“Growing Up” In Christ

We each looked at ourself. We didn’t like what we saw.

We professed to be disciples of Christ.

Whether our decision for Christ was made 30 years ago or 1 year ago we were equally ashamed at the gap in true discipleship between us and our “brethren” of the 1st Century.

What had caused the difference? Why were we not “growing up”?

A Bible study of “discipleship” followed, supported with frequent prayer, other reading, and honest frank discussion about ourself.

The answers to the question became clear.

We had compromised some of our Master’s commandments. Although they were literally obligatory for the 1st Century, we had not felt they were literally applicable to the 20th Century.

The Lord had worked so intimately in the lives of ordinary faithful men and women of the Old and New Testaments, surely he must have done so since those times!

If not, in our case, then perhaps the fault lay with us.

It did!

With a more honest confession of our dis­obedience to the Lord and with a newly found faith in his power, we have evidenced the Lord at work. The excitement of the Acts of the Apostles is no longer something of which we read only. Then the living Lord Jesus worked with them in their preaching (Mark 16:20) and the Lord (Jesus) added to the Church daily such as should be saved, (Acts, 2:47), and we now know He is doing so today. Not in some vague, indefinable way,but in the truly practical way of daily guiding his sincere prayerful believers and also guiding to them, people who are in real need. The Lord’s arm is not shortened that it cannot save! But even then we know that we still tend to make our own spiritual plans in case his fingers open a little and we fall. Our reliance can move away from Him to the “Ecclesia” or to some “person” and on these occasions, we again stand still instead of “growing up” in Christ. So many of the N.T. Scriptures which speak of this “power” promised to the disciples of Christ now stand out more clearly as the real personal exhortations they are, instead of doctrinal topics suitable for debate or theological discussion. The few which are listed can strengthen our desire to pray earnestly for a full belief in what they say and promise.

John 14:23;
John 15:5-11, 16;
Romans 8:9-11;
Gal. 2:20; 5:22-26;
Eph. 2:10, 19-20; 3:14-21;
Phil. 2:13;
Hebrews 13:20-21.

As Christadelphians we understood correctly the Lord’s command to be in the world but not of it — Evil was to be shunned. But the world then moves inside of us to do battle with the spirit (Rom. 7:22-25). We think to solve this problem by trying harder with zeal, determination, and discipline to conquer our faults .

It fails — because however well intentioned these efforts are, they are still our efforts. Self is still at work. The only cure can come from God and His Son through the Spirit.

If we desperately want to be like Jesus, and pray to be transformed into more faithful disciples, They are at hand to respond, and They do!

This has been the experience of some during the past 2 years. Disciple Groups have been formed, each with approximately 14 members. Although this involved an additional night each week from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. — the blessings of additional faith, enthusiasm, and energy are finding their way into all aspects of life in the ecclesia, at home, and at work. In addition, brethren and sisters are becoming more prepared to witness for the Master both privately and collectively (recently in beach rallies). Children have told parents, “you have changed since you went to the Disciple group”. For those afflicted with the modem curse of marriage problems there have been some remarkable changes:

Rifts have been healed — Separated ones have come together again — Threat of divorce has not eventuated — All because these disciples have left off criticising their partners by resolving to firstly put their own lives right with God. The same advice is suitable for any other problem of discipleship.

Our meetings are happy informal occasions, hopefully similar in spirit to those of the “Acts.”

After the initial period of warm fellowship (approx. 30 minutes) followed by prayer and Bible reading; the subject is discussed. Examples of subjects are “Turning the other Cheek”, “Prayer”, “Trust”, “Humility”.

The honest personal discussion which follows is concerned with the application of those qualities in our daily living in the world, the ecclesia, and the home. The standard in Jesus Christ is constantly referred to, as is other Scripture.

All pool their reserves of Bible knowledge, experience and love, in seeking to help one another with their problems. Problems are kept in confi­dence within each group and are not discussed outside of it — not even with other disciple groups. This is a fundamental must. Such vows have been made and kept.

In all this, avenues for practical service to others in spiritual and physical need are opened up, and acted upon, and the atmosphere of love is an ideal one into which to invite friends to learn of Jesus, The most effective and moving part of the meeting is the prayer session (usually the conclusion but not always).

This is a session of silent and spoken prayer in which each one can pour out himself in order to be filled of the Lord. Prayer for the needs of the brotherhood and specific individuals are made and left in the Lord’s hands. What a joy it is when prayers are clearly seen to have been answered.

We give thanks that the Lord is causing us to “grow up”. The life force of this growth is undoubtedly the love of Christ which with its blessings is also alerting us to our responsibilities in caring for the brotherhood and all those whom our Lord shall call.