Transformational Living

The ultimate proof of a successful church through the lens of the kingdom of God is transformed , Christlike disciples. That is the bottom line. That is the reason the church exists. One of the great church leaders of our day, Charles Crabtree, says,: “if a church is not producing growing, Spirit-filled, effective disciples, it cannot be termed successful within the kingdom of God, no matter how big or popular.” In his book, "Transformational Discipleship", Crabtree tells the story of a man who had a dream. He stood at the gate of heaven and confronted Peter. The man asked, “What does it take to get into heaven?” Peter answered, “One thousand points.” “Okay,” said the man, “I have been faithful in church attendance all my life.” Peter said, “That’s one point.” The man was taken aback , but then he remembered: “I was a deacon in my church for over twenty years.” Peter said, “That’s another point.” With real anxiety the man said, “But I did many things to help people.” Peter said , “That’s one more point.” In great despair the man said, “If all I can garner is three points for a long life in the church and doing good works, I guess I am just going to have to throw myself on the mercy of God and the love of Christ displayed on the cross.” Peter said, “ That’s a thousand points; come on in.”

It is not man’s plan that gets us to heaven it is God’s plan. It is not church attendance or work. It is about relationship with God through the transformational new birth in Christ. Discipleship takes us from the point of the new birth and makes our faith a lifestyle.

One of the statements that someone wrote on the “Wall of Discipleship” at church Sunday was the two words, “Be Bold.” It takes boldness to stand strong for God and to truly be a disciple. It is easier to be bold when we understand that the Lord our God is with us.

I am ending my blog this morning with a quote from Laura, a young lady in our church who said it all on Sunday when she vocalized her prayer:

“God,I want to be able to look in the mirror a year from now and not be able to recognize myself because of the changes you has made in my life.”

Well said Laura. Thank you for being willing to publicly pray the “dangerous” prayer. God is into transformation and change.