Discipleship is Lived, Not Legislated
Core Scriptures
James 1:22–25
Matthew 7:24–27
Opening Reflection
As we step into a new year, we are invited not just to renew our intentions—but to re-examine how we understand faith itself.
For many of us, Christianity has been taught as a set of beliefs to defend or rules to enforce. Scripture is often treated as a fixed legal code—something to apply at face value, regardless of context, consequence, or Christ Himself.
But the gospel does not begin with a book.
It begins with a person.
Jesus Christ is not an appendix to Scripture. He is its center.
If we are to walk faithfully into this new year, we must begin where faith truly begins: not with law, but with Christ.
Who We Are
We are a community committed to walking His Word—not as a rigid legal system, but as a living path shaped by the life and teaching of Jesus.
We believe Scripture is sacred, inspired, and essential. But we also believe it must be read through Christ, not apart from Him.
The Bible was written across many centuries, cultures, and social systems—some of which included monarchy, patriarchy, slavery, and empire. Its language reflects those realities. But Jesus consistently challenged how Scripture was being used when it harmed, excluded, or justified power.
Following His Word does not mean treating every passage as timeless law.
It means asking: How did Christ interpret Scripture?
Who did He center?
Those pushed to the margins.
Who did He challenge?
Those clinging to power and certainty.
And what kind of community did He form?
One marked by love, humility and care for the vulnerable.
The Central Tension: Law vs. Living Word
James warns us:
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
But what does it say—and how do we know?
Jesus answers this tension not by abolishing Scripture, but by reinterpreting it.
He repeatedly says:
“You have heard it said… but I say to you…”
Christ does not discard the Old Testament—He fulfills it by revealing its true intent.
Scripture is not meant to function as a weapon or a checklist. It is meant to shape lives that look like Christ.
Why Christ Must Be the Lens
Jesus was a Jewish teacher speaking within Jewish tradition—yet He openly confronted how Scripture was being enforced.
He challenged:
- Legalism that crushed the vulnerable
- Religious authority that protected itself
- Moral certainty that lacked compassion
He healed on the Sabbath.
He protected women condemned by the law.
He redefined neighbor, purity, and righteousness.
If Christ Himself corrected how Scripture was applied, then faithful reading requires discernment, not blind literalism.
To walk His Word is not to freeze Scripture in time—but to let Christ guide how it moves through ours.
The Danger of Face-Value Faith
When Scripture is treated as law without Christ as its guide:
- Faith becomes rigid instead of redemptive
- Morality becomes enforced instead of formed
- Christianity becomes aligned with power instead of love
This is how belief turns into domination.
This is how fear disguises itself as righteousness.
This is how discipleship is replaced with control.
Faith was never meant to be coerced.
Truth does not need force to survive.
Our Commitment
Walking His Way means we commit to:
- Reading Scripture through the life and teachings of Jesus
- Interpreting difficult passages in light of Christ’s compassion and justice
- Holding conviction without abandoning humility
- Refusing to use faith as a tool of political or cultural dominance
As Jesus reminds us:
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
His way does not advance through law, fear, or control—but through transformed lives.
Call to Action
As we begin this journey together, we invite you to:
- Examine how you read Scripture—where have rules replaced relationship?
- Recenter Christ as your interpretive guide, not just your savior.
- Practice faith through action, reflection, and love—not certainty alone.
- Walk with others committed to faithful, honest discipleship.
Closing Meditation
Discipleship is not about mastering the Bible.
It is about being shaped by Christ.
As we step into this new year, we choose to walk His Word—not as law written on stone, but as life written on the heart.
May we become a community formed by Christ, guided by His teachings, and faithful in how we live them—together.
Let us begin.
Walking His Way 