A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 307

3. The discipline of guidance refers to the ways in which the Lord leads us into his will through his people, the body of Christ. God guides groups as well as instructs us individually through groups.

4. As members of the people of God we are called to practice a lifestyle of celebration and festivity that acknowledges the goodness and provision of God in all we do.

B. Critical Implications

1. God’s design is for us to live the Christian life in the context of community. As members of the body, we grow up in Christ in the midst of his people .

2. Without the practice of confession, we will not be free to walk in communion with God in Christ, nor be released to love our brothers and sisters in the midst of their journeys.

3. As with all the disciplines, the discipline of worship involves our heartfelt and consistent participation with other disciples who seek to honor God in all they do, and specifically in the context of our “gathering” together in worship. 4. In the same way God led the people of Israel as a community, so the Lord can lead us in our own Christian assemblies. The will of God should not be defined only in terms of personal calling but also his call on our group or church .

5. The strength of the Christian journey is celebration that is anchored in the power of the Spirit and revealed in our obedience. The joy of the Lord is our strength.