Jesus issues the call to "Come, Follow me" so often in the Gospels that I was at first taken aback by His response to the man in the Decapolis that he had just healed from a 'legion' of demons. After being healed, the man begged to go with Jesus back across the lake, but strangely Jesus denies this request. Instead of allowing the man to follow him, Jesus commands him to
"Go home to your friends, and tell them what wonderful things the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been." Mark 5:19
Jesus' command points us toward a fundamental call of discipleship. One that first and foremost begins within our own sphere of influence. Jesus tells him simply to go home and tell his friends and family about all God had done for him.
I do not know where you live, or who is in your sphere of influence, but if God has transformed your life, you have a duty to go first to your family and friends and share all the Lord has done for you. There is a reason why you live exactly where you live. There is a reason why you work exactly where you work. There is a reason why your friends and family are exactly who they are. God has placed each of us in our own communities for a purpose, to share his grace and mercy.
As you begin to pray about who the Lord wants to join your Truth Project small group, understand the high calling God has on your life to make an impact in the sphere of influence He has given you. Begin by identifying those with whom you are in relationship and pray that the Lord will raise up 10-12 people to join your small group.
He has entrusted us with His purposes, to go and make disciples where we live. Our prayer is that The Truth Project will provide a specific tool to assist you in transforming your community for Christ.
Gary Alan Taylor
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