Unshrouding the Gospel #1
"People don't apply discipleship principles because we make it too complex. We need to make it simple."
There is a movement afoot to simplify following Christ. It's premise is that the modern discipleship movement is too complex to be applied by most people. I see the point! It is sometimes, maybe often, a valid point. Some have created model's for discipleship that take 6-8 years to complete. Sifting out behavioral stages from scripture, hoping that if we order them correctly, and mentor people correctly most christians would choose to be disciples because it would be clear, demonstrated, packaged.
Moving in the opposite direction, this simplification mindset says that many more will choose to follow Christ if we ignore all but the key principles and commands. It's clear, it's demonstrated, it's simple. Hard to argue with that, right?
Except that both have the potential to miss the key. The power of the gospel.
Both move past the gospel so quickly that they are in danger of missing it's power for discipleship.
It takes time, alot of time, to internalize the realities of the gospel. It must be done prayerfully, and conversationally, with the creator of the universe. His schedule for implementation is THE schedule. He chooses when and where each lesson is learned. We are invited to come, come, come (Revelation) to Him.
Because in the Gospel is found the ONLY power for transformation…
Jerry Bridges said, "In my opinion, there is no grace seperate from cross."
I would contend that if you miss the power of the Gospel in your standardization or personalization, simplification or complexity, no model will suffice.
I also contend that no gospel is so attractive, as the one lived in the life of the Beloved, broken and being freed, who is walking in great joy among the lost. That is not many believers...
There is a movement afoot to simplify following Christ. It's premise is that the modern discipleship movement is too complex to be applied by most people. I see the point! It is sometimes, maybe often, a valid point. Some have created model's for discipleship that take 6-8 years to complete. Sifting out behavioral stages from scripture, hoping that if we order them correctly, and mentor people correctly most christians would choose to be disciples because it would be clear, demonstrated, packaged.
Moving in the opposite direction, this simplification mindset says that many more will choose to follow Christ if we ignore all but the key principles and commands. It's clear, it's demonstrated, it's simple. Hard to argue with that, right?
Except that both have the potential to miss the key. The power of the gospel.
Both move past the gospel so quickly that they are in danger of missing it's power for discipleship.
It takes time, alot of time, to internalize the realities of the gospel. It must be done prayerfully, and conversationally, with the creator of the universe. His schedule for implementation is THE schedule. He chooses when and where each lesson is learned. We are invited to come, come, come (Revelation) to Him.
Because in the Gospel is found the ONLY power for transformation…
Jerry Bridges said, "In my opinion, there is no grace seperate from cross."
I would contend that if you miss the power of the Gospel in your standardization or personalization, simplification or complexity, no model will suffice.
I also contend that no gospel is so attractive, as the one lived in the life of the Beloved, broken and being freed, who is walking in great joy among the lost. That is not many believers...
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