God has designed the Christian life to be a life of growth (Ep 4.15; Col 1.10; 1 Pet 2.2: 2 Pet 3.18), in particular when it comes to faith (2 Co 10.15). In order to our faith in Christ to grow, God has ordained three main means of grace (Ac 2.42). The first one is the study of Scriptures, which makes us hear the word of Christ producing and nourishing our faith (Rm 10.17). The second one is prayer through which we demonstrate our dependency to God and progress in our knowledge of Christ (Jud 20-21; Col 1.9-10; Ep 3.14-19). Prayer also transforms our intelligence to conforms it more to the will of God (Mt 6.9-10; Lk 22.42; Jn 15.7; Rm 12.12). The last one is communion with a local Church where the Gospel is preached and lived through healthy brotherly relationships (Ac 2.42-47).
As a church, we embrace Jesus’s command to make disciples of all nations by teaching and modeling biblical faith.
Discipleship involves choosing a path of intentional Christian learning and growth in spiritual wisdom and discernment over time.
Recommended Reading
- Knowing God, J.I. Packer
- Desiring God, J. Piper
- Holiness, J. Ryle
- The Pilgrim’s Progress, J. Bunyan
Online Resources
- Bible Project
- Got Questions
- Desiring God
- 9Marks
- The Gospel Coalition
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How do I study the Bible ?
The Bible has been written several millennia ago in cultural settings very different from ours; thus, its study needs to be methodical. When we read a text, its literary genre should be identified : poetry, historical account, parable, apocalyptic text, etc. We can ask the text the questions : when, where, who, what, why, how? Looking at the immediate context of the text, identifying its location in the book and eventually in the whole story of the redemption recounted in the Bible gives further information. With, in addition, prayer and assistance from the Holy Spirit and the Church, we can understand well the meaning of the text for its initial recipients, but also what God wants to tell us through it today, to grow in his knowledge and to become more like Christ.
How do I pray ?
Prayer is a response to the revelation of God in Jesus Christ and its redeeming work at the cross. Covered by the righteousness of Christ, we can come with assurance before the throne of God, creator of all things, to receive mercy, to find grace and help (He 4.16). With prayer, we worship him for who he his and what he has done; we intercede for others and give him grace for his faithfulness and goodness in our lives. Prayer is first a discussion with God: we talk to him and we listen to him. We can speak to him aloud or silently in our heart. We can pray alone or in community. We can use our own words, pray the Psalms, Jesus’ prayer (Mt 6.9-14) or other texts of the Bible. Prayer is trinitarian : we speak to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, by the Spirit (Mt 6.9; Jn 15.16; Ep 6.18).
What is a healthy Church ?
The foundation of a healthy Church is the Gospel of Jesus-Christ (Mt 16.18). It preaches it faithfully from the Scriptures and exhorts its members to live it daily, which includes mutual forgiveness (Col 3.13). Such a Church finds in the Gospel a joy that drives it to share it in the community around it and even further. It is committed to discipleship; it helps believers grow in maturity and autonomy in faith, to foster multiplication (Mt 28.19-20; 2 Tim 2.2). A healthy Church reflects a healthy leadership : it has elders and deacons appointed for their spiritual and moral virtues (1 Tim 3.12-13; Ti 1.5-8). These leaders are responsible for a loving and pedagogical church discipline (Mt 18.15-22). Finally, a healthy Church acknowledges other healthy Churches around it and partners them.