed program.
Our goal is to give you guidance and instructions through this blog and allow you to use the information and suggestions that will help you grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Each week you will find a practical tip or suggestion that is designed to help you as you desire to follow Jesus as his disciple.
Today’s Tip
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon reminds his readers of the value of a traveling companion. He writes:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Traveling companions make each other more effective. Traveling companions support one another. Traveling companions have each other’s back.
Today’s tip: Find a traveling companion
Find someone to encourage you on your mutual journey. For the next few weeks set a regular time where you and your spiritual traveling companion will touch base and share where you have come from in your journey with Jesus and how you are growing in your relationship with Him in little ways.
Next week we will explore the question: What makes a person a disciple of Jesus Christ?
