"...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:5
What’s the difference between discipleship and sanctification? If you’ve been justified why does any of that matter? You might even ask what does it mean to be justified? Is your faith a private or public matter or maybe both? Are you prepared to hold fast to Jesus during the trials of life or are you worried that you might lose your faith when disaster strikes? Did you lose faith when disaster struck? And when someone sees that cross dangling from your neck or wrist are you prepared to give biblical answers about God? Lastly, has your church, if you attend one, been at your side to help you answer all these questions?
A few of my friends volunteer with an online Christian ministry that helps both believers and non-believers find answers to some of the most fundamental questions about our faith. Of the 38 students I’ve worked with over the last eight months, nearly all identified as Christians. Yet, without fail, they all admitted that they didn’t truly know the God they claimed to follow. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. A nationwide survey found that only 1% of churches have active discipleship programs—programs specifically designed to strengthen our foundational understanding of Christianity. These programs aim to fulfill Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19: to make disciples.
But really, what is the goal of all of this? It’s two-fold. The first is sharing the Gospel across our communities. But the second, seemingly most overlooked part of the job for our churches and each believer, is helping our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remain steadfast and on the narrow path. In other words, becoming more Christ-like or sanctified.
I’ve gone through quite the trial these last few months and I’ve come to realize how much work, not only I had put in, but was put in to me to help me through it. There was death, deep forgiveness, immeasurable love and patience, a church loss, joy, and tears. Holding my hand through it all was the gift of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of God’s Word and many, many fellow believers (some who know me well and some who will never know me at all!).
When life took an unexpected turn last year, I had just finished my last series, “30 Days of Worship.” I missed writing and missed connecting with all of you. I found myself gazing longingly at my computer. But God whispered, “Not yet. I’m teaching you a new thing.” So here I am, still in the midst of my new thing. But looking back to what I have learned, ready to do my part in discipleship. Sharing with you the Good News and how we can hold fast to it.
I hope you join me over the next month or so as I share with you my new series, “On Being Sanctified.” Why? Because we can all use a little help getting through the fires as God purifies our hearts, preparing us for the day we see our LORD and Savior face to face. Please follow the blog for my posts and share with your friends!
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