Discipleship - Faith

Discipleship is about learning together; enrolling in a class along with others.

Dr Sangster that great Methodist preacher speaking in the Royal Albert Hall in 1951 declared, “We need each other in our Christian pilgrimage. A convert in an evangelical campaign was invited by the local vicar to drink a cup of coffee with him. In the Vicarage study the convert told the minister that he would not be joining his or any other congregation — he would ’go it alone’. The vicar listened quietly, then went over to the fireplace. With the tongs he took a blazing coal from the fire and placed it in the hearth. The conversation resumed. After a few minutes the solitary piece of coal began to splutter and smoke. The visitor took the point. 

Paul writing to the Galatians says, “Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.” Galatians 6 (the Message)

Discipleship according to Michael Spencer means that a “Jesus-shaped spirituality hears Jesus say "believe and repent," but the call that resonates most closely in the heart of a disciple is "follow me." The command to follow requires that we take a daily journey in the company of other students. It demands that we be lifelong learners and that we commit to constant growth in spiritual maturity. Discipleship is a call to me, but it is a journey of "we.” 

Lord, you have called us to love and serve you; And with your help we will. Give us the wisdom to know what we should do, The courage to keep on loving and giving, And the faith that will see us through. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen