The Fundamental of Growth

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20 ESV).

The second fundamental of the faith we are looking at in this little mini-series is personal and communal growth. The Gospels remind us that we are to do more than worship God on Sunday. We are to build up and encourage one another as we serve God together. The fellowship of believers in the early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, reveals a communal atmosphere of worship, growth, and ministry. So, today, we turn from worship to thinking about discipleship. The church is meant to be a body, a group of committed followers of Jesus Christ. The paths of each of our individual journeys often appear to be long and lonely. However, Jesus never intended us to walk alone; we are to walk together, just as Jesus sent the disciples out to minister in pairs. Together is better. Together we pray for one another, share one another’s burdens, visit the sick, comfort the oppressed, teach and encourage, maintain accountability, and combine our God-given gifts in ministry. Perhaps one of the most critical principles for us to understand is expressed by A.W. Tozer: “If we truly want to follow God we must seek to be other-worldly. This I say knowing well that that word has been used with scorn and applied to the Christian as a badge of reproach. So be it. Every man must choose his world.” The Apostle John helps us in the Gospel he wrote, as he quotes Jesus: Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (John 14:12-14 ESV). In God’s kingdom, there must be an attitude of humility, teamwork, unity, and a servant’s heart. We ought to seek teamwork and unity in your fellowship of believers. This will allow us to minister effectively with others. The Lord did not send people out alone. He sent them ahead in pairs to do his work, proclaim the good news, and minister to those in need. Find your partnership in faith.