Teaching and Observing: The Church's Mission
One of the primary ways we follow Christ is by obeying His command to make disciples, as outlined in Matt 28:20,
“teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” - Matthew 28:20 NASB
I love this verse because of the emphasis on teaching that leads to obedience. We spend our entire Christian life in this text, and we don’t even realize it. The believer is always to be learning and growing in their obedience to Christ.
If you notice closely what Jesus says, you’ll see the point: "Teaching them.” This is an ongoing action. What are they to teach? "All that I have commanded you.”
So, Jesus is outlining a certain type of relationship with life-on-life implications, namely a relationship where one is teaching the other to obey Jesus’ commands more and more.
Each believer needs this type of relationship within the local church. No believer has matured to the point where they don’t need more prayer with other believers, admonishment, and encouragement to follow Jesus faithfully.
If you notice closely what Jesus says, you’ll see the point: "Teaching them.” This is an ongoing action. What are they to teach? "All that I have commanded you.”
So, Jesus is outlining a certain type of relationship with life-on-life implications, namely a relationship where one is teaching the other to obey Jesus’ commands more and more.
Each believer needs this type of relationship within the local church. No believer has matured to the point where they don’t need more prayer with other believers, admonishment, and encouragement to follow Jesus faithfully.
Putting It Into Practice
Here at GBC, we have a great catalyst for these types of relationships. Our Home Group ministry is designed to create a culture of discipleship within the four walls of our sweet community of believers. The goal of Home Groups is to cultivate fellowship that might lead to organic discipleship relationships.
Home Groups meet twice a month in homes across the area during the typical ‘school year’— the months of August through the end of May.
This semester, we have four Home Groups: Lexington, Mineral Springs, Red Bank, and Leesville.
By God's grace, the elders have put together a wonderful team of HG leaders who want nothing more than to serve Christ and His church. Each HG has a host home, facilitator, and teacher. These three serve as a unit to ensure this ministry meets its intended goal.
We desire the whole body of GBC to attend these groups. Nothing is more important in our lives than our relationship with Christ. Our relationship together is a key part of our love for Christ. As we move toward the fall, please be in prayer for these wonderful times together.
Home Groups meet twice a month in homes across the area during the typical ‘school year’— the months of August through the end of May.
This semester, we have four Home Groups: Lexington, Mineral Springs, Red Bank, and Leesville.
By God's grace, the elders have put together a wonderful team of HG leaders who want nothing more than to serve Christ and His church. Each HG has a host home, facilitator, and teacher. These three serve as a unit to ensure this ministry meets its intended goal.
We desire the whole body of GBC to attend these groups. Nothing is more important in our lives than our relationship with Christ. Our relationship together is a key part of our love for Christ. As we move toward the fall, please be in prayer for these wonderful times together.
Conclusion
It is our prayer that God will use these times to strengthen our unity and deepen our love for Jesus Christ. If you have any questions or are curious about which HG to attend, please contact me at jason@gbclexington.net.
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