Why does fellowship matter?
January 28, 2024 • Grant Agler
What is a disciple
January 7, 2024 • Grant Agler
Grant Agler begins by emphasizing the unique identity of Christians as members of the Kingdom of God, which is distinct from any earthly kingdom. He underscores that this kingdom is not of this world, as Jesus declared to Pilate, and that Christians are called to live differently, with different priorities than those commonly pursued in the world. Agler stresses that Christians are citizens of heaven, and their mission on earth is different from worldly pursuits. The core mission for Christians, as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 28, is to make disciples. This mission is not just for church leaders but for every individual who is part of the Kingdom of God. Agler points out that this mission involves helping to restore relationships with God and spreading the message of Christ. He reassures that in this daunting task, Christians are not alone; Jesus promised to be with them always. Agler then addresses the issue of what is broken in humanity, which he identifies as sin and disobedience. He asserts that only those who are part of the Kingdom of God truly understand this problem and that Jesus came to solve it by dying for everyone's sins. The solution offered is for individuals to choose and believe in Jesus, leading to a restored relationship with God. The cultural context in which Christians are to carry out their mission has shifted significantly. Agler describes three cultural eras: pre-Christian, Christian, and post-Christian. In a pre-Christian culture, the gospel spreads rapidly as people hear the message of grace for the first time. In a Christian culture, there is a general acceptance of Christianity and the Bible's authority. However, in a post-Christian culture, which is where Agler believes the United States is heading, the Bible and the church no longer hold the same authority for many people. Agler warns against two main threats within the church that can lead people astray: progressive theology and Christian nationalism. Progressive theology, according to Agler, avoids identifying sin as the problem with humanity and seeks a utopian society through inclusion, which he argues is not the gospel. Christian nationalism, on the other hand, aims to impose Kingdom values on those who do not believe in Jesus, which Agler also criticizes as missing the true mission of making disciples. Agler emphasizes the importance of personal discipleship, which involves knowing the fundamentals of faith, being on mission with Christ, and being part of a biblical community. He encourages individuals to focus on these aspects to grow in their relationship with Christ. He also outlines the church's role in supporting this discipleship journey, which includes weekend services, mission teams, and community groups. In conclusion, Agler calls for a renewed focus on discipleship and making it a priority in the coming year. He invites everyone to participate in an 11-week discipleship journey called Rooted, which aims to help individuals grow in their faith and become disciples who make disciples. **Key Takeaways:** - The identity of a Christian is rooted in being part of a Kingdom that is not of this world, which requires a different set of priorities and a mission that is distinct from earthly pursuits. This understanding is crucial for living out the Christian faith authentically and effectively. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxxshtmjjk&t=1669s - Making disciples is the central mission given by Jesus to all Christians, not just church leaders. This mission involves sharing and living out the gospel, which addresses the core issue of sin in humanity. Understanding and embracing this mission is essential for fulfilling the purpose of the Kingdom of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxxshtmjjk&t=1937s - The cultural shift to a post-Christian context requires Christians to adapt their approach to discipleship. The assumption that others share the same values or respect for the Bible is no longer valid, and personal, relational evangelism becomes increasingly important. Christians must be intentional in how they live out and share their faith in this new cultural landscape. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxxshtmjjk&t=2466s - Progressive theology and Christian nationalism are identified as two significant threats that can distort the gospel message within the church. Recognizing and avoiding these distortions is vital for maintaining the integrity of the Christian mission and ensuring that the focus remains on making true disciples of Jesus. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxxshtmjjk&t=2878s - Personal growth in discipleship is a continuous process that involves understanding the fundamentals of faith, engaging in the mission of Christ, and being part of a biblical community. These elements are foundational for a robust and growing relationship with Christ and are necessary for the health and effectiveness of the church. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcxxshtmjjk&t=3524s