“Nondiscipleship is the elephant in the church.” ~ Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy
To say there's an elephant in a room means that there's an obvious problem that no one is addressing, and discipleship is definitely such a problem in the church. Even though this quote was written 20 years ago, the problem continues.
Increasing numbers of professing Christians are:
- Ignorant of biblical principles.
- Disinterested in evangelism.
- Silent about socially acceptable sins.
- Blending in with culture.
So let's start in small ways.
For example:
1. Think of one way you can improve your study of God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15).
2. Begin praying for the salvation of one unsaved friend or relative, and ask God for opportunities to witness to that person (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. Ask God if there's a new Christian you can mentor or coach or a more mature Christian who can encourage your Christian growth.
What are you doing this week, this month, and this year to become a better disciple of Jesus?
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Hi Gail
ReplyDeleteI love this. It's so true. I can't wait to read tomorrows post.
Debi
Amen!
ReplyDeleteYes, this issue has been addressed by our pastor, too. The fear of being "judgemental" has permeated society while many serious sins have become socially acceptable behavior because of it.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, great topic to tackle. Looking forward to the next post.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
This is so true. Thanks for posting. And it goes along with the Scripture that says, "They will not endure sound doctrine."
ReplyDeleteBlessings and shalom,
Gail
How true~ add to that following Christ can make you an outcast simply by not participating in their activities.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the post! Because of all that now goes on around me, I am going to start doing more Bible study~ my defense....... defending my soul/ salvation!
I agree. Christians are only focused on one of two sins, mainly abortion and homosexuality, while we allow other sins to run rampant throughout the church and society. We blame the world for being sinful, yet we have an answer and don't want to share it. We've allowed politics to pollute our faith and yet we don't we the Bible to see that God is neither republican nor democrat. We have so much to repent for. We need to humble ourselves and return to God and His Word.
ReplyDeleteHere is what has me messed up about socially acceptable sins and judgement of them. I was taught that Yeshua is the judge and savior. I was taught to hold others above myself and not judge the actions of others, lest my actions be judged. I don't hide the fact that I'm a sinner and I treat others as I wish to be treated, kindly. When faced with stoning a woman, Yeshua said he would give his stone to the first man there who could tell him he has never sinned, and none took the stone from his hand. His message was that of love, conviction of that love, and the spreading of that love through words AND actions. Not one time have I read the words of Yeshua to say,"love one another, unless they have sinned."
ReplyDeleteOur sins are between each of us and God, and I would rather only have to answer for my sins; instead of answering for why I chose to point out the sins of others while continuing to sin myself.
Hi Kansas Gal,
DeleteI'm not sure I fully understand your comment, but regarding your last statement that your sins are only between you and God and believing that we are not supposed to address the sins of others.
That's a common misunderstanding that comes from pulling one Scripture out of context and ignoring multiple other passages.
For example:
We are commanded to Judge False Teachers
Matthew 7:15-20: “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."
We are commanded to Judge Sinning Believers
Matthew 18:15: "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back."
James 5:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins."
1 Corinthians 5:12: "It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning."
We are commanded to Judge and avoid Bad Companions
1 Corinthians 15:33: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character."
Ephesians 5: 5-7: "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them."
The Church is supposed to bring formal judgment against believers living immoral lifestyles.
Read 1 Corinthians 5 and Matthew 18:15-17
We're commanded to judge sin:
Ephesians 5:11: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."
etc.
Thank you. I am shy by nature but I want to be a witness for Christ. I was just really sure how to go about it
ReplyDeleteHi Mstack,
DeleteGod will give you guidance and wisdom to do those things which he prepared specifically for you and for your personality. Ephesians 2:10
God bless you.