This past weekend, back at our home church after the short vacation in Pensacola, pastor Mac launched a “Summer Series” of messages around the idea of “discipleship.” This is the same ongoing conversation that has driven the content of this blog for the best part of ten years: “What does it look like when we go beyond defining ourselves as members of the ‘Christian religion’ but – instead – begin to think in terms of day-to-day life as authentic followers of the Living Way of Jesus?“
People were first called “Christians” not because they had invented a new religion but because who they were and how they behaved reminded people of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
This is how pastor Mac explained the series in the weekly church news update, “The Weekly Window.”
Last Sunday, June 18th, I started
– Rev. Mac Schafer
a sermon series on a section from
our denominational constitution
(The Book of Order) called “The
Ministry of Members”. I think it
is a wonderful guide for us that
describes what discipleship in
Christ looks like….
Discipleship is fundamental to Presbyterian faith and practice:
Okay, so before you quickly dismiss anything under the heading of a church “Book of Order,” let me disabuse you of a fundamental misunderstanding. Fact is, the Presbyterian church has some really helpful documents that are interesting, 100% rooted in scripture, inspirational, and theologically solid.
Pastor Mac (and he is a lot like Rebekah in this regard) preaches in a way that not only illuminates and celebrates the Good News of Jesus, but also helps people to find their theological home in the powerful truths that make the Presbyterian expression of reformed faith so compelling.
Last Sunday’s responsive reading (at left) taken directly from the Presbyterian “Book of Order,” is a great example of how we expect faith in Jesus to express itself in day to day life.
My words at the top of the bulletin, pencilled in during the sermon, serve as a note to myself, reminding me of something I fleshed out in a couple of my books, most notably 10 Life-Charged Words:
Telling the truth about the Gospel of Love, simply by being
Derek Maul, 10 Life-Charged Words
My point here is that being a follower of Jesus is about day to day, hour by hour, moment by moment decisions that reflect one simple question: “Is Jesus Lord?”
Is Jesus Lord in this particular moment? Is Jesus Lord in the way that I relate to other people? And – this is huge – would/could anybody engage with my life – or yours – and see that A) The Gospel is real? B) The Gospel is good news?
There is more, of course, but I think that is likely enough for this post – DEREK