Religion vs. Relationship
I was talking with John MacDonald the other day about the way churches leave the "meat" of the Word out of so many things so they can fill the pews. He made a comment that really rang true, "the churches today focus on religion and not relationship!" Since I always am focused on discipleship to Christ (Luke 9:23 and elsewhere) that comment answered a lot of questions.
No relationship, no discipleship.
In my now defunct blog A Deeper Faith, the subscript stated "living a life of discipleship in Christ". I truly believe that we are called to discipleship in Christ, and that it is the reasonable expectation of our faith. Many proclaim the name of Jesus and believe they have done all that is necessary to inherit the kingdom.
That, and put your money in the offering plate.... thank you.
But Romans 8:17 clearly states that in order to have a joint or co-heirship with Christ, that we must suffer even as He suffered. No prosperity gospel, no fire-and-brimstone, just a discipling that entails that we deny ourselves (the Carnal Man - read the 11-14 verses of that same Romans chapter) and follow Him.
In the next few weeks, posts, et al, I would like to explore that with you. What does it REALLY mean to deny ourselves? What crosses are we to bear? Why is the cross not the finishing of our faith, but rather the beginning of everything? And what is true Discipleship?
And more of the same.
Be blessed, be loved and be at peace,
~Jonathan
No relationship, no discipleship.
In my now defunct blog A Deeper Faith, the subscript stated "living a life of discipleship in Christ". I truly believe that we are called to discipleship in Christ, and that it is the reasonable expectation of our faith. Many proclaim the name of Jesus and believe they have done all that is necessary to inherit the kingdom.
That, and put your money in the offering plate.... thank you.
But Romans 8:17 clearly states that in order to have a joint or co-heirship with Christ, that we must suffer even as He suffered. No prosperity gospel, no fire-and-brimstone, just a discipling that entails that we deny ourselves (the Carnal Man - read the 11-14 verses of that same Romans chapter) and follow Him.
In the next few weeks, posts, et al, I would like to explore that with you. What does it REALLY mean to deny ourselves? What crosses are we to bear? Why is the cross not the finishing of our faith, but rather the beginning of everything? And what is true Discipleship?
And more of the same.
Be blessed, be loved and be at peace,
~Jonathan
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Blessings,
~ Pathways Of Grace
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