9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other. (John 15:9 – 17)
Theme: The Local Church
Today we conclude our 40 days of Discipline journey. Thank you for being a part of this experience!
As we close another year of studying the Spiritual Disciplines, today is a good day to be reminded that the Disciplines only matter when under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they advance God’s kingdom. We repeatedly emphasize that we are not just interested in information sharing, we are more interested in growing to be more like Jesus.
For this year’s journey, we have examined our involvement in the local church. We have focused on the part we play in making the local church as effective as possible. If you have kept track of the questions posed every week, you have a useful collection of issues you may want to pay close attention to as you associate with a local church.
As you perform your final review for this year’s journey, one point should be abundantly clear – being a part of a local church is God’s design.
Please prayerfully consider how God wants you to continue to pursue his mission in community.
Question:
Having focused on the local church over the last few weeks, are you feeling led to focus more on any particular aspect(s) of your local church?
Please consider sharing your thoughts so others can be blessed. Thank you very much to all the commentators who ensured we had feedback every day of this journey!
April 16, 2022 at 7:19 am
I would like to volunteer in a homeless shelter, or in a facility for disadvantaged youths.
I also will participate if there is a “clean-up” day at church.
Everyone, have a blessed Easter!
Thank you very much, Norman, for another year of this series. 🙂
April 16, 2022 at 10:55 pm
Thank you very much Joseth! You were my early morning inspiration 😊
April 17, 2022 at 7:41 am
😘
April 16, 2022 at 8:54 am
Thank you so much for the 40-Day Discipline bible study that we have every year during lenten season. i’ve been consistently a part of this group, always looking forward to participating, and it even became a part of my morning devotion. I joined this group when I lived in Trinidad and Tobago and met Norman and Karen at West Side Community Church in 2014. I am always blessed and encouraged by this study and learned so much from the lessons and comments.
Our study this year focusing on the discipline involving participation at local church made me more aware of my weakness, strength as I reflect on my faith and relationship with the Lord. The study reminded me that I need to persevere with faith that I can do my purpose and calling because God created me to reach it, and no matter what comes along the journey, God is in my side, and that I will be victorious because He had already given me freedom and love when His son Jesus Christ died on the cross. That is more than enough for me to continue doing His will to achieve the purpose that I was created for.
May we all glorify our creator and savior as we live for our calling and purpose, and that is to serve and love our God, Jesus Christ. Happy Easter to all!
April 16, 2022 at 10:57 pm
Thank you very much Aurora! Your transparent sharing is a source of help to everyone. May God continue to bless you in your new adventure in Houston.
April 16, 2022 at 1:02 pm
Amen! Couldn’t say it better. I am very thankful for this forum and it has helped me tremendously. I became a Christian late in life. I often reflect on the many good years wasted having a good time – it sometimes surprises me I did not know the truth sooner – how different my life would have been. I heard about Jesus, and attended Catholic schools and things of that nature but it did not mean anything to me. I feel like the gospel is not properly explained to people and perhaps I can help change that in my sphere of influence . My 19 year old son is now a believer. I thank God for that – by being a Christian mother I helped him see the truth. I want you to know your encouragement and prayers broke through – I found myself in a local church recently and enjoyed the service, even though they worshiped in the dark, I was dazzled by the performance on stage and I am trying not tot be too inflexible (Gordon helped me see that). Paul said he is all things to all people in order to win them over to the gospel (see 1 Cor 9:19-23) I plan to attend the same church again this weekend. Because I am seeking, I know I will find. Thanks for the encouragement. May God bless you and keep you ALL!
April 16, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Thank you very much Ayanna! The news about your son and the possible new local church is encouraging and inspirational. We look forward to your continued blessings and to you continuing to be a blessing.
April 16, 2022 at 11:30 pm
Thank you 40daysofdiscipline (smile) for this year’s study. The theme of the local church was a very relevant and timely one for me. I loved the last five days where it was tied back to Jesus Himself during Passion week. He is indeed our Chief Shepherd.
Ayanna, glad to hear of the local church visit. All God’s richest blessings and direction as you continue to seek Him.
Happy Easter everyone. He is risen!
April 18, 2022 at 10:52 am
Thank you so much Norman, I confess I did not read all the days, but was blessed and equally challenged on the days I read and reflected.
When I am at my local Church it is the place currently that I am happiest. Love the worship, the study of God’s Word, the prayer times, faithful preaching and opportunities to serve others to the glory of God.