Basic Beliefs: Discipleship - AFC 1997

The Blessed Ones

Matt. 5:3 -12; Isaiah 57:15; 61:2

As we share in the life Christ offers, it shows.

Christ calls us to turn, to repent, to live the new life in him.
What is the nature of that call and what is the character of that life?

Discipleship - walking after God by intentional choice.
but what does this mean?

How does one "walk with God"?

Is it done by employing certain rituals?
Does one even know when one is doing it?
Is walking with God the exercise of God's character?
Does one get closer to God by achievement? If not, then how?

What does walking with God look like? - - consider the beatitudes

• Discipleship is persistent devotion that takes advantage of every opportunity to know God better and live in a way that is faithful to that relationship.
  

Ahead:
Examples - models from scripture and history, salt in the world
Disciplines - active exercises that nurture disciples; the struggle is real
Resting in God - avoiding the distraction of busyness; keep listening
Involvement bearing fruit - agents of change in the church and the world

• Discipleship, is it easy? Why? Why not?
• What is the formula for discipleship?
• How is it blessed to be poor in spirit or to mourn?
• What is a peacemaker?

The character fruit of discipleship seems unrealistic
to expect from ordinary human folk. Duh.