Discipleship

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” -Jesus, Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
 
The ministry plan Jesus presented to his disciples is masterful.  The idea was to bring people, all kinds of people, into a thriving relationship with Jesus as apprentices of this new kind of life.  They would be immersed in the community of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.    The new life they would live meant learning the ways of life, the commands of Jesus, he had given. Our intention at GBC is to honor the Lord by making disciples.

CONNECTING WITH GOD

God is the source of all things and all things flow from him.   Connecting with God is essential. Jesus is the door to salvation, he is the way to life. 
 
And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.
John 17:3 (NLT2)
 

CONTINUING WITH GOD

Continuing in the new life with God establishes the relationship, as knowledge is gained and love grows.  A vibrant energy enters the believer increasing the joy of life. 
 
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
John 15:4 (NLT2)
 

CHANGING WITH GOD

Living things change, and life with God transforms.  Learning and practicing life in the Kingdom of God brings greater satisfaction as it renews the mind, shapes the heart, and enlarges one’s spiritual capacity. 
 
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT2)

COURSING WITH GOD

As blood courses its way through the body, so God’s empowering Spirit in his people flows in and through them.  This process makes possible obedience to the Lord, the practice of love for others. 
 
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.
Galatians 5:25 (NLT2)