The Cross of Calvary is the key behind this Christian fiction series.

What Does the Bible Say? is the first book in the six-part “In His Very Steps” Christian fiction series. Each book in the series will emphasize a different Christian discipline which I was introduced to in 1990. The cross symbolizes those disciplines and God’s Word, the Bible, explains their meaning and importance in our life.

Inspired by Avery Willis, this disciples cross is the inspiration behind the "In His Very Steps" series (click to enlarge)

The first discipline is Obedience and faith, it is the central focus of book one, What Does the Bible Say? Obedience and faith is what binds all the other spiritual disciplines together. Without them the cross can not support itself. In the pages of the Bible, Jesus instructed: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Obeying God’s Word is not easy. History has shown that our human nature is prone to resist authority. We see that in Genesis chapter 3 when man disobeyed the Heavenly Father and the result was devastating. Man was separated from God. Disobedience has a similar affect upon our relationship with the Lord today. But God is faithful. He will forgive us our sins and restore our relationship if we will confess our sins and return follow His instructions (1 John 1:9).

Witnessing is another Christian discipline and will be the central focus of book two, Fishers of Men. Witnessing is not an option for a Christian. Jesus commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations (c.f., Matthew 28:19-20), and it is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle in harmony with the gospel of Christ. Jesus also reminded us that God is pleased when we witness. “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Prayer will be the central focus of book three, Move Mountain. Is has been said that prayer is to the Christian what breathing is to the body. More specifically, prayer is both talking and listening to God. At the same time, prayer is recognizing the presence of God (Psalm 118:18) as we claim promises of God (2 Peter 1:4). Equally important, prayer is the Christian’s source of strength and power, a means of discovering the will of God, and biblically mandated means of having our needs met (Philippians 4:19). Jesus promises, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7).

Fellowship will be emphasized in Love One Another. Based on what I like to call The Eleventh Commandment, Jesus’ instructions in John 13:34-35 is clear, “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.” We are to love others because Jesus loved us first. His model is our inspiration and his legacy is the defining quality of our new life as disciples.

Service will be the focus of IHVS book five, You Are My Friend. A New Testament church is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers that can affect lasting, positive change in the lives of others. Both men and women are gifted to serve and be friends to others. One of my favorite passages in all of scripture is John 15:13. There we read, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” It is fascinating to me to realize that Jesus considers me to be his friend. Being a friend to others has a similar impact on people.

Finally, the focus of the last book in the IHVS series, Show Thyself Approved, will be discipleship. This is the all-encompasses discipline that expands the entire cross. Christianity is the faith of enlightenment and knowledge and in Jesus Christ rests all wisdom. Thus, all sound learning is a part of our Christian faith, and Christian education is a necessary component to a complete spiritual program for Christ’s people. Once again, Jesus teaches, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24).

Because I love Him and You,

Charles Williams is a former Southern Baptist Pastor with more than 16 years experience. He currently serves as a high school educator and he is the author of the Christian fiction series, In His Very Steps.

In May 2010 Dr. Williams lost his my job after blowing the whistle on a Principal who was changing student attendance records to improve promotion rates. He lost his reputation, his savings, and eventually the family home. But God used the time to teach him many lessons and to to complete the first book in this series. His goal is educate readers about the wonderful life available through Christ Jesus while encouraging Christians through trial and hardship. People are imperfect but there is hope and healing in the Bible through the person of Jesus Christ. You’re invited to learn more at http://www.ihvsbooks.com