Cornerstone guys,
You and I may not realize just how important we are to our brothers in Christ. Scripture says much about the benefits.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Jesus always sent his disciples out in pairs and the early church maintained that practice (Luke 10:1; Acts 13:2). God gives us spiritual gifts to build each other up.
Ephesians 4:12-13 (ESV)
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
While I get to try to build you guys up through my preaching, I know that’s not enough, nor personal enough. In a recent sermon, Andy emphasized the importance of “community,” of doing life together. I believe there is a way we can grow, and build one another up, even during a season like Covid.
What if we took a new, very simple, step towards change? Would you be willing to make an eight (8) week commitment to a brother in Christ that would involve three (3) parts:
- Connecting with your brother once a week (phone, video chat, or in-person);
- Praying each morning for Jesus to be at work in their lives for that day and praying for any requests you have shared;
- Select and read a book of the Bible at whatever pace you choose, sharing your takeaways each week. You could discuss questions like:
- What was something new you learned from the reading?
- Is there something/someone in the text you identified with?
- What is something God is teaching you through your study?
- How do you want to put it into practice in your life?
We would start on February 1st. The commitment would end after eight weeks and we could re-evaluate then (March 27th). If this proves helpful, it could be repeated or modified based on your suggestions.
Then there is the spiritual battle. The three commitments you will be making will be opposed, no question. Paul has to say this about the opposition we face.
Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
The truth is that these forces try to hinder us from spending time with each other and with God through prayer and the Word. Paul exhorts us to take up the “whole armor of God,” which includes the truth, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit. How better to do this than to do it together?
If, after considering this, you are willing to commit, please contact us here and let me know. My thought would be to connect you with someone you may not know as well to try and broaden and deepen our relationships at Cornerstone among the guys.
Your brother in Christ, Jonathan