I've often struggled with trying to explain what being Christians is. It's not about doing things for God but rather, trusting in what he's done on our behalf in Jesus Christ (John 3:16-21). It's not about my goodness but his benevolent, loving kindness (Titus 3:4-6). It's not about paying for our sins, but being justified by his grace (Titus 3:7), by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Romans 5:1-2). In other words, religion says, "DO" but believing in Jesus Christ for salvation and relationship with God says, "DONE". And he's pouring out his Spirit on all people, not judging the world for what it deserves but wanting many to come to repentance (2 Peter 3). Today I found this great book on how we can help people come to faith and BE Christian, hopefully some of the queues he gives will help you from a strong Biblical perspective not just explain but show people true Christianity.
In his book DISCIPLING AS JESUS DISCIPLED: 7 DISCIPLINES OF A DISCIPLEMAKER Dann Spader does a great job outlining the purpose of Jesus calling disciples in Matthew 4:19. Jesus was relational (come follow me), intentional (I will make you), and missional (fishers of men). He calls us to make disciples which are people who follow and obey Jesus with a new heart received in faith, by the grace of God in Christ. Just reading the outline is awesome.
He says:
Disciplemaking is nothing more than sharing the good news of the gospel and seeking to multiply Christ’s character and priorities in others through our web of relationships.
How did Jesus reveal his playbook but in his prayer before the cross, Jesus
Reveal: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me” (John 17:6)
Speak: “I gave them the words you gave me” (John 17:8)
Prayer: “I pray for them” (John 17:9)
Protect: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe” (John 17:12)
Sent: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18)
Sanctify: “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified” (John 17:19)
Share: “I have given them the glory that you gave me” (John 17:22)
In his book DISCIPLING AS JESUS DISCIPLED: 7 DISCIPLINES OF A DISCIPLEMAKER Dann Spader does a great job outlining the purpose of Jesus calling disciples in Matthew 4:19. Jesus was relational (come follow me), intentional (I will make you), and missional (fishers of men). He calls us to make disciples which are people who follow and obey Jesus with a new heart received in faith, by the grace of God in Christ. Just reading the outline is awesome.
He says:
Disciplemaking is nothing more than sharing the good news of the gospel and seeking to multiply Christ’s character and priorities in others through our web of relationships.
How did Jesus reveal his playbook but in his prayer before the cross, Jesus
Reveal: “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me” (John 17:6)
- Dann Spader talks about showing up, being present, spending focused time, caring enough to confront, and exalting the Father in everything - see John 13
Speak: “I gave them the words you gave me” (John 17:8)
- I'd love to dive deeper into Psalm 34, Proverbs 3, Isaiah 30
Prayer: “I pray for them” (John 17:9)
- Not yet believers, new believers, dedicated believers
Protect: “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe” (John 17:12)
- see John 15
Sent: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world” (John 17:18)
- see John 16
Sanctify: “For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified” (John 17:19)
- personal lifestyle of holiness
Share: “I have given them the glory that you gave me” (John 17:22)
- radiant glory, like Moses face, tasteful and sunny