In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us His purpose for The Church - 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Jesus was very clear, we are to make disciples! Jesus said to baptize them and teach them to obey all that He had commanded. He never said to baptize them and let them figure it out on their own. He commands us to make disciples, not just converts!
As we continue to trust and discern God’s Word and His promptings, we will be providing these tidbits of Truth to help us all grow in an understanding of what Jesus introduced to us in Relational Discipleship - those 1,000 Conversations Jesus modeled for us and calls us to emulate. Relational Discipleship is often referred to as Mentoring. Either way, as we continue to develop a Culture of Relational Discipleship at Ovid Community Church, we will offer Discipleship opportunities such as Small Groups, Sunday School Classes, and One-on-One Mentoring.
One key to relational discipleship is the understanding of what Ovid and many others have often referred to as Transformation. Following is a brief “review” of Transformation to get us started:
Defined, Transformation is the understanding, or revelation, of our thinking - learning to combat the lies Satan throws at us with Truth from God. Here is a portion of scripture from Philippians (with notes added) describing Transformation through the teaching of Paul:
Philippians 4:6-13 - 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.
(Your thoughts are from God (Truth) if you think about these things)
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put
it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice greatly in
the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have
been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying
this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
(If your thoughts are from God, your feelings (contentment or peace in this section of
scripture) will be of the Fruit of the Spirit - See Galatians 5)
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have
learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well
fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything
through Him who gives me strength.
Satan loves to attack us with lies - those flaming arrows that Paul talks about in Ephesians 6. As we develop a culture of relational discipleship, individually and as a congregation, the enemy will not like it!
Relational Discipleship is the key to building the Kingdom one disciple at a time!
(If your thoughts are from God, then your feelings will be of the Fruit of the Spirit, and your actions (the do) will reflect God) Broken down, your thoughts create your feelings (or emotions) which result in your actions! If your thoughts are True (from God), then your feelings will bear the Fruit of the Spirit and your actions will reflect and honor God! Paul was a master in making disciples. He took what he learned from Jesus and applied it to His life...and then shared it in relationship with the churches!
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