Chapter 13

Is there an “essential” Christianity? It is hard to imagine or determine what the essentials would be these days because Christians seem to fight about almost everything. Much of the disagreement among Christians concerns doctrinal or ethical issues, as we all well know. These disagreements have led to squabbles and divisions for many centuries. Still, I believe there are essentials. An essential has to do with the “essence” of something: what makes it itself and not something else. I believe there are three “greats” that define essential, basic, or mere Christianity. The first is the “Great Tradition” of historic Christian belief, which centers on the Triune God. The second is the “Great Commission,” which addresses the priority of making disciples. The third is the “Great Commandment,” which mandates that we love others as we love ourselves, though Jesus actually amended this OT commandment by telling us to love others as Jesus loved. What do you learn about the Christian essentials in the following texts:

Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-20; John 15:1-11; Matthew 28:16-20; Matthew 19:16-30; John 13:1-11, 31-35

Begin praying for three people. Try to pray for them every day. If possible or appropriate, the first should a member of your family, either immediate or extended; the second should be a friend, neighbor, or associate at work or school; the third should be someone, near or far, who is hard for you to love. Christ commands us to love as he loves, and to “make disciples,” which means that through the power of the Holy Spirit and our influence (it must be both) they come to know something of the love of Christ and learn something of what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Where to start? By praying daily for them. What should you pray?

• Lord, I give this person to you. Make them yours.

• Empower me to love them well.

• Help me to be a godly influence on them.

• Give me eyes to see what you are trying to do in their lives.

• Enable me to contribute to your work in their lives.

What did you learn about Christian essentials from the chapter, the biblical texts, and the spiritual exercise? Why do we tend to define Christian essentials in terms of Christian beliefs alone, but not Christian behaviors? How can you work these Christian essentials in your own life?

John 15:1-5

John 13:34-35