What does it mean to be a "follower of the way" as a Christian?

In this video, Paul Carrington reminds us that being a Christian is synonymous with being a follower of "The Way." As seen in Acts 9, disciples of Christ were not only defined by their faith but also their path. This path represents a journey, a discipleship that goes beyond the moment of conversion. It's a continuous journey of living in the light of Christ's teachings and His sacrifice for us.

Carrington points out that while the moment of becoming a Christian is often glorified, it's the steadfast pursuit of discipleship that truly matters. The journey doesn't end at the point of accepting Christ; rather, it's a lifelong commitment to living in His way. This calls for a consistent focus on Christ's teachings and a continuous alignment of our lives according to His will.

Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV): 'But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.'

How impactful is the practice of daily family worship in shaping the discipleship of children?

Robert Bosley emphasizes the immense value of family worship in the realm of discipleship. He explains that the home is the primary setting for discipleship, especially for young children. The family, ideally, becomes a primary place where the gospel is regularly preached to children, with family worship serving as a powerful tool for accomplishing this. Bosley illustrates his own family's routine, highlighting the commitment to family worship twice daily—morning and evening—where Scripture reading, singing, and prayer become integral parts of their regular routine, reinforcing the importance of God's Word in their lives.

It is important that children are consistently exposed to Scripture within the home environment. Bosley contrasts the limited time children spend in church gatherings, usually once a week for a relatively short duration, with the significant impact of daily immersion in God's Word through family worship. The continuous exposure to the Word of God on a daily basis, even if it's for a short duration, is emphasized as a vital element in the spiritual nurturing and growth of children.

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Are we letting the Word of God guide our church life?

Jeffrey D. Johnson points out a worrying trend in the modern church. He notes that many churches are failing to disciple their congregations correctly. Instead of focusing on the Word of God, they are using pragmatic methods to attract people, such as adapting their music or watering down the Gospel. This approach is teaching that doctrine and the Word of God are unimportant, leading to a rise in nominal Christianity.

Johnson contends that the best thing a church can do is to conduct itself according to the Scriptures. This means asking, "What does the Bible say the church is to do?" and then doing it. However, he notes that many churches are failing in this regard by not teaching the whole counsel of God. This failure is causing church members to be deficient in their understanding of God and His expectations of them.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NKJV): 'All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.'

What are the potential pitfalls of easy believism as a method of making disciples?

Dr. Joel Beeke highlights a common yet erroneous method of discipleship that has more harmful effects than benefits. This method, termed "easy believism," involves a shallow commitment to Christianity, often involving a simple hand raise or signing a card. The danger in this approach lies in the potential deception it causes. Individuals may believe they are saved, yet continue to live in sin without any real transformation. Dr. Beeke shares that this approach frequently results in false conversions.

For true discipleship to take place, there needs to be genuine repentance and a desire to follow Christ in every aspect of life. Dr. Beeke likens a true relationship with Christ to a faithful marital relationship, where the presence of a mistress would indicate a deceitful and insincere commitment. The same principle applies to a relationship with Christ. It's not enough to claim to be a Christian; one must bear the fruits of a godly life, demonstrating the transformation that comes with salvation.

Matthew 7:20 (NKJV): 'Therefore by their fruits you will know them.'

How much time is the church investing in teaching fathers to disciple their own children?

God has designated men, particularly fathers, to be teachers to their own children. Yet, there seems to be a gap in the training provided to these men for this critical task within the church. Paul Washer points out that just as men called into ministry are taught how to teach, fathers, who have also been called to teach, need to be trained in the same way. They need to be taught how to catechize, exemplify Christian living, and establish a Christian home.

There are many sincere men who are eager to fulfill their role as teachers to their children but are hindered by a lack of knowledge. The solution, Washer argues, begins with teaching. The church needs to invest more time in equipping fathers to carry out this divine mandate effectively, in order to prevent the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV): "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children."

Do we understand the significant role that mothers can play in the spiritual upbringing of their children?

Paul Carrington reminds us of the words of Spurgeon, who emphasized the inestimable value of a godly mother. Carrington encourages mothers who are laboring and struggling to teach their children to aim high, to pray and hope for their child's salvation. He emphasizes that the role of a mother is not only about nurturing her child's physical and emotional well-being, but she is also responsible for doing soul work.

Referring to Matthew Chapter 10, Carrington notes that Jesus urged his disciples to rejoice more in the fact that their names were written in heaven than in their authority over devils. In the same vein, the ultimate aim of mothers should be for the salvation of their children. While parents cannot save their children, they can be used by God as a means of salvation. This, Carrington asserts, is the high calling of mothers - to nurture not just professionals or great tradesmen, but souls for heaven.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Have you been passive in your spiritual life and feel it's too late to change?

Robert Bosley addresses this concern, reminding us that it's never too late to become intentional in our faith. He encourages us to put away idols and harmful habits and to use our past as a testimony to God's grace and faithfulness. Even if there are years of passivity, Bosley explains that God can change our hearts, leading us to be more active in worship and proactive in teaching His Word. He emphasizes that God's grace is sufficient to change our patterns and redeem even many lost years of idleness.

Bosley stresses that being in a rut of passivity doesn't mean we have to stay there. God often calls his people to do uncomfortable things, but He equips us to do them. While it might be easier not to teach our children and lead our families in worship, God gives us the grace and ability to do so. We are called to trust in the Lord, rely on His strength, and take up the mission He has entrusted us with. It's never too late to become active in our faith.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV): "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Jason Dohm explains that a disciple is essentially a student, a pupil, or a follower who has willingly placed themselves under the authority and instruction of another for the purpose of learning and growing. In the context of Christian faith, this means becoming a disciple of Jesus, striving to emulate His teachings and His way of life. As spoken by Jesus in Luke 6:40, "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher." Hence, the goal of every disciple of Jesus is to become more like Him over time.

Being a disciple of Jesus is a journey, a process of transformation. We start not being much like Him at all, but with His teachings and guidance, we learn to become more and more like Him. This journey is not just about imitation, but also about growth and transformation and about striving to embody the values, principles, and teachings that Jesus embodied.

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV): 'Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'

What does it mean to be a strong man in a culture that often views masculinity as toxic?

Jeffrey D. Johnson emphasizes the importance of fathers teaching their sons to be men through both words and actions. In a society that can sometimes diminish the value of masculinity, it is crucial for fathers to be strong role models. Johnson argues that children often learn more from observing their parents' actions than through direct instruction, even if these lessons are sometimes uncomfortable or difficult to hear. He speaks of his own experiences with his father, who taught him the importance of strength, integrity, and uncompromising truth through his actions.

Johnson argues that it is not just the words that are spoken that matter, but also the actions that are observed. He speaks of the importance of fathers showing their sons that they are loved, cared for, and respected. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating integrity and not compromising on the truth, even when it may be tempting to do so. Johnson's hope is that, like his own father, he will be able to disciple his children through his words and actions, providing an example for them to follow in their own lives.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

Is family worship a lost means of grace in our modern Christian experience?

Dr. Joel Beeke emphasizes the importance of family worship for the spiritual training of the next generation. He asserts that millions have been saved through the combined effect of preaching in church and family worship at home. Family worship, as he defines it, is more than just praying, singing, or reading the Scriptures; it involves intentional, daily instruction by the parents, particularly the father. This kind of spiritual nurturing instills faith in a profound and personal way, making the truths of Christianity a tangible reality for children.

Despite its significance, Beeke laments the fact that family worship, along with meditation, is often neglected in contemporary Christian practice. He points out that many well-meaning Christian parents are unaware of this loss and the duty they have to spiritually instruct their children. When parents engage in heart-to-heart conversations with their children about the Bible, they address every conceivable topic, thereby providing a comprehensive spiritual education. The affectionate and loving interaction between parent and child in the context of family worship is a powerful means of discipleship.

Deuteronomy 6:7 (NKJV): "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."