The Christian Disciple, A Follower Of Jesus

In her essay “Stuff is Not Salvation”, Anna Quindlen speaks on the topic of Americans’ ridiculous addiction to purchasing products. Quindlen believes that this addiction is a bigger issue than losing jobs, and even homes. She explains how American’s tend to frequently replace undamaged items and leave old items to gather dust. With the use of credit, one can now purchase items without physical money, resulting in the accumulation of debt. Important things, such as bills and medicine, are often put behind the wants of new items. Her conclusion is that salvation, or happiness, cannot and will not come from purchased items. With the use of various aspects within her piece, Quindlen makes a valid argument towards her statement of “stuff is not

AO2: Explain how this teaching about discipleship might affect the life of a Christian today.

Making disciples is the overarching purpose of the church. However, many churches struggle with understanding and fulfilling the true meaning of Christian discipleship in individuals’ lives. This writing assignment will attempt to expound on several significant aspects of discipleship. The importance of the centrality of Jesus Christ to Christian discipleship will be detailed. Also, obedience to the directives of Christ and submission of particular areas of one’s life will be outlined. Finally, the three stages of discipleship according to Dave Earley and Rod Dempsy will be delineated and expanded upon.

Luke’s Gospel greatly emphasizes the social justice aspect of Christian living. Throughout the third book in the New Testament, the story and history of Jesus Christ is written, and Luke preserves the many sayings of Jesus warning that those with material possessions have a

Bonhoeffer, Dietrick. The Cost of Discipleship, New York,NY 10022: The Macmillan Company, Published 1959. 344 pp. $1.95

While the goal of Christian education and discipleship is spiritual formation of the new believer into a true disciple who makes other true disciples, this concept has been watered down in the American church today by emphasis on programs instead of progressive spiritual growth in every member’s life. There are many

Society neglects the ability for humans to see actual truths and purpose in their lives, which makes it easy for them to think about themselves and only want to fulfill their own personal desires. These personal desires are contrary to the teachings of Jesus, which includes loving your neighbor, compassion for others, and the desire to serve. Humans in the words of Pedro Arrupe must, “live not for themselves but for God and his Christ Following the teachings of Jesus” (Arrupe 1). Doing this makes one

After reading Harvey Nowlan’s blog post on stewardship as a Christian I have to agree with many of the points he was making about everything we own and consider our possessions in the material world, we own them to God. Our house, cars, bank account a many other things we treasure do not truly belong to us. Many lose site to this and take God’s grace out of the equation and forget who is really in charge. It is our duty, as Christians to be biblical stewards in everything we do and live in a way that Christ would want use to. We are like managers in a business and our resources should be used to exalt God and his kingdom. “ Our stewardship of the Christian faith is prior to and more important than any of the other things entrusted to our care.

Discipleship students, or those who already have a faith commitment, tend to immediately join one of two categories. The first, or Stagnant, students are those who “made a decision to follow Christ at some time in life but never really grew in faith.” These students, from the outside, look very similar to the world as “the distinction between churched and unchurched students is rapidly shrinking.” These students require time to draw them into a

Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been many different ideas on how a Christian should interact with the world in which they lived. From the biblical writings of The Gospel according to Matthew, and The Acts of the Apostles, to the non-biblical writings of On Philosophy, and The Prescription Against Heretics, the ideas of Christianity were brought together. The two non-biblical documents highlight the arguments of whether or not Christians should study Greek philosophy. The books from The Bible showed that Christian beliefs focused on how one should primarily seek their ultimate reward or satisfaction in the Kingdom of God (spiritual), rather than in the here and now (temporal). Christianity, as it began, was a faith that emphasized the importance of acting charitable towards the less fortunate, while understanding that it was ones duty to worship God and spread that love for Him to those who didn’t believe.

In a world that does not know the Gospel anymore, we must indulge in it, and love our fellow community though they may not share similar values, but find balancing in still remaining in our own values. Though many of times we find ourselves in opposition of the majority of the world, we must exude Christ love onto others as He does to us unconditionally. The author addresses ways in which we are able to live out our faith and still find a place within our community though they may not share similar values.

It is not our goal to “trade” members neither with other churches nor to increase our membership by reaching disgruntled members of other churches. Our vision is to reach young people who may not have a “church” background, teach and train them, equip them, and qualify them to go out and win souls. We believe that by doing this, we will build a strong army who can take our community, state, and the world for Christ. We want to reach young people ages 10-18 in our community. According to Warren, “If you want to build a healthy, strong, and growing church you must spend time laying a solid foundation.”

The lack of generosity that plagues the body of Christ is an attribute that must be detached from the Christians ethos. The very essence of greed is something that must not be named among the body of Christ. It is an antithetical to what God has called the church

In chapter three, Myer provides a joint of theology, poverty and development from the issue that most people think theology is not a part of poverty or development. He elaborates on the key themes that emerge consistently in Catholic social teaching, God’s expectation from humanity as an individual, as a community and the narratives which comes under God’s story about what God is doing. Clearly in this chapter, Myer addresses that the biblical story is for the rich and the poor, as humans were made in God’s image, experienced the consequences of the fall, and as the focus of God’s redemptive work (52). However, evangelists are in need to be prepared biblically and theologically and know the big story or God’s story as well as understanding the poor and the non-poor which leads to the exploration of poverties cause. In doing this God is actively at work in the

According to Early & Dempsey, “a disciple is a person, while discipleship is a process. A disciple is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who is intimately involved in the mission of Christ. On the other hand, discipleship is the process of moving the disciple towards spiritual maturity and the mission of Christ. Being a disciple is God’s perfect will for every individual life; however, discipleship is God’s will for every individual church” [1]