Jump Start # 3853
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
I received a surprising email a few weeks ago. It was from my preaching friend, Mark Roberts. Last year he had asked me to send him some class material on a variety of topics. I had forgotten that I had done that. In Mark’s email there was an attachment. It was a new class book that he had put together using material from the two of us. The thirteen lesson book is called E3 Discipleship: Enjoyable, Easy, Effective Christianity.
That concept is so refreshing, Biblical and needed today. It seems that among us some have the stuffin’ knocked out of them. They trudge into the church building, heads hanging down, frowns upon their long and sad faces, hoping that we sing, “Woe are we.” Doom and despair fill their hearts and there is simply nothing enjoyable about the walk with the Lord. Following Jesus is perceived like going to the dentist. It’s something that needs to be done, but no one really wants to do it, and on top of that, it’s likely to hurt. And, our time here is defined in terms of enduring, misery, and hardship. If we can only hang on until Heaven is what we tell ourselves.
In our verse today, the Lord promises to bring life. Abundant life. He is not talking about raising the dead or giving life to the lifeless. He is telling His disciples about the joy, hope and freedom that is found in walking daily with Him. The idea is not that the abundant life begins once you reach Heaven. It’s now. It’s today.
And, with stern and ugly expressions upon our faces, as if we drank a glass full of pickle juice, we wonder why evangelism fails so often among us. Lift up your countenance. We are sons and daughters of the King.
Here is a listing of the chapters in this new class book:
Lesson 1: How does God see me? Who am I?
Lesson 2: Enjoying life in Christ—Christianity an happiness
Lesson 3: The attitude of gratitude
Lesson 4: Grace, assurance and overcoming perfectionism
Lesson 5: Building habits for a strong walk with Christ
Lesson 6: Creating a sustainable prayer life
Lesson 7: How to do daily Bible reading and stick with it
Lesson 8: Rediscovering the joy of worship
Lesson 9: The power of community: building relationships with other Christians
Lesson 10: Balancing commitments and priorities: why am I so tired?
Lesson 11: Effective evangelism: sharing your story
Lesson 12: Living on purpose
Lesson 13: Finishing strong—keeping at it!
Built within each chapter are questions and discussion points. This could be a personal study for you. This could be a good starting point with a new Christian. This could be something to teach both teens and adults.
Two things about this class book. First, it is FREE. Yes, absolutely FREE. Second, it is in electronic format only. A pdf file. I can send you the electronic file and then you will have to print it out.
There are two major cultural changes that need to take place among many of us. First, is understanding that it’s great being a Christian. That joy and spirit needs to run strongly through us and among us. That will change the atmosphere of worship and fellowship. Second, Sunday is the best day of the week. It’s the best, not because it is a day off of work or the only day you can get away with taking a nap. It’s the day our Lord arose from the grave. It’s the day the first disciples gathered. It’s the day we remember. Everything is just a little different on Sunday. The world would be a better place if every day were a Sunday.
Enjoyable. Easy. Effective. That’s what Christianity ought to look like. That’s how it ought to be defined within us. E3—that’s the key.
If you are interested in this new class book, send me your email (Rogshouse@aol.com) and I will send you the electronic copy.
Mark and I both hope that this will help you in your walk with our wonderful Savior.
Roger