Already Heard That

So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. — 1 Peter 1:12

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I played in a marching band. We rehearsed and practiced our routines constantly. (One year, we won the state competition!) A regular reminder, like practice, helps us stay focused and improve at something. It also frees us from being so mechanical when our big moment arrives.

In Between

[God] has been calling out from the world a people for himself, and sending his people back into the world to be his servants and his witnesses, for the extension of his kingdom, the building up of Christ’s body, and the glory of his name. ⏤ Lausanne Covenant, 1974

Called out from the world (holiness) and sent back into the world (service & witness). What happens in between? We come out world-like and must go back in Jesus-like. If that transformation doesn't take place, we are most dangerous. (Matt. 23:15)

Syllabus

...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you... — Matthew 28:20a

It's tempting to teach people how to live Biblical lives. It sets me up as an authority—a master. But Jesus calls us to make disciples of him, to teach people to observe (keep, obey, guard) his commands. My primary job is to point people to Christ and tell them to obey everything he says. If they can't figure it out or don't understand, I can help. But Jesus must be centered. After all, the whole canon of scripture testifies about him.