Conference - Night Two

"God's grace is what makes disciples... nothing else!"

Kieran Banks

From Hartlepool England came the resounding wisdom of a man touched and annointed by God this evening.  His name is Kieran Banks, and his grasp of the Gospel of Luke is amazing.  He brought forth a message about discipleship from the pen of Luke that was humbling and encouraging, all at once.

He pointed out to us all that disciples are not just "born that way."  It is a conscious decision to radically alter your life to follow Christ.  It is also true that disciples are called specifically to obedience: total and complete abandonment of all things in order to be fully compliant to the will of God and Christ.  Banks passionately pointed out that the challenge to follow Christ is not to decorate our studies with books and awards, but rather to decorate our lives with Him!  Such powerful and simple truths!  Kieran went on to tell us that disciples are called to model Christ, especially in that they are to be in and of prayer, at all times.  Prayer is what they are to be about, always.

And then he brought out the big guns... he pointed out that we, as disciples, are to bear PUBLIC WITNESS to the Name of Christ.  It is not something that you are built up to over time, but somethign you are called to do from the moment you put on salvation and the Blood of the Lamb.  You must go where you're needed; you must preach God's word; you must be empowered by the Holy Spirit.

"The life of the disciple is the outflow of the heart that has been filled with God's grace."  That is a powerful and profound truth.

And then there were two...

Dr. Mark Estep, Senior Pastor at Spring Baptist (and a personal mentor of mine), got up and took the podium.  And he asked a powerful question: how did the church, the Christian church, kill God in our lives?  And he answered it...

Some are busy attempting to shape Christ into our image of Him, rather than allowing Him to shape us into what He intends for us to be.  He stated, "the Bible doesn't teach us to elevate ourselves, but rather to abandon ourselves completely to God."  His wisdom on this is pointed and powerful.  We cannot continue in the hopes of "Living Our best Life Now" or "fixing Ourselves Completely In ___ Steps."  We must, rather, count ourselves as blessed to suffer for the cause of Christ, as the Word teaches.

Second, there are some who are attempting to be secret or invisible followers of Christ, not willing to stand up and point out that they are Christians.  They get nervous and scared and intimidated.  This is folly, as we are strengthened by Christ. 

Third, some are denying Christ by not confessing Him as Savior.  Please note, friends, that this will only have one point: anything less than daily witness in the Name of Christ is not discipleship.  Ever.

Last, some are not living a life worthy of Christ.  They fail to honor Jesus first.  They don't see the need to take up their own cross.  They fail to give themselves away to God completely. 

The worst part of all of this, though, is that while I use the monicker "some" in the points above, it is true of all of us at times.  We all have the moment when our own insecurities take over and shame us into a corner.  It is a truth that we must reconcile and become aware of, otherwise we will never overcome it.

These men both brought forth the Gospel truth tonight.  One from Luke, one from Matthew, but both from God.  Blessed truths and bold statements came out from the pulpit tonight, and it was powerful to watch as God used these men to spread forward His message.  It was, in short... AWESOME!

God bless you all!!!