"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body...So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)
In these verses the Apostle Paul gives a vivid description of our ministry of making disciples with the crucified and risen Jesus. And it describes my life and ministry four years ago. I was hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. And I did feel crushed, in despair, abandoned, destroyed! But Jesus led me to the J-Curve book and His Spirit gave me new eyes to see that I was carrying around the death of Christ, so that the life of Jesus would also be revealed in me. And since then, I am truly amazed at how He has used seeJesus to lift me up in resurrection.
The Apostle goes on to say that the death of Jesus was at work in me, so that His life would be at work in others. And my heart is thrilled by how that is now happening! As I share my story and lead studies and cohorts, it is beautiful to see people come alive with new faith, hope and love in Christ. His Spirit is showing me that my dying was for their rising!
It has been an incredible privilege to see Jesus’ life at work in the weekly online J-Curve studies I led last year. Before Christmas, we studied Unit 1: Union with Christ, in the spring we did Unit 2: A Jesus-Shaped Life, and during the summer, we used Unit 3: The Descent of Love. The group of people which the Spirit of Jesus brought together were so helpful and honest in their participation. What a blessing to have disciples from the USA, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Holland and Japan who were hungry to know Jesus and participate in his dying and rising!
Here's what they had to say about the studies:
“I feel so nourished and blessed with this group…I am so happy to be sharing with a group on our union with Christ and how that plays out in our lives using the J-Curve - to orient and embrace what God is doing - and on how we can receive this sharing in the suffering of Christ for the joy that is set before us!”
“Over the last couple of years, I have been going through the most challenging period of my life - a period of intense pain. The J-Curve book came at just the right time to help me gain perspective on the suffering and pain in and around me. But it was not until I began doing the J-Curve studies with others that I was truly able to begin to process and apply the teaching to my life. I have never been involved in a study that has been so helpful in providing me with a clear map & pathway for understanding the true nature of Christian discipleship.”
“Thank you again for leading this Fall. It seems like each week I was wrestling with something personally or professionally and the material happened to touch right on it in a specific and helpful way. The Spirit's work, no doubt!”
“Learning the J-Curve message continues to make a difference in my life…I love hearing group members’ comments...it’s good to know we’re not alone on this journey. Looking forward to more!”
“Thank you so much for leading the study…when I started reading the J-Curve about two months ago, it was like a lightbulb going on and seeing the Christian life through a whole new lens…but this is taking it to the next level of concrete application.”
Personally, I have found the J-Curve studies to be a powerful and transformational discipling resource which the Holy Spirit has used to help me to better know and love Jesus and to see and kill my sin. Join me and friends from countries around the world as we practice dying and rising with Jesus in everyday life – together! This fall, we’ll be using J-Curve Unit 4: Living in Resurrection. We begin on Wednesday, 4th October (4 pm ET / 9 pm UK) and you can register here on Eventbrite.
Please pray for the life of Jesus to be at work in many disciples across the world through our study and the wider J-Curve ministry at seeJesus.
