18 to 29-year-olds that grew up as Christians
10% are Resilient Disciples
5 PRACTICES OF RESILIENT DISCIPLES
1. THEY EXPERIENCE INTIMACY WITH JESUS WHICH FORMS A RESILIENT IDENTITY
2. DEVELOP MUSCLES OF CULTURAL DISCERNMENT IN A COMPLEX AND ANXIOUS CULTURE
3. THEY BUILD MEANINGFUL, INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
4. THEY ARE MOTIVATED AND TRAINED FOR VOCATIONAL DISCIPLESHIP
5. RESILIENT DISCIPLES CURB THEIR ENTITLEMENT AND SELF-CENTERED TENDENCIES BY ENGAGING IN COUNTERCULTURAL MISSION
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT
If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don’t begin until you count the cost. Luke 14:26-28 NLT
WITHOUT INTENTIONALITY WE WILL DRIFT TOWARDS CONFORMITY AND COMPLACENCY
let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Romans 12:2 NLT
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6
My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT
that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:5 NLT
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 NLT
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. Matthew 5:5 NLT
WHAT GETS RID OF SELF-CENTERED WAYS AND CHECKS ENTITLEMENT IS SERVICE, SACRIFICE, SILENCE, SOLITUDE, LETTING GO OF CONTROL, AND THINKING LESS ABOUT YOURSELF. DAVID KINNAMAN
HOW DO WE LIVE ON MISSION WHILE IN EXILE?
1. EXILES SHOULD MAKE PRAYER A MISSION.
And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 NLT
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2
2. EXILES SHOULD BE FAITHFUL AND HOLY
Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 NLT
So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.” 1 Peter 1:17 NLT
3. EXILES SHOULD BE FRUITFUL
Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! Jeremiah 29:5-6 NLT
4. EXILES MUST BE WARY, REALISTIC, AND HOPEFUL
Do not let your prophets and fortune-tellers who are with you in the land of Babylon trick you. Do not listen to their dreams, because they are telling you lies in my name. I have not sent them,” says the Lord . Jeremiah 29:8-9 NLT
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
5. EXILES SHOULD TAKE EPIC RISKS TO SAY AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 NLT
6. EXILES MUST FIND THEIR HOME IN GOD
‘In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NLT