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Video: Justin Taylor and Jonathan Dodson on “Gospel-Centered Discipleship”

The terms “disciple” and “gospel-centered” are thrown around often in Christian circles these days, but what do they really mean? Join Justin Taylor and Jonathan Dodson as they discuss Dodson’s book Gospel-Centered Discipleship and discuss these oft-used terms. You can watch the whole conversation below or jump ahead to these highlights:

0:10 – In an ideal world, if Gospel-Centered Discipleship accomplished exactly what you wanted it to accomplish, how would churches, disciple-makers and disciples look different?

2:31 – What does it mean to be a disciple?

5:08 – So many people are using the term “gospel-centered” that it can seem like a buzz word or a fad. Why did you choose to use this phrase in the title of your book?

7:44 – You talk about not only sharing your faith but also your failures. Looking back at the last ten years of discipling others, how has your disciple-making changed? What are the differences? Where did you drop the ball?

11:35 – How are “Fight Clubs” different from the typical accountability partner or accountability group?

14:50 – Justin Taylor: “I had a hard time putting the book down, and I hope other people not only pick it up but read it and then apply it.”

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March 16, 2012 | Posted in: Sanctification/Growth,The Gospel,The Holy Spirit,Video | Author: Lindsay Tully @ 1:34 pm | 0 Comments »

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Treasured Words on the Altar of the Urgent

What goes through your mind as it hits the pillow each night? Are you able to say with Job, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread” (Job 23:12), or is our closed Bible on the altar of the urgent?

If we’re honest with ourselves, often, in the craziness of life, instead of treasuring and applying more Scripture to a heart that needs it we shy away from time in the Word.

In the prelude of For the Love of God, D.A. Carson offers the following observation:

The challenge [of reading our Bibles] has become increasingly severe in recent years, owing to several factors. All of us must confront the regular sins of laziness or lack of discipline, sins of the flesh, and of the pride of life. But there are additional pressures. The sheer pace of life affords us many excuses for sacrificing the important on the altar of the urgent. The constant sensory input from all sides is gently addictive—we become used to being entertained and diverted, and it is difficult to carve out the space and silence necessary for serious and thoughtful reading of Scripture. More seriously yet, the rising biblical illiteracy in Western culture means that the Bible is increasingly a closed book, even to many Christians. As the culture drifts away from its former rootedness in a Judeo-Christian understanding of God, history, truth, right and wrong, purpose, judgment, forgiveness, and community, so the Bible seems stranger and stranger. For precisely the same reason, it becomes all the more urgent to read it and reread it, so that at least confessing Christians preserve the heritage and outlook of a mind shaped and informed by holy Scripture.

This, then, ought to be our response: we are to read systematically and repeatedly from the Word of God so that we might rejoice in Scripture. When we do, we remove God’s Word from the altar of the urgent and rightly call its contents, “treasured.”

If you’re struggling to get into the word, here are some ideas to give you the jump start you may need to dive back in:

  • It’s not to late to start up on a Bible reading plan. (You can even have them sent directly to your email or synced with your iCal).
  • Gather a group of friends from church and start reading the Bible out loud together.
  • Find a prayer partner and pray through Scripture together on a weekly basis.
  • Read through some of the Old Testament narratives. Sometimes the narrative genre is a bit easier to jump into.

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February 1, 2012 | Posted in: Prayer,Sanctification/Growth,The Bible | Author: Ted Cockle @ 9:32 am | 0 Comments »

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The Book That Is Essential for Knowing God

Modified from Andy Naselli’s chapter in Don’t Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day

The Bible is necessary for us to know, trust, and obey God.
You must somehow hear the Bible’s message—whether by reading it yourself or hearing someone else read or explain it—in order to become a Christian. “The sacred writings . . . are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15). “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17, NIV).

You must keep hearing the Bible’s message to grow as a Christian.
This means hearing it read and preached, reading it, studying it, memorizing it, meditating on it, and applying it. A Christian needs the Bible like a human needs food and water. The need never goes away. That’s why Peter writes, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2). That “pure spiritual milk” is “the living and abiding word of God,” “the good news” (1 Pet. 1:23–25). Can you say with Job, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food” (Job 23:12)?

The Bible is necessary for more than survival. It’s our only infallible guide to navigate life wisely because it reveals God’s will. “How can a young man keep his way pure?” the psalmist asked.

By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Ps. 119:9–11)

How Should We Then Read?
Of course, our high view of Scripture won’t matter much if we don’t actually read the Bible. But, you may ask, how should we read this holy book? In one sense we should read the Bible like any other book. It consists of different styles of literature that express truth according to the intention of its authors. But we shouldn’t read the Bible merely like any other book because it is unique. There’s no other book like it.

Because the Bible stands over us, it requires reverence, submission, and obedience. Because it is completely truthful, it requires trust. Because its nature contrasts sharply with our finiteness and sinfulness, it requires humble reading that is always open to correction. And because it reveals God and his ways, it requires careful, prayerful reading that situates passages within its grand story of God’s creation, our fall, Christ’s redemption, and the universe’s consummation.

Rejoice with John Newton, author of Amazing Grace, that the Bible is a priceless book—a book like no other:

Precious Bible! What a treasure Does the Word of God afford! All I want for life or pleasure, Food and med’cine, shield and sword:
Let the world account me poor, Having this I need no more.

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January 24, 2012 | Posted in: Sanctification/Growth,Spiritual Growth,The Bible | Author: Lindsay Tully @ 8:00 am | 1 Comment »

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What Does Scripture Actually Accomplish?

We know we’re supposed to read our Bibles. We hold the deep conviction that this is God’s special revelation to us. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to nail down what reading God’s Word is actually supposed to accomplish.

Fortunately, the Bible isn’t silent on matters of its own effectiveness.

In The Gospel and Scripture: How to Read the Bible, Pastor Mike Bullmore has compiled a “representative sample” of what the Bible, itself, claims to do:

  1. It initiates faith: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”
    (Rom. 10:17).
  2. It gives new spiritual life: “You have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Pet. 1:23).
  3. It helps us grow spiritually: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation”
    (1 Pet. 2:2).
  4. It sanctifies: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
  5. It searches the heart and convicts: “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
  6. It liberates: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
  7. It refreshes and renews: “Give me life according to your word!” (Ps. 119:25).
  8. It revives and enlightens: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7; see also Ps. 19:8–11).

A Few Questions:

  1. Has the knowledge of these claims made it down to your heart yet?
  2. If you know these claims to be true, are you truly expecting them from Scripture?
  3. How could this change your approach reading the Bible?

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January 18, 2012 | Posted in: ESV,Pursuit of Holiness,Sanctification/Growth,Spiritual Growth,The Bible | Author: Ted Cockle @ 8:24 am | 0 Comments »

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The Beginning of Discipleship

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself.” The Gospel is a call for self-denial; it is not a call for self-fulfillment. Some view Jesus as a utilitarian genie—you rub the lamp, He jumps out and says, “You have whatever you want.” You give Him your list and He delivers. There are those who tell you Jesus came just to give you peace and joy. Jesus makes you a better salesman and Jesus helps you hit more home runs. Jesus really wants to elevate your self-image and put an end to your negative thinking.

The familiar words “enter through the narrow gate” are from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:13. Being a Christian means going through a narrow gate, a constricted passage that leaves no room for extra possessions, baggage, or needs. We have to be willing to give up everything. We aren’t going to get saved by dumping all our earthly goods and desires, but we have to be willing to do so. That’s how devoted we have to be to Christ, and that is the beginning of true discipleship.

– John MacArthur, adapted from Truth Endures (March 2011).

December 30, 2011 | Posted in: Pursuit of Holiness,Sanctification/Growth | Author: Crossway Staff @ 8:00 am | 0 Comments »

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