Transforming Discipleship (Chapter Review) By Greg Ogden

This is a chapter review of one of the best books, in my opinion on DISCIPLESHIP.

Chapter #1
The Biblical Standard and the Current Reality

Proactive Ministers: The Scriptures picture the church as full of proactive ministers; the reality is that a majority of church members are passive recipients.
The NT picture of the church is an every-member ministry.
We are called by the apostle Peter, “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).
Each believer is a part of the body who is to contribute to the health of the whole body.
80/20 Rule: 20% of the church does 80% of the work; 20% of the congregation gives 80% of the income; 20% serve the 80% who are consumers of their efforts.
A disciplined way of life. The Scriptures picture followers of Jesus as engaged in a disciplined way of life; the reality is that a small percentage of believers invests in spiritual growth practices.
Practice, practice and practice. Athletes are great not because of their performance in the game but because of their practice before the game
Milk-Fed Christians vs. Solid-Food Christians
1 out of 6 adults attend a group or relational process designed to help them grow spiritually
Discipleship affects all of life. The Scriptures picture discipleship as affecting all spheres of life; the reality is that many believers have relegated faith to the personal private realm.
The Kingdom of God affects every area of our life. Every area of life comes under the authority of Jesus Christ.
The dividing line is not between sacred and secular but between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of darkness.
No difference between sacred and secular.
We are to follow Christ in all areas of our lives, not just the times we are in church.
A Counter cultural Force. The Scriptures picture the Christian community as a counter cultural force; the reality is that we see isolated individuals whose lifestyle and values are not much different from those of the unchurched.
Radical Non-Conformity
Believers are aliens, exiles and sojourners in relationship to this present world (1 Peter 2:11).
We are a holy nation. To be holy is to be a called out people, meaning separate or different.
Compassion and Costly service are trademarks of a Christian life.
Believers have to measure success and deny the temptation of consumerism.
An essential, chose organism. The Scriptures picture the church as an essential, chosen organism in whom Christ dwells’ the reality is that people view the church as an option institution, unnecessary for discipleship.
The church of Jesus Christ is nothing less than his corporate replacement on earth. Jesus continues his incarnation by dwelling in his people.
The church is not like the body of Christ but is the body of Christ.
The church is central to God’s plan of salvation, not an option.
To be a follower of Christ is to understand that there is no such thing as solo discipleship.
Believers must understand that they are in a covenantal relationship with the church.
Biblically informed people. The Scriptures picture believers as biblically informed people whose lives are founded on revealed truth; the reality is that most believers are biblically ignorant people whose lives are a syncretistic compromise.
The Bible is a trustworthy depository of Gods self-revelation to humanity.
Bible is God-breathed.
Jesus is the word made flesh.
Prayer and Bible study should dominate a believer’s life.
“American’s revere the Bible, but they don’t read it.” Gallop
Preaches and teachers cannot assume their audience knows the stories of the bible.
People who share their faith. The Scriptures picture all believers as those who share the story of their faith in Christ with others; the reality is we are an intimidated people who shrink from personal witness.
We are storytellers.
The Bible spins a love story of God’s pursuit of wayward community.
Those who have been captured by Jesus have a story to tell about how God chased us down and embraced in loving arms.
We have an assigned part to play in God’s history by telling our story about God’s love in Christ.
We are all called to be witnesses. (Acts 1:8)
The Gospel is “the power of God for salvation.” (Rom 1:16)
If a non-believer looks at your life, will he/she say, “If I become a Christian, am I trading up or trading down?” Billy Hybels