The Greatest Life Ever

You Might Be Lukewarm - Part 4

God seems to be telling me that He wants me to quit being complacent and comfortable with my version of Chrsitianity.  I am learning that I still have to room to grow when it comes to being a fully devoted disciple of Jesus.  I would like to think that I am completely sold out to Christ, that I've "arrived" so to speak.  But when I reflect on passages like the following, I realize that I am still holding back.  

"Lukewarm people are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not act.  They assume such action is for "extreme" Christians, not average ones.  Lukewarm people call "radical" what Jesus expected of all His followers." (Crazy Love, Francis Chan, pg. 70-71)

I agree.  What we consider radical Christians is what Jesus had in mind for baseline for his followers.  What's the implication for you?

You Might be Lukewarm - Part 3

"Lukewarm people tend to choose what is popular over what is right when they are in conflict.  They desire to fit in both at church and outside of church; they care more about what people think of their actions (like church attendance and giving) than what God thinks of their hearts and lives."  (Crazy Love, Francis Chan, pg. 69)

This comment by Francis Chan really hit home with me.  What about you?

"You Might be lukewarm if" - Part 2

Lent is a season of the Christian calendar traditionally given to reflection on one's spiritual condition.  It's also been a time that many churches over the ages have used to prepare confirmands for baptism and reception into the church on Easter Sunday.  I thought it would be a good time therefore to reflect on just what kind of Christ follower some of us have become and whether or not this is what Christ had in mind when he died for us and when he said, "Come, follow me."  

I'll share a statement or two with you.  After you read it just ask yourself two questions.  First, "Is this true of me?"  And secondly, "What's one action I need to take in light of this?"

You might be lukewarm if...

...you give money or time to charity and the church as long as it's safe, easy and doesn't impinge on your lifestyle.

Reflect.

 

This Can Change Your Life Forever

 I can’t believe it, in just about seven months I’ll be landing in Tel Aviv, Israel followed by a quick tour bus ride to the holiest spot in all of creation, Jerusalem.  Jerusalem is where the Divine and the human connect.  Jerusalem is where heaven and earth intersect.  It’s where Jesus spent much of his life.  It is where Jesus worshiped and provided sacrifices in the Temple.  It’s where Jesus was separated from his family at the age of twelve and they found him studying with the great Rabbi’s.  It’s where Jesus healed many people and taught many crowds.  Jerusalem is where Jesus and his disciples gathered in an olive orchard to rest, teach and pray (see photo at left).  Jerusalem is where Jesus was tried and crucified and where he ascended into heaven. 

If there was one place I could I wish I could take all my friends and their friends it would be to Israel.  I know that going to Israel is not on many top ten lists, but it should be because it's the surprise of a life time.  After making three trips to Israel I can assure everyone that nothing can renew, revive, and refresh a life like walking where Jesus walked.  The smell the Sea of Galilee, the crunch of the rock under your feet at Jericho, and seeing the ancient city gates of Jerusalem do something to one’s spirit.  When I stand on the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount and see the wild flowers dotting the landscape I understand better than ever what Jesus meant when he told the crowd that not “even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Matthew 6.29).  Walking where Jesus walked has transformed my life.  And I believe it can for you too.  

A passage of scripture that captures the essence of a trip to Israel is in the book of Luke chapter 24. Two unknown disciples are walking from Jerusalem to a town called Emmaus trying to make sense out of Jesus' crucifixion several days earlier.  Along the way a stranger joins up with them and is invited to walk with them.  The unknown man asks them what they're discussing and why they're so downcast.  They tell him about Jesus and the crucifixion.  Once in Emmaus they ask their new friend to join them for dinner.  He accepts.  And out of courtesy he asks for the privilege of blessing the meal.  Read what the bible says happens next.

"He took the bread, made the blessing, broke it and handed it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.  But he became invisible to them.  They said to each other, Didn't our hearts burn inside us as he spoke to us on the road, opening up the Scriptures to us?"  They got up at once, returned to Jerusalem and found the other disciples gathered together with their friends, saying, "It's true!  The Lord has risen!  Peter saw him. Then the two told what had happened on the road and how he had become known to them in the breaking of the bread."  (The gospel of Luke, chapter 24 verses 30-35)

This is what happens to people who walk where Jesus walked.  Come walk with me and others on the roads in Israel.  And don't be surprised if on one of those roads God becomes very real to you and transforms your life.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to travel with me.  There is more information about the pilgrimage on this site.  Just go the left side of the page and click on Register for Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 2011.   

If you have any questions please contact me at bryan@asbury-lr.org or bryanwfink@gmail.com or on Facebook.  

One Important Attitude for Making Life Better

There are two types of people in this world.  Okay, I know that is an oversimplification but hang with me.  As I said, there are two types of people in this world.  Those who add life to others and those who suck life out of others.  To use the word Alvin Toffler coined, one is a "prosumer" and the other a consumer.  A prosumer is someone "who actively contributes to the experience he or she is enjoying (as compared to a consumer who consumes the experience.")  He goes on to say, "With a prosumer there is more of "it" after the individual has interacted with it.  With a consumer there is less of "it" after the individual has interacted with it." (Deliberate Simplicity, Dave  Browning, pg. 138).

Jesus was a prosumer.  He came that people would experience abundant life (John 10.10).  He wanted people to leave his presence filled with something; joy, peace, salvation, grace and love.  Disciples are to be prosumer's as well.  A disciple is to strive to become just like his or her Rabbi.  Jesus wants us to actively contribute to others.  And yet it's sad to say, that my experience has been that we as disciples seem to model the consumer attitude more than the prosumer.  For example there are Christ followers who attend worship for what they can get out of it.  And it's not only worship but just about everything else associated with the church.  I've experienced Christ followers who have made serving Christ in the church all about them instead of serving Christ and the body out of love and grace.  

Imagine what a difference it would make if the church (each Christ follower) would approach being a disciple from the perspective of being a prosumer instead of a consumer.  It wouldn't be long before revival broke out.  It's been my experience that people are attracted to people who create life as compared to those who steal life from others.  

What kind of person are you?  A consumer or a prosumer?  Which one do you want to be?

If you want to experience a better life it begins with becoming a disciple of Jesus and then asking the Holy Spirit to make you a prosumer instead of a consumer when it comes to the ways of God.  

Are You a Disciple or a Complacent Christian?

I have been discovering on my journey of faith that the more I become like Jesus the better my life becomes.  This process is called discipleship.  But I don't want anyone to confuse the term discipleship with membership or officership in the life of Church.  For a person can be a member, a leader, and even a believer and still not be a disciple.  Unfortunately, over the years the term disciple has transformed to mean something less than it is.  

A disciple is someone who is intentional about growing in their ability to be like Christ.  The closest understanding we have of a disciple today is an apprentice.  An apprentice is someone who works along side a master of a certain trade to watch how he or she goes about it and then replicates what they are doing.  For example, someone who wants to be a master carpenter may become an apprentice to a master carpenter where he or she works along side and learns the trade so that one day they can become a carpenter.  The difference between an apprentice and a disciple however, is that an apprentice wants to learn the skills of the master but does not necessarily want to be like the master in character or other areas of their life.  

A disciple is someone who takes intentional steps to be like Jesus.  And that requires putting practices into place to help them do so.  A couple of practices the church has practiced for years involves growing in one's ability to pray.  Praying is similar to conversing with Jesus along the walk of life.  It is in praying that a person dialogues with Christ about becoming more like him and seeking Christ's input.  A disciple is also someone who is working to master Scripture as Jesus and his disciples did and that quite frankly that takes more than just attending a worship service.  Disciples were and are very intentional about being like Jesus, but today it's sad to say, that many Christ followers just assume that they'll become like Jesus by some form of spiritual osmosis.

If you want to experience a better life then I encourage you to make your own discipleship growth plan that puts you on a path to do just this.  And then share your plan with a trusted friend who also wants to become a disciple and together hold each other accountable in the spirit of love and growth.  That's what Jesus and his disciples did.  Why would we think it's any different for us today?  

If you'd like some counsel or guidance in this area feel free to contact me by clicking on my email address on the homepage and sending me a note.  I'd be more than happy to help.

Please know that I'm not trying to put the blame on anybody.  I just feel a conviction to help the Church of Jesus Christ reclaim what being a disciple really is and create some holy discontent with anything less. I encourage Christ followers to lean into being a disciple if that's what they really want to be, and that includes me.  

If you'd like some counsel with this or some guidance please feel free to contact me by clicking on my email address located on the lower right hand corner of this page.

Blessings and may you experience a deeper walk with the Christ that results in a better life.

How Does this Happen?

I don't know how it happens.  It sneaks up on just about everyone I know.  One day your life in Christ is hot and growing and the next day you wake up and you realize that you're limping along.  Has that ever happened to you?  It happens to me. 

There have been plenty of times when my spiritual life was smok'in.  I was tight with Christ and doing the work he called me to.  I couldn't wait to get up early in the morning with my cup of coffee, a bible and my Lord.  I could spend an hour plus with my Rabbi and Master and think it had only been a few minutes.  And then it happens.  I begin to focus more and more on the work for Christ that I somehow drift away from Christ.  Does that make sense?  I get so busy with the work of the ministry that I find little time to be with the one who called me to the very ministry I'm engaged in.  How ironic that I could ever become so busy doing the work of Christ that I don't have time for Christ himself. 

I'm at a point where I have to ReThink how I'm using my time and make some adjustments.  How about you?

All You Need is Love

Today we kicked off the beginning of 40 Days of Love at Asbury UMC.  I was so ready for this.  I believe God has something up the sleeve for the people of Asbury.  Today and next Sunday will be pre-cursors to the actual 40 Days of Love emphasis which begins on Mothers Day, May 10.  I have been very encouraged by the number of adult groups who are signed on to participate, the youth ministry and the chidlren's ministry departments are going to get in on the emphasis too. 

We closed out the 10:45AM Contemporary Service with the Beatles chorus from their hit song All You Need is Love.  The congregation had a good time singing along and helped to spark interest in what is going to come next. 

I can only imagine what kind of life change that will be the result of 400 Christ followers all praying and studying the same topic for a six week period.  I think it will be just what the doctor ordered.  I'll try to keep you posted as we progress through the campaign. 

In the mean time, pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you and our church with the love of God and a great love for God. 

How do you spell Success? How about LOVE.

Success goes by many definitions.  A quick trip down an aisle at Borders or Barnes and Noble will reveal dozens of books.  But the book that everyone should base the definition of success on is the bible, the Holy Scriptures.  And in that book success looks like something different than what most people define as success.  Jesus tells us that success isn't related to acquisitions or accomplishments, but is related to how much we love like God.

According to Jesus, success is all about love.  Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment in all of the scripture was. Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22.37-39)

When we  get to heaven and have our final exit interview with God, the LORD isn't going to ask you how many square feet your home was, or how many times you frequented a worship service, what kind of car you drove, what position you held at work or how much your net worth is.  I think God is going to ask something like, "How did you do at loving me?  How did you show your love for me with the way you spent your time?  How did you show your love for me through your possessions and resources?  Tell me how you loved me with your attitude?  Can you give me a dozen examples of how you loved another the way I loved you through Jesus?

Success according to God's definition will have everything to do with how well we loved God and people.  He'll want to know if we were constantly growing in our ability to love perfectly like Jesus did.

I've been preparing for an upcoming campaign at Asbury United Methodist Church called 40 Days of Love.  And I have to tell you that I'm getting very excited about it.  As I've researched what the bible has to say about love and loving, I find myself wanting to love more like God wants me to.  I can't think of a time in my life when I've been more excited about love.

I'm so excited that I want to be part of one of the small groups that I hope will form as a result of this.  I want to be with a group of disciples who want to grow in their desire and ability to love God, each other, and those who do not know Jesus.  I can't wait to find a group of people to share this journey with.  

I hope that hundreds of others will join me on this adventure.  It's the kind of adventure that will not only change my life, but if enough of us pursue love, and allow ourselves to be changed by this love, we can't help but change someone Else's life with it.

I saw this happen at a funeral service for two children who were born prematurely.  The mother and father happen to be part of a caring group in our church.  Their whole class and many others attended the service to show them how much they are loved.  The visible outpouring of their love accompanied with the words of one of our pastors caught the attention of a woman who had no connection with a church.  She was so moved by what she saw that she's decided to attend their Sunday school class and an upcoming worship service with them.  That's the power of love.

If you want to know what real love is like, if you want to know what it means to be loved, if you want to know that you're valuable and loved by God, or if you want to grow in your ability to love others, then I hope you'll join me in a campaign that can change your life.  Join me on the experience of a life time, 40 Days of Love, set to begin April 26.

Check back with me in the next week and I'll have more to say about this great move of God in our church.

May You Be Covered by the Dust of the Rabbi Jesus

The Love Challenge

    God has been using Jesus' words in Matthew 22.34-40 to take me deeper as a disciple and a pastor.

"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.  One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 
    Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

    God has put the topic and action of "love" in my mind and my heart since last October.  It's as if the LORD God wants me and the disciples of Asbury UMC to focus on a few essentials of the faith over the next year or two, and at the top of the list is "love". 

    Love isn't as easy as it would first appear.  Especially if you've ever been hurt by your love of another or a church in the past.  But love is what makes God's world go round.  Love is what sets me and every other disciple of Jesus apart from the world.  How well I love fellow believers and others is what draws those outside the church to Jesus or repels them.  If there's nothing else a disciple of Christ gets in this life, this is what they need to get.  The bible says, "the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13.13) 

    A disciple is not to wait until someone loves them before they love another.  We're called to initiate it.  The story Jesus told in Luke 10.25 about the Good Samaritan illustrates this well.  The short of it is that someone asked Jesus who is neighbor is so he'd know who he should focus on loving.  But Jesus didn't tell him who his neighbors were, instead he told the man to be everyone's neighbor.  In this setting the word "neighbor" is more like a verb rather than a noun.  Disciples of Jesus are to be loving neighbors and people to everyone they meet, not a select few. 

    That sounds overwhelming to me.  But fortunately I don't have to rely on my own power and "umph" and neither do you.  For Paul wrote "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me." (Philippians 4.13). 

    Why not join me for a little experiment.  Part of my prayers in the morning are going to include a simple request for my Lord to strengthen me to be the kind of neighbor who embodies his love.  Who knows, maybe if enough disciples do this we can transform the world with and through the love of Christ.

    May you be covered by the dust of the Rabbi Jesus!

   

Nothing is More Important than this

I've been spending a lot of time on Mark 12.28-31.  It's the passage where a Torah teacher asks Jesus his thoughts on what he thinks the greatest commandment of all is.  When Jesus responds he quotes an Old Testament passage from Deuteronomy 6.4-5 referred to as the Shema (pronounced Shma). 

"Hear O Israel, the Lord is God.  The LORD alone!  You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, all you mind and all your strength."  "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

In the most general sense Jesus says that the most important priority in anyone's life is to love God with everything he or she is and that he or she has.  It's about total commitment, loyalty and allegiance to God.

In a sense Jesus responded by saying, "Listen up Israel - The Lord is your God, the Lord alone! You should love him with every thought that you think, live every hour of every day for him, be willing to sacrifice your life for him.  Be willing to sacrifice your job for him. Worship him every chance you get.  Study the Torah every day.  Memorize it word for word.  Love him with every penny in your wallet, with every possession you have, and everything else you got. And if there’s anything left over, love him with that too!" 

The priority for a disciple is to love God in this way.  Some questions for a disciple to ask is do I love the Lord in this way?  Is living for God really my first priority or do I just like to think it is?  If I'm not loving God in this way then what is keeping me from loving God in this way?  And what can I do about it?

Do you Dabble with Discipleship?

Do you dabble with discipleship?  That's a question I think every Christ follower needs to ask him or herself.  It's a question I've asked myself lately.  And I still haven't come to a conclusion.  I know what my default answer is.  But for some reason the Holy Spirit isn't letting me rush back with an answer. 

21st century Christianity certainly is a far cry from 1st century discipleship.  Being a disciple of Jesus was costly.  People left homes and families and business' to travel with the Rabbi for a period of time.  They worked hard at memorizing the Tanakh, the Jewish scriptures, and they worked hard to encourage each other to become more and more and more like their Rabbi.  A person who gave Jesus 60 minutes of worship and then checked out wouldn't have been considered a disciple.  A person who rushed through a quick and cursory reading of the Hebrew scriptures a few times a week wouldn't have been considered a disciple.  A person who sporadically attended a small group of some sort that studied politics or "Everything I Needed to Learn I learned in Kindergarten" wouldn't have been considered a disciple.

What's that make most of us? 

I think I've mentioned this before.  Jesus never called his followers Christians and he never told those in his presence to go and make Christians.  Jesus told them to make disciples. 

This is significant and somewhat troubling to me.  What about you?  And what are the implications for the church if we took discipleship seriously? 

Do you WANT to Win?

“You guys sure don’t act like you want to win!” the coach yelled.  It didn’t matter if it was football, basketball or baseball season, I think I heard that phrase from each of my coaches in high school.  And they were probably right. 

 

I know there were plenty of times when I didn’t want to practice.  I showed up and put on the pads but left my heart in my locker with my clothes.  I was just going through the motions and counting the minutes until practice was over.  I was just putting in my time. 

 

I’ve heard that phrase again recently.  This time from the Holy Spirit regarding the way I live my life.  “Are you playing like you want to win?” is a phrase I have heard every day for several weeks now.  Phrases like “Play like you want to win”, “live like you want to win”, “practice like you want to win” keep revealing themselves to me like fans holding up poster board messages in the stands.   “Are you running like you WANT to win at this?” has nagged me for a couple of weeks.

 

The Apostle Paul used some sports metaphors in his letters to encourage disciples to run the race.  The back ground for that context was most likely the athletic events held in hippodromes, arena where horse racing and foot races and other competitions took place in ancient Rome.  Maybe even the Olympics.  In these events the athletes didn’t run just for a paycheck, or to create a fan base, or even because they wanted to.  According to Ray Vander Laan a biblical historian and teacher, they ran to please Caesar.  They ran for Caesar and to bring Caesar glory.   They gave it everything they had because by winning the race they somehow communicated to those who were watching and heard about it, that Caesar was God. 

 

So, when Paul says to run the race he’s telling the Christ followers that we run not to bring Caesar glory, but we run to proclaim Jesus is LORD!  So “Run in such a way that Jesus is glorified!”  “Run like you want to win for Jesus!”  Live like your living is meant to show the world that Jesus is God.

 

I have found myself reflecting on this for some time now.  And I’m not content.  There is a stirring in my soul.  I’m in the race but really that’s not good enough.  The question is am I running it or living it like I WANT to win.  Am I giving it everything I have or am I sitting way back in the pack just content to cross the line. 

 

Jesus is challenging me to move up in the pack I suspect.  Something is growing in my heart.  I find myself wanting more than ever to play like I WANT to win.  But I’m not sure what that actually means for me at this moment.  But, I hope to.

Frustrated Disciple

Oh how I want to be a real disciple of Jesus.  One of the expectations of a first century disciple was to memorize the Rabbi's teachings.  Oh, to be that kind of disciple.  I'd love to be a disciple like Apollos in Acts 18.24 who in the New King James Version is said to be "mighty in the Scriptures!"  A disciple should be nothing less.  A disciple, at the very least should know the teachings of Jesus revealed to us in the gospels.  I mean really know them.  Have them memorized.  Know where they're located.  And how to interpret them correctly.  But that takes so much time and effort.  At least for me. 

I think I have a good handle on the scriptures, but I'm also aware that there is so much more to know.  Often times I have told myself that I would put aside all my church growth books, cancel all my professional journals on preaching, leadership and administration, and not pick up any other book to read for a year, except for the Bible.  I wonder what that would do for me.  It's a scary thought.  Part of me thinks my "cutting edge" knowledge would become a dull edge.  Know what I mean?  Isn't that ridiculous?  I bet I have 15 books sitting on my desk to read.  Hybels on Leadership, McIntosh on Staffing, Randolph on Francis Asbury and Peter Cartwright on himself (autobiography) and a host of others.  The thought of not reading them gives me withdrawals.  And yet, that may be what I need to do.  In fact, when I think about it, I realize the disciples didn't have the friendly competition of reading other Rabbis or experts when they followed Jesus.  All they had was Jesus and his teachings and yet they changed the world. 

I'm not completely ready to do away with reading any of these other books for a year, but I do feel convicted that I give too much time to other authors over the Author of life.  I wonder if I could get by on a short experiment where I read only the bible for maybe a week to see what that is like.  I can tell I'll have to give that a little more thought and prayer.  Pray for me.  Pray that I would be willing to do whatever I need to do to become "mighty in the Scriptures" and if you'd like, I'll do the same for you.

Sunday in Witch Country

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd find myself strolling through Salem on the Sabbath.  I have to admit I felt a little odd.  I'm on the middle of a family vacation from Arkansas to Massachusetts with many stops in between. 

Today I went to Salem and Plymouth, MA.  What a contrast.  Salem is known for the witch trials of 1629 and Plymouth is known for the Puritans who wanted a fresh start living for God.  As I strolled through Salem I couldn't help but notice all the stores related to the Wiccan market; hunted houses, gift shops filled with Crystals and ingredients for magic potions and New Age bookstores.  But just as conspicuous were the churches that stood tall downtown in the midst of what the scriptures would describe as evil.  Good and evil squared off against each other across a walking mall.  It's kind of ironic when I think about it.  Salem is now known for precisely that which the original inhabitants wanted to be rid of, witch craft.  How sad. 

Nonetheless, there are still some tall sentries of Christianity embedded in the culture there.  I remember walking past The Gathering thinking that it was just a place for locals to gather.  Which it was, but not in the way that I imagined.  I remember walking by the open front door hearing some singing.  I looked at a sign that said Thursday night - Lectio Divina.  And then it dawned on me that this was a church of Jesus Christ.  Located in the thick of evil was a church.  But not just one, about a block away stood Wesley United Methodist Church.  And meeting within it's facilities was a Free Methodist congregation and a Spanish speaking congregation, three churches sharing the same facility one block away from a different kind of ground zero. Somehow, these churches made me keenly aware of how important it is for me to stand my ground in my culture as a disciple of Jesus the Christ.  Even though evil assails me and be all around me, I am called to hold my ground like the Christian Churches flanking the "red line" in Salem.  The red line is a read paint strip that tourists follow on a self guided tour of Salem that takes a person through the heart of the city of sorcery.

The Puritans, or the Pilgrims as they are better known as, led a separatist life, at least at first.  They fled Europe for religious freedom.  They landed in what we now call Plymouth, MA.  They were the only ones there except for the Native Peoples who were very aware of their arrival.  The Pilgrims lived a life of Christianity separated from the "evils" of the world at least for awhile. 

As I reflected on this day I find myself wanting to live more like the Puritans.  I want to live in a Christian culture where everyone thinks like I do, who wants to worship Christ like I do, who uses the same lingo as I do.  But I suspect, that's not the way it really is.  I live in a fallen world.  I live in a world that is filled with evil and sin and I'm called as a disciple of Christ not to ignore it, or to stick my head in the sand.  I'm called to live in the midst of it.  To be in the world but not of the world.  I'm called to influence the world for the better.  And so when it gets tough, or I find myself wanting the easy way out, I hope I remember the site of the steeples of Salem keeping evil in check. 

Sunday in Witch county was a new experience for me.  And one that will make me a better disciple of Christ. 

There's more to Being a Disciple than just Walking where Jesus Walked

    

    I've just returned from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Israel.  There were 50 in my group including my son BJ.  This is the third pilgrimage I've made to Israel and with each subsequent trip I'm even more certain when I say that I believe every Christian who wants to be a disciple of Jesus needs to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  Words and pictures alone can not begin to convey the experience people have had walking where Jesus walked.  BJ and I walked a set of stone steps that date back to the time Jesus was in Jerusalem.  Jesus would have walked these steps the night he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane.  These were the steps that led up from the Kidron Valley to the basement of the High Priests home where Jesus was held in a chamber and interrogated.   Praying in the Garden of Gethsemane is an experience that I will treasure all my life.  Walking where Jesus walked has taken my disciplelife to a whole new level.  And so I would encourage every Christian to make such a trip part of their future plans.  In fact, I'll be making the same 10 day trip again sometime in 2011 if anyone would be interested in going.

          But I've discovered something since I've been home.  And that is being able to have walked where Jesus walked is important but its not near as important as walking like Jesus walked.   Teaching the disciples Jesus reminded them, “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. (Matthew 10.24-25a)  The goal of a disciple was and still is to be just like their Rabbi, their Master, their Lord.  In other words, the goal of a Disciple is not to just be able to walk where Jesus walked, but to walk like Jesus walked.  So, whether or not someone ever gets to go to Israel and walk where Jesus walked is not what is important, but whether or not a disciple is walking like Jesus walked right where they are.

        I suppose that is why I love the story of Peter getting out of the boat and walking on water.  It sounds ludicrous to the western mindset.  What was he thinking?  I'll tell you what he was thinking.  He was thinking that he was a disciple of Jesus.  And that disciples try to be just like their Rabbi.  Therefore, if Jesus was walking on water then he was going to do so too.  And he did!  At least for a few steps. 
  When you're not sure if you can be more like Jesus remember what Peter did and then step out of your boat.  I hope you'll follow Peter's example and try to walk like Jesus right where you are. 

  Until next time, enjoy walking on wateri.

Unpacking for the Long Journey with Jesus

Did God Get It Wrong?

Two hundred people in support of gay, lesbian and transgendered causes claimed that The United Methodist Churches stance and policies regarding homosexuality to be "sinful".  During an act of disobedience at General Conference, Krumbach, declared that the "anti-gay policies of The United Methodist Church are wrong and sinful in the sight of God" and in the act of witnessing "we reject the lie that homosexuality is a sin and that by standing, we affirm that sexuality is a good gift of God."  (United Methodist News Service, Linda Green, May 1, 2008)

Give me a break!  The bible makes it clear.  The bible is in unity on this issue.  The bible reveals that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, this can not be denied.  I would also say that the bible also reveals that the homosexual person is a creature of sacred worth to God and therefore is to be treated with respect and love.  And that is the position the denomination holds.  And one I thoroughly support.  The churches stance is anything but sinful.  Bishop Lindsey Davis said, " I think the church is right. I think we are very much in sync with historic Christianity and very much in sync with 99.9 percent of Christians in the world," he said. "I make no apology for our position. It is biblical, and it is in keeping with 2,000 years of Christian tradition."

The comment made by the demonstrators during the 2008 General Conference held in Ft. Worth, Texas troubles me greatly.  Whether they meant to say it or not, it was implied that the bibles teaching on homosexuality is sinful.  And that means that God got it wrong.  And that conclusion seems so outrageous to me and borders on some form of heresy.  I know these may be strong words, but alas it is what I think. 

I know people have differing views on this issue.  They always have and always will.  But those who want to be disciples of Christ Jesus should remember that the primary authority in a disciples life is God and God's word, the Holy Scripture.  God's word is where we learn what is acceptable and pleasing in God's sight.

The issue revealed at General Conference reminds us that sin is active in our world.  And one of the effects of that sin are that men and women want to bend the Scripture to their ends instead of bending their will to God's end.  Something that I too am guilty of but that I also repent of and try to correct.

Lord God, have mercy on us all.

Accountability turns Christians into Disciples

I couldn't believe I finally heard someone say it.  I have been teaching Jesus in the Gospels, a small group bible study.  As part of the study I instituted transformation groups.  The early Methodists used to refer to them as the Class Meeting.  The purpose of this small group was to provide time for members to share their personal experiences with Christ since we last met.   Early on I had everyone in the entire class create a spiritual growth plan based on the four components of the disciplemaking process at Central United Methodist Church.  They were to assess their strong suits as well as identify where they needed to grow the most in order to become a more complete and balanced disciple of Jesus.  The members of each transformation group were to share their spiritual growth plan with the others and share where they needed to grow the most and what action they were going to take in light of that.  And then, they were to share how they would like the group members to help them be successful.  The next week the transformation groups would meet again during the bible study, and ask each other what kind of progress they made since they last met.  It became a powerful time of testimony, prayer and mutual edification. 

Well, as is too often the case, we got away from making time for the transformation groups to get together and share.  Class began to start later, we'd visit more, and the content of the study was never fully covered.  A couple months passed since then.  I brought it back a couple of weeks ago.  Afterwards I heard someone say something like, "I have missed our transformation group.  I realize now just how much accountability to the group helped me grow spiritually." 

I believe that this loving accountability is the missing link for many want to be disciples of Jesus Christ.  John Wesley believed it was a most potent form of a means of grace that formed the early Methodists into holy people.

I would encourage anyone wanting to be a more complete disciple of Jesus to intentionally include some form of accountability to growing in holiness.

Sleeping in could be good for your soul

It's been hard for me to make my weekly blog.  I have to confess I just have not put the time into it.  For those who don't know I have been appointed to serve as the Sr. Pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas beginning June 29, 2008.  Although that seems far enough away, it's not.  I've spent this last week of vacation trying to ready our house to put on the market.  I was hoping to have it listed this weekend, but that "ain't" going to happen.  I've painted, re-painted, packed, re-packed, repaired etc trying to get the house ready to show.  And quite frankly, this disciple is plum worn out.  So much so that my devotional life has also taken a vacation. That's not the way I want it.  But, that's reality. 

This week has reminded me of two truths for disciples.  First, the importance of staying in contact with my Lord.  I believe that one of the most important activities a disciple can engage in is daily devotional time or prayer time.  Some designated and un-distracted time alone with Jesus.  I need to hear his voice.  And secondly, I remember hearing someone say that one of the most spiritual things we can do at times is sleep.  Sometimes we're so tired that even if we spent time in prayer we'd be too tired to listen.  When that is the case then sleeping or resting may be what is most important.  And that makes sense, after all the Lord is also the Lord of the Sabbath. 

How is it with your devotional life?  Do you need to take a sabbath and rest so that you can give yourself more fully to the Lord in your quiet time?  Or is it time for you to Nike it (just do it) and make that appointment to spend unhurried time with Jesus tomorrow?

Playing Games with Jesus

You might think by the title of this article that I found some interesting tidbits about the games Jesus liked to play as a child. But nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, the title has to do with a game he played as an adult. Make no mistake about it though, it was not a game he wanted to play. Read Matthew 27.27-31 and you’ll see what I mean.

"Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him."

The Roman soldiers were playing a game with Jesus. It was a game designed to humiliate and punish those who wanted to be “rulers” or “kings” or who would set up an alternative government to Rome. Etched into the stone floor of the Praetorium where Matthew 27.27-31 took place is a life size game board. The prisoner, after being dressed with a cape, a scepter and a crown, became the game piece for the board. Just like a person rolls the dice for Monopoly, Yahtzee or Roulette, the soldiers rolled the dice and moved Jesus accordingly. But they didn’t pick Jesus up like we might a checker and place him back down. Instead they moved him around the board by beating him, kicking him, thrusting the crown of thorns into his head and taking the scepter from his hands and clubbing his head, his back and his ribs.

I saw that game board. I placed my fingers in the grooves etched in the stone and followed the lines. As I did so I found myself wondering how they could have done such a thing. Who would dare play games with the Son of God like that? 

As the season of Lent comes to a close I want to leave you a serious question to reflect on. As a disciple of Jesus are you taking your walk with Christ seriously or are you just playing games? 

How to find your Cross

                                                                                                                                                                   

   I was drawn to Simon again as I read Mark 15.21.  Mark wrote, "A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross".  Every year I read this passage and wonder who Simon was and what he was like, and why he was there that day.  The scripture says he just happened to be there.  I don’t think he planned on being there. He was an innocent bystander in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was the luck of the draw if you can call it that.

Jesus, weakened by his flogging and beating was unable to carry the burdensome cross any further.  The guards scanned the Via Dolorosa for a strong back.  Someone who could carry the cross beam the rest of the way.  And there he was. 

 Often times in Christianity we talk about being ready and willing to bear our cross, whatever that might be. I’ve heard some define our cross as the mission God has given us to accomplish in our lifetime.  In that sense we know what our own cross is. It is well defined. We know what it “looks” like and “feels” like. It’s the same cross we pick up and carry every day of our life. 

But something happened to me as I read this story of Simon again. Something I’ve never thought of. And that is that sometimes the cross finds us as in the case with Simon. And that caused me to view my cross differently. Maybe bearing my cross is not so much about me finding “my” mission and pursuing it regardless of the cost; as much as it is being faithful to God in whatever circumstance presents itself to me at the moment. In this way my cross to bear could be a different cross each day of the week or even each hour of the day depending on my circumstance.  I don't have to go looking for my cross.  If I will live faithfully and obediently to God chances are that the cross will find me.

So, how do you find your cross?  You don't, you let it find you.

Jesus’ faithfulness to God eventually led him to a physical cross, crucifixion and death. My guess is that my cross will not lead to my physical demise, but it will involve tension, suffering, and discomfort of some sort as my faithfulness to Christ intersects with the values of culture. Will I be willing and able to carry that cross when it finds me today? I hope so.

What do you think?

Fink

Secrets for Staying in the Study of Scripture IV

   

    A really good secret is hard to keep isn't it?  I don't know about you, but the greater a secret is the more I want to share it.  Some secrets are just not meant to be kept secret.  And that's where I find myself this morning.  I'm going to share a secret with you. 
    What I'm about to share with you God has used to motivate me to study the Scriptures.  This more than anything else has had the greatest impact over all.  Are you ready?  Here it comes.  Ask the God of heaven to give you that desire. 
    Kick back and meditate on that for a moment and let it sink in.  When I find it increasingly difficult to stay in the word I start praying, "Lord God, give me the desire to want to read and study your word."  It's as simple as that.  Always, and I repeat, always, God has answered this prayer for me. 
    And why wouldn't He?  We know it's God's desire for people to read and study the Scripture, so why wouldn't God answer that prayer?  One reason would be that people aren't asking this of the Spirit.  If people don't ask the scripture tells us they won't receive.  Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." 
    It really is as simple as that.  If you, or if you know someone who is not in the word on a consistent basis pray daily for God to give you the hunger and thirst for the word your spirit needs.  And then do not be surprised when you find yourself wanting to pick up the bible and read it just for the sake of reading it.  And don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for a bible study opportunity.  And don't be surprised if you start carrying the bible to worship and other venues or sticking it in your briefcase to enjoy later that day.
    This is one secret that is not supposed to be kept.  So, blab this one and the others in this mini-series to all you know.  I believe doing so will impact the lives of many.

Secrets for Staying in the Study of Scripture III

   

A third secret to staying in the scriptures for me is to make self discovery.  Instead of thinking I know it all or that there is nothing new under the sun (after all I've read through the bible multiple times) I tell myself, I wonder what I will discover this time.  When I anticipate God revealing something new to me I find myself motivated to put my hands around the leather and reading. 
    A resource that assists in that matter is www.preservingbibletimes.org. Preserving bible times is an educational site that focuses on uncovering the meaning of the biblical text within it's Hebrew context.  I can not begin to tell you what a difference this has made in my hunger for the word.  For example I was reading an article just last night on Luke 8.22-25.  It's the story of Jesus and the disciples going to the "other side" of the lake when a storm breaks out. 
    I have read this passage countless times.  But because I read from an American western mindset I often read right over the Jewish idioms and sayings that potentially unlock a deeper meaning of the passage. For example when Jesus said "lets go over to the other side" that phrase was a code phrase for going to the Decapolis or the region of ten cities.  Jews were not permitted to mention the name Decapolis because it was considered an evil, sinful place where Satan ruled.  So the Jews would get around not mentioning "Decapolis" by saying "lets go to the other side" instead.
   There is more I could say about this, but this should capture the essence of it.  If you want to capture the wonder of the ancient text so that it speaks afresh to you, then I would encourage you to visit this site and others like it.  You'll be glad you did.  I know I am.

    Be sure to check out sites like www.followtherabbi.com and www.jerusalemperspective.com

Secrets for Staying in the study of Scripture II

A second tip for jump starting one's study of the Scriptures might be found in the following rabbinical saying.  "Lest Satan accuse the Jewish people of being glad that they have finished with the Torah and they're done with it." 

Jewish worship consists of dividing the Torah up in 52-54 readings a year.  During the Simhot Torah which celebrates God giving the Torah, readers read the last portion of Deuteronomy completing the readings of the year.  But, instead of stopping there another reader comes forward and begins reading from Genesis 1.  Why?  So that the annual cycle of reading Scripture never stops.  The explanation given by the Rabbi's for this practice is "lest Satan accuse the Jewish people of being glad that they have finished with the Torah and they're done with it."

The statement of the Rabbi's has caused me to reflect on how I really feel about the study of God's Scripture.  Do I approach it with the attitude of drudgery?  Do I count the days until I can say I'm "finally" done with a bible study or the reading of the bible?  Do I think, "When I'm done with this study I'm going to take a break from the word?"  I suppose there have been times in the past like after an intense 9 month study of Disciple Bible Study.  The thought that my action would appear to communicate to anyone, let alone Satan, that I'm tired of the word and need a break from it pains me.  What about you?

God has used the rabbinical teaching to increase my desire to study the Scripture and motivated me to make sure that my study of the word NEVER ceases.  I vow never to stop studying the Word of God.  When I finish one study or plan of reading I WILL begin another, "lest Satan accuse me of being glad that I have finished with the Scripture and I'm done with it."

Secrets for Staying in the Study of Scripture I

I was visiting with a man the other day about the studying of Scripture.  He hadn't been in a formal study of the word for several seasons or longer.  He made an interesting comment.  One that I suppose is often experienced by many disciples but that isn't voiced too often or too loudly.  He said something to the effect that his bible reading often goes in spurts.  He reads the word faithfully for a few weeks or months and then he tires of it, loses interest or burns out.  The bible then sits for awhile until he feels the draw to read it again.  And then he said something that has troubled me.  I doubt these are his very words, but he said something to the effect of that he supposed it was okay not to read the Bible until he felt drawn to do so again. 

I know there are times that I haven't felt like studying the word.  And I guess I could say that there have been times I've been "burned out" from reading scripture, but really, is it possible to say that as a disciple?  I would have to disagree with my friend.  It's NOT okay to think that a  disciple can approach scripture like that.  Scripture contains the word of our Lord.  And one of the defining characteristics of a disciple was the effort and time they put into memorizing and being able to recall their Master Teachers words SO THAT the disciple could transmit the Rabbi's teachings to the disciples they would make.  I have often said that being a "disciple" is synonymous with being a "discible" because of the importance the bible plays in the disciples life, regardless of how he or she feels when it comes to reading or studying it.

That being said, let me share a suggestion that could help anyone who has ever experienced what my friend has to jump start the reading and studying of God's word.  Judaism celebrates Simhat Torah which means "Rejoicing in the Torah". 

It's an annual celebration where Jews and Messianic Jews (Christian Jews) celebrate God's gift of Torah.  "There's a Jewish saying: 'Even more than the fact that Israel kept the Torah, is the fact that the Torah has kept Israel." (Christ in the Feast of Tabernacles, David Brickner, Moody Publishers, 2006, pg. 115).  Judaism has such a high view of the Scripture that they have a special day of celebration for the gift from God.  The scrolls are brought out from the ark and held high for all to see.  In some places the scrolls are carried by a Rabbi under a small canopy help up by four men as the scrolls are carried to their place of reading.  And I'm also aware that in the past faithful Jews would touch the scroll with a hand and then touch that hand to their lips, or in some cases literally kissing the word of God.  What images!   

If you realize you're in a dry spell when it comes to reading and studying the Scripture maybe you should consider creating your own version of Simhat Torah at home.  Create a practice that reminds you of just what a gift it is that God has given you.  Set the bible on what you would call a family altar and include candles if you want.  Approach the scriptures reverently, and before picking the Scripture up from the table, desk or altar, kneel before it and acknowledge God for the gift before you.  As you prepare to study feel free to touch the bible with your hand and then to your mouth asking God to remind you that His words are as sweet as honey and able to sustain you.  Or with a sense of holiness and respect kiss the the cover of the Holy Scripture in your hands before reading.  I suspect that a simple exercise like this may draw someone back into the study of the Scriptures.

If you create your own Simhat Torah please let me know what you did and what effect it has had on your own disciplelife.  I'd love to hear about it.

Reflections from my 2007 Journal

I thought I would review my journal entries for 2007 before attempting to make any resolutions for the new year.  Although, I'm not sure I'll make any new resolutions this year.  It seems if anything I need to "hunker" down on the ones I made last year and take them to the next level.  What I've done is simply list key words and phrases from the journal I keep (which was not as regular as I would have liked by the way).  I've also included thoughts or realizations that may have just popped into my mind.  Here we go.

I'm still a sinner.

I love my wife more now than I did when I first met her.  I would have never believed that was possible.

Being a dad is hard, sometimes painful, and yet very joyful and rewarding.

I'm actually very content with my life.  This is huge as I don't think I've ever really been "content".

I'm tired of playing it safe. 

I'm very blessed.

The year of the disciple for me.

Made some headway in becoming a disciple among my neighbors instead of a "professional" pastor among my neighbors.

I'm scared when the phone rings wondering if it's dad or mom calling to tell me that something has happened to the other.  I think more and more about the less and less time I have with my parents.

Sin and evil is still a present reality.  But God and good is more powerful.

The New Testament is really very Old Testament.

I have learned more about Jesus this year than any other year ever.

I struggled with discerning God's immediate purpose for my life. Sometimes I have felt like Tarzan swinging from a vine looking for the next vine to transfer too but not seeing one.  I will just swing back and forth on the vine I have until the next one presents itself.

Specific words from God over the year that have been:  "Get ready." "Don't be afraid."  "Wait."  "Quit playing it safe."  And, "Do you trust me?"

The first act of My new year on March 14 was to re-commit myself to being a devoted disciple of Jesus.

The realization that I had become a mercenary for Christ and not the true warrior I had been was disturbing.

Lost and found.  The realization that Bryan had been sequestered. 

Jesus died.  I was struck by these words at the end of the Tennabrae service on Maundy Thursday.

Jesus rose from the dead!  Easter.

To launch or not to launch?  That is the question.

Jesus was most likely a Pharisee.

Renewed mission and vision.

As I reviewed my journal I realized it's been a great year.

I could have written more, but I've all ready spent 2-3 hours reviewing last year.  So, it might be time to look to 2008 building on what happened in 2007. 

Have a blessed a New Year!

Jesus prefers dusty disciples

Have you ever heard phrases like "It's time to dust off the  bats and gloves", "it's time to dust off the bike" or even "it's time to dust off your bible?"  The phrase "to dust off" typically refers to using something that has sat idle so long that it has collected dust due to it's lack of use.  For example when the first warm spring day rolls around I'm sure I'll say something to my boys like, "let's shake the dust off the fishing poles and go catch a few trout." 

Most people that I know of don't like dust piling up on their furniture, their fishing poles or any thing else they own.  It's a sign of inactivity, looks bad, and can cause sneezing and itchy eyes among other things. Dust doesn't typically have a positive connotation to it.  Unless you're a disciple. 

The title of this blog does not imply that Jesus prefers inactive disciples who sit around gathering dust. Let me explain. During the first century AD Rabbis and their disciples lived and traveled together.  Wherever the Rabbi went, the disciples were sure to follow, by foot.  The disciples trailed the Rabbi and listened to him teach as they walked the dusty roads of Israel.  As the Rabbi walked the dirt roads of Israel he would kick up dust that would cover the feet and clothing of those behind him.  Those who were closest to the Rabbi were covered with more of the Rabbi's dust than those who were following further behind.  Dust from the Rabbi was evidence of just how closely a disciple was following the Rabbi.

So that leads to a question.  How much of the Rabbi's dust is on you?  Before you answer you might want to know that disciples of first century Rabbinical Judaism memorized their Rabbi's teachings. Disciples strove to be like their Rabbi in character.  And disciples invited others to become their disciples teaching them them to obey everything their Rabbi taught them to know and be like.

If you have a moment I hope you'll try this little exercise.  Close your eyes and imagine you're a disciple of Jesus walking a dusty road between Jerusalem and Jericho.  Where are you in relation to the other disciples, and more importantly in relation to Jesus.  Better yet, look down at your feet.  Is there dust on your feet or clinging to your pants?  How much?  Here are some questions to help you answer that. How are you doing when it comes to becoming very familiar with the teachings of Christ?  Can you name the four Gospels?  Do you know the stories contained therein?  Can you recite from memory more than a handful of Jesus' teachings?  How are you doing when it comes to consistently acting like Jesus?   And when was the last time you invited someone to be a disciple of Jesus and took responsibility for helping them become one? Something to think about it isn't it?

"May you be covered by the dust of your Rabbi" was a Rabbinical saying.  It was a blessing someone would pass on to a disciple encouraging them to follow and obey their Rabbi closely. So, until next time, may you be Covered by the Dust of your Rabbi, Yeshua (Jesus).

The United Methodist Church Might be 20 Centuries Behind

Give me a break!  I get weary of hearing United Methodist Leadership suggesting that the key to revitalizing The United Methodist Movement involves some new programmatic emphasis.  For well over 20 years that's all I've ever heard.  We try one program for awhile and when that doesn't produce results we try another program etc.  Unfortunately, I think we're burdened by programs.  I think the continual drip, drip, drip of an additional program that will supposedly make the difference has ended up weighing us down. It seems to me that we have become a program-centric church.  The key to the world's salvation and the churches life is another program according to some church leadership.

For example The Interpreter Magazine of The United Methodist Church reported that the Table of General Secretaries has come out with four key areas of focus that they believe if are addressed will be the key to our success and fruit fullness.  The four areas are "(1) developing principled Christian leaders; (2) creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones; (3) engaging in ministry with the poor; and (4) stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally"  (Interpreter, pg. 4 November/December 2007).  What! Stamping out killer diseases!  Where did that come from?  Was that on Christ's agenda for the disciples and I just happened to miss it?   Come on is that what Jesus' disciples were really about in the first century?

I get so frustrated by this at times.  I know we're all only human and we're trying to do the best we can, but dog gone it folks.  The General Secretaries think we should focus on designing another leadership program instituted at the Conference, District and Local Church levels.  Jesus wasn't concerned per say in developing Christian leaders, at least not in the way we go about it.  Jesus' leadership development was disciple development and that is far different than what I suspect the General Secretaries have on their agenda. 

Now, don't get me wrong.  What the General Secretaries and others think we should pursue are good activities to be involved in.  And that may be the problem.  They're good, but they're not the best.  Does that make sense?  Will these  programs  help us make disciples that are like the disciples Jesus made?  I doubt it.

Let me suggest something.  Maybe instead of adding another program or another ministry layer that  what we need to do is simplify.  Instead of adding something else to the mix maybe it's time to take away from it.  Maybe it's time jettison the extra baggage.  Maybe we can do more for Christ and the world by actually doing less.

Personally, I think if we want to go forward in ministry as a denomination that we need to go back to Jesus' original ministry and do more of what he did.  Where were the programs Jesus instituted?  Jesus' ministry was simple.  But don't think that means it wasn't demanding.  It was more demanding than most of us realize.  We need to discover how Jesus developed and made his disciples and import those essentials into making disciples in the 21st century.  John Wesley had the early Methodists practice the General Rules and required them to also be in a Class Meeting both which focussed on helping each other live the Christ experience through mutual accountability.  To some degree it seems that the United Methodist Church might be 20 centuries behind when it comes to making plans for the denomination.  It seems to me that we need to go back to the future if we really want to make a difference as disciples of Jesus the Christ.

What do you think?

Called to be a Christian or a Disciple?

I have been really intrigued by a comment that I read some time ago.  I wish I could remember who the author was.  But the statement I'm sure of.  The writer said, "Jesus didn't call us to make Christians.  He called us to make disciples."  I guess I could also say that Jesus didn't call me to be a Christian, he called me to be a disciple.  And that is all together different.

A simple statement with deep and profound implications.  First, have we been making disciples in the manner in which Christ Jesus did?  Or have we settled for a second best, second class or some form of being a follower that has become the status quo?  I think so. 

There is certainly a difference in the scriptures between a follower and a disciple, between someone in the crowd and someone who is committed.  Luke 14.25-33 is pretty straight forward.  Here Jesus basically reveals that he didn't accept just anyone who wanted to come after him.  He wanted people who had thought long and hard about it and were committed for the long haul.  He told them to count the cost before following him because he wanted devoted disciples and not fickle followers.

The statement that Jesus calls us to be disciples and not followers has been a stake in the ground, a line in the sand, a watershed event in my life, an earthquake that is still having aftershocks in my life. 
All I know is that more than ever I want to be a disciple and not just a Christian.