Sermon Audio

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon examines meaning in various aspects of life. One of these, is the necessity for community. In his description of companionship, we find principles which illustrate true New Testament Fellowship looks like in the Christian context. This is essential to growing as a disciple of Jesus

The writer of Hebrews gives a stern warning to his readers. Because many are departing from the faith, He warns them to watch carefully their hearts by exhorting one another daily. He shows that the Christian life is lived in community and disciples cannot grow without it.

Paul describes to Timothy what a "good servant" looks like. He is told to nourish himself on the word and train himself for godliness. Paul compares this growing in discipleship to the disciplining of the body.

Paul shows the Colossians what their Christian worship looks like. They are to do everything around the word, singing and giving thanks to God. He also shows that corporate worship is essential for spiritual growth

In the first days of the church, 3000 came to faith at one time during Peter's sermon. The church took shape and began to disciple one another. They were a worshiping church, a connecting church, and a serving church, and because of that, disciples grew and the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Jesus gives final instructions to his disciples in the gospel of Matthew. This commission to the church is the fulfillment of God's purposes from the beginning of creation until the end of all things. We are to be making disciples

Jesus makes several demands on those who would follow Him. There is a cost to following Jesus and those who would follow Him must count that cost.

Paul ends chapter 8 by showing the believer that there is nothing that can separate him from the saving love of Jesus Christ. This love is embodied in the intercession of Christ at the Father's right hand. And nothing, not even the sufferings of this life, or anything in all creation can separate us from his love.

The believer is not left alone to suffer in this present world as we wait for the glory that is to be revealed. In fact, God 's purposes are being fulfilled through "all things." But God's purpose is not our happiness or comfort. It is for us to be conformed to the image of His Son.

In v. 17 Paul said that believers will receive glory if we suffer with him. Here, he explains that the suffering of this present time isn't even worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed, and we are not abandoned to suffer through this present time as we wait.