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The Jesus Command: The Mark of Discipleship
When asked about discipleship what do we say to others...
What do we tell ourselves...
What answers do we give?
The real answer, the only one that really carries any weight, and the one we all should seek an understanding for is found in this broader question.
How did Jesus use the term, and... what did He intend for us to understand about it?
This was the starting point of our study, a study which took the words spoken by Jesus to those who could clearly be identified as His closest Disciples, to try and form the answer. The key is in first being willing, and then obedient to the pattern that Jesus, Himself laid down.
The New Testament is full of instruction of how we, as "Christ Followers", are to regard one another. Our study and discussions took these instructions as a guide. They formed the pattern of our attempt to better understand this "The Jesus Command" and the qualities necessary for Christ following.
What do we tell ourselves...
What answers do we give?
The real answer, the only one that really carries any weight, and the one we all should seek an understanding for is found in this broader question.
How did Jesus use the term, and... what did He intend for us to understand about it?
This was the starting point of our study, a study which took the words spoken by Jesus to those who could clearly be identified as His closest Disciples, to try and form the answer. The key is in first being willing, and then obedient to the pattern that Jesus, Himself laid down.
The New Testament is full of instruction of how we, as "Christ Followers", are to regard one another. Our study and discussions took these instructions as a guide. They formed the pattern of our attempt to better understand this "The Jesus Command" and the qualities necessary for Christ following.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2014
260 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Milam II
1 book92 followersOrdained Minister, Biblical Teacher, and Student of God's Word. However, this has not always been the case...
I come from humble beginnings, growing up poor in Chicago's inner city. After achieving a fair degree of success, I suffered a major setback. I lost everything I had, and spent the next 20 yrs. living depressed and homeless on the street. Poverty, and marginal living, are things I know about from personal experience. I would probably still be there if not for the “Grace of God.”
Today I write and speak publicly about my experiences from a “Biblical Standpoint.”
Visit Me... Comments Welcomed:
The Blessing Business
Today's Spiritual Understanding
Fan Page
~CHANGE IS POSSIBLE~
I'd be happy to speak to your group about making an... "Effective Change"...
For "Bookings" contact - [email protected]
I come from humble beginnings, growing up poor in Chicago's inner city. After achieving a fair degree of success, I suffered a major setback. I lost everything I had, and spent the next 20 yrs. living depressed and homeless on the street. Poverty, and marginal living, are things I know about from personal experience. I would probably still be there if not for the “Grace of God.”
Today I write and speak publicly about my experiences from a “Biblical Standpoint.”
Visit Me... Comments Welcomed:
The Blessing Business
Today's Spiritual Understanding
Fan Page
~CHANGE IS POSSIBLE~
I'd be happy to speak to your group about making an... "Effective Change"...
For "Bookings" contact - [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 10, 2015
The Jesus Command describes all the different ways that a person can show their love to another person through teaching and discipleship. It also discusses how this is journey and process that is improved over the course of one’s life. The Jesus Command is the command to love one another as God and Jesus loves us.
This is a book that is best read one chapter at a time as you focus on the content and review the material. It reads as good resource material for a bible study/discussion. The author includes quite a few expressions of love that I hadn’t thought of specifically or heard mentioned as ways to fulfill the Command. For example, recognizing Christian believers of other churches as one of body of Christ and not a faction. Another subject discussed is building up one another or using constructive criticism instead of being so ready to voice negative opinions. What I also enjoyed and thought was refreshing, practical application in dealing with situations. The information given is not just biblical but sound that can be used in every day life like don’t provoke others. In life, I know having good intentions doesn’t always ensure success because sometimes conflict will still rear its head. I always feel better with myself when I can honestly say I tried to do right and not purposely hurt someone. The Jesus Command is a detailed and in depth resource that will go well with the study of love. Overall, good read for anyone on the journey of self improvement through learning about love.
This is a book that is best read one chapter at a time as you focus on the content and review the material. It reads as good resource material for a bible study/discussion. The author includes quite a few expressions of love that I hadn’t thought of specifically or heard mentioned as ways to fulfill the Command. For example, recognizing Christian believers of other churches as one of body of Christ and not a faction. Another subject discussed is building up one another or using constructive criticism instead of being so ready to voice negative opinions. What I also enjoyed and thought was refreshing, practical application in dealing with situations. The information given is not just biblical but sound that can be used in every day life like don’t provoke others. In life, I know having good intentions doesn’t always ensure success because sometimes conflict will still rear its head. I always feel better with myself when I can honestly say I tried to do right and not purposely hurt someone. The Jesus Command is a detailed and in depth resource that will go well with the study of love. Overall, good read for anyone on the journey of self improvement through learning about love.
May 23, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was inspired, strengthened and encouraged by it. I met a lot of people who were hospitalized at that time, many of them with serious and potentially life-threatening problems. This book reminded me that everyone I met was someone that God loves, and that His desire was for me to be a vessel of His love to them.
As I read “The Jesus Command,” I was also reminded that God loves everyone, including me. That reminder gave me strength to rise above the challenges that my loved one and I faced at that time. I was inspired to share that love with others, so that they would be nurtured and strengthened as well.
This book would be a great resource for an individual reader, or as a group study. The material is presented in a simple, yet effective manner. The format of the book makes it an easy read, but also powerful. I didn't have a large block of time that I could devote to reading, but each page left me with something valuable.
I have recommended this book to others, and will continue to do so.
As I read “The Jesus Command,” I was also reminded that God loves everyone, including me. That reminder gave me strength to rise above the challenges that my loved one and I faced at that time. I was inspired to share that love with others, so that they would be nurtured and strengthened as well.
This book would be a great resource for an individual reader, or as a group study. The material is presented in a simple, yet effective manner. The format of the book makes it an easy read, but also powerful. I didn't have a large block of time that I could devote to reading, but each page left me with something valuable.
I have recommended this book to others, and will continue to do so.
April 27, 2015
I sit at odds with myself, writing a review of my own work. On the one hand, I firmly believe you should make your own assessment of the book's merit. On the flip side, I'm also aware of the confusion existing when it comes to defining what discipleship really is. Often, our understanding is shaped by a variety of influences. There's the Pastor and other Ministry Leaders, our Christian Friends, the Denominational Doctrines, as well as our own personal observations of people in The Church. So as not to toot my own horn, so to speak, I'll review a little of the back story of how this project was put together.
I filled a room with a bunch of people, both religious and not so religious. They came from different backgrounds, as well as different social, and economic circumstances. It was to this group that I posed a simple question...
"What is it that marks a - "Disciple of Christ"
What I got back was a laundry list of answers. Different people have different points of view. They are exposed to different forms of teachings, and there's the cultures from which they come. Rather than address their answers with a standard textbook response, I intentionally wanted to lead them, along with myself, to a conclusion that we all could accept with confidence. To arrive at a common place of exploration, a broader question was asked...
"How did Jesus use the term, and... What did He intend for us to understand about it?
It really doesn't matter what our understanding is, however well intended, if it's not in line with that of the Master Himself.
Taking that idea in mind, we looked closely at what was taught by Christ to those who were unquestionably considered His closest disciples. We found a strong clue in this verse from John's Gospel.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (vv. 13:34-35)
With this as our starting point, we seriously sought to answer just how this could be done. "The Jesus Command" uses the words of Jesus, His Followers, Biblical Principles, Scripture, and Candid Discussion to provide the tools necessary to transform ordinary lives into... Extraordinary Living." It is my hope that you will be challenged to take a questioning look at your understanding of "Real Christian Character." Find out why this, Command of Christ, is the underlying basis for "Discipleship" and the starting point for "Christian Living."
I filled a room with a bunch of people, both religious and not so religious. They came from different backgrounds, as well as different social, and economic circumstances. It was to this group that I posed a simple question...
"What is it that marks a - "Disciple of Christ"
What I got back was a laundry list of answers. Different people have different points of view. They are exposed to different forms of teachings, and there's the cultures from which they come. Rather than address their answers with a standard textbook response, I intentionally wanted to lead them, along with myself, to a conclusion that we all could accept with confidence. To arrive at a common place of exploration, a broader question was asked...
"How did Jesus use the term, and... What did He intend for us to understand about it?
It really doesn't matter what our understanding is, however well intended, if it's not in line with that of the Master Himself.
Taking that idea in mind, we looked closely at what was taught by Christ to those who were unquestionably considered His closest disciples. We found a strong clue in this verse from John's Gospel.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (vv. 13:34-35)
With this as our starting point, we seriously sought to answer just how this could be done. "The Jesus Command" uses the words of Jesus, His Followers, Biblical Principles, Scripture, and Candid Discussion to provide the tools necessary to transform ordinary lives into... Extraordinary Living." It is my hope that you will be challenged to take a questioning look at your understanding of "Real Christian Character." Find out why this, Command of Christ, is the underlying basis for "Discipleship" and the starting point for "Christian Living."
November 21, 2015
Read original review over at http://www.chantolaspinall.com.
As Christians we were not asked to love. To choose who to extend our borders of kindness and care to. We were charged, commanded to love. Irrespective of the individual’s class, colour, creed or personality. We must love, as in loving them we prove that we are disciples of our King. The one who first loved us, Christ Jesus.
For those struggling to love another, this book will set you in the right direction. Providing for you a comprehensive guide. In it you will find a collection of scriptures that will illuminate your path as a believer. Not only believers, but those who have heard the Word of God and are seeking to draw closer to Him should have a read.
I enjoyed the fact that it was concise and after the scriptures the author ensured that readers understood its context. This was achieved through the power of explanation and the use of examples. It opened my eyes to see the flaws I still battle with as a follower of Christ. The judgmental eye, the mouth quick to offer condemnation and the heart puffed up with pride.
In my opinion, it is impossible to read this book from cover to cover and not question yourself. Am I being the light I was called to be? Am I truly using the Word as my guide? Am I loving without favour? It is important to remain truthful to yourself, using the Word of God as the basis of your truth.
The Jesus Command, reminds us that of our own we can do nothing, which includes saving ourselves. But thank God for Jesus, who took on the sins of the world, in love. Our faith in Christ is our ticket into eternal life.
After reading I found the need to repent. For I have not loved as I ought to. I have not extended myself to my brothers and sisters when they needed me too. But I intend to do better, leaning on the power and Spirit of God that stirs change. In Christ we are new creatures, without obligation to sin. Happy Reading!
-Chantol Aspinall
As Christians we were not asked to love. To choose who to extend our borders of kindness and care to. We were charged, commanded to love. Irrespective of the individual’s class, colour, creed or personality. We must love, as in loving them we prove that we are disciples of our King. The one who first loved us, Christ Jesus.
For those struggling to love another, this book will set you in the right direction. Providing for you a comprehensive guide. In it you will find a collection of scriptures that will illuminate your path as a believer. Not only believers, but those who have heard the Word of God and are seeking to draw closer to Him should have a read.
I enjoyed the fact that it was concise and after the scriptures the author ensured that readers understood its context. This was achieved through the power of explanation and the use of examples. It opened my eyes to see the flaws I still battle with as a follower of Christ. The judgmental eye, the mouth quick to offer condemnation and the heart puffed up with pride.
In my opinion, it is impossible to read this book from cover to cover and not question yourself. Am I being the light I was called to be? Am I truly using the Word as my guide? Am I loving without favour? It is important to remain truthful to yourself, using the Word of God as the basis of your truth.
The Jesus Command, reminds us that of our own we can do nothing, which includes saving ourselves. But thank God for Jesus, who took on the sins of the world, in love. Our faith in Christ is our ticket into eternal life.
After reading I found the need to repent. For I have not loved as I ought to. I have not extended myself to my brothers and sisters when they needed me too. But I intend to do better, leaning on the power and Spirit of God that stirs change. In Christ we are new creatures, without obligation to sin. Happy Reading!
-Chantol Aspinall
May 14, 2015
Julia E. Preston
The Jesus command is riveting. The book centers around a new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love, one to another.” This must read publication is a shining light to those seeking a closer walk with Christ.
The Jesus command is riveting. The book centers around a new commandment Jesus gave to his disciples, “That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love, one to another.” This must read publication is a shining light to those seeking a closer walk with Christ.
December 27, 2016
Matthew Milam II brings the reader a select set of bible passages to ponder; how they affect our everyday life, and how we can learn from them and live better, stronger, and happier. We truly have the ability to change ourselves and change the world around us. This well-written book provides guidance, inspiration and much to ponder. Give it a chance.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews