Growing Disciples – Part Three

“It was [Jesus] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12

Jesus’ life was defined by love and service, and God made us to love and serve others. You will never be more like Jesus than when you are pouring out your life in love and service to others. And you will never be more richly blessed than when you pour out your life for others for the sake of the Gospel.

Growing Disciples – Part Two

“God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love – like Christ in everything.” – Ephesians 4:15

Christians cannot afford to be ignorant, but knowledge can never be an end unto itself. Knowing lots of stuff, even knowing lots of the Bible does not make you a disciple. For maturing disciples knowledge always leads to action.

Growing Disciples – Part One

“Under Christ’s direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” – Ephesians 4:16

Spiritually, if you are not growing, you’re dying – and missing the best part of living in Christ. Our journey of discipleship begins when we are born again in Jesus Christ. The rest of our life is spent growing up, maturing.

Easter Discipline

“Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” – 1 Peter 1:8-9 (NRSV)

During the season of Lent many Christians are very intentional about their faith walk with the Lord. Many enter into deliberate disciplines including prayer, fasting, worship, submission, repentance, meditation, and sacrifice. We seek to put more effort into our faith as we journey to the cross with Jesus.

Holding on to God

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good.” – Romans 12:9

We get a lot farther when we count on our Savior, who loves us with genuine love and whose wisdom and power are so great, to lead us across the confusing ways of the world, and through the busyness of our days, to the joy and peace of the Kingdom of God.

Resurrection Light

“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb . . . ” – John 20:1a (NRSV)

Most of us have experienced darkness in our lives in one way or another. Hope once so bright lost in darkness that seems to overwhelm any light we had.

Where are you at?

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” – Col. 1:17 (NIV)

Where’s your God today? Is he relegated to some small space, tucked away until you arrive at church? Or your small group? Was he left at home? Or was he your first thought this morning? Is he perhaps front and center? Does he feel near to you or far away?

Reaching Out With Care

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being `care-full,’ you’ll find yourselves cared for.” – Matthew 5:7 (The Message)

We are called to trust the promise of Jesus, that when we do empty ourselves of self-centered ways, and the fear of being overwhelmed with the needs of others, we will be filled with the care and love which comes from God. This can produce a blessing for both those we care for and for ourselves as well.

Cleansed and Freed

“Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” – Mark 15:37-38 (NRSV)

Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross we no longer need protection from God’s wrath; in fact we can approach God without any fear – having the blessed assurance that God’s wrath has been appeased through the death of Christ.

Resurrection Living

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” – John 11:43-44

The old habits of sin and death that bound us need to be removed as Jesus calls us from the grave. Our eyes need to be opened. Our hands need to be set free. Our feet need to be unbound. Like Lazarus we need to take off the old and put on the new, new clothes befitting new life.