Today I reflect on five rhythms of discipleship of Jesus. Our church uses these five things to help people connect with following Jesus daily for life. Each of us who is committing to following Jesus will find these either fueling our connection or confronting our humanity.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47 NIV
Our church celebrates big. We do this because God draws his people to celebrate together. Jesus’ first miracle recorded in the Gospels was the turning of water into wine at a wedding. God loves a celebration and will actually bring the best wine to the party. So celebrate big and worship God with great celebration.
We foster community with a few in our small group ministry. In homes together, we can pray for each other, learn together, and enjoy life together in fellowship. This is a tough one for those of us who guard our time and enjoy time alone. See what I mean about confronting our humanity – this is my tough one. We are built for this community, yet if you’re like me, sometimes you have to force yourself to participate in what God says is good for you.
We encourage people to follow Jesus daily. For me this starts with my practice of reading, meditating, and writing about God’s word. I desire to apply it to my life in obedience to God. If what I study doesn’t jive with what I do and say and believe, there is a problem in my discipleship and an opportunity to bring my life into alignment with God’s ways.
In any community, it is imperative to serve others. Come to serve and not be served. Simple. It’s better to give them receive. Live this out in every situation and you will be following the example of Jesus, who came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.
Finally, followers of Jesus engage in the mission of the body of Christ which is the church. Jesus was crystal clear in the mission and ours is the same as his. Share the gospel with love so others can follow Jesus as disciples also.
The definition of discipleship is not complicated, but fulfilling it is a lifelong process and practice. As we practice these rhythms of life, God will conform us to the image of Jesus day by day…
Amen
Marc Kinna
marckinna 