The way of a Disciple

As I sat preparing for our recent sermon series, "The Way of A Disciple," I found myself reflecting on the profound simplicity—and yet profound challenge—of what it means to truly believe in Jesus. It's easy to approach belief as mere intellectual agreement. We nod along with the teachings of Jesus, perhaps appreciating his wisdom as Thomas Jefferson once did. Yet, there's a difference between admiring from a distance and experiencing the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus.

Jefferson, a figure from our history, famously respected Jesus' moral teachings. However, his rational mindset couldn't embrace the miracles or the supernatural aspects of Jesus' life. In a rather vivid move, he literally edited the Gospels to create The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, stripping away everything he found implausible. Jefferson's approach serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that simply respecting Jesus' teachings is not enough. True belief means abiding in him—a continual, relational engagement that goes beyond agreement and enters the realm of transformation.

In our community and personal lives, the call to abide in Jesus is just as relevant. As we explored John 15:1-11 together, we focused on Jesus' powerful metaphor of the vine and the branches. Jesus doesn’t just suggest a casual acquaintance with his teachings; he invites us into a life-giving relationship where abiding is the key. He calls us to let his words dwell in us richly, to obey his commands, and to bear fruit that glorifies the Father.

Abiding isn't passive. It requires intentionality. It's not something we stumble into accidentally. Just like roots grow deep into the soil through time and nutrient-rich environments, our spiritual roots deepen as we spend consistent time in the Word and in community with one another. This is where real transformation happens—when we allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, reshaping our hearts and aligning our desires with Christ’s.

In this series, we delved into practical ways to cultivate this abiding relationship, introducing rhythms like Discovery Bible Study. This approach is beautiful in its simplicity and accessibility. It centers around engaging with Scripture collectively, asking questions, and listening for the Holy Spirit's guidance. This isn't about acquiring more information but about encountering the living Jesus and allowing his presence to transform us from the inside out.

If there’s anything I hope you take away from these teachings, it’s this: True belief in Jesus is more than agreement—it’s abiding. It's a daily commitment, a choice to remain rooted in him so that his life can flow through us, bearing good fruit. It's about embodying the fruits of the Spirit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, and so on—not by our own efforts but through staying connected to the true vine.

As we go forward, let's choose to slow down. Let’s open our hearts to abide in Jesus more deeply, allowing his word and his spirit to transform us. In doing so, we won't just be followers of a historic teacher—we'll be disciples of the living Christ, bearing witness to the world of his enduring love and grace.

In grace and peace,