“Jesus and me” is essential. “Jesus and We” is disciple-making. Let me explain.
I only met Billy Graham once. This funny story was told at a banquet. He and some friends were once robbed while traveling. However, the robber did not demand any money from Billy Graham. It was so puzzling that a conversation followed.
Billy Graham: “Why didn’t you take any of my possessions?”
Robber: “Well…I recognized you, Mr. Graham and we Baptists have to stick together.”
We at Eastmont have been blessed to have never had any major breaks in our fellowship. There have been some bruises along the way, but we have “stuck together.” What is the secret? (It is not because we are Baptist) It is because we believe that “Jesus and Me” is as important as “Jesus and We.” We’ve remained focused on Jesus as a community.
Several years ago I sat under an olive tree outside Jerusalem. Our tour group was about to share holy communion. As we sang the hymn “At the Cross” I heard someone singing in a foreign language. “Who is the linguist?” I turned around and was surprised to see a Japanese tour group had joined in behind us. Different language, different culture, different land but brought together by Christ. “Jesus and We” is powerful.
Our simple formula for discipleship emphasizes three uses of time. 1) Time with God 2) Time with God’s people and 3) Time in ministry to others (John Maxwell’s idea).
Your time alone with God is essential. All else hinges on that. That is the “Jesus and Me.” However, time with other believers is crucial. That’s the “Jesus and We.”
Jesus and We
Each Sunday we open our doors and whoever shows up is welcome. They come in all shapes and sizes, colors and ages. All people matter to God.
Over a six week period God has allowed us to have events for every age group: Family Conference, Sr. Adult Banquet (and Elvis), Student D Now, College Conference and Children’s musical. Our Men’s Ministry and Women’s Ministry are leading in a few days. “Jesus and We” is powerful.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Never take fellowship for granted.” This Lutheran pastor resisted Hitler. He was arrested, was isolated, imprisoned and executed at the age of thirty-six. His faithfulness encouraged others to stay strong. (Jesus and We)
You can have friendship without Jesus, but you cannot have fellowship. The apostle John writes, “That which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and His son Jesus Christ.” (John 1:3)
I’m glad we have “stuck” together all these years through Jesus Christ.
This post was originally shared here at eastmont.org. If you have a submission that you would like to share, send it our way!
