Connected in The Word 1-15-26
The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. John 1:37
I’ve had the privilege of serving in two congregations that value discipleship. At St. John in Wheaton, we talked about “Making Disciples and Making Them Stronger”. Here at Immanuel in Belvidere we talk about “Connecting People to Christ for Life”. God makes and strengthens disciples by connecting them to Jesus. In my Baptism I have been connected to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That connection is maintained by spending time with Jesus.
Discipleship is like a relationship you have with your spouse or a best friend. My relationship with my wife is strengthened by spending time with her, by doing life with her, and by communicating with her daily. My relationship with my wife is not strengthened by me thinking about her when I’m at work, keeping a picture of her in my wallet, or by a marriage certificate signed over 27 years ago. Thinking about Jesus throughout the day, wearing a cross necklace, or hanging your Baptism, Confirmation, or Church Membership Certificate on your wall are NOT WAYS THAT GOD DISCIPLES HIS CHILDREN!
Being Discipled by God means spending time with Jesus! Faith is a relationship! It’s a relationship God has established with us in Jesus. God Disciples us by spending time with us. He comes to us in the Scriptures at home and in worship. He comes to us in the Lord’s Supper. He comes to us through other Christians who love us and encourage us in the Word. God doesn’t just want a picture of you in his wallet. He wants to do life with you. He wants to disciple you. A HUGE PART of Being Discipled by God is spending time with Jesus IN WORSHIP!
(If you can’t get to worship to receive God’s Gifts because of health or even because you work Saturday nights, Sunday mornings, and at 11:00am on Wednesdays, please let us know – We can bring God’s Gifts to you if needed.)
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