Many Christians say they are fully submitted to the authority of Jesus. But many of those same Christians have no meaningful authority in their lives at all.

People say, “God I trust. But I can’t trust in people because people fail, right?” It seems like a spiritual thing to say, but is it biblical?

If you’re a thoughtful person you’re wondering what I mean by authority. Let’s briefly walk through the three predominant (there’s probably more) authority models operating in the church.

First, there is institutional authority. Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican traditions have Christ as the head, then the Church office (Pope, Cardinals and Bishops), then local leadership (Priests) then members.

Second, exercised mostly in Evangelical circles, is independent spiritual authority. This basically says Jesus is my authority and I’m responsible to only him and his Word. This is seen primarily in how loose the structure is surrounding believers in non denominational and evangelical circles. It’s possible to be a “member” at multiple churches, depending on the size of the church, people can leave without leadership even knowing about it, spiritual discipline is rare and pastoral authority is usually limited to teaching and casting vision on Sundays. Add to this the rise of platform authority via podcasts and conferences and you have believers who will submit more to someone they hear online than their own pastor. This is what it looks like when there is independent spiritual authority.

Third, there is shepherding authority. This is relational authority where the leaders know and care for those they are leading. It is also relational in that those being led acknowledge the role and blessing of the leaders the Holy Spirit has placed in their lives.

This is closest to what I see found in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the head of the Church (Colossians 1:18), he delegates his authority to leaders and overseers (Acts 20:28) who care for, shepherd and expand the church of God, without being domineering or using their authority to control or manipulate those under their care. Believers are then invited to acknowledge this authority and to submit to it understanding that it is provided to them for protection, formation, discipline and spiritual growth (Hebrews 13:17).

To be clear, Biblical authority is never coercive, manipulative or controlling. Jesus rejects this type of leadership and instead elevates servant leadership, something he modeled for those who would follow in his steps.

So why is it that we resist spiritual authority? I’ll submit three reasons. First, there has been the abuse of authority in every denomination and at every level. This abuse of power is not new to our day and isn’t something that we have to figure out. This causes tremendous pain and distrust and only in the presence of true godly authority can these breaches be repaired. Second, individualism has crept into the church. We want to do the things that we want to do, when we want to do them and how we want to do them. Again, not new, but still devastating if left unchecked. Finally, we have done a poor job in discipleship. We have a lot of Christians and few disciples (thanking Dallas Willard for clear language here). Poor discipleship has led to these giant gaps in understanding which results in massive amounts of confusion.

I appreciate the tension that believers feel when someone starts talking about spiritual authority, likely for one of the three reasons I listed above. But the remedy isn’t to resist spiritual authority or to accept it blindly. We must be informed and illuminated to the Biblical purpose of it.

Jesus delegates his authority to men and women, not so that they can become little lords, but so that they can protect, form and mature those who have been given to them. Look at Hebrews 13:17…

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Leaders will have to give an account for the souls of those whom they were called to lead. This goes both ways. The exhortation is for those being led, but the warning is for those leading. It takes courage to lead and it takes humility to submit your life to someone who isn’t Christ in the flesh. But this is exactly how Jesus designed his church.

The New Testament never portrays individuals doing the Christian life on their own, mystically submitted to Christ without any pastoral or elder oversight. Instead, it paints a picture of a spiritual family, some more mature than others, entrusted by the Holy Spirit as shepherds, all living under the ultimate authority and headship of Jesus Christ.

The question isn’t whether or not Jesus has authority in your life, most Christians would gladly acknowledge that. The question is, who has Jesus entrusted to shepherd and oversee your soul?

How unified and clear are Christians on the biblical definition of Church? How can we work together to heal something if we aren’t clear what it is that we are mending?

Are you willing to participate in this experiment?

Before reading any further, how would you answer this question biblically? "What makes a church a church?” Put your definition in the comments without reading other people’s answers, read the article, then go ahead and read the rest of the comments. I think the comments will be insightful!

What would happen if our Sunday services were cancelled? If there was no building, no band and no livestream? What would remain? Would we still know who the church is?

Many Christians associate Church with a building, a brand, a denomination, a location. The most common question we ask is very telling…

Where do you go to church?

It’s almost laughable if someone responds, “We are the church.”

They reply, “You know what I mean, what church are you a part of? Whats the name of the church? What denomination is it?”

We can’t help it. We are a tribal people and we long to belong to something and to someone(s). And the church was always meant to meet that need. To give people a sense of belonging in the family of God. But what was once a family, is now often replaced with organizations. To be clear, I’m not against organizations and I’m not against brands. Countless churches that have buildings, 501c3 structure, staff, bands and livestreams are making a massive impact in peoples lives.

I’m simply grappling with the implications of the lack of clarity on what makes a church a church. I ask questions because I have found that questions bring me closer to the heart of God more than assumptions do.

From what I read in the Bible, the Church could be defined in this way.

The Church is not an event. It is a people. A defined assembly of baptized believers in Jesus Christ, under recognized shepherds, devoted to the apostles teaching, practicing the Lord’s Supper, exercising mutual accountability, making disciples and living on mission.

So ask yourself this question again. If the building, staff positions and weekly service disappeared tomorrow, what would have to remain for the Church to still exist? Most of us have not been taught to answer that question. And if we don’t know how to define the church biblically, then we don’t know who is leading it, who belongs to it and what we are responsible for.

Asking these questions isn’t about rebellion or a revolution, it’s about clarity. Because until we can define the church, growing it and maturing it will be near impossible.

disclaimer. I’m not an expert and this is simply an attempt to articulate some tension I feel around this subject. I’m sharing with those who read some thoughts and convictions I have about the subject. Test and weigh everything by the Word of God.

Almost every believer I meet, young or old, in full-time ministry or not, acknowledges the importance of discipleship. We all agree, it’s really important. Making disciples is the focus of the Great Commission, the universal call of every believer in Jesus Christ. So why is it, that something so universally agreed upon (in that it’s important) is so rarely practiced and poorly defined in the Church?

Go ahead, text three of the godly friends you know, “What is discipleship? How do you make a disciple? How do I know I’m a disciple and not just a believer?”

Doing life with each other. Bible studies. Ministry school. Believing the gospel. Learning about God. These are all good things, but these definitions aren’t tight enough.

If you get three uniform answers to those three questions, I will send you $100! (Screenshots needed)

Discipleship seems hard and confusing because we (the Church) have done a poor job of defining it and describing it. And because we’ve been essentially lazy in defining it, we are not very good at practicing it in a way that can be passed on from generation to generation. Let’s look at the text. (i’m omitting verses so you have to open your Bible and find it)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28)

“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14)

“So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14)

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” (John 8)

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13)

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15)

“A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6)

“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.” (Acts 14)

These are just a few of the texts that specifically use the word disciple. Let’s start with the actual Biblical definition of the word disciple.

From the verb μανθάνω (manthanō)
Meaning: to learn, to be instructed, to understand by practice or experience

A μαθητής (mathētēs) is:

A learner, pupil, apprentice — one who follows a teacher in order to learn from him and become like him. One who attaches himself to a teacher in order to learn from him, follow him, imitate him, and ultimately become like him.

Jesus is our Teacher. We are the disciples, the learners, the ones who attach ourselves to him (by faith) in order that we may become like him.

So how does Jesus teach us? How do we attach ourselves to him? Is it just, read the Bible and do your best to figure out how to learn from and follow him? Was there a unified message or a common way that was known to the Church that became the discipleship path for every believer? I believe there was…and that way, that message….

Was/Is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The power of God to save humanity from sin, to attach us to the Son by the Holy Spirit and to supply us grace so that we could actually grow up and mature into his likeness.

No more separation between God and man revealed in the person of Christ. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He was crucified, buried, sealed in a tomb and on the third day raised from the dead, the firstborn! He ascended and was exalted to the highest place, sitting down on the throne of grace, victorious and triumphant as a Lamb who had been slain. Now he lives to make intercession for those who belong to him and who are waiting for and hastening His return as Faithful and True.

This Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Way. It is the path of discipleship for those who believe. Yes, we begin at the cross, but we continue until He returns. Drinking deeply of the Spirit of God along the way. Feasting on the abundance of His house.

A small, transactional, one dimensional, unintentionally man centered gospel has left the church without a compass as it pertains to discipleship. Once the gospel is restored, discipleship will be restored. This will now shape all that we do. Our church meetings whether in large buildings or in homes or at conferences will begin to focus more on who Jesus is, what he has done and the unified faith of the Church in joyous response.

So let’s ask the question again in light of the gospel…

Am I a disciple?

Have I truly seen the Christ? Do I understand and have I been taught who he is as the Lamb of God, my Great High Priest and returning Bridegroom and Judge? Have I been taught and do I understand how his life and work saves me from sin? Do I understand that he desires and designed me to live in union with him? Have I given him my life (my old man and my old way of doing things) in exchange for his life? Have I been taught to abide, to continue in this word of truth until He returns?

How do you make a disciple?

By preaching, teaching, demonstrating and celebrating the gospel of Jesus Christ in a way that causes those who believe in him, to become like him in word and deed.

until He returns,

PKL

^“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27)

If I had the opportunity to preach one message to the entire Church it would be this one.

First, our manner of life, not just what we do, but how we do it, should be commensurate with the gospel. What does that mean? It means first that our lives are marked by humility, the very essence of the nature of God. And in humility, all the other graces of Christ will grow and be evident. Kindness, long suffering, gentleness, self control and all the other fruits of the Spirit.

Second, Paul wanted them to be standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. So what is the faith of the gospel and how do we strive for it? After reading this, maybe text one or two of your Christian friends and ask them, “Hey, what is the faith of the gospel?” Ask pastors, ask mentors, ask lots of different people and notice how many different answers you will get. How can we be of one mind if we can’t simply articulate the faith that we are supposed to be striving for?

THE faith of THE Gospel

1. The Incarnation — Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth. The faith of the gospel says and believes that there is now no separation between God and man through the person of Christ. He calls to us, “Follow me” and our faithful confession is, “I have been called by God!”

2. The Cross — The Lamb of God was crucified at the hands of sinful min. He who knew no sin became sin so that we could become the righteousness of God in Christ. The faith of the gospel says and believes that the sins of mankind have been forgiven, that our sinful nature (the old man) was crucified and we are now free from sin. To those who have put their faith in the cross of Christ, we say, “I have been crucified with Christ!”

3. The Grave — Jesus descended into the depths, Hades itself, and he conquered death by his own death. He defeated both Satan and Death and the sinfulness of mankind doesn’t remain visible but is buried once and for all. To those who believe, we confess, “I have been buried with Christ through baptism!”

4. The Resurrection — On the third day after this death, Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father and by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the firstborn (not the last born) from the dead. To those who believe, with fire in our hearts we triumphantly confess, “I have been resurrected to newness of life and I will now reign in this life, by the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness, through the one man Jesus Christ!”

5. The Ascension — For forty days after his resurrection, Jesus presented himself alive to his disciples by many proofs. On the fortieth day, on the Mount of Olives, he ascended into heaven. Paul writes to the Church in Colossians, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) We now have access to an elevated perspective, our life hidden with Christ in God. So the faith of the gospel brings freedom from being earthbound and says, “I have been raised with Christ!”

6. The Throne of Grace — We know that as Jesus ascended, he entered into heaven, securing an eternal redemption by his own blood and becoming a Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek who sits on the throne of grace making intercession for his saints. The faith of the gospel receives his ministry, remains in confidence because of the shed blood and torn veil of his flesh and enjoys the privileged place of having been seated with Christ in heavenly places. Our confession then flows, “I have been seated with Christ in heavenly places!”

7. The Returning Bridegroom Judge — Jesus promised that he would one day soon return on a white horse, wearing a white robe dipped in blood and as Faithful and True would execute his judgements on the earth and marry His Bride, the Church. The faith of the gospel knows Jesus as our Blessed Hope and in eager expectation we stay dressed for action and we keep our lamps burning. The faith of the gospel speaks in this way, “I will hasten and be ready for his return!”

Friends, this is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is immovable. It can’t be argued with. It hasn’t changed or moved since it’s revealing to mankind. This doctrine, this teaching is safe and it is sound. It produces godliness, holiness and the purity without which we cannot see God! Let us strive for this faith of the gospel and let our manner of lives be worthy of this glorious gospel!!

until He returns,
Peter

Growing up I wanted to play professional soccer. I was barely five feet tall in the ninth grade and I was lazy as I was awkward. My dad came to me one day with his 6 foot 7 inch frame and he sat me down.

“Son, your dreams are up here. (he lifted his hand very high)

…but your work ethic is down here. (he lowered his hand very low)

He continued, “I don’t care what you decide to work at, but I’m going to teach you how to work, that’s my job.”

It was a wakeup call for me. I didn’t realize what a large gap there was between my desired reality and my current work rate. The lesson was costly. I lost many Friday nights with my friends so that I could get enough rest for a soccer game the next day. I lost summers to go train in Brazil. I lost my senior year in college to try and go pro down in Mexico. And yet, in exchange for what I lose, I gained a longing in my heart.

Amazing college career at Coastal Carolina. Drafted by FC Dallas. Made the practice squad. Befriended Simo Valakari (captain of the team in 2006), a Finnish legend, who recommended I go to play in Finland to make more money and get more game experience. Deal. Two and half seasons of professional soccer in Finland. What a dream!

I share all of that for context. I know there is nothing new under the sun, but having five kids of my own I am being exposed to the next generation and I am concerned at how low the bar has become.

Respect towards adults, teachers and coaches seems optional.

Work ethic seems outdated.

Intensity being marketed as mean.

The concern I have is that the world we live in, as much as it is changing, requires our kids (who will soon become adults) to have respect, work ethic and some measure of intensity. Without it, they’re toast.

And since it’s awkward and unwelcome for me to parent other people’s kids…the only thing I know to do is try to raise my kids with the values that I received from my amazing dad and mom. Here’s to all the moms and dads doing their best, raising kids to fear the LORD, to work hard and to be respectful.

Pride is ugly in all of its forms.

In the last few years God has been revealing to me just how much pride is still present in my life. At face value, if you know me, you might say that I am a humble man. And it’s true, God has saved me and delivered me from so many aspects of pride. But pride has many subtler forms that are harder to recognize until they begin to produce all sorts of death.

In its simplest form, pride makes me the center of everything. People revolve around me. Life revolves around me. If my job is hard and unpleasant, that is bad, because my happiness and comfort is the highest priority.

But just because some of the more overt expressions of pride may not be seen or visible in my life, doesn’t mean it’s not present. Painfully, I’ve realized how subtle pride can be, especially within family, both natural and spiritual.

“But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Even as he has exposed areas of pride, I’m not discouraged because he gives more grace. Oh how desperate I am for the grace of God!! Why am I man so obsessed (or on fire as the kids say) with the gospel? Because I need it. I need a constant reminder of who God is for me because pride is daily seeking to put me on a platform, on a pedestal, on one step higher than the person next to me. And whenever I consent to its insidious invitations I find myself being opposed by God. Like trying to ride a bicycle through the ocean.

I’m learning to recognize pride. To repent of it. And to clothe myself with the humility of Christ.

I see you, Pride.

• I open my Bible to Colossians. Every verse underlined, highlighted with notes in the margin. Someone glances over my shoulder and notices it, I feel good. You don’t see me feel good, I’m too humble for that.

• I typically don’t post sermon clips of myself, I’m too humble for that. But when someone else posts a clip, I check the comments, count the views, how did I stack up with the others? I close the app, I’m too humble for that.

• I’ve been working all day and come home to find the house still in disarray from the morning routine, “What has she been doing all day?” I think about all I accomplished that day and subtly say, “How was your day? What were you up to today?” Not because I care, but because I want to understand why she didn’t have time to do the most basic of tasks.

He gives more grace.

I cringe as I write these. Pride is ugly. But I am not a victim of it and I will not be a slave to it. I am a Christian. And because I am a Christian I know that humility, the very essence of Christ, is my inheritance. He gives more grace. And today, I am choosing to humble myself. To be an example to the fourteen people who will read this, and to invite you to recognize, reject and repent of the areas of pride in your life.

Consider this place a window into my heart.

God has called me to write.

Writing is really hard. Especially when you feel like you’re not any good at it and you don’t have time for it. But because I preach a message that doesn’t allow me to be “small in my own eyes” or make excuses like “there isn’t enough time”…I’m going to write.

I’m in love with God. I have been since I can remember. But that love has grown over the years, mainly by me realizing that my love for God is a shadow of his love for me.

I love my wife, Kristi. We’ve been married 18, almost 19 years. Most people don’t realize that I am who I am because of her. God has used Kristi consistently over the years to reveal what He’s really like to me. Before I met Kristi, I was believing the lie that I wouldn’t be attracted to my wife. I had messed up in the relationship department, crossing boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed. My view of God was so perverse that I believed my punishment would be that I wouldn’t be attracted to my wife. Of course we would spiritually aligned, but physically she would be ‘meh’ to me.

So when I saw Kristi for the first time, stunned by her beauty, I made the assumption that if by some miracle she was single, she wouldn’t love God like I needed her to. Go ahead, laugh it up.

As we began to date, I discovered that she had never had a boyfriend. Not only was she beautiful, deeply in love with God and raised in a godly family, she was pure. I didn’t know a God who would be so kind to me in an area of my life that I had been so unfaithful to him. And so, 18 years later, I am still discovering how good God is regardless of how I am.

So, I’m going to write about God. About my wife and marriage. About the Scriptures. About raising my kids. About soccer, coffee and good food. About friendships. About pain. About being lonely in ministry. About the fear of the LORD. About discipleship. About all the things in my heart that I don’t yet have language for.

It won’t be perfect. But it will be real.

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