Discipleship by Grace

Knowing, growing in and sharing the gospel is arguably one of God’s greatest gifts to us, but often we can turn it into a duty, program, or job description. We can turn discipleship into what we can manage and measure. Why do we do that and how can we avoid it? To answer that question, this session will trace the Apostle Peter’s call, growth, failure, reinstatement, bountiful ministry and severe suffering with special attention focused on God’s grace throughout. Illustrations and explanations of these truths will echo through three German examples: Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and a current church planting work in Berlin. Discipleship is seen to stem from the realization that we are blessed by the God who outgives our limited understanding, faith, and desires. God’s amazing generosity and love cause us to grow in knowing and following Him and, in turn, lead others to do the same.