history is about to be made

On the eve of this historic day, I've decided to make a little history, myself.  Yes that's right, I have decided to take up blogging once again.  I say "again" because this is perhaps the 4th time I've created a blog.

So tonight I read a blog by Bill Hull, who I think is a really brilliant, on point Christian thinker today.  (Here is his blog if you want to check it out 

In his blog he writes about the defeat of the Gospel which he breaks down like this:  The gospel, or salvation, can be broken into three parts: conversion, discipleship and glorification.  The defeat of the gospel comes in when we as Christians in begin to teach that discipleship comes in different "models" or degrees, almost like that of choosing what type of upgrade package you'd purchase for a car.  Instead of looking to the Word to what Christ says about being one of his disciples, we have constructed various levels for ourselves which often reflect very little of the things the Jesus demands of His disciples.  Even the church is guilty at times of labeling as radical what Jesus requires of His followers.  We avoid true discipleship because we erroneously believe that to truly be a disciple would mean more church, more study and more work.  What Jesus really gives is more life!  We miss out on so much because we fail to recognize that Jesus demands a life of true discipleship not because he's arbitrary and capricious and wants to make us jump through hoops, but because He desires for us to really know Him and to live lives that truly reflect His greatness.  

I feel like Bill Hull is right on with this.  During my initial read of his blog, I found myself  not only agreeing, but even thinking of people in my life that I know who have fallen into this sad "designer discipleship" trap.  But the more I think about it now, the more I recognize how much I do this too.  There are times where I stroll through my Christian life as though it's a buffet and I am picking and choosing the things that suit my appetite at present.  I pass some things by because I don't really trust that the Lord asks these things of me for my own good and for the furtherance of His glory and kingdom.   Thankfully, the Lord is full of mercy and grace and He continues to teach me and sanctify my ever wandering heart.

I hope that you will take the time to read some of Bill Hull's blogs.  He's a pretty insightful guy and I've gleaned a lot of wisdom from him.  

Thanks for stopping by!