#transformingdiscipleship

[dgould77]

Scripture acts as the mirror to show us our true self over against the self we are being called to be. It is as if we look in a mirror of the Word and see two images side by side. One image is the way we are currently, whereas the second image is the way God intends us to be in Christ. The Scripture projects these contrasting images on the screen of our mind. In those moments when we clearly see the contrast between who we are and who we are to be, the Scripture acts with incisive conviction, like a stiletto piercing our soul. That conviction leads us to repentance and the desire to change. #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDgkcOLDiny/?igshid=6d7vdx0x7v57

[dgould77]

The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are unique among written documents. In them we fully hear God’s word to us. In no other place can we find the complete story of God’s self-revelation. Literally this God-breathed document is the plumb line of truth about God, ourselves and all matters of faith and practice. Paul tells us that it is useful for four things: teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. #TransformingDiscipleship https://www.instagram.com/p/CDd54cpDZj9/?igshid=1k7t14zbu8zrz

[dgould77]

What is the connection between confession and freedom? Bringing the shame of our guilt into the light before trusted members of the body of Christ can have a liberating effect. Once something is admitted before others, it begins to lose its power to control. Sin flourishes in the darkness, but its power dissipates in the light. To the extent that we try to hide our sin before God, we are cut off to others in the body of Christ. Conversely, to the extent that we are willing to acknowledge those patterns or habits of sin to trusted, covenantal partners, then we will have fellowship with God. #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDbdAJLjWsB/?igshid=lduig4csbt6b

[dgould77]

There are a myriad of choices in our life that need to be sorted through to hear God’s voice. God’s voice can be drowned out by the din of the world or the confusion that comes from a multitude of choices. There is no end to issues where there is need for guidance from the Lord: direction in employment, ethical dilemmas in the workplace, bumps in marital relationships, an errant teen, unsaved family members or neighbors, discernment of God’s call or passions of the heart. How we need places to sort out these conundrums with people who will stay with us and care long enough to follow through! This moves us out of the shallow end into the deeper waters of transparent trust. #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDTpIAHj8M4/?igshid=zn79qms8azf0

[dgould77]

A major lesson of discipleship that can be learned only in Christian community is the belief that God is good even when the circumstances of life would lead us to believe otherwise. #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDQ_Hz4jQPf/?igshid=9qvtjincurr6

[dgould77]

“A hundred affirmations for every rebuke is just about the right ratio.” The problem is that most of us are not living with a hundred words of encouragement to every word of correction. We are starving for honest and meaningful affirmation in a world that knows better how to beat us up than build us up. Jesus calls us to more! #TransformingDiscipleship #EncourageSomeoneToday (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOZnujjUL_/?igshid=rncipo2l2a86

[dgould77]

A major reason we have not been producing fully devoted followers of Christ is that people have not been intentionally discipled in a manner that is reproducible. Can you imagine the kingdom impact if every believer had the opportunity to be involved in an intensive, year-long relationship with at least two others whose expressed purpose was to grow to become a reproducing disciple of Jesus? Church life would shift from the ministry of professionals to a mobilized body of multipliers. #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDBe-pZDWhu/?igshid=11d2hxr3j22xy

[dgould77]

“Discipling is an intentional relationship in which we walk alongside other disciples in order to encourage, equip, and challenge one another in love to grow toward maturity in Christ. This includes equipping the disciple to teach others as well.” #TransformingDiscipleship (at Addyston Place Neighborhood) https://www.instagram.com/p/CC-0oSxDO6T/?igshid=e06c9zhl5jh