Each discipleship meeting starts with tables FULL of amazing food!
Why? Because we believe that fellowship with one another is Biblical [Heb 10:25 & Acts 2:46] and super encouraging! As we gather up our array food, we exchange conversation about our day, our lives and random silly things. Here's what's usually featured: Fast food is a given - because it's cheap and flavorful. Usually Mc'd's, and Taco Bell make the table. We have Subway sandwiches, Chinese Take Out, Sushi, Pita and Hummus, Fried Chicken, Wing Stop and of course fruit to round it all off and end on a healthy note. Last night we had homemade noodles and fried rice! And you can always find cookies, sweet bread of some sort and chocolate! YUM. We are very thankful to everyone who brings a dish to share with friends!
Last night's passage came from 2 Timothy 4:1-8.
The memory verse for the week was v.7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" Paul the Apostle was speaking of his life as he neared his end. His letter to Timothy was to exhort/encourage and instruct him on how to remain faithful to God.
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| The boys gathering to hear Jun share a devo |
A few key points from the night:
(v.2) "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching"
Here we are given a direct command. We are to preach the Word/Truth, about Jesus Christ and His love. We are to be prepared to share His Word with all people. We can do this by reading the Bible on our own [personal devotionals] and spending time becoming familiar with His scriptures. That way, when we give advice or encouragement to a brother or sister, we aren't only giving our opinion, but we are giving the hope we have found in God. A great scripture to crossreference here is 1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."
We can also 'convince' someone they may be choosing a destructive path, and use scripture as support to point them towards Jesus and away from sin. In the same way, we can 'rebuke' or 'correct' a friend, family member or coworker who may be in harms way due to a choice they are making - and need to know the saving Truth of Jesus. Any words spoken, must be done in LOVE, as we follow our perfect example - Jesus!
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| The ladies listening to a devo from Mercedes |
(v.5) "But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry"
This verse is a warning, to be a watchman, like in [Ezekiel 33] and "walk circumspectly" [Eph 5:15] which means to consider all circumstances and consequences. That's a lot of big 'c' words! The reason we are to be aware is because we are living in a time where people look to other things that often oppose God and do things "according to their own desires" [2 Tim 4v.3]. Paul is encouraging Timothy and us to take heed, and follow through with our personal responsibility and mission given by God. Paul himself had endured much affliction and persecution for the Gospel and stands as a credible source to speak this into our lives. Our aim is to endure, to keep our faith in God and as a result we will earn a crown of righteousness, as we have loved Him well.
See you next discipleship [every other Wed]!
