Discipleship is an integral part of community. By pouring our lives into others we fulfill our mandate to disciple people. This will bring a true and sustaining impact on our communities. When Jesus spoke about "fruit that remains" he was speaking of people. Long term fruit that remains comes from discipleship.
Community was essential in the New Testament. In Acts 2:42, it says "They (the apostles) devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Eric and Candace share on how to build and grow community in your life.
You make space for community
You allow yourself to be seen, being vulnerable with those around you
Be authentic, be yourself. There is freedom for you to be authentic
You can only give what you have. It's time that we learn to give away what we possess. In community, you consider your resources and you give them to others. In the Kingdom, when you give something away it increases.
God's design for redemption is rooted in community from beginning to end. Jesus' primary prayer before going to the cross was for oneness and a restoration of unity in the body of Christ. Moreover, Christianity must rest within the context of true intimacy, which is created in a place void of fear, where walls are down and another person can see in and impart his or her influence. It takes courage, commitment, and sacrifice to intentionally foster community, but it leads to endless rewards.
The body of Christ needs discernment to judge prophecy through Scripture, leadership, and prayer because not all prophetic words are delivered with the right spirit, from the heart of God. Applying the right qualifiers before accepting a word is crucial in creating a prophetic community. The application of prophecy should be guided and directed by leaders who can provide accountability and assistance to those under their care, helping them reach the destiny God intends for their lives.
