Sunday, June 10, 2018

Discipled by Jesus by Robert Gelinas

Being discipled is a big deal in the Christian church. Jesus commanded that we make disciples. Living in a community with a naval air station, I was discipled by a representative of the Navigators. For some reason, I never felt that disciple making technique worked. I was glad to find in this book that Gelinas has figured out the problem. We are to be discipled by Jesus, not another person or the church.

Real discipleship, says, Gelinas, is a relationship with Jesus where we are led by, taught by, and loved by Jesus. (Loc 345/2563) Yes, Jesus is alive and still discipling people today. My question was, “How?”

After proving his point of Jesus discipling today, Gelinas did, in fact, help us understand how Jesus does so. We need to be listening to what Jesus is saying, Gelinas writes. We have neglected those practices that create the space for us to listen. He gives us his technique and offers good suggestions regarding prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and being “in the spirit.”

I highly recommend this book. Some say being a follower of Jesus is modeling a life after Him, fasting, solitude, etc. But Gelinas wants Christians to go well beyond that, to a personal relationship with the living Jesus, to be called by, led by, filled by, and taught by Jesus Himself. (Loc 1327/2362) This book has given me an insightful and new understanding of what it means to be in a discipling relationship with the greatest teacher of all time.

You can read a PDF excerpt here.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Robert Gelinas is a pastor, writer, and teacher of God's Word. He and his family live in the Denver area. You can find out more at https://robertrgelinas.com/.

NavPress, 208 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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