Jesus, Grace and Discipleship
How would you describe Jesus?
We all know Him to be the Son of God, and our Savior.
What human traits did he posses?He was a teacher.He was a leader.He was an organizer and motivator.He was courageous.He was disciplined.He was a seeker of righteousness.He was merciful.He was strong.He was a servant to God.He was a servant to his fellow man.He dispensed grace.He was a revolutionist… He came to change this planet!What is Grace?
·Christians believe divine grace to be the sovereign favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who do not merit them. Most broadly, divine grace refers to God's gifts to humankind, including life, creation, and salvation. More narrowly but more commonly, grace describes the means by which humans are saved from original sin and granted salvation. This latter concept of grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity. (*)
Christians believe divine grace to be the sovereign favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who do not merit them. Most broadly, divine grace refers to God's gifts to humankind, including life, creation, and salvation. More narrowly but more commonly, grace describes the means by which humans are saved from original sin and granted salvation. This latter concept of grace is of central importance in the theology of Christianity. (*)·God’s Riches at Christ Expense
God’s Riches at Christ Expense·Christianity is the only religion whereby you receive salvation and forgiveness thru the grace of God not by works, or adherence to rules.
Christianity is the only religion whereby you receive salvation and forgiveness thru the grace of God not by works, or adherence to rules.·Grace is not a natural human trait.
Grace is not a natural human trait. What does it mean to be a disciple?
·A disciple (from the Latin discipulus, a pupil) is one who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher, and implies that the pupil is under the discipline of, and "understands", his teacher; an adherent in doctrine. (*)
A disciple (from the Latin discipulus, a pupil) is one who receives instruction from another; a scholar; a learner; especially, a follower who has learned to believe in the truth of the doctrine of his teacher, and implies that the pupil is under the discipline of, and "understands", his teacher; an adherent in doctrine. (*)·In Christianity discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It always begins with a decision to become a committed follower of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught that "as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
In Christianity discipleship is the process of becoming like Christ. It always begins with a decision to become a committed follower of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught that "as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) ·God does not want you to become a god, He wants you to become godly; taking on his values, attitudes and character. Your character is a choice.
God does not want you to become a god, He wants you to become godly; taking on his values, attitudes and character. Your character is a choice.Ephesians 22-24 (New American Standard)
22that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (New International Version)
18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
·So now look at the traits of Jesus once again, these are the values, attitudes and character you should be striving to obtain. Do you have the strength to choose the character of Christ.
So now look at the traits of Jesus once again, these are the values, attitudes and character you should be striving to obtain. Do you have the strength to choose the character of Christ.Are we willing to teach the world about Christ and Salvation?.Are we leaders?Will we organize and motivate people for Christ.Are we courageous in the face of the secular world?Are we disciplined enough to follow Christ?.Do we seek righteousness?Are we merciful to those in need?Are we strong in the face of temptation?Are we a servant to God?Do we serve our fellow man?Do we dispensed grace?Are we revolutionists… Are we willing to change this planet?·Be strong. If we don’t do it…who will?
Be strong. If we don’t do it…who will? 