Discipleship: Catalyst for the Abundant Life

"My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10b (NLT).

Belief in Jesus Christ and becoming His disciple is the road to receiving what Jesus has purposed to give you: a rich and satisfying life. The biggest obstacle to living the abundant life that Jesus promises is ignorance of how to follow His principles for the Kingdom lifestyle. Most people default to their cultural beliefs about truth, unless they have understandable resources and teachers to help them learn to think and act Biblically. This often results in a Christianity that is a mixture of Biblical truths and pagan cultural ideas. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 (NIV). The world has patterns of thinking and behaviors which must be replaced by a transformed mind and lifestyle. We don't want to mix those patterns of thinking with the transforming Biblical truths..

"Do not worship the Lord your God in the way these pagan peoples worship their gods... Completely erase the names of their gods!" Deuteronomy 12:4,3b (NLT). This verse describes syncretism, which is the use of worldly or pagan ideas to worship and serve God. Syncretism is probably the most significant block to believers experiencing God's blessings. 

"A disciple is not better than his teacher. But everyone who is fully-trained will be like his teacher." Luke 6:40 (ISV).

The challenge for every believer is to become like our teacher Jesus and to simultaneously disciple others to become like Jesus. This challenge requires tearing down syncretistic strongholds in our thinking, while building a Biblical culture in our minds and lives. As disciples, we must search the Scriptures to improve the accuracy of our Biblical understandings. As disciple-makers, we get to teach these truths to others who will be able to pass them on to their children, spouses, and friends.

"You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others." 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT).

Let's examine our assumptions and actions to see if they are Biblical, reducing our syncretism and living out the pure word of God as examples for others to see.

"The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." Psalm 12:6 (NKJV).