3. Consistent Community
Of all the people who have ever walked the face of this earth, if there was ever a person who did not need community and the help of others, it was Jesus. He was God in human flesh. His power was limitless. Yet he loved community. Jesus had the crowds that followed him.
There was the 72 that he sent on mission (Luke 10:1–24). Jesus walked closely with his 12 apostles. There were small groups who were very close to Jesus such as Peter, James and John. There was also the family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Jesus went to parties and loved being with people.
Those who follow Jesus discover that consistent community with other believers is essential. In our day of online services, polarization between friends and family members, and growing isolation, we need to recapture the call to Christian fellowship. You might wonder what this has to do with discipleship. But, if discipleship and evangelism really are marriage partners, then there must be a connection here as well. Actually, it was Jesus who connected the dots on this. He let his followers know that the world would see and realize that we are following him when they see the way we love each other (John 13:35). Our community gives a glimpse of the presence of Jesus.
When we walk with Jesus and stay connected to our Lord, we will grow up in faith (discipleship). As we do this, we will go where the Master of our soul goes: to the lost, wandering, broken sheep all over this world (evangelism). This is the adventure of the Christian faith: growing in Jesus and going with Jesus.