Friday's Bit of Discipleship
In times of success, more than even times of defeat, we should spend more time in prayer and confession, not less. Often it is the times of defeat that motivate us to seek God's help and purify our lives. But what do we do in times of success? It is a powerful test... In our times of success, we must ask who is being lifted up and who is being glorified. Is it the risen Christ or that rascal self?
~ page 140, The Prideful Soul’s Guide to Humility, Fontenot/Jones
MISSIO DEI Discipleship Point
What is the significance of "One Holy Christian Apostolic Church" in light of the MISSIO DEI in John 17?
For centuries, the Christian community of faith and mission has confessed one holy Christian (catholic) apostolic church in the Nicene Creed. This reflects the Missio Dei. Today we focus on:
Apostolic. The church is apostolic. That means it is a sent church. It is also therefore a missionary church (John 17:18). Related root words to “apostolic” are mentioned seven times in John.
Basing its life on the teachings of the Apostle Jesus Christ Himself, the church is sent into the world while not being of the world. The apostolic church leaves, goes, and takes the Gospel to the world. The apostolic church has the authority of Christ Himself, just as the Apostles, who were the immediate sent ones of Christ, to proclaim and live the Good News in order that people trust in Jesus and be saved. The apostolic church is engaged with, receives, and participates in Christ’s sending as it embraces Christ in saving faith.
See the following Scriptures in your bible or on pages 262-264 of The Great Sending book: Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 2:9, John 17:20, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ephesians 4:3-6, Romans 12:4-5, 1 Peter 2:5, Acts 2:42 (For further study see the Third Article, the Apostle’s Creed, Luther’s Small Catechism.)
Discipleship Prayer
Lord Jesus, I pray that my local church and Your church at-large adopt the apostolic spirit You intend for us. Help me see that, as part of Your Kingdom, I am personally sent into the local community as well as the local church – to love and serve. In Your name Jesus I pray. Amen.