It Is No Longer I Who Live
The life of Christ makes all the difference in life. Paul said “it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me”
Most evangelism today seems to be something like the following: “Believe in Jesus because he has a wonderful plan for your life… and avoid hell.” As if promises of goodness and blessing are needed to attract people to Jesus. No, Jesus does not have a wonderful plan FOR YOUR LIFE. His plan for YOUR LIFE is absolute unconditional surrender and death. That is what baptism indicates, an end to our lives and a beginning of a new life which is Christ’s life.
Living by Jesus’ life will be wonderful but it also might result in excruciating pain. For millions of people living for Jesus is well worth it. But for millions it is also filled with strife and pain and suffering. Preaching that Jesus makes our lives wonderful is deceptive. It ignores the call to death and resurrection and potential for suffering with Christ.
If people get a glimpse of Jesus Christ as he really is. They would flock to him whether it resulted in their murder or prosperity. Torture or victory, Jesus Christ is attractive enough to convert the world in his own right.
It is incumbent on his people to learn how to live by that amazing life of Jesus Christ.
Real Discipleship
Discipleship is not becoming great, super obedient, super good attitude. Sorry pal but the best you can do is trash. Real discipleship is learning how to die, to get out the way and to live by the life of Jesus Christ. Following the life of God within, learning how to do that is rare. It is almost unheard of. Furthermore the number of people teaching others this is even fewer.
Frank Viola first opened my eyes about this topic he teaches a course on this, which some day I will purchase.
Also, the group in Austin from 3rd Race also have much to say about and have taught me a lot about this topic.
If you crave to be discipled (I mean really discipled), no more religious games. Then my recommendation is that you drop everything else in your Christian lives. Leave the endless church games behind and learn what you can from these saints.
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