137 Sermon Illustrations on Discipleship

Scene I: Ancient Rome. Two strangers meet on a dusty road. Miles pass in polite conversation. Slowly and cautiously, oblique references to religious ideas slip in. Both sense a spiritual kinship but are wary of mentioning it. After all, Christianity is a crime punishable by death.

The sun is high and hot, so they stop to rest. The discussion moves from the latest war news to the price of bread to problems of the Roman Senate. The younger man pushes his walking stick through the dust as he talks, tracing a gently curved line.

The older man glances at the mark, then into the eyes of his new acquaintance and quickly around to see if anyone else is watching. With his own staff he draws a mirror image of the first mark, connecting the lines at one end but intersecting at the other. The two lines together form a crude drawing of a fish, a word used as an acronym in the underground sect's ancient Greek language for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior."

"He is risen!" exclaims the older man. "He is risen indeed!" comes the reply.

In excited whispers they arrange to meet the next evening. One will show the other the secret passages to the Christians' hiding place in the catacombs.

Scene II: Modern Rome. Two American tourists meet while waiting to clear customs. One wears a $50 golf shirt with a fish logo. The other sports a sky-blue baseball cap emblazoned on the crown in scarlet with the acronym, WWJD?

"Cool shirt," says one. "Great hat," says the other. They shake hands, exchange names and agree to meet the next day for cappuccino, "after we tour the catacombs."

What a difference two millennia make.

The cost attached to that original Christian icon was certain and severe. Display the secret fish symbol in the wrong place or at the wrong time and it could cost you your life.

In the 21st century, the cost for the individual Christian is much cheaper, and can even be paid with a credit card.

Multiplied by millions of consumers who now openly adorn themselves with the symbols of their faith, however, today's price tag for Christian imagery has reached proportions unimaginable to early disciples. Clothing, jewelry, bumper stickers and related merchandise bearing religious messages generate an estimated $3 billion a year.

But the spiritual value of those purchases is debatable, even among fellow believers.

Many say "Christian wear" is an effective witnessing tool. Others use derisive terms like "Jesus junk" and say it does more harm than good, especially if the actions of Christians don't match the message on their shirts.

Some things haven't changed over the centuries. Now, as then, Christian symbols remain a means of identifying "friendlies" in a dominant culture that is hostile to religious "fanatics."

But what was once a furtive code for a persecuted religious minority is now a mainstream fashion statement. Christians can wear their faith not only on their sleeves but also on their heads, around their necks, in their ears and on their backs. They can write with it, drink from it and listen to it.

The companies that sell such items uniformly say they create witnessing opportunities. "The average shirt is read 10,000 times!" touts Spiritual Wear on its Web site, www.spiritualwear.com. "You're just a click away from ordering some of the best Christian apparel available. Make a statement of faith with what you wear!"

"Proclaiming the Good News one tee at a time!" announces Kerusso Activewear. "With the right message and emphasis, a T-shirt can definitely help bring someone to Christ."

Living Epistles Apparel, whose Christian gear includes everything from clothes to mouse pads, describes itself as "a witnessing company dedicated to helping Christians creatively share the truth of the gospel and to create witnessing opportunities for Christians...." (www.livingepistles.com)

The Internet is just the latest angle on Christian marketing, but the products have been available for years through Christian bookstores. In fact the exhibit hall at the annual Christian Booksellers Association is crammed with as many "accessories" as books and Bibles, which now account for only 40 percent of sales at the average Christian bookstore.

Do these products deliver what they promise? Are they effective for evangelism?

Opinions cover the spectrum. But most people interviewed for this story say such items probably do a better job of identifying and encouraging Christians than attracting non-believers to the claims of Christ.

"I have a couple (Christian T-shirts) that were gifts that I wear, but I don't think of them as anything but shirts," said Andrea Valenzuela, a 22-year-old Ecuadorian who works for Nyack College in New York. "I hope someone will read the Bible verse and ask about it. But I would rather have my walk and my life -- my works, my everyday living -- speak louder than some easy-to-pull-on T-shirt."

Even the minister who instigated the "What Would Jesus Do?" explosion looks forward to the time the profitable sheen wears off her concept.

Slightly over a decade ago, Reformed Church minister Janie Tinkleberg came up with the WWJD bracelets for her youth group. She didn't copyright the idea, so anyone is free to produce WWJD items. As a result, the emblem has become almost as pervasive in pop culture as the Nike logo. But she doubts the fad is advancing the gospel.

"I think it has diluted the message," she told the Knight-Ridder News Service. "I want the fad to fade so [the concept] will wind up where it belongs -- back with people wearing them who know what these little bracelets really mean."

Kelli Creswell, 24, a native of Charleston, S.C., seconds that motion. "I think sometimes it's all overdone," she said. "Like the WWJD bracelets, the idea is great, but after a while the meaning is lost, because it becomes more about fashion than witnessing."

An unscientific Internet survey conducted by the Christian magazine FaithWorks about the value of Christian gear received 40 responses. Overwhelmingly respondents said the top two reasons people wear Christian icons are to "witness" and "because it is fashionable."

Most, however, were skeptical of the witnessing impact. More than 70 percent said Christian gear motivates non-Christians to consider faith "sometimes" or "rarely." Fewer than 25 percent felt it was highly effective.

All of respondents knew what WWJD stands for.

Ironically, William Benoit, one of several college professors interviewed for this article, admitted he didn't know what the letters mean. But he otherwise concurred with the survey results.

"I suspect bumper stickers and bracelets have the most effect on two groups: the people who wear or display them, as a manner of self-expression, and those for whom it is a 'hot button' topic, either agreeing or disagreeing fervently," said Benoit, who teaches rhetoric, persuasive speaking, argument and advocacy at the University of Missouri-Columbia. "I doubt that the people in the middle are much influenced."

Tom Collinear, a communications professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., said the growing popularity of Christian gear could "signal a search for meaning at a time when the headlines are about things like Columbine, on the one hand, and dot.com/marry-a-millionaire/instant wealth on the other."

Two professors at Baylor University represent the range of opinions among many evangelical scholars -- from benign approval to passionate endorsement.

Greg Garrett, who teaches religion and literature at the Baptist-affiliated school in Waco, Texas, said he doesn't care for such icons personally. But he knows, "Many people see it as providing a genuine opportunity to spread their faith."

"Good for them," Garrett said, "especially if they can do it without alienating the people they want to reach."

Betty Talbert, meanwhile, who teaches spiritual formation, is overwhelmingly supportive. "Since the time of (Roman Emperor) Constantine, it has been difficult for Christians to maintain their religious identity while being accepted as a part of the culture," she said.

"Wearing a religious symbol -- a cross, a fish or a WWJD bracelet -- is a way some of us testify to ourselves and to others that our commitment to Christ is about everyday living and not just Sunday worship," she continued.

"Personally I like religious bumper stickers," Talbert said. "The first time I put one on my car I did so with fear and trembling. I was a university professor who had just encountered Christ in a deep conversion experience. I knew that people might laugh at me, but I felt it was important to place a symbol of my new allegiance on my car."

Talbert said how a person feels about such public displays of Christian messages is more an issue of personal taste than theology. "I think it is very important not to judge those who do or do not display their religious commitments in their dress," she said. "One thing we know that Jesus would never do is treat a person with condescension."

Guy Mattox, a retired pastor from King George, Va., said Christian T-shirts gain the most value when they are baptized with the sweat of hard work. "If someone is wearing a shirt that says he is a follower of Jesus while he is replacing gutters or reshingling a roof or rebuilding a porch, then they are worthy of the name they are claiming," he said.

Nearly 40 years ago, Mattox presented his gas credit card for payment to a service station attendant who was in the process of exhibiting an impressive demand of profanity. When the man saw "the Reverend" in front of the name on Mattox's card, he apologized profusely.

Mattox went home, cut up all his credit cards and had them reissued without his clerical title. His reasoning? Christianity isn't viable if it can be detected only by a title on a card. "If there is not something about my life and my attitude that says I belong to Christ, then I don't deserve the honor (just) because I graduated from a theological seminary," he said.

Les Switzer, a seminary graduate and professor of journalism at the University of Houston, meanwhile, suspects there may be more behind the Christian gear craze than meets the eye.

The Protestant Reformation ended for many Christians the use of icons in worship and the sale of "indulgences," a method of paying cash as penance for sins. Switzer said he finds a parallel in today's Christian paraphernalia.

"Could I suggest that, in some convoluted way, this is an Americanized, sanitized form of indulgence?" he said. Spending money to "obtain an icon" in the form of a shirt or bumper sticker, he said, may help some Christians "deal with their sins, absolve them of guilt or at least to make them feel more comfortable?"

"It's kind of like a talisman," he said. "And of course most of us can't get along without one, whether it's in the form of a trinket, a cross or even a Bible."

___________________

Craig Bird and his wife, Melissa, are child-care workers at a maternity home in Asheville, N.C. (c_mbird@hotmail.com)

1. Lord, speak to me, that I may speak

In living echoes of Thy tone;

As Thou hast sought, so let me seek

Thy erring children lost and lone.

2. O teach me, Lord, that I may teach

The precious things Thou dost impart;

And wing my words that they may reach

The hidden depths of many a heart.

3. O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,

Until my very heart o'erflow

In kindling thought and glowing word,

They love to tell, Thy praise to show.

4. O use me, Lord, use even me,

Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,

Until Thy blessed face I see –

Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

[Tune “Canonbury”]

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"What you commit yourself to determines what you are - more than anything that ever happened to you yesterday, or the day before."

-- Dr. Anthony Campolo

"Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to Jesus Christ. The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for him."

-- Oswald Chambers

"Whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He always prefaced it with an IF, never with an emphatic assertion 'You must.' Discipleship carries an option with it."

-- Oswald Chambers

Dìtí na prodej

Hotoví fotbalisté jsou stále dražší. Proto nejbohatší kluby upínají zraky na talentované dorostence a žáky. Na jejich výchovu vynakládají obrovské finanèní prostøedky, napøíklad anglický gigant FC Liverpool zbudoval sportovní støedisko mládeže za 34 milionù liber, Juventus Turin se chlubí 14 -ti vybìry všech vìkových kategorií. Ani to však nestaèí. Aby talentovaný kviteèek neutrhl nìkdo jiný, jsou ochotný pøedkládat dìtem závazné smlouvy.

The Devil's Beatitudes

If the devil (whom we don't hear much about today) were to write his beatitudes, they would possibly go something like this.

Blessed are those Christians who are TOO TIRED, TOO BUSY, too distracted to spend time with God - they will spend their time for me.

Blessed are those Christians who are TOO TIRED, TOO BUSY, too distracted to spend time with their fellow Christians in Church - they are my best candidates to backslide.

Blessed are those Christians who WAIT TO BE ASKED and EXPECT TO BE THANKED - I can use them to slow things down.

Blessed are those Christians who are TOUCHY, with a bit of luck they may STOP GOING TO CHURCH and get others to quit - they are my missionaries.

Blessed are those Christians who are VERY RELIGIOUS but GET ON EVERYONE'S nerves - they are my most effective stumbling blocks.

Blessed are those Christians who are TROUBLEMAKERS - they are my best wrecking crew.

Blessed are those Christians who have NO TIME TO PRAY - they are easy prey for me.

Blessed are those Christians who are COMPLAINERS - they are my best discouragers.

Blessed are YOU when you read this and THINK IT IS ABOUT OTHER people and not yourself - I've got you.

(Annie Dean Smart)

By teaching forgiveness without discipleship, many churches are distorting Christ's message and creating “nominal Christians,” according to author and professor Dallas Willard.

Pastors are preaching alternative “gospels” that do not reflect the true meaning of Christ's message, Willard said. Conservative ministers present Christ's work as one that provides forgiveness of sins. Liberals emphasize a “gospel of liberation.” Other ministers present a “gospel of the church” that says the church will take care of believers if they take care of the church.

Christ's work is liberating and enables the forgiveness of sins, but the gospel is that salvation brings “life now in the kingdom of God,” where God's will is followed, said Willard, professor of philosophy at the University of Southern California. Jesus called people to rethink their lives because they can now move into “God's effective will.”

“The root of nominal Christianity is people have moved away from a gospel of life and replaced it with something else,” Willard said. “If you're preaching the gospel as forgiveness of sins because Jesus died for you, what you will have is nominal Christians you will have to prod to get going.”

The availability of the kingdom is the only message that leads to character transformation through discipleship, Willard said. The gospel encourages people to trust Jesus for life in God's will.

“I think there will be a lot of people who will be in heaven who believe that [Jesus died for their sins],” Willard said. “I think they will have a lot of catching up to do because they are not all that different from those in the other place.

“Who he was is much bigger than that. What he offers and calls people to do is trust Jesus.”

Trusting Jesus involves rethinking one's life, becoming humble and being born from above, Willard said. God will assist people in following his will and changing their lives through grace, a term the author described as God helping individuals accomplish what they could not do on their own.

Churches can correct the creation of nominal Christians by intentionally forming disciples, which Willard described as apprentices of Jesus. This is done by depicting a clear picture of “new life” through trusting Jesus, including many of the disciplines - prayer, Scripture memorization, fasting and worship - that strengthen spiritual lives.

“As a disciple of Jesus I am to lead my life in the kingdom of heavens as he would lead my life if he was I,” he said.

To accomplish this goal, many churches need to rethink what they are doing and focus all efforts on following the Great Commission of sharing the gospel and creating disciples, Willard said. “What we need is people who are more Christ-like,” Willard said.

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[Original illustration at this number was a duplicate of HolwickID #1862]

A flock of wild ducks were flying in formation, heading south for the winter. They formed a beautiful V in the sky, and were admired by everyone who saw them from below. One day, Wally, one of the wild ducks in the formation, spotted some thing on the ground that caught his eye. It was a barnyard with a flock of tame ducks who lived on the farm. They were waddling around on the ground, quacking merrily and eating corn that was thrown on the ground for them every day. Wally liked what he saw.

“It sure would be nice to have some of that corn,” he thought to himself. “And all this flying is very tiring. I’d like to just waddle around for a while.”

So after thinking it over a while, Wally left the formation of wild ducks, made a sharp dive to the left, and headed for the barn yard. He landed among the tame ducks, and began to waddle around and quack merrily. He also started eating corn. The formation of wild ducks continued their journey south, but Wally didn’t care. I’ll rejoin them when they come back this way in a few months, he said to himself.

Several months went by and sure enough, Wally looked up and spotted the flock of wild ducks in formation, heading north. They looked beautiful up there. And Wally was tired of the barn yard. It was muddy everywhere he waddled, nothing but duck-doo.

“It’s time to leave,” said Wally.

So Wally flapped his wings furiously and tried to get airborne. But he had gained some weight from all his corn eating, and he hadn’t exercised his wings much either. He finally got off the ground, but he was flying to low and slammed into the side of the barn. He fell to the ground with a thud and said to himself,

“Oh well, I’ll just wait until they fly south in a few months. Then I’ll rejoin them and become a wild duck again.”

But when the flock flew overhead once more, Wally again tried to lift him self out of the barn yard. He simply didn’t have the strength.

Every winter and every spring, he saw his wild duck friends flying over head, and they would call out to him. But his attempts to leave were all in vain. Eventually Wally no longer paid any attention to the wild ducks flying overhead. He hardly even noticed them. He had after all, become a barn yard duck.

Sometimes we get tired of being wild ducks — followers of Jesus Christ. It’s not always easy to be obedient to God and to discipline our selves to hang in there for the long haul. When we are feeling that way, that’s when Satan tempts us to “fall out of formation” and to join the barnyard ducks … the world … But see what happened to Wally. He thought he would just “check it out” for a while and then leave when he wanted to. But he couldn’t do it.

Sin is like that. Sin is a trap, and it has a way of changing us into people we don’t even want to become. Eventually we loose touch with whom we really are … the sons and daughters of the Most High. We become barn yard ducks.

”But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD” Jonah 1:3

Don’t tell me you’ve never done it. We all have at some time or another. Most likely we’ve done it quite recently. Running from the Lord is a common human condition.

Jonah did it in a royal way. He was ordered to Nineveh. He ran for a ship. That would be fine — if Nineveh were on the sea shore — but that lovely, enemy community was landlocked! Running for a ship was not in God’s plans. However, God had made plans for Jonah’s disobedience. He provided a ship, a storm and a prize winning fish — and Jonah was the bait!

Of course we know what happened to Jonah. It is said by those who have found people who lived in the belly of a great fish — yes, there are numerous historical accounts of this in modern times — that the swallowee is bleached white by the stomach acids of said swallower. What a sight Jonah must have been when he finally strolled into Nineveh — a pure white man, smelling of fish, shouting “Repent or die!”

I can personally testify that I have never been swallowed by a great fish though I have run from doing the will of God. Sometimes I almost wish I had met a great big fish. The lesson may have been easier to learn. Then again it might not have been because Jonah was a tough student. Though he did the will of the Father, he did it without conviction and enthusiasm. Still, the work was done and the desired results were achieved.

Are you running from God? Is He telling you to do something that you don’t desire to do? Have you fled for a ship when a camel would be more appropriate? May I suggest that you stop where you are, turn around and head for the nearest used camel dealer, lay your money down, and ask directions for your Nineveh? No, I won’t ask. I won’t even suggest it. I strongly urge you to do it. Remember, your fish may chew his food a little more thoroughly than Jonah’s!

As Christian workers, worldliness is not our snare, sin is not our snare, but spiritual wantoning is, viz.: taking the pattern and print of the religious age we live in, making eyes at spiritual success. Never court anything other than the approval of God, go “without the camp, bearing His reproach.” Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice in successful service, and yet this seems to be the one thing in which most of us do rejoice. We have the commercial view - so many souls saved and sanctified, thank God, now it is all right. Our work begins where God's grace has laid the foundation; we are not to save souls, but to disciple them. Salvation and sanctification are the work of God's sovereign grace; our work as His disciples is to disciple lives until they are wholly yielded to God. One life wholly devoted to God is of more value to God than one hundred lives simply awakened by His Spirit. As workers for God we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and that will be God's witness to us as workers. God brings us to a standard of life by His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.

Unless the worker lives a life hidden with Christ in God, he is apt to become an irritating dictator instead of an indwelling disciple. Many of us are dictators, we dictate to people and to meetings. Jesus never dictates to us in that way. Whenever Our Lord talked about discipleship, He always prefaced it with an “IF,” never with an emphatic assertion - “You must.” Discipleship carries an option with it.

*

[Original illustration here was a duplicate in HolwickID 25837-26027]

Luke 9:1–22 — Lessons for Jesus’ Disciples — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. Jesus’ Itinerant Preachers — 9:1–6 (NKJV) — Parallel passages: Mark 6:6–13, Matthew 9:35–11:1 — 1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them {Mark tells us ‘two by two’} to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “{Matthew here excludes the Gentiles and Samaritans from their ministry, limiting it to the ‘lost sheep of the house of Israel’} Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, {Matthew adds that they were to give their peace to those who would receive them but take back their peace from those who rejected them} when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” {At this point, Matthew 10:15–42 relates a long speech by Jesus to the twelve, preparing them for their preaching ministry.” 6 So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

1. why do you think that Matthew recounts so much more detail in the narrative at this point that do Mark and Luke?

a. « Matthew was one of those who went out! »

2. what was the message that the disciples preached?

a. « the good news of the kingdom — this would have been the same truths that Jesus had been teaching them for the past year or so: the love of Father God, the need for a deeper relation to Him than by the rules of the Pharisees »

b. « the healing as an evidence of its truth »

3. how did their message relate to Jesus’ ministry (see 7:22, 8:1)? « — is was an extension of His work »

4. “There was a rabbinic idea that the dust of Gentile lands carried defilement, and strict Jews are said to have removed it from their shoes whenever they returned to Palestine from abroad.” (Leon Morris)

5. what lessons did the disciples learn here?

a. « no purse, etc.: supplied by God of need, but not beyond »

b. « not everyone will accept this good news message »

6. what lessons should we learn?

B. Herod and John — 9:7–9 (NKJV) — Parallel passages: Mark 6:14–29, Matthew 14:1–12 — 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him; and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 Herod said, “John I have beheaded, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” So he sought to see Him.

1. the other Synoptic Gospels, particularly Mark, give more detail of the events behind these few verses:

a. Herod had married H__________ the wife of his half-brother P________

b. John told Herod that this was not L_______ (Lev 18:16, 20:21)

c. as a result, H__________ hated John and desired his D______

d. at Herod’s B_________ party, she had her daughter D______ for Herod, which greatly pleased Herod

e. so he offered her whatsoever up to H_____ of his kingdom

f. she asked for the H_______ of John the Baptist on a charger

2. What ideas did people have about Jesus?

a. « he was John returned from the deat »

b. « he was Elijah appearing as promised »

c. « he was a risen Old Testament prophet »

3. What lessons were here for the disciples?

a. « not everyone would recognize who Jesus really is »

b. « serving God honestly may bring persecution and death »

4. What lessons are here for us?

C. The 5000 Fed — 9:10–17 (NKJV) — Parallel passages: Mark 6:30–44, Matthew 14:13–21, John 6:1–13 — 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. * Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him;† and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. Then He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 So they all ate and were filled, and twelve baskets of the leftover fragments were taken up by them.

1. * – here Mark adds these lovely words of Jesus (AV): “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

a. what lesson was here for the disciples (and us)? « — that our Lord and our Heavenly father cares for our physical well-being and expects us to take that into account in our service: “Rust out or burn out, either way you’re out” »

2. † – here Mark adds these words (AV): “… and H had compassion on them because they were as sheep not having a shepherd … “

a. what lesson was here for the disciples (and us)? « — the mark of useful service is not the results we get but what is in our hearts for the people we serve. »

3. notes from the other gospels

a. it would take half a year’s wages (200d) to feed the crowd

b. It was Andrew who noted the lad with 5 loaves and 2 fish

c. it was Jesus’ command to gather up the remnants

4. What marked difference was there between the disciples and Jesus’ attitude toward the five loaves and the two fish?

a. « the disciples saw them as very little, nothing compared to the 200d of food that was needed »

b. « Jesus saw them as given by the Father who supplies needs »

c. What lesson was here for the disciples (and us)? « — “Little is much when God is in it (Kittie Louise Suffield, 1884-1972)” »

D. Peter’s Momentous Confession — 9:18–22 (NKJV) – Parallel passages: Mark 8:27–30, Luke 9:18–21 — 18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”

1. notes:

a. Matthew notes one of the old testament prophets by name: Jeremiah

b. Matthew records Peter’s confession more fully (AV): “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”

2. Matthew 16:17–19 records Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession « — which the Roman church misunderstands as enduing him with the headship of the church, contrary to the record in Acts — » what are the key points that Jesus makes

a. « the recognition of who Jesus is comes from God »

b. « this is the confession on which the church is built »

c. « the church cannot be defeated »

d. « Peter would bear the gospel message of deliverance »

3. See John 1:38, 41, 45, 49 — how had the disciples recognized Jesus?

a. « as rabbi »

b. « as Messiah or Christ »

c. « the fulfilment of Moses and prophets words »

d. « the Son of God, the King of Israel »

4. Why, then was Peter’s statement so momentous? « — because event though Jesus didn’t raise an army to restore the freedom to the Jews; even though failing to fulfill the expectations of the populace; by God’s revelation Peter still recognized him as Christ »

5. what lessons were in this for the disciples (and us)? « — see above, plus, God in Christ has chosen to propagate His church through the agency of His disciples … those who would follow Him … it is therefore, an organism, not an organization. »

6. verse 22 is a transition into the next section dealing with the treatment by the world of both the Master and His disciple

William Barclay put it well:

“Jesus did not say discuss me; He said follow me. We do not make terms with Christ; we surrender to Christ. We do not compromise with Christ; we submit to Christ. Christianity does not mean being interested in Jesus Christ; it means taking the same oath as princes take to the king or queen in a coronation ceremony.... The very word sacrament comes from the Latin word sacramentum which means a soldier's oath of loyalty. The Christian is the one who has a sworn loyalty and who keeps loyalty to Christ, the King.”

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Luke 9:22-27, 43-50, 57-62 — Discipleship — « Leader information shown in this fashion »

A. Discipleship 101: Luke 9:22-27 (NKJV), parallel passages, Matthew 16:21-28, Mark 8:31-9:1 — 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”

1. following these statements, Luke records, with the Synoptists,

a. verses 28-36, Jesus’ transfiguration

b. verses 37-42, healing of the demon-possessed boy

2. Matthew starts this section with the words, “From that time began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer … “

a. (Matthew 16:22-23) what was the reaction of Peter? « — You, the Messiah, the King, You cannot die, we’ve given up all for You, we’re counting on You! »

b. (Matthew 17:22-23) what was the reaction of the disciples? « — sorrow; was it for their Friend, or for the aspirations? Did they, like us, have to see the cruelty of the cross first? »

3. what is the spiritual state of

a. the one who “desires to save his life”? « — note that in Hebrew nephesh is used for both life and soul. One who is lost and remains lost, ie., not a child of God »

b. the one who is “ashamed of Me and My words”? « — those whom Jesus will not acknowledge at the judgment »

c. to which of these do you think verse 25 refers? « — to both »

4. What are ways to take up our cross in modern society?

5. what event do you think fulfills the statement of verse 27? — note that Mark says “the kingdom of God come with power” while Matthew says “the Son of man coming in his kingdom”

a. the transfiguration? « – while this shows the power and glory of the Son of man, does the kingdom come at this point? »

b. the resurrection or the ascension « – these showed the power and appearance of the Son of God, but does he then establish His kingdom? »

c. the day of Pentecost? « – while this shows the power of God in the coming of the kingdom, if that be the church, but do they literally see the Son of man in this? »

d. the revelation to John on Patmos? « – is seeing a vision about the same as seeing the Son of man coming in His kingdom? »

e. the future Parousia? « – that is certainly the fully revelation of the kingdom and the Son of man, but how many of those standing there are still alive? … or die afterwards? »

f. other speculations: the spread of the church, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the change in a person by the gospel

B. Discipleship 201

1. More about His death: Luke 9:43–45 (NKJV), parallel passages Matthew 17:22-23, Mark 9:30-32: 43 And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marvelled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

a. Mark expands verse 44 by saying, “The Son of man is delivered up into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he shall rise again.” and Matthew similarly.

b. This follows the history of the casting out of the demon from the boy after the nine disciples could not do so.

c. what danger was Jesus averting by His words? « — that the disciples become too enamoured with the temporal success and popularity that He was currently enjoying »

d. was this accomplished, even though the full meaning was hidden from them; why? « — yes; because it made them stop and think about His words, and introduce a note of concern – also later, they would remember His words »

2. More about themselves: Luke 9:46–48 (NKJV), parallel passages Matthew 18:1–5, Mark 9:33–37: 46 Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

a. Mark records Jesus’ question and their response: “What were ye reasoning in the way?” But they held their peace: … and then Jesus’ rebuke: “If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and minister of all”

b. Matthew further records after verse 47 Jesus saying: “Verily I say unto you, except ye turn, and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven…”

c. what was a major concern of the disciples in their following Jesus? « — practical matters: just how well they would do by following Jesus the Messiah »

d. does this mean that they were not sincere in their desire to follow Him? « — no, their actions and the commendation of their Teacher are evidence of that sincerity »

e. what lesson should we learn from this? « — sincere Christians can be guilty of wrong motives in their walk with Christ, and should test their desires if they be God’s or their own »

3. More about others: Luke 9:49–50 (NKJV), parallel passages mark 9:38-50, Matthew omits this event but carries on in 18:6–14: 49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him for he who is not against us is for us.”

a. read the first part of the parallel passage, Mark 9:38-42

(A) why not forbid the exorcist?

(1) « the man’s actions supported (were for) Jesus »

(2) « one using the power of Christ’s would not readily speak evil of that name »

(B) who, in your opinion, are the “little ones” « — in Matthew, where the incident of the exorcist is omitted it sounds like the children;, but in Mark, it could apply to anyone humbly serving Christ »

b. what was the underlying problem with the disciples action? « — proud exclusivity: if you are not with us, doing it our way, then you have no standing with Jesus »

C. Discipleship 301: Luke 9:57-62 (NKJV), parallel passage Matthew 8:19–22 — 57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” 61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

1. Matthew tells us that the first person above was a scribe

2. Why do some who seek Him fail to find Jesus Christ (Remember that Jesus knew what was going on in the heart of these men)?

a. « they are unwilling to give up the comforts of this life »

b. « they want to do things at their own time and convenience »

c. « they rate earthly ties more highly than the heavenly »

3. How do these three individuals illustrate the theme of Jesus’ talk in Luke 14:25–33 (in general … we will be looking at this passage more closely at a later date)? « — Christ requires total allegiance of those who come to Him; they must follow Him with a whole, undivided heart »

There are times when you cannot understand why you cannot do what you want to do. When God brings the blank space, see that you do not fill it in, but wait. The blank space may come in order to teach you what sanctification means, or it may come after sanctification to teach you what service means. Never run before God’s guidance. If there is the slightest doubt, then He is not guiding. Whenever there is doubt — don’t.

In the beginning you may see clearly what God’s will is — the severance of a friendship, the breaking off of a business relationship, something you feel distinctly before God is His will for you to do, never do it on the impulse of that feeling. If you do, you will end in making difficulties that will take years of time to put right. Wait for God’s time to bring it round and He will do it without any heartbreak or disappointment. When it is a question of the providential will of God, wait for God to move.

Peter did not wait on God, he forecast in his mind where the test would come, and the test came where he did not expect it. “I will lay down my life for Thy sake.” Peter’s declaration was honest but ignorant. “Jesus answered him … The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied Me thrice.” This was said with a deeper knowledge of Peter than Peter had of himself. He could not follow Jesus because he did not know himself, of what he was capable. Natural devotion may be all very well to attract us to Jesus, to make us feel His fascination, but it will never make us disciples. Natural devotion will always deny Jesus somewhere or other.

A missional church is a reproducing body in which authentic disciples are being equipped as missionaries sent by God to live and proclaim His Kingdom in their world.[1]

Mission is the essence of the missional church, the reason for which Christ's church exists. The mission is His, not ours. The missional church understands that every Christian is called into relationship with God and sent by Him as His missionary.

The difference between being “missions minded” and “missional” is that missional is participative rather than supportive; missional is the essence of a church's being rather than one of the things it does.

These are some of the characteristics of a missional church:

• High threshold for membership

• High value on authenticity and integrity

• Teaches obedience to, not just knowledge of, Scripture

• High value on creating a fresh new worship experience every week

• Attenders live apostolically, that is, with the belief that they are called into relationship with God and set by Him as His missionary

• High expectation to change the world

• Mission driven: actions are ordered according to purpose

• Growth is measured by capacity to release, not retain

• Kingdom concerns have top priority

________

1. Information about missional churches is taken from “Shaped by God’s Heart: The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches” by Milfred Minatrea. Published by Jossey-Bass.

*

Sermon in Matthew 10 series. Matthew 10:21-23,34-38

WHY CAN'T WE ALL GET ALONG?

===========================

I. Is religion a good thing or an evil thing?

A. Many believe religion gives them peace and love.

B. Others note that religion causes an awful lot of conflict.

C. Perhaps your own family is torn by religious strife.

D. Where is this peace that everyone is seeking?

II. How Jesus sees the results and role of religion.

A. Religion is not the issue - Jesus is.

B. Jesus knew he would be a source of conflict.

C. He came so this would happen. 10:34-35

III. Context is important.

A. End-Times Tribulation period seems to be in view.

B. Uncanny parallels with modern history.

IV. Love Jesus more than anything else. 10:37

A. One of the more controversial statements in the Bible. Luke 14:26

B. Can the Spirit be thicker than blood?

C. Salvation is costly - it involves crosses. 10:38

V. Be worthy of Jesus.

A. It is all about discipleship.

B. Lordship is not an option.

Illustration: During WWII the North African Campaign was in a mess and General Montgomery was sent to clean it up. I’m told his first order was as follows: “The orders of the Commander-in-Chief will no longer be open to interpretation … just action.”

[Unknown editor’s note: apologies to whomever I acquired this from; I’ve long forgotten its source]

Commentary: God will not bully or threaten those He has chosen. No gun will be put to their head; they will not be drug kicking and screaming into heaven.

We may choose to obey or disobey. Yet there are those who insist they’re obedient and but clearly are not! Such is the problem of the twentieth century.

Were I chosen to write the epitaph for the church of this century, I would write:

“Claimed great proclamation; proclamation left unproclaimed.”

IF my attitude be one of fear, not faith, about one who has disappointed me, if I say, “Just as I expected,” if a fall occurs, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I fear to hold another to the highest because it is so much easier to avoid doing so, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I do not give a friend “the benefit of the doubt,” but put the worst construction instead of the best on what is said or done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I take offense easily, if I am content to continue in a cool unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love

IF I feel injured when another lays to my charge things I know not, forgetting that my Sinless Saviour trod this path to the end, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

IF I say, “Yes, I forgive, but I cannot forget,” as though the God, who twice a day washes all the sands on all the shores of all the world, could not wash such memories from my mind, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

We are united with a Christ who seems not to have done much of note for most of his life.

________

I was in youth group when I first heard that God had an extraordinary plan for my life. This plan would include seeing revival, winning converts, helping the poor, and traveling overseas to preach the gospel, dig wells, and serve orphans. I attended youth conferences like Acquire the Fire where I learned what it meant to be an “on-fire-for-God” Christian, and was then sent out to be — in the words of Delirious? — a “history maker.”

The idea that I had an incredible destiny was only reinforced by my own study of Scripture. When I read the Book of Acts for the first time as a senior in high school, I concluded that the lives and habits of the first Christians were the norm. Like Jesus, they healed the sick, raised the dead, cast out demons, opposed corrupt power structures, and preached to the masses. As Christians, our lives should take on the same quality as Jesus’, right?

Right. But could it be that the Jesus of the Bible, the Jesus of history, is less extraordinary than the Jesus of Christian conferences and our guilty consciences?

About a year ago, in the Christianity Today cover story “Here Come the Radicals,” Matthew Lee Anderson explored “radical” Christianity books from David Platt, Francis Chan, Shane Claiborne, and Kyle Idleman. Radicals, he noted, aim to understand what Jesus really meant in his teachings, what “radical abandonment to Jesus really looks like,” and “what it really means to follow Jesus.” For them, the “real” Christian life is radically abnormal.

Right now we’re in the middle of a backlash, with critics asking if radical Christianity is realistic or even sustainable. Instead of Radical, Greater, Weird, and Not a Fan, now we’re getting Boring: Finding an Extraordinary God in an Ordinary Life by Michael Kelley, Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael Horton, Ordinary: How to Turn the World Upside Down by Tony Merida, and The Making of an Ordinary Saint by Nathan Foster. These books — even when they disagree — all have important and biblical things to say about ethics, discipleship, spiritual growth, mission, and church life. But they generally don’t focus on how the Incarnation determines the nature and trajectory of our lives as Christians.

I’m not talking about “What Would Jesus Do.” The doctrine of union with Christ, a major theme throughout the New Testament, is much deeper. In a nutshell, it tells us that we are one with Christ, like a husband and wife are one flesh. Christ lives in us, and we live in him. What’s ours is his, and what’s his is ours. The Son of God joined himself to humanity so that we might be joined to his divinity. But this doctrine doesn’t simply describe an association; it tells us that we actually participate in Christ’s life. We go where he goes — from the Cross to the grave to new life and the heavenly places. Our lives take on the very quality of his.

So will our lives be extraordinary? Most likely not. Most of his wasn’t.

The Incarnation in Full View

Jesus Christ is God incarnate. That’s the most extraordinary thing I can imagine. God the Son became a man; eternal, incorruptible Word put on frail human flesh. The infinite God subjected himself to the limitations of our world. Yet he remained fully God. He walked among us, performed countless miracles, publically shamed demons, confounded the most erudite men in his nation, and rose from the grave after being three days dead. And then he ascended into heaven and took a seat next to God the Father. His earthly life was one of a kind. He wasn’t simply a history maker; he forever altered history.

But this is only one part of the story, one volume in the series, as it were. Certain evidence — and the lack thereof — suggest that Christ’s life was also ordinary. Apart from Christ’s birth and a brief episode at the temple when he was 12, the Gospels tell us nothing of Jesus’ life before he entered ministry at about age 30. Sure, we know he was a carpenter (Mark 6:3) and that he regularly attended synagogue (Luke 4:16). He must have been fairly educated to be able to read Hebrew scrolls (Luke 4:16–20), so he most likely went to school. But apart from a few minor details like these, we know nothing about Jesus’ adolescent and young-adult years.

Maybe because there’s little from Jesus’ pre-ministry years that was “written that you may believe” (John 20:31). But the silence about this period in Jesus’ life indicates that the majority of his life — not just his childhood — was ordinary and unremarkable, at least when compared to his ministry years. After all, when Jesus started his ministry, people responded, “Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3) The crowd’s response implies Jesus didn’t stand out — at all. He was just like everyone else. So naturally, people were shocked when he revealed a different side of himself. They couldn’t believe that such an ordinary person, a carpenter from the small village of Nazareth, the son of Mary — who was likely suspect, at one point or another, for conceiving out of wedlock — could preach like the prophets of old and perform miracles like superstars in the Hebrew hall of fame.

When God the Son embraced our humanity, he didn’t just become a human. He took on our broken humanity and everything it entails, even the ordinary and mundane aspects of human life. He embraced work, family life, learning, growing, and monotony. Jesus lived an ordinary life for most of his years, and in so doing affirmed its goodness.

It’s Great to Be Ordinary

If Christ is the prototype for what God intended for humanity, our lives will certainly be marked by the ordinary and the mundane. In fact, the Incarnation tells us that God prefers to work through humble, run-of-the-mill circumstances. Fourth century martyr Theodotus of Ancyra explained it like this: In the Incarnation, God “chose surroundings that were poor and simple, so ordinary as to be almost unnoticed, so that people would know it was the Godhead alone that had changed the world.”

God is not like singer Beyoncé Knowles, who in the midst of her “Mrs. Carter Show” world tour made very explicit what she expects from her hosts in order to put on a good show. Reported requirements included that all crew members wear 100-percent cotton, that Alkaline water be chilled to 21 degrees and served with $900 titanium straws, and that bathrooms have new toilet seats and red toilet paper at every venue. And she uses dressings rooms built to accommodate entire sports teams.

God makes no such demands in order to work in and through us. Nor do the unfortunate, commonplace, or embarrassing conditions of our lives limit his work. The Incarnation turns the logic of our world on its head. As Paul said, “The weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Cor. 1:25). God loves to work in and through the ordinary.

Still, many of us feel we would be more pleasing to God if our lives were extraordinary, if we were involved in some spectacular ministry, whatever that means. We like to venerate celebrity Christians — sometimes to our detriment. All too often we iconize people who lead megachurches and influential parachurch organizations, serve orphans overseas, or move into impoverished neighborhoods to minister to underprivileged minorities. If you’re like me, you’re probably filled with mixed emotions when you read the stories of these Christians: you’re encouraged, challenged, and perhaps overwhelmed. You might feel empowered by their work: “If they can do that, so can I!” You’re probably challenged: “Maybe God is calling me to serve more.” But you probably feel bewildered and somewhat ashamed as well: “My life doesn’t look like that. I’m a lousy Christian.”

Thankfully, the gospel doesn’t require us to live an exceptional life. It actually points us in the opposite direction. Paul encourages us to “lead a quiet life.” He explains, “You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thess. 4:11–12). Some commentators interpret Paul’s instruction this way: Try earnestly, and consider it an honor, to live an ordinary life.

Mother Teresa, in her book No Greater Love, encourages us to do the same:

Do not pursue spectacular deeds ... . In the work we have to do it does not matter how small and humble it may be, make it Christ’s love in action ... . What matters is the gift of yourself, the degree of love that you put into each one of your actions.

That is good news! The Christian stay-at-home mom with four kids, barista, janitor, or injured construction worker on disability can lead just as meaningful and “Christian” a life as the missionary, social worker, or conference speaker. The homely side of the Incarnation tells us it’s okay to attend an ordinary church, to have an ordinary job, to live in an ordinary house in an ordinary suburb. We can spread the gospel and the love of Christ in whatever context God has placed us.

In no way, however, does this justify spiritual lethargy. God wants all Christians to embody and live out the gospel in some form or another. And to be sure, he indeed calls certain people to express their faith in singular ways. If so, “God will surely let him understand and in that case will also help him further,” as philosopher Søren Kierkegaard explained. But for most of us, life will be ordinary.

At the same time, our lives will often be necessarily countercultural. Christian faith defies cultural norms and human reason. We profess faith in a triune God and in a Savior who is both fully human and fully divine. Scripture calls us to celebrate crucifixion, rejoice in suffering, and hope for a physical resurrection. It instructs us to love our enemies, help the poor, care for orphans and widows, and tend to the sick. Our faith is radical indeed when compared to the world around us. But radical is not synonymous with extraordinary, as some are wont to conclude. Neither is ordinary synonymous with complacent or hypocritical. In Christ, we can live meaningful, gospel-centered lives in the midst of the ordinary and the mundane. That plain truth is a relief.

I have hesitated in writing my testimony because of the events surrounding my conversion. To some, my experience is not believable and to others, well, they say “nice things” as they change the subject. But, there are those Christians who rejoice with me when I tell them. To lay this testimony out for all to see makes the most important and significant event(s) of my life a target for examination and mockery. Nevertheless, here it is.

My parents were never religious people. Church was something we did on Easter or when there was a funeral. We had moved 27 times before I was twelve because my dad was in the service. So, attending church regularly was not something we did. The Lord was not a part of our home and I became an agnostic.

When I was 17 some high-school friends of mine invited me to a local church to see a film about the rapture. I went. The film scared me with the idea of being left behind. So, when the pastor asked if people would be interested in learning more about Jesus, I raised my hand.

The last thing I wanted to do was go up in front of the church. But to my dismay, he called all of us forward who had raised our hands. Church members had spotted me, so I could not really get out of going forward. Up I went not knowing what to expect.

So, there I was, on my knees along with a bunch of others who had raised their hands. I didn’t know about them, but I was stuck, embarrassed, and eagerly waiting for it all to be over.

A man from the congregation, with a huge Bible that had gold pages, was somehow designated to speak to me specifically and to teach me about Jesus so I could receive Him as savior. At this point, we were all kneeling at the front of the church, beneath the pulpit, and each potential convert had been matched to a congregation member. I scoffed under my breath as mine began to recite scripture and blab some religious mumbo-jumbo that I seriously tried to ignore. I wanted desperately to leave.

Then, unexpectedly, a woman about ten feet from me who had also come forward, started to cry. She cried with such depth and feeling that I was shocked. It was weird. This fanatical display was not what I wanted to be a part of, so I just focused on getting through it so I could leave.

Then someone else began to cry the same way and another. I wanted out!

By now, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure what to do or to expect, so I looked at the man I had been ignoring and decided to listen to him for just a second, and then I’d continue to ignore him. All the while I was wondering how to get out of there. But, in that moment where I paid attention, he asked, “So, do you want to receive Jesus as your Savior?”

Now, I am not the “jump on the bandwagon” kind of a guy, not at all. I wasn’t going to fall into this emotional hype sweeping through the church. So, I decided to focus and think logically. I examined this man. I remember very clearly looking at him. He seemed normal enough. Then a thought occurred to me. I realized that this situation might be important and I didn’t want to simply scoff at it and ignore it. Maybe there was something to this God stuff. After all, I don’t know everything. So, I thought about the options: If I choose God and He is there, I win. If He is not there, it doesn’t matter. If He is there and I don’t choose Him, I lose. Logically, I should give God a try. It made sense.

I knew that if God was real that I should, at least, manifest some form of sincerity even if it wasn’t much. I figured that being flippant with God, if He were real, wouldn’t be a good idea. It wouldn’t hurt to try and be sincere and these people in the church seemed to have some common purpose and identity. It was, to say the least, interesting. So, I quickly addressed a prayer to God (not knowing if He was there) and said, “God, if you’re there, then I’ll try and be sincere and accept you. If you’re not there, it won’t cost me anything.”

I looked at the man and said, “Yes.”

“Good,” he said. “Let’s pray,” and he led me in the sinner’s prayer.

As I started to pray, I tried to manifest a sincere and honest heart. I was “giving God a chance.” I followed the man’s lead and I began to confess my “sins” to God and to ask Jesus to forgive me ... everything was fine until something completely unexpected happened.

(I want to interject something here. I make no claims to being “spiritual” or “special” in any way. But, what follows is what really happened. And please remember that I have never been able to adequately convey the “experience” side of what happened in my soul that night. It is difficult to adequately describe. So, please bear with me.)

As I concluded my prayer, I became aware that someone “other” was there. Someone else was in the room with us and His attention was focused on me. This someone was not a member of that congregation. But I felt His presence dawning like a sunrise. This person was making Himself known to me in my heart. I somehow knew it was God. It was the Holy Spirit. He came to me slowly, gently, and then in a sudden movement, His Holiness overshadowed me with greatness and I became incapacitated. It was indescribable. He permeated my heart, mind, and soul. He washed over me in a burst of holiness and I was utterly undone. His incredibly deep purity shone upon my soul and I was instantaneously made aware of my utter sinfulness before a Holy and Righteous God. It was a supernatural experience of profound and utter depth. It wasn’t emotionalism. It wasn’t being psyched-out. It was God. I was in the presence of God Himself. I was in the presence of Perfect Holiness ... .and I knew it!!!

From the very deepest part of my soul, I felt a powerfully new and profound remorse for my sins, for offending God, for being unclean. I was a sinner! My body could not help but let loose a flood of tears of sorrow and guilt. I wept hard. I wept from the depths of my soul in guttural, heaving, moans of confession, and brokenness. I was in the presence of incredible Purity, Holiness, and Love. I was encountering God Himself. and I was a sinner. I could hardly stand to be in the presence of such deeply pure perfection and holiness. It was out of balance and I was profoundly aware of the disparity.

So, there I was, on the ground, sobbing as I’ve never wept in my life. I was a sinner and I knew it. The Holy Lord had revealed Himself to me and the natural result was to realize my own sinfulness. I kept sobbing and heaving out tears upon the floor. They came like a flood. And then.

This may seem unbelievable, but the only way I can explain it is that Jesus Himself manifested right there next to me. He had come to meet me on my knees. It wasn’t as though I could see Him or touch Him. But, He was there. I was aware of His Holy awesome holy presence next to me. It was incredible. It was wonderful and I felt my heart enveloped and lifted by Him. His concern for me was precious and tender. It was marvelous. He enveloped me in His love, His holiness, and His awesome greatness. I knew He was there to forgive me. I knew He loved me. I basked in His presence. I was with Jesus.

Then, while I was kneeling there, utterly absorbed and drifting in the experience of His presence, He moved. He moved toward me and gently entered my heart. Instantly, I physically felt my sin leave me. I felt the sudden and wonderful burst of forgiveness wash over my soul. I was instantly cleansed and born again and with it came the most profound and absolute sense of security of salvation I had ever known. My salvation was in Him. I was forgiven and safe forever.

Then, He gently lifted His marvelous presence from me. He let me breathe again, think again, and regain my composure. It took a while, but I was finally able to recover and eventually able to stand up. But I was not the same. God had touched me and I was forever changed. I was so ecstatic. My heart was overflowing with excitement, love, hope, intensity, and great joy. I was smiling so hard, that my cheeks were hurting and I couldn’t stop. It was great.

For weeks afterward, I was unable to stop speaking of Jesus. I was still living at home and all I could do was talk about what had happened. My family didn’t understand. I remember anxiously searching around the house looking for chores to do, anything to be a servant, anything to help my family. It was an insatiable desire. I told my friends about Jesus and eventually, they stopped hanging around me. They were sick of me talking about Jesus all the time. And it was no wonder because my zeal was without wisdom. I didn’t mean to, but I pushed them away.

My conversion experience was real as well as extremely personal. But, unfortunately, I was not discipled in the church I got saved in, or any church, and over the next two years, as surprising as it may sound, I slowly backslid. During that time the Lord convicted me constantly and gently. He called me again and again to repentance. But, I was confused and had begun to rebel against the conviction. It was so terribly uncomfortable in my sins, yet I wanted them, and I warred with my own desires. It was so difficult to love Him and run from Him at the same time. This went on for too long. But, again, His love won out.

One night, I was angry with God for the conviction He was sustaining upon my heart. It was difficult to endure and even though I had gotten into the habit of running from Him in order to make it go away, I still wanted Him. It was a strange mix. Anyway, on this one particular night, I looked up into the night sky and yelled out loud at God, “Leave me alone!” I still remember my defiant anger that was strangely mixed with fear and longing. I still remember the blanket of stars behind my fist in the night sky. I’ll never forget it.

The funny thing is, I don’t remember anything about the month that followed my defiance. You’d think that God would have done something to me to “teach me a lesson.” All I know is that one month later I was inexplicably on fire for God. Out of nowhere had come repentance and an insatiable appetite for His Word and prayer. I began to devour the Bible, reading it four to six hours every day. I would listen to Christian radio constantly and I would attend church six nights a week. I would read Bible commentaries and devotionals at work, or at home in the bath, in bed, even while walking. I absolutely could not get enough. This went on for two years. It was great being back in fellowship with God and He had blessed me.

During this time of intense study, there was a period of several weeks where I had been praying hard, begging the Lord to reveal to me what He wanted me to do with my life. I constantly asked Him to tell me and I was always giving myself to Him in every way I could imagine. I’d give Him my life, my body, my future, my abilities, failures, everything and constantly asked Him to do with me as He desired and that it didn’t matter if I was rich or poor, healthy or sick, married or not, etc. I gave myself to Him in every way I could think.

By this time, I had a girlfriend, who is now my wife. We were together a lot. One day while driving between Christian bookstores, the verse 2 Tim. 2:15 had stuck in my mind and I told her about it. When we arrived at the second bookstore, we met a man who had been saved only a few months and had just gotten out of jail. He told me how he needed to obey God and study just like it said in 2 Tim. 2:15. I was floored with the “coincidence.” I was still living at home at the time and when I got home, I told my dad what had happened. He had an old dusty Bible that had been given to him many years before. He opened it and inside the cover was an inscription 2 Tim. 2:15. This is what it says.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

It was right after this, that I developed a new interest in understanding Christian doctrine and theology and a new intensity developed. [The rest of his testimony focuses on his ministry in Christian apologetics.]

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Matt Slick is the founder, director, researcher, writer, and radio host for CARM - Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry.