The Four Steps to
Discipleship: The Holy Season of Advent 1996
Dr. John C. Ogden, Senior Minister, Dec. 1996
Of course, much could be written and said about the role of
the Christian disciple. The popularity of The Discipleship Bible Study, which
some of you have experienced recently, is but one example of one way in which
you can strengthen your spiritual life, so you can become a more well informed
disciple.
STUDY. At the top of my list, I would have to put
the role and the place of careful study of the Holy Scripture. What do we learn when we study both the Old
and the New Testaments? Going back to the Book for reading, study reflection,
and careful listening is for me the very first step of being a good
disciple. There is an obvious need to
know what God has said and such knowledge can only come through personal study.
ACTION. Then, I
must find certain ways to put my faith in Jesus Christ to work in the world. Caring
for those persons whose personal needs are so obvious, reaching out to all
kinds of people daily, and being a witness is crucial. I must find different
and unusual ways each day to put into practice what I think/preach/teach, so my
faith can take on some kind of form. What I think and what I do must join
hands.
COMPASSION. In my study of the New Testament, I quickly discover the great compassion of Jesus Christ. He loved all kinds of people. He cared for everyone. He was a very good friend to those who had no friends. He always had the time to stop and listen to someone tell their life story. Remember the woman at the well?? What a story! He invited the little children to come to him.
COMPASSION. In my study of the New Testament, I quickly discover the great compassion of Jesus Christ. He loved all kinds of people. He cared for everyone. He was a very good friend to those who had no friends. He always had the time to stop and listen to someone tell their life story. Remember the woman at the well?? What a story! He invited the little children to come to him.
PRAYER. I must
find time during the week to be in prayer. Praying for the world, praying for
those whose needs I know, praying for direction and guidance as I move from day
to day. Just being in the Presence of God, so I can hear what I need to hear
and be aware of the great power and the reality of the God of the Universe is
for me a great joy.
[“Then and Now Disciples.” Charge Conference Report, Wesley
United Methodist Church, Dec. 4, 1996]
 |
| Long time member David Hoke crafted the logo for the charge conference report of 1996. |
No comments:
Post a Comment