Rhythms of GraceSample
This week, we took a look at different friendships throughout scripture. From Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathan, and Paul and Barnabas. These are three examples of friends that serve one another and ultimately serve God’s ultimate purpose for us, which is to make disciples among all nations. If Moses and Aaron would not have partnered up to talk to Pharaoh, the Israelites probably would not have made it out of Egypt. If Jonathan and David had not developed a friendship when they did, David would probably have been killed by Saul, leaving the lineage of Jesus to someone else. If Barnabas would not have welcomed Paul, we would not have the majority of the New Testament today, let alone heard the Gospel. Did you know that Paul was a missionary throughout several countries in Asia Minor, teaching the Gospel to Gentiles and starting churches there?
These friendships were put together by God because He is intentional. Each one of these friends chose to serve one another and serve God which resulted in changing history together. Imagine what would happen if you and your friends joined together to serve one another, to serve your churches, your schools, and your families. God calls us to make disciples and to do so with His authority. The Great Commission was not given to an individual, but to a group of friends who had become more like family. This Great Commission did not end with the disciples or the early church. This is our call until Jesus comes back: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 CSB). As you finish this study, I pray that you apply the Great Commission to your life and include your friends as you go together. Serve God, your community, and each other.
Scripture
About this Plan
As people who follow Jesus, we are considered to be His disciples. This simply means that - through the Spirit’s power – we are learning to be with Jesus in order to embody His teachings for His mission. Throughout Scripture, we see a variety of ways that Jesus and the people of God have learned to commune with God. Historically these have been referred to, by the Church, as the spiritual disciplines or spiritual rhythms. The purpose of these rhythms are not simply to do them, but to grow in our relationship with Jesus.
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