Last evening, Zach Simmons, our North Project Student Director, gave our Theme Training talk. He talked about our need for discipleship and community throughout the entirety of our lives. North and South Projects met again last night for the combined meetings. Zach's goal, in his own words, was that, "Thirty years from now you would be vigilant in you're relationship with Christ." He talked about the necessity of growing in Christ and enjoying Him more. He encouraged us to use discipleship as a means to knowing Christ more.
We can search the Bible to find supportive reasoning for the vitality of discipleship in our lives. Philippians 3:17-18 Paul writes to the church of Philippi, "Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ." Paul urgently tells the church to imitate him so they may not walk as enemies of Christ. Paul is in no way desiring that they idolize him, but he understands the importance of seeking older counsel. When we imitate lives that reflect Christ, we can come to know Christ in a deeper understanding.
Hebrews 3:12-13 talks about exhorting one another daily so that we may not be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. This leads us to conclude that honest and true community is essential in the Christian's life. In addition, imitating others above us is beneficial to our growth. Zach finalized the talk by discussing the importance of discipleship rather than evangelism. Yes, our goal is evangelism and the world being reached with the truth, but we need to be making disciples. By discipling others we can equip them to walk in a manner worthy of Christ and reach others with the gospel. The ending in reality is two fold. As we long for Christ we can seek out discipleship for ourselves and disciple others in the gospel.