Day 1: Introduction

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 

There is no significant difference in the lives of those that call themselves Christians and the rest of the world. What kind of witness can we be in this world if we simply look the same as everyone else? 

I’m not content with the mediocre, half-hearted version of Christianity that we are known for collectively. I hope you aren’t either. But how in the world can we become more like Jesus?

With as much information we have about being a disciple, the best way to follow Jesus is simply to follow Jesus. Followers of Jesus take what He said and put His words into practice.

If you were to look into the words, precisely the things Jesus invites you and me to do, you would find that Jesus spent a good portion of His time focused on five main principles. We’ll call these principles “targets.” 

1. Being 
2. Forgiving  
3. Serving 
4. Giving 
5. Going

In the Red Letter Challenge Bible Plan, each day, you will look at the literal words of Jesus, which are printed in red in some Bibles. We will challenge you to put His words into practice. You will be learning how Jesus practices these five targets and how you can incorporate these five targets into your own life. 

By putting Christ's words into practice, you will find the life God has made for you! 

This study will lead you to spend more time with the God that loves you. You will forgive people you never thought you would be able to (that person may even be you). You will serve and sacrifice more than you ever have before. You will become a more generous person. You will become bolder and more courageous in what you say and in how you live. 

Jesus owned who He was. Jesus was the only religious leader who claimed to be God. Muhammad said not to follow him. Joseph Smith, Buddha, Confucius: they all told people they weren’t god. If you are going to follow someone, shouldn’t it be someone who knew for sure who He was?

Create new habits in your life. Habit formation isn't an overnight process. But you have to start somewhere, so start with His words and come along on the Red Letter Challenge journey!

Doing the words of Jesus will help you find the life you are made for.

Challenge

Tell someone you are doing this plan. Even better, invite them to study along with you by asking your YouVersion friends to tackle this plan with you! Accountability is crucial when it comes to creating a new habit. Also, feel free to invite others on social media to this Bible Plan by using #RedLetterChallenge. Let’s do this!