|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
We desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end (Hebrews 6:11, NASB 1995).
There are four foundational disciplines of the Christian faith. They are Bible, prayer, fellowship, and disciple-making.
Jesus taught in Matthew 7 that a house must be founded upon a rock to withstand the storms of life. The question isn’t if we will have storms but if our house of faith has a foundation secure enough to withstand the floods, winds, and rain.
Yes, Jesus didn’t end the Sermon on the Mount with this statement, “There are four foundational disciplines of the Christian faith.” And the four disciplines were not included in the Apostle Paul’s list of spiritual gifts in Romans 12.
However, the combined teaching of the entire Bible points to this conclusion – you can’t grow in Christ or be strong in the Lord without the disciplines of Bible, prayer, fellowship, and disciple-making.
Why are these disciplines important? Before I wrote this blog, I asked myself, “Why?” And below are my personal reasons for actively maintaining the four basic disciplines of the Christian faith.
Why is the Bible important?
My spirit was created to respond to God’s Word. When I read the Bible, I sense peace and power coming from the Presence of God. I get information too, but I read the Bible because I can’t live without the Presence of God.
Why is prayer important?
It furthers my relationship with God. Reading the Bible furthers my personal relationship with God. I never feel insignificant or without worth when I ask a specific request, and it’s answered.
Answered prayer is the WOW! of our faith.
Why is fellowship important?
I can’t make it without the support and testimony of other believers.
The body of Christ is irritating (including me), but there is no other way to see ourselves as God sees us without honest interaction with other followers of Christ.
Truth received through humble interaction with other saints is critical for spiritual maturity.
Why do I make disciples?
Jesus didn’t say, “Be a disciple.” He said, “Make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).
I experience the presence and power of Jesus when I disciple. There is no greater feeling than God working through me!
I’ve just explained my simple reasons for why I develop the disciplines of Bible, prayer, fellowship, and disciple-making in my life.
What is your why? Which discipline needs work?
Presence, answered prayers, peace through gracious fellowship, and power are great reasons to build the four foundational disciplines of the Christian faith.
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26).
Summation: Why? I want to stand strong.