Disciples of Jesus cannot be “undercover” agents. I have met people before who claimed to know Christ but also explained that their religion was a private matter. Strangely, Jesus never instructed His followers to live a private faith. In Acts, the first disciples of Jesus lived their faith in Him so publicly that all enduredContinue reading “Got Faith? Prove It! (Four Levels of Followship)”
Tag Archives: Jesus
What’s In It For You (Four Levels of Followship)
There are personal benefits to following Christ. The disciple of Jesus looks forward to Heaven. The disciple also thanks God daily for providing salvation in Jesus. The primary focus of the Level Two follower is a deep and authentic gratitude for what the Lord has done for him or her. The focus is personal, butContinue reading “What’s In It For You (Four Levels of Followship)”
He Said “Come” and They Came (Four Levels of Followship)
No checklist can bring you closer to God. Checklists are good for grocery shopping and staying on task with a project. Growing closer in our relationship with Christ is more than picking up dinner items or accomplishing a goal. When Jesus instructed his disciples to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart andContinue reading “He Said “Come” and They Came (Four Levels of Followship)”
Why do you follow Jesus? (Four Levels of Followship)
Everyone follows someone. Who you follow will determine the most important aspects of your life. The decisions you make, the view of the world you hold, and even your eternal destination is shaped and influenced by the people you choose to follow. Therefore, as your parents likely advised you: “Pick your friends carefully.” So, areContinue reading “Why do you follow Jesus? (Four Levels of Followship)”
How to Walk…in Christ
When I used to run (competitively), I purchased special shoes from a “running store.” I have weird feet that match the rest of me. Therefore, when I was trying on a shoe, the sales specialist wanted to see me walk. With an eye close to the floor, the specialist would analyze my stride and selectContinue reading “How to Walk…in Christ”
How to Walk…Pleasing to God
Do you walk with a purpose? I am one of “those people.” I prefer to walk up the escalator at the mall. On occasion (just for fun), I have even run up the escalator, surely catching the attention of the “mall cops.” Part of the reason is impatience and the other part is the sensationContinue reading “How to Walk…Pleasing to God”
How to Walk…
Watching a toddler learning to walk can be great fun. From sitting to pulling up, there is a great anticipation and build of parental excitement to see a child bravely take his or her first step. We even carry a video camera in our pocket for months, hoping to capture the first moment. Walking isContinue reading “How to Walk…”
Beyond Pizza and Swim Parties: Disciple-Making with Children/Teens (a book review)
What will the local church look like in 20 years? Take a peek into the youth room of your church and then visit the young adult class. The glimpse may be frightening. In many settings, children and youth ministries are failing to make disciples of Jesus Christ who stand in faith beyond their teenage years. Some churchContinue reading “Beyond Pizza and Swim Parties: Disciple-Making with Children/Teens (a book review)”
The Prayer of a Sheep
Psalm 23 has been a long-time favorite. Years ago, I committed this to memory as a reminder of God’s care and provision. I would like to revisit this chapter, which the Holy Spirit inspired King David to write over 3000 years ago. I also would like to offer each point as a prayer to God.Continue reading “The Prayer of a Sheep”
The Leader’s Greatest Investment (5 Christ-honoring Distinctives)
Leadership is not complete until someone walks in the footsteps of a leader. In the Bible, it was no coincidence that we see a marked change in the original disciples from the end of the Gospel according to Luke to the first few chapters in Acts. Out of genuine love for His disciples, Jesus trainedContinue reading “The Leader’s Greatest Investment (5 Christ-honoring Distinctives)”
Shepherding Well 