RIP Edward F. Lundwall Jr.

 

"Discipleship is built on discipline. Period. It’s getting up when it is hard to get up. It’s praying when your brain is heavy with preoccupation. It’s choosing to spend time in Scripture instead of mindlessly watching YouTube videos. It’s choosing to follow when the world, the flesh, and the Devil are all trying to prevent it. Get up. Get your head in the game. You have been given a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. (2 Tim 1:7)" - The Rev. Chris Findley, Rector St. Patrick's Anglican Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Dr. Alice C. Linsley

Our friend Ed Lundwall has gone to his heavenly reward. A faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, Ed was passionate about training disciples. Hope Rapson and I are thankful for the 11 years we were able to ministry with Ed to the readers of Distinctive Discipleship. God willing, we intend to continue his legacy at this blog for many more years.

The Rev. Edward F. Lundwall, Jr. served as an Army Chaplain. He was a veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. For nine years, Ed and his late wife, Marionette, were Baptist home missionaries. They have three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Ed pastored Disciple Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a laboratory experiment to study biblical discipleship and how to apply it to the Church.

This blog is the cooperative effort of Ed Lundwall, Hope Ellen Rapson, and Alice C. Linsley. The three met in the summer 2013 in Rossville, Georgia for brunch, and after the meal, Ed invited us to his home where we saw the extent of his writings on discipleship. There was an entire wall with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with notebooks. As we chatted and perused the volumes, Hope and Alice realized that this dear disciple of Jesus Christ deserved a wider readership. Hope was an English teacher and Alice had experience with blogs. The plan was to make Ed's writings accessible to a wider audience.

This blog isn't sexy. It isn't provocative. There is nothing here to thrill those energized by polemic and politics. The posts are about being a disciple of the Righteous King. They are somewhat old-fashioned, with the flavor of good ol' time religion. The material is practical. It can be used for daily devotions, for Bible study, and to teach Sunday School classes.

The posts do not reflect a specific denomination. Ed was a Baptist, Hope is a non-denominational Evangelical, and Alice is an Anglican traditionalist. It is our intention that every article be biblical, honest, and helpful.

Devotional materials related to discipleship may be found by using the INDEX which lists topics in alphabetical order.

Billy Graham Embraced the Call to be a Christian

 

Ruth and Billy Graham

"I believe that Billy Graham had a profound impact on the world because he first embraced the call, not of being an evangelist, but being a Christian." - Curtis Hunnicutt

The Rev. Dr. Billy Graham was a bold proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was his first priority and it often put him at odds with both liberals and conservatives. Billy Graham's irenic approach was not fully appreciated in the polemic of the mid-20th century. 

Writing for the Britannica, Randall Balmer explains, "In New York City in 1954, he was received warmly by students at Union Theological Seminary, a bastion of liberal Protestantism; nevertheless, the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, a professor at Union and one of the leading Protestant thinkers of the 20th century, had little patience for Graham’s simplistic preaching. On the other end of the theological spectrum, fundamentalists such as Bob Jones, Jr., Carl McIntire, and Jack Wyrtzen never forgave Graham for cooperating with the Ministerial Alliance, which included mainline Protestant clergy, in the planning and execution of Graham’s storied 16-week crusade at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1957. Such cooperation, however, was part of Graham’s deliberate strategy to distance himself from the starchy conservatism and separatism of American fundamentalists. His entire career, in fact, was marked by an irenic spirit."

I believe this was part of the secret to Graham's expansive influence. Perhaps the greater part was his insistence that the Word preached has the power to save sinners, to make disciples, and to bring change even to the troubled world. He once said, "When the Gospel of Jesus Christ is presented with authority - quoting from the very word of God - He takes that message and drives it supernaturally into the human heart."

Related reading: Billy Graham on Discipleship, Be Salt, Light Where You Are

The Irrepressible Truth

“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matt. 28:18-20)

This has been called “The Great Commission" and it is delivered by the One who holds all authority as ruler and high priest over the cosmos. Jesus gave this command citing His absolute authority in "Heaven and Earth" (a merism). The divine Son's authority was perceived by people even before His Incarnation.

Disciples of Jesus Christ are found around the world and the number is growing, especially in places where the Faith is suppressed and denied. The Truth of the Gospel is irrepressible. It makes itself known even in the darkest places. Indeed, it always ultimately overcomes the darkness!

The biblical Hebrew recognized three types of authority: derived, attributed, and achieved. The deification of rulers required derived and attributed authority. Because the ruler was seen as God's representative on earth and the one to enforce divine law, his authority was believed to be derived from God.

If the ruler proved over time to be just or righteous in his actions and decrees, the priests would attribute deification. Deification or apotheosis was an expression of the flamboyant honor shown to royal masters by their servants.

Deification was indicated by the SR designation in the ruler's epithet and or royal name. The historical ruler Osiris was deified as is evident in his name O-SiR. Among the Sumerians and Akkadians SR designated a king (šarrum) and a queen (šarratum). The Akkadian itti šarrim means "with the king".

None of the ancient rulers returned from the dead. They had no authority over death. However, the Son of God broke the hold of death. He tramped down death by His death. He leads his disciples to the Father and admits them to His eternal kingdom. This is the truth that can never be suppressed.

Related reading: Symbols of Authority Among the Biblical Hebrew; The First Lords and Their Authority; Responding to Jesus' Authority

Angels Marvel at the Obedience of Faith

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.


"Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:" (Rom 16:25, 26).

In this verse, the importance of obedience of faith is seen as the "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures..." The obedience of faith springs from love of God Father, God Son, and God Holy Spirit. Without that love there can be no obedience, no true discipleship.

The relationship between faithful humanity and God is a matter into which even the angels desire to look (1 Peter 1:12).

In the Greek New Testament, there are only two words in this phrase: upakohn pistews -"obedience of faith." "Obedience" (upakohn) is in the accusative case showing that it is the designed result of God’s “grace” and “apostleship” (Rom. 1:5). Such grace is a cause of astonishment to the angels!

Grace (pistews) is a gift that cannot be earned. Apostleship is the God-given authority to convey the revelation of God’s salvation, to share the Gospel of saving grace. From the beginning, the Holy Trinity has been working out the salvation of all who turn to the Holy One.

This is the teaching point from Ephesians 3:9-10: "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God."

The grace of God, the gift of faith, and the obedience of love are a cause of wonder among the heavenly hosts. These are to be celebrated in the Church and we are to pray for their increase.

Related reading: On God's Terms; Put Handles on Your Faith

Salvation is Not an Event

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

Salvation through faith in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ involves sanctification. Sanctification is the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Some who say they are saved do not exhibit the graces of the Holy Spirit.

Though there may be a moment of conscious commitment, salvation is not an event such as this:

“I’m saved!”

“What do you mean?”

“I went forward at the pastor's invitation in church, and I prayed the sinner’s prayer and asked Jesus into my heart.”

"Did you leave your heart open long enough for Him to come in? Are you letting Him establish Himself as the Lord of your life? Are you living a crucified lifestyle?

Churches that fail to make disciples create conditions in which "saved" people become disillusioned. Without discipleship training, the fruits of the Spirit and the joy of service are lacking. Christ's presence in the life of the individual is not evident.

What must disciple-making churches do to overcome this problem?


1. Teach that salvation is about being justified by faith in the Son of God, and justification involves obedience.

2. Teach the Bible from cover to cover and encourage daily Bible reading and memorization. The disciple is to be formed and informed by the Bible.

3. Connect new believers to mature believers with whom they can fellowship and grow in the Faith.

4. Remind new believers that repentance is an on-going attitude of the heart. For "godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation..." (2 Cor. 7:10)

5. Do not place legalistic burdens upon the new believer. Instead, emphasize that the life of the disciple is characterized by purity, humility, generosity, steadfastness, patience, and service.

6. Teach a crucified lifestyle. The crucified lifestyle is not another legalistic work, but the exchange of the corrupting ways of the old life for the life of the Spirit that dwells within. 

7. Teach that the disciple's life is grounded in prayer.

Related reading: Put Handles on Your Faith; How Do You React to Adverse Circumstances?; On God's Terms; The Faith That Overcomes

Responding to Jesus' Authority

 

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

The Marine drill instructor repeatedly said: "I don't hear you!"

The trainees responded with louder voices. Military training teaches us to respond appropriately to authority.

How does that work for soldiers of Jesus Christ?

His followers hear and recognize His voice. To them He promises: “...I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:27, 28)

They take up the cross and follow where He leads. They comprize the Church Militant.

They put on the armour of God. Ephesians 6:11: "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

At the end of their days on earth, they are assured by His words: "Well done, good and faithful servant," which is Jesus' gracious acknowledgement: “I heard you! You followed as my disciple!”

Related reading: Get a Grip! Be Steadfast; Contending for the Faith; Divine Authority in the Church

How Do You Identify Yourself?

 

As Jesus spoke these things, many believed in Him. So He said to the Jews who had believed Him,“If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:30-32)

Christian education programs are not discipleship. They help to form people in the Christian Faith, deepen their understanding of Scripture, and strengthen them for the trials of life. Usually, the programs do not help people develop the skills to make disciples as the Lord commands his followers to do. 

The word “Christian” is used only three places in the New Testament, but the term “disciple” is used 372 times. Granted, the term "Christian" was not in general use at the time of the Apostles. Today, being a disciple of Jesus Christ is of greater importance than being designated a "Christian."

In our time, "Christian" holds a range of meanings. Some who call themselves "Christian" do not live in obedience to the Bible. They endorse practices that the Bible condemns, often because they have not be wellinstructed. Some practices that have been endorsed by church leaders are either a violation of the order of creation and an affront to the Creator, or they are spiritually and often physically dangerous to the individual. 

If asked about your religion, how do you respond? Do you call yourself a "Christian" or a "disciple" of Jesus Christ? The disciple is one who "continues" in His life-giving word. Obedience is the key, even when we do not understand. Abraham did not understand what was going to happen on Mount Moriah, but he was obedient and acted on his faith in God (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 22; Galatians 3:6 and James 2:23). This is the path of justification.

Holiness and purity, obedience and service, embrace of the biblical worldview... these are the marks of a true disciple. Being Jesus’ “disciple indeed” is the standard of one who has genuine faith! 

Related reading: Two Obedient Servants; An Obedient Servant of the Lord; Formed and Informed by the Bible

Get a Grip! Be Steadfast.

 

The moral failures of public figures who profess to be Christian are costly to the cause of Christ. The repentant individual can be forgiven, but the damage is done. Respect for that individual is lost, and bitter souls are given the occasion to ridicule all Christians.

Equally damaging is the failure to uphold sound doctrine. The core doctrines of Christianity are expressed in the historic creeds. They are the line in the sand. When church leaders fail to uphold these beliefs they weaken their members rather than build them up in the Faith once delivered.

The Apostle Paul recognized the threat. He spoke of those who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). Today we speak of "virtue signaling" and yet there is no virtue in religion itself. True virtue comes from apprehending the power of God in Christ. That alone makes us godly.

The false witnesses with whom Paul contended are found in every age. In the fourth century, Basil the Great wrote in Letter 90, To the Most Holy Brethren and Bishops Found in the West: “The dogmas of the Fathers are held in contempt, the Apostolic traditions are disdained, the churches are subject to the novelties of innovators.” 

In his treatise On the Holy Spirit, St. Basil wrote:

"Every man is a theologian; it does not matter that his soul is covered with more blemishes than can be counted. The result is that these innovators find an abundance of men to join their factions. So ambitious, self-elected men divide the government of the churches among themselves, and reject the authority of the Holy Spirit. The ordinances of the Gospel have been thrown into confusion everywhere for lack of discipline; the jostling for high positions is incredible, as every ambitious man tries to thrust himself into high office. The result of this lust for power is that wild anarchy prevails among the people; the exhortations of those in authority are rendered utterly void and unprofitable, since every man in his arrogant delusion thinks that it is more his business to give orders to others than to obey anyone himself.” 

 

Today some fall into apostasy. Others compromise biblical authority but succumbing to the demonic insinuation that God is not to be trusted: "Did God really say?" Jesus said, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly my disciples." (John 8:30) 

Consider the words of 2 Peter 1:2-10:

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble."

 

Related reading: Discipleship is a Team Game; INDEX of Topics; Contending For the Faith; Confirm HIS Calling

Cultivate in Me the Fruits of the Spirit

The fruits of a Christian who is firmly grounded in God's truth include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5). The founder of this blog, Ed Lundwall (US Army Chaplain, retired) elaborates on this. He lists:

1. Respect for authority

2. Truthfulness

3. Concern for the spiritually lost

4. Faithfulness in small things

5. Recognition of Jesus Christ's authority in all things.  

6. Living a lifestyle that is consistent with the biblical worldview 

In this season of Lent, may the Holy Spirit cultivate these fruits in us to a greater degree.

Related reading: Divine Authority;  A Discipling Church Speaks Truth; The Goal of Discipleship

Be Salt, Light Where You Are!

A few of my childhood friends dreamed of being missionaries in exotic places. This was held up during the church's Missions Week as the ideal Christian service, one that reveals a deep commitment to the Gospel. In reality, God wants us to serve where we are, and He enables us to be fruitful in the ground in which we are planted. He equips the saints for ministry through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 5:13-14 describes the faithful disciples as the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" which means that living faithfully in one's locale has effects well beyond one's location. The terms "earth" and "world" speak of a vastly greater influence than we can imagine.

Today, be salt.

Today, be light.

Today, be a missionary where you live and work.

Ruth Graham gave up her dream of being a missionary to Tibet in order to marry Billy. God used her instead to lend support to her husband. 

Billy and Ruth were married August 13, 1943. They worked as a team to share the Gospel worldwide. At Ruth's memorial service her husband said, "Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team... No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support."

Related reading: Marks of  a True Disciple

Is Your Head in the Game?

 

"Discipleship is built on discipline. Period. It’s getting up when it is hard to get up. It’s praying when your brain is heavy with preoccupation. It’s choosing to spend time in Scripture instead of mindlessly watching YouTube videos. It’s choosing to follow when the world, the flesh, and the Devil are all trying to prevent it. Get up. Get your head in the game. You have been given a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline. (2 Tim 1:7)" - The Rev. Chris Findley, Rector St. Patrick's Anglican Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Related reading:  Discipleship is a Team Game; INDEX of Topics at this blog

Discipleship is a "Team Game"

 

Evelyn Underhill (1875-1941)

Evelyn Underhill was an English writer who published 39 books and more than 350 articles and reviews. Her publications include three novels, two books of verse, a number of works on philosophy and religion, and various essays.She is best known for her work on mysticism and the practical disciplines of the Christian life. 

She attended King’s College for Women, London, where she read history and botany. She became a skilled bookbinder and enjoyed yachting with her father and her husband.

In 1921, Evelyn became a member of the Church of England (Anglican). Three years later she began to conduct spiritual retreats. 

She was opposed to the Spiritualism (the occult) that was increasingly popular in England at that time. In 1937, the Archbishop of Canterbury formed a committee “to discuss the relationship, if any, between spiritualism and the traditional teachings of the Anglican Church” and Underhill was one of the committee members. However, she later withdrew, stating that she was “very strongly opposed to spiritualism... especially to any tendency on the part of the Church to recognize or encourage it.”

What follows is an excerpt from Underhill's "Light of Christ" published in 1944. It is an example of her practical Christianity.

"Books," said St. Augustine after his conversion, "could not teach me charity." We still keep on thinking they can. We do not realize nearly enough the utter distinctiveness of God and the things of God. Psychology of religion cannot teach us prayer, and ethics cannot teach us love. Only Christ can do that and He teaches by the direct method, in and among the circumstances of life. He does not mind about our being comfortable. He wants us to be strong, able to tackle life and be Christians, be apostles in life, so we must be trained by the ups and downs, the rough and tumble of life. Team games are compulsory in the school of Divine Love; there must be no getting into a corner with a nice spiritual book."

 

Related Reading: An Evelyn Underhill Poem (MISSA CANTATA)

Seeking God and Spiritual Growth?

Does the Bible present a pattern for those seeking God and spiritual growth? It certainly does! The pattern is evident in Acts 2.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise belongs to you and to your children and to all who are far off, to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself.” With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation." 

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.…" (Acts 2:28-42)

The pattern begins with hearing the Word. Peter preached the same message that Jesus preached: Repent. That is where true life begins. Acknowledge your need for God to be in control of your life. Recognize that only God's power can beak the hold of sin and spiritual death.

The repentant are to be baptized in the name of Jesus, the Son of God. Note that Peter urges his listeners to be baptized. He does not force them. There is no coercion by the use of force or threats, and no enticing the people by offering them prosperity and health. Many of those who were baptized faced persecution for becoming followers of Jesus Messiah. Many were put to death.

The baptized repentant receive the Holy Spirit who is sent from the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit gently and gradually transforms the inner person so that person becomes more like Jesus. The growth is expressed in forgiveness, compassion and spiritual authority.

The newly baptized devote themselves to the Apostolic teaching called the "Kerygma." The Kerygma involves the core beliefs about God Father, God Son, and God Holy Spirit: 

(1) That they are eternal, pure good, and extend perfect love to all humans. 

(2) That the death, burial and third day resurrection of Jesus Messiah was according to God's plan (Acts 2:25-35).

(3) That the ascension of the Risen Lord Jesus entails His enthronement as the long-yearned for Righteous Ruler (Acts 2:36).

(4) That the gift of the Holy Spirit is given to all who receive Jesus as the Son of God and their Savior (Acts 2:38). First John 4:15 says, "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God."

The proclamation of this message requires a response. To ignore the proclamation is to continue in a state of spiritual decay. To accept the proclamation one must repent of sins, accept baptism, and live in the new life which Christ offers (Acts 2:37-41). The new follower of Jesus joins other Believers for encouragement and support, and for prayer, and to receive Holy Communion, the food of eternal life.

As Ed Lundwall has written, "...we must receive what God has given through the life building Word of God, the personal relationship of prayer, and integration into the body of Christ through fellowship."

Related reading: You Must Be Born Again; First John on Marks of A Christian; Today is Your Opportunity to Love; Proof I Have Been Born Again; Righteous Rulers and the Resurrection

Today is Your Opportunity to Love

John wrote, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:18)

Alice C. Linsley

Recently my niece described one of her friends as "a person who loves well." She was speaking of a woman who is able to connect with people from many cultures and religions. That person doesn't see differences as a barrier, but rather as an invitation.

Jesus was such a person. He loved well, and more importantly, he was the embodiment of the kind of love that sinks into the heart of those around him. No wonder crowds followed him!

At times Christians come across as harsh and judgmental. We are too quick to assume that people we don't know are lost or unorthodox. We are too quick to argue rather than to listen and to ask non-confrontational questions. No wonder many want nothing to do with us.

Today an opportunity to love someone as Jesus loves them may present itself. Do not miss that opportunity because you have judged that person. Take down the barrier of judgment. Do not miss an opportunity because the person has hurt you. Set aside that injury. Do not miss an opportunity because you think that person annoying or ignorant, or because you hate their politics. Only a person who loves well can show people the true nature of Jesus Christ. 

Today watch for your opportunity to love well.

Related reading: Greater Than Unconditional Love; The Goal of Discipleship; How is Your Vision?

How is Your Vision?

Christians are a people with vision. Our vision conforms to the biblical worldview and is the vision of Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again. He is our Righteous Ruler who has overcome death. He is leading his people to immortality or eternal life.

We prove that we are His disciples by remaining steadfast in his Word. Disciples seek knowledge and understanding of Scripture to edify the Church (2 Tim 2:2), to protect it from error (Acts 20:26–30), and to receive God's approval (2 Tim 2:15). "Where there is no vision, the people perish. . .” (Proverbs 29:18)

God's vision of wholeness and holiness should be evident in our daily lives. We are to exercise faith, even in small things, and thus prove that we are his disciples. Jesus said to those Jews who believed on him, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

The Pharisees called themselves disciples of Moses (John 9:28; Matt 23:15). Their vision was of the Law which cannot make a man righteous. The dangers of this vision are evident in the story of the Pharisee who thanked God that he was not like other people; robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even the tax collector who prayed humbly nearby (Luke 18:11) The Pharisee's vision was of his own false righteousness and it came by comparing himself to others.

Another Pharisee named Paul had a different vision. It involved the Blood of Jesus, the cost of discipleship, and the glory yet to be revealed. He wrote, "If we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God.…" (Romans 8:16-19a)

The vision that directs the lives of true Christians is focused on Jesus Messiah and all he has done and is doing for his people. His vision becomes our vision when we keep our eyes on Jesus.


Related reading:  Formed and Informed by the Bible; Confirm His Calling

Launching a Blog About Discipleship

Every four years when the Presidential elections are held, the American people are asked to believe that “Everything rises or falls on leadership.” Capitalism and mega-corporations, and many small businesses would testify that leadership plays a major part in the success or failure of their enterprises.

Likewise, the continuity and health of the Church depends on leadership.The Lord Jesus Christ recognized this when He commanded the expansion of leadership by disciples making disciples. (Matt 28:20)

When the Lord Jesus observed the Jewish multitudes as sheep without a shepherd, without a spiritual leader to personally care for them, He was deeply touched, and said:

"The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Matthew 9:37, 38)

This blog is dedicated to helping Christians become mature, fruit-bearing disciples. 

About the contributors

The Rev. Edward F. Lundwall, Jr. is a former Army Chaplain. He and his late wife, Marionette, were missionaries for nine years. He holds a B.S., a M.RE, and a M.Div degree and is a freelance writer specializing in discipleship.

This blog is the cooperative effort of Ed Lundwall, Hope Ellen Rapson, and Alice C. Linsley. The three met in the summer 2013 in Rossville, Georgia for brunch, and after the meal, Ed invited us to his home where we saw the extent of his writings on discipleship. There was an entire wall with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with notebooks. As we chatted and perused the volumes, Hope and Alice realized that this dear disciple of Jesus Christ deserved a wider readership. Hope was an English teacher and Alice had experience with blogs. The plan was to make Ed's writings accessible to a wider audience.

This blog isn't sexy. It isn't provocative. There is nothing here to thrill those energized by polemic and politics. The posts are about being a disciple of the Righteous King. They are somewhat old-fashioned, with the flavor of good ol' time religion. The material is practical. It can be used for daily devotions, for Bible study, and to teach Sunday School classes.

The posts do not reflect a specific denomination. Ed is a Baptist, Hope is a non-denominational Evangelical, and Alice is an Anglican traditionalist. It is our intention that every article be biblical, honest, and helpful.

May God bless you as you read the weekly posts.


Related reading: INDEX of Topics at this Blog; The Goal of Discipleship

Passionate, Patient and Faithful

Hope Ellen Rapson

These are troubled times. With the Covid-19 pandemic, economic hardship, political unrest, hunger, pain, wrongful death, looting and destruction, terrorism, fear, anger and depression surrounding us, it is difficult to keep one's footing. We walk hesitantly and question, “Is this a historical reset? If so, how do I live without normalcy or stability?”  

We find a clue in Revelation. 

Revelation 13:10 says, “Meanwhile, God’s holy people passionately and faithfully stand their ground.” 

Revelation 14:12 reiterates, “Meanwhile, the saints stand passionately patient, keeping God’s commands, staying faithful to Jesus.” 

In times of social, economic, political, and ecological chaos, God’s saints are to stand passionately and patiently in obedience to God’s Word and solidly faithful to Jesus Christ.

Whether the “time” bring us trouble or peace, we are to remember Who made time and Who controls time. Jesus said, “In the world you have tribulation, but fear not! I have overcome the world!” 

Be passionately committed to the Gospel. Be faithful and obedient to the Lord regardless of the trouble. Stand your ground!

Related Reading: Overcoming Violence in the Land; Commissioned Means Giving Account; INDEX of Topics

The Goal of Discipleship

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins." (1 Corinthians 15:17)

For centuries, those who professed faith in Christ have celebrated His resurrection and have lived in the hope of bodily resurrection through Him. This is the one word of truth that followers of Jesus Christ can speak to those who are dying and to those who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

The Apostle Paul connects the resurrection of Jesus to the forgiveness of sins. Indeed, His defeat of death is also the defeat of sin, for sin and death are linked.

The hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus' resurrection is the central message of the Christian disciple. The goal of discipleship is to bring people to this hope and to encourage and equip them to share it maturely.


INDEX of Topics

Confirm His Calling

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.


Recently a report of apostasy has been circulating. It involves former Evangelicals with high internet profiles. See Joshua Harris, Rhett and Link, and Millennial Evangelicals are Leaving Christianity. 

These young men are a stark reminder that, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21)

Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44) What a great mystery! One must ask, "Am I called to follow Jesus Christ?"

We note how often in the Gospels Jesus issues a direct call to people to follow Him. He called the 12 disciples. He told Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. Jesus says “follow me” at least 20 times in the four canonical Gospels: 6 occasions in Matthew, 4 in Mark, 5 in Luke, and 5 in John.

He makes it clear that following him means leaving seemingly important things behind: "Leave the dead to bury the dead." (Matthew 8:22)

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 9:9)

Jesus said to the Jews who believed Him, "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." (John 8:30)

Perhaps this is why some Evangelical Millennials have fallen away from the Faith. They have not confirmed their calling by staying in His Word. His Word is life. It gives endurance so that we may do all for the sake of the Gospel and run the race to the end, thereby winning an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:23-25).

Consider the cautionary exhortation of 2 Peter 1:2-10

"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble." 

Related reading: Against Easy Believism

Becoming a Fruitful Disciple

Edward F. Lundwall, Jr.

There is a scriptural pathway to becoming a fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ. It involves Scripture study, obedience, response, illumination, and repentance.

The pathway of becoming a fruitful disciple begins with reading and being spiritually formed by God's written word, the Bible. Jesus told this followers: ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’" (John 8:31-32)

Fruitful discipleship involves responding to God’s universal testimony: “For that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-21)

It involves responding to the Light that enlightens. “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:9-14)

The fruitful disciple embraces the right to become a child of God by recognizing that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and by taking sin seriously.

Repentance is how we take sin seriously and how we turn from our former way of life to fruitful discipleship. For we were dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-2), but by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit we are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

His likeness in us produces fruit that is pleasing to God the Father. It also draws others to His love and forgiveness.