Welcome back to our blog posts on Discipleship! We hope that you gleaned Biblical knowledge from “Discipleship Part 1.” The focus of this post will be community. As a result of sin, each human being has poverty of the soul. Each one longs to be restored to perfect relationship with God, and others. Many of our clients have not seen a model of Christ, and the importance of community. Would you be willing to build a relationship with a CAPS client who needs a daily example of Christ?
One important aspect of discipling someone is praying together consistently. In fact, we cannot have a relationship of discipleship without prayer. Prayer is our lifeline of communication with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” In Scripture, we see that Jesus went off by Himself to pray consistently. How much more do humans need times of solitude and prayer to grow in our relationship with Christ. We live in a world full of distractions and busyness that pull us away from God. Slowing down and having moments of quiet time to pray together is imperative. Prayer should be an integral part of discipleship teaching us to rely on God, instead of ourselves. How can you reach out to someone this week and pray with them? Matthew 8:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Needs, desires, emotions, celebrations, and victories should be shared together through community. All should be taken to the Lord in prayer. Prayer should not just happen at church on Sundays, or for five minutes after we read our Bibles. Prayer should be an integral part of the process of discipleship.
As stated in our last post, discipleship should always go back to an understanding of the gospel. Romans 3:10 says, “There is none righteous. No not one.” Not one person is better than the other. We all have a desperate need for Christ, every second of every day. Not only do we need the Spirit of God, we need each other for the process of discipleship. Engaging in community helps alleviate poverty within the soul. Discipleship takes time and communication with God and with others. Many of our clients have not seen this modeled for them. Relationships help the soul to grow and flourish as God originally intended. This is why CAPS is so passionate about seeing our clients getting involved in the local churches of Suffolk. The meaning of church comes from the word “ecclesia” which means gathering of citizens. Discipleship can be fostered in an environment where citizens of Heaven gather together, being led by the Spirit and the reading of His Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Simply put, we need the body of Christ to be discipled and quipped. CAPS would love to see more of our clients become active members of the body of Christ. Gathering together through community and relationship strengthens and prepares the believer for life’s valleys. May we share life together being led by His Spirit, knowing His Word, and meeting together as citizens of Heaven!