STUDY GUIDE FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION

 

                                    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CHRISTIAN?

                                                  

Focus Scripture: 

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “ All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 16-20)

 

What does it mean to be a Christian?

          Most  Americans seem to assume that being a Christian is primarily about believing certain things. You’re a Christian if  you believe in God,  Jesus, the Bible and things like that. Beliefs are, of course, important. But Jesus didn’t  come to earth and die on a cross just to give us a set of  true beliefs. If that’s all God wanted, he could have sent down a theology textbook rather than sending his own Son!  No, Jesus didn’t come just to correct our beliefs. He came to set us free “so that we might have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). He came to free us from the devil’s bondage and empower us to participate in God’s own life. He came to build his kingdom in us and through us. This is the abundant life God always intended humans to enjoy.

Believing certain things is necessary for entering into this abundant life, but kingdom living obviously goes far beyond believing. Kingdom living is beyond belief, for it transforms every aspect of one’s being. It’s beyond belief because the abundant life we find as we allow ourselves to be transformed is, to our normal way of thinking, unbelievable. Look at  this prayer from the Apostle Paul:

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled

                        to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do

                       immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that

                        is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all

                      generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:17-19)

 

This abundant life that Paul is praying for all of us to experience comes from living a life of obedience to Him, who has a perfect plan already in place for our lives. It’s our obedience that brings that life to fruition. There is an abundant life that we can experience right here on the earth. We don’t all have to wait until we get to heaven to experience the joy of living a life filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

 

When Jesus left His disciples he gave them one directive, “Go and make disciples.” Sadly, the majority of us get into a “bless me” mentality and give little thought to the lost world. All too often, when a seeker approaches a Christian hoping to be given some direction from the Bible, the Christian is at a loss.  That is particularly sad because the act of introducing a nonbeliever to Jesus is life changing, not just for the new believer, but for everyone involved. Don’t get caught in that situation.

 

 

Questions For Personal Reflection

1. What do you think about when you think of witnessing?

2. Are you prepared to sit down with a “seeker” and the Bible and lead him to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ?

3. What is it that holds you back from sharing your faith?

4. How can you prepare for your next opportunity?

 

 Prayer Requests for the Week

Prayer is the life of Christ the King Church. It sustains the momentum of the church to fulfill our calling and destiny by releasing God’s anointing and power. Please take some time during your study to help us pray for current needs of our church.

             1. Praise God for every person who attends this church. Pray that every man, woman and child who enters our building will

                 experience the life changing love of Christ. 

             2. Please pray for the church and school in Cambodia. 

             3. Pray for wisdom for Bishop and Pastor Beninate and the other pastors as they lead the ministries God has given each

                of them. Pray for the deacons and the rest of the staff as they support and help manage all the ministries that make up

                Christ the King Church. Pray for protection for these people and their families as they seek to follow the call of God for

                their lives.

             4. Pray for the LORD to bring a “seeker” into your path so that you might practice your new understand of how to use His

               Word.

 

Thank you for your commitment to this church body!