Basic Beliefs: Discipleship - AFC 1997

Salt of the Earth, Light of the World

Matt. 5:13-16; Acts 2:43-47; 1 Peter 2:21; James 5:10; Acts 2:42-37; 1 Jn. 4:7-21; 2 Cor. 3:18

When people encounter the living Christ, their lives are changed.

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.

What sets your expectations for discipleship?

• Examples - close, personal models - ...
                  - distant or historical models - Augustine, Luther, Calvin, á Kempis, Wesley, Glen ...
• Programs - standardized regimes
• Demands - requirements specified by someone in authority position
• Scripture - that's what they did, so that's what I expect too
• Present culture - our expectations are necessarily shaped by the context we are presently in

Disciples are always in community.
We are created for life together
Jesus taught us to pray "Our Father"
Consider the manner of life of the early Christians, compare with ours

Discipleship involves both community and personal commitment. How does this work?

Salt and light
Disciples who no longer bring out the flavor of life (salt) or illumine the way (light) cease being disciples and are no longer useful for God's realm.

Discipleship is a struggle
Is this statement too strong? "The way of Christ is always alien to the way of the world."

"To go the way of the cross, to enter the process of surrendering everything to God--that is what forms our spirits in the image of Jesus in this thing called Christian discipleship. It will cost us everything. The cross always points to the empty tomb and resurrection life." (Wilkins)

• What kinds of "discipleship" have left the best "taste in your mouth" as a recipient?
• Are you contributing God's flavor and color to the world around you?
• Why is the way of righteous living difficult? Who makes it difficult?
• Can we confuse the means of discipleship with the end of discipleship?

When walking after Jesus, we may not be noticed for ourselves,
but we leave a trail that looks and tastes like that made by Jesus.