the basics

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” – Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew

The mission of discipleship and establishing the Kingdom in the world are the core ways that we fulfill our role as Christians. As we place proper focus on these, it fuels the Body, giving it purpose and challenge; helping us to exercise and grow in Godliness. And simply to feel right in our own skin.

But when the mission is lost in the local gathering, and in the heart of the local believer, you can expect something else to take its place. Something like highly entertaining or  intellectualized sermons, drama skits, inner focused member-oriented community, hyper control and possessiveness, extreme focus on gifts, back-biting, jealousy, selfishness, judgement, you name it.

Thankfully when you take an honest look at the scriptures, God has safeguarded us from being lured too far away from the purpose. We have to return to the basics. It’s not complex or complicated. But it does require whole hearted participation. Don’t worry, the new testament set you free to have God dwell with you, to guide you, and to be with you till the end. Maybe no one else around you in your gathering sees the truth as you have seen it. Jesus came to set you free so that you could operate according to the order of the reign of God. Walk in it and let the fruit of your life prove your choices.

Sounds exciting doesn’t it? You in? It starts with surrender.