No man should have to walk through trials and tribulations alone. Without God in our lives and a good companion to walk with us, life is darn scary. Figuratively speaking, there are the traps of disappointment in the pathways of doing business, snipers with satanic influence to pierce our hearts lurk within the media we view, and too many of our homes are battlefields for couples instead of a safe compound for weary souls.
The significance of the book of Acts as written by the apostle Luke is to enlighten us about the founding of the church, the spread of the gospel, the beginnings of congregations, and the evangelistic efforts in the apostolic pattern (mentoring). In Acts 2:42-44 we read:
The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. (The Voice)
What stands out to me was the disciples’ love, obedience, encouragement, unity, and focus upon a common vision to go make disciples. They truly cared for one another and were committed to their mission. They believed that no person should live life in a vacuum. That is why unity was an important value to these men. Developing unity requires transparency and compassion. This was evident in the first-century church, and is necessary in ours.
What will save our nation and Christianity is for believers to band together like the first-century church and become radical about discipling others. Structure and process can be helpful only as they relate to a one-on-one discipling relationship. Churches that will survive in the twenty-first century are those that place an emphasis on making disciples.
Taken from chapter one of The Spiritual Mentor, by Jim Grassi
