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Necessary Christianity: What Jesus Shows We Must Be and Do
We live in a world of options, where we might do this or that if we feel like it. But for followers of Jesus, certain things are not optional, but necessary.
Bishop Claude Alexander unpacks the Gospels' statements of what Jesus said he must do. He must be about his Father's business. He must go through Samaria. He must go to Jerusalem.
Life in God is less about what you could do, and more about what you must do. Contrary to the life of the optional, accidental, and haphazard, the believer is called to live with a sense of divine necessity. No maybes about it.
Bishop Claude Alexander unpacks the Gospels' statements of what Jesus said he must do. He must be about his Father's business. He must go through Samaria. He must go to Jerusalem.
Life in God is less about what you could do, and more about what you must do. Contrary to the life of the optional, accidental, and haphazard, the believer is called to live with a sense of divine necessity. No maybes about it.
120 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 20, 2023
Summary: In a culture of options, focuses on the necessities of the Christian life by looking at the “must” statements in the gospel associated with Jesus.
Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Jr. makes a trenchant contrast between our culture and a vibrant Christianity. We like to think about our options, our possibilities. Alexander contends that the mature follower of Jesus is shaped by the necessities of undivided loyalty to Jesus. Alexander organizes his book around the “must” passages associated with Jesus, six in number that lead to six “musts” for the maturing disciple of Jesus:
1. I Must Focus. (Luke 2:40-52) “I must be about my Father’s business.” Jesus was intentionally focused on his mission and his relationship with his father from the age of twelve. He pursued his calling as one who would teach about the Father’s way even as a young man, declaring implicitly that carpentry would not be his life.
2. I Must Progress. (Luke 4:38-44) “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also…” Life with Christ is dynamic. It is life lived on assignment, no matter the context.
3. I Must Be Directed. (John 4:1-30) “He needed to go through Samaria.” Jews ordinarily avoided Samaria. Jesus needed to go through Samaria because God directed him to do so to encounter the Samaritan woman, and through her to see a town believe. We learn that we may be directed to those others shun and called into things others don’t understand.
4. I Must Be Clear. (Matthew 16:13-27) “…Jesus began to show to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” The maturing disciple is clear that following Christ may entail suffering and that God’s purposes may be unpopular and will face opposition. The disciple also embraces the whole plan and purpose of God, not only suffering and death but also resurrection and glory and is not deceived by the enemy.
5. I Must Be Diligent. (John 9:1-5) “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” Jesus discerns the moment and meaning of his encounter with the man born blind. He acts with urgency, realizing it will not always be day, maximizing every moment. He challenges us to live in this way. Even on the cross, Jesus forgives and promises paradise to the thief, arranges for the care of his mother, quenches his own thirst with God’s word, takes on himself the judgement of God against sin, and accomplishes our redemption, and can declare “It is finished.”
6. I Must Yield. (Matthew 26:46-54) “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” Jesus refuses to avoid God’s purpose for his life, even when able, he has exercised patience from age 12 to his death, knowing all that time this was God’s purpose. Jesus took God’s way as his and accepted that only he could walk it–others would flee. The assurance is that God will stand by us. He raises the Son and he will raise us up as well.
Alexander has this way of writing in simple declarative sentences that convey the sense that “this is just the way it is for those who set themselves to follow Jesus.” There is neither bombast nor subtle nuancing. It’s simply, “this is what Jesus knew were the “musts” in his life, and so they are for us. We often “complexify” our lives and use that to evade the call of Jesus. This book strips discipleship down to the necessities. And therein is life.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
Bishop Claude R. Alexander, Jr. makes a trenchant contrast between our culture and a vibrant Christianity. We like to think about our options, our possibilities. Alexander contends that the mature follower of Jesus is shaped by the necessities of undivided loyalty to Jesus. Alexander organizes his book around the “must” passages associated with Jesus, six in number that lead to six “musts” for the maturing disciple of Jesus:
1. I Must Focus. (Luke 2:40-52) “I must be about my Father’s business.” Jesus was intentionally focused on his mission and his relationship with his father from the age of twelve. He pursued his calling as one who would teach about the Father’s way even as a young man, declaring implicitly that carpentry would not be his life.
2. I Must Progress. (Luke 4:38-44) “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also…” Life with Christ is dynamic. It is life lived on assignment, no matter the context.
3. I Must Be Directed. (John 4:1-30) “He needed to go through Samaria.” Jews ordinarily avoided Samaria. Jesus needed to go through Samaria because God directed him to do so to encounter the Samaritan woman, and through her to see a town believe. We learn that we may be directed to those others shun and called into things others don’t understand.
4. I Must Be Clear. (Matthew 16:13-27) “…Jesus began to show to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” The maturing disciple is clear that following Christ may entail suffering and that God’s purposes may be unpopular and will face opposition. The disciple also embraces the whole plan and purpose of God, not only suffering and death but also resurrection and glory and is not deceived by the enemy.
5. I Must Be Diligent. (John 9:1-5) “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day.” Jesus discerns the moment and meaning of his encounter with the man born blind. He acts with urgency, realizing it will not always be day, maximizing every moment. He challenges us to live in this way. Even on the cross, Jesus forgives and promises paradise to the thief, arranges for the care of his mother, quenches his own thirst with God’s word, takes on himself the judgement of God against sin, and accomplishes our redemption, and can declare “It is finished.”
6. I Must Yield. (Matthew 26:46-54) “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?” Jesus refuses to avoid God’s purpose for his life, even when able, he has exercised patience from age 12 to his death, knowing all that time this was God’s purpose. Jesus took God’s way as his and accepted that only he could walk it–others would flee. The assurance is that God will stand by us. He raises the Son and he will raise us up as well.
Alexander has this way of writing in simple declarative sentences that convey the sense that “this is just the way it is for those who set themselves to follow Jesus.” There is neither bombast nor subtle nuancing. It’s simply, “this is what Jesus knew were the “musts” in his life, and so they are for us. We often “complexify” our lives and use that to evade the call of Jesus. This book strips discipleship down to the necessities. And therein is life.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
May 11, 2023
In the Christian tradition that I have inhabited my whole life there was an emphasis on unifying the universal church and dropping the denominational structures and doctrinal differences that so often separate Christians from each other. Instead of embracing creeds as a means of finding the common ground needed to unify the churches, our fellowships turned to slogans as a way of expressing the way we could end the harmful divisions in the church. One of the prominent slogans was "In Essentials unity, in Nonessentials liberty, and in all things love."
This was usually applied to matters of doctrine, what one believed. To be honest, there was never much success in determining what those essentials were that there had to be unity on if the church could mend. Argument and debate over this issue lead to divisions among those who were advocating for unity.
Part of what drew me to to Claude Alexander's book Necessary Christianity is the approach he takes to what lies at the core of Christian practice. Alexander is interested here in what Jesus meant when he said there were certain things that He and his followers had to be and do. He focuses on the "must" sayings of Jesus, those times when Jesus tells his followers either that He must be something or do something or they must. That is where the title Necessary Christianity comes from. Rather that focusing on what we must believe, i.e. orthodoxy, the focus here is on what we must be and do, i.e. "orthopraxis."
So, for instance, in chapter one Alexander discusses the 12 year old Jesus' statement to his parents that he "must be about his Father's business." The emphasis here is not so much about what he believes about his Father, but rather, what focus or priority he gives to the matters that he believes the Father wants from him.
I found that this made for a fascinating study, as there are more times in the gospels that Jesus speaks of matters in terms of necessity. Usually when he does that, it has to do with the way we live out our relationship with God. The best part of the book is that it sets out these statements for consideration in a systematic fashion.
The downside of the book is that the discussion of the statements is not all that deep. The text has the tone of a compilation of sermons. Rather than a deep dive into the background, meaning and application of the saying, the emphasis here is on encouraging the reader to commit to taking the statement seriously. In the fashion of an evangelist Alexander exhorts the reader to live like the "must" sayings of Jesus are a necessary part of their lives. While doing so he can get repetative at times in a ways that would probably be better received if heard orally in a sermon than read as a text.
Despite this drawback, I found the book to be a unique guide to these important statements of Jesus, which I perhaps had not previously given adequate consideration to. For the committed disciple it well worth the time it takes to read its 97 pages.
This was usually applied to matters of doctrine, what one believed. To be honest, there was never much success in determining what those essentials were that there had to be unity on if the church could mend. Argument and debate over this issue lead to divisions among those who were advocating for unity.
Part of what drew me to to Claude Alexander's book Necessary Christianity is the approach he takes to what lies at the core of Christian practice. Alexander is interested here in what Jesus meant when he said there were certain things that He and his followers had to be and do. He focuses on the "must" sayings of Jesus, those times when Jesus tells his followers either that He must be something or do something or they must. That is where the title Necessary Christianity comes from. Rather that focusing on what we must believe, i.e. orthodoxy, the focus here is on what we must be and do, i.e. "orthopraxis."
So, for instance, in chapter one Alexander discusses the 12 year old Jesus' statement to his parents that he "must be about his Father's business." The emphasis here is not so much about what he believes about his Father, but rather, what focus or priority he gives to the matters that he believes the Father wants from him.
I found that this made for a fascinating study, as there are more times in the gospels that Jesus speaks of matters in terms of necessity. Usually when he does that, it has to do with the way we live out our relationship with God. The best part of the book is that it sets out these statements for consideration in a systematic fashion.
The downside of the book is that the discussion of the statements is not all that deep. The text has the tone of a compilation of sermons. Rather than a deep dive into the background, meaning and application of the saying, the emphasis here is on encouraging the reader to commit to taking the statement seriously. In the fashion of an evangelist Alexander exhorts the reader to live like the "must" sayings of Jesus are a necessary part of their lives. While doing so he can get repetative at times in a ways that would probably be better received if heard orally in a sermon than read as a text.
Despite this drawback, I found the book to be a unique guide to these important statements of Jesus, which I perhaps had not previously given adequate consideration to. For the committed disciple it well worth the time it takes to read its 97 pages.
March 16, 2023
Christianity Is Necessary!
Let's start by highlighting the positives of this book.
It had some great insights and a really good message. The author presents a clear message about what it means to be a Christian and how to live a life that reflects those beliefs. This is a powerful message that can resonate with readers and help them deepen their faith.
While the book may be a bit repetitive at times, this repetition can also serve to reinforce key concepts and ensure that readers fully understand the message. Additionally, some may find the reiteration helpful in remembering the key points of the book.
Furthermore, the writing style of "CRAJ" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is still a positive read. The author presents complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner, which can be very helpful for those new to Christianity or seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
In conclusion, this is a good book with a powerful message. While it may have some repetitive and reiterative moments, the insights and message of the book make it well worth checking out for anyone seeking to deepen their faith or gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
3.7/5
Let's start by highlighting the positives of this book.
It had some great insights and a really good message. The author presents a clear message about what it means to be a Christian and how to live a life that reflects those beliefs. This is a powerful message that can resonate with readers and help them deepen their faith.
While the book may be a bit repetitive at times, this repetition can also serve to reinforce key concepts and ensure that readers fully understand the message. Additionally, some may find the reiteration helpful in remembering the key points of the book.
Furthermore, the writing style of "CRAJ" may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is still a positive read. The author presents complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner, which can be very helpful for those new to Christianity or seeking to deepen their understanding of the faith.
In conclusion, this is a good book with a powerful message. While it may have some repetitive and reiterative moments, the insights and message of the book make it well worth checking out for anyone seeking to deepen their faith or gain a better understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
3.7/5
September 24, 2022
When I turned to the table of contents and read the chapter titles:
• I must focus
• I must progress
• I must be directed
▪︎ I must be clear
• I must be diligent
▪︎ I must yield to God's will.
It made me think that Musty Christianity is a more apt title. But the "Musts" that Bishop Alexander focuses on here are rooted in "I must" statements and actions of Jesus in the gospels—the things Jesus had to do, and the stuff we have to do too if we are going to follow him.
While I appreciate the meditation on Jesus's Musts and the call to imitate Christ, I can't say I loved this book. Don't get me wrong, there are some good things here, and I appreciate the Bishop's call to take up our crosses and go to the places other folk avoid and to be committed and on mission as a follower of Jesus, the book felt preachy (I'm sure it was a sermon series) and occasionally felt like the context was stretched to make a life lesson for us ( e.g. twelve year old Jesus was focused on his Father's business so we should be too). It just had trouble connecting with this.
• I must focus
• I must progress
• I must be directed
▪︎ I must be clear
• I must be diligent
▪︎ I must yield to God's will.
It made me think that Musty Christianity is a more apt title. But the "Musts" that Bishop Alexander focuses on here are rooted in "I must" statements and actions of Jesus in the gospels—the things Jesus had to do, and the stuff we have to do too if we are going to follow him.
While I appreciate the meditation on Jesus's Musts and the call to imitate Christ, I can't say I loved this book. Don't get me wrong, there are some good things here, and I appreciate the Bishop's call to take up our crosses and go to the places other folk avoid and to be committed and on mission as a follower of Jesus, the book felt preachy (I'm sure it was a sermon series) and occasionally felt like the context was stretched to make a life lesson for us ( e.g. twelve year old Jesus was focused on his Father's business so we should be too). It just had trouble connecting with this.
October 7, 2022
Alexander moves through several of the uses of "dei" in the gospel stories (it is necessary, I must, the Son of Man must) to push back against a "post-modern sense that a life in Christ is all about choice, personal preference, and entitlement" (99). I agree with his assessment of the state of many US Christians and appreciate his calling for all disciples to live under Christ's Lordship. The writing style of this book shows how excellent of an orator Alexander must be.
However, the whole premise of the book moves from Jesus' messianic self-consciousness (I must preach in the other towns, he must past through Samaria, etc.) and extrapolate from that to the life that all mature Christians should pursue. This sort of W.W.J.D. approach usually can be made without any strange hiccups, since Christ is our example, but the approach is a faulty and possibly dangerous hermeneutical decision that I wouldn't endorse.
However, the whole premise of the book moves from Jesus' messianic self-consciousness (I must preach in the other towns, he must past through Samaria, etc.) and extrapolate from that to the life that all mature Christians should pursue. This sort of W.W.J.D. approach usually can be made without any strange hiccups, since Christ is our example, but the approach is a faulty and possibly dangerous hermeneutical decision that I wouldn't endorse.
November 26, 2022
A very cool book that is helped greatly by its brevity, Claude Alexander presents six of Christ's statements on things he "must" do and what Christians should do to follow his example in these areas.
With only six short chapters, the books 2-3 great chapters shine, encouraging the reader to join Christ in diligent, clear, and purposeful service.
This book would make an excellent small-group study. (really nice length chapters and good questions at chapter ends. Not every chapter was great and had the author written 6 more so so chapters like most authors tend to, this would have been forgettable. But I really enjoy it and expect to return to it again.
With only six short chapters, the books 2-3 great chapters shine, encouraging the reader to join Christ in diligent, clear, and purposeful service.
This book would make an excellent small-group study. (really nice length chapters and good questions at chapter ends. Not every chapter was great and had the author written 6 more so so chapters like most authors tend to, this would have been forgettable. But I really enjoy it and expect to return to it again.
January 3, 2023
The chapter on Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman gets 5 stars. The rest of the book 3.
“I’ve been called to God’s unfading glory…I know how it all ends. I can suffer a little while. After I’ve suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen…My tears are short-term. My burdens are short-term. My worries are short-term. My battles are short-term. My struggles are short-term. My frustrations and difficulties are short-term, but God’s victory is long-term. God’s strength is long-term. God’s peace, joy, and glory are long-term. God’s favor is long-term. God’s grace is long-term. God’s love is long-term.”
“I’ve been called to God’s unfading glory…I know how it all ends. I can suffer a little while. After I’ve suffered a little while, God will restore, support, and strengthen…My tears are short-term. My burdens are short-term. My worries are short-term. My battles are short-term. My struggles are short-term. My frustrations and difficulties are short-term, but God’s victory is long-term. God’s strength is long-term. God’s peace, joy, and glory are long-term. God’s favor is long-term. God’s grace is long-term. God’s love is long-term.”
March 3, 2024
I didn’t necessarily disagree with anything that was said in this book, but it seemed to me that the Christianity described here was very duty-driven as opposed to relationship-driven. Duty-driven Christianity was even portrayed as maturity in Christ. Don’t get me wrong…following Jesus can and does most certainly involve obedience out of duty at times, even during entire phases of our lives! It has its place. But I think obedience to Christ that is driven from a relationship with Him, out of love for Him and an aligning of our hearts with His, is a better and more sustaining way.
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August 2, 2023Similar to David Platt's Radical and Francis Chan's Crazy Love. Which means it contains their strengths (attempting to call people to live lives of costly discipleship) and also their weaknesses (what exactly is a "normal" Christian supposed to do?).
March 21, 2023
Just wondering if the author is a Type A personality. He had some really good things to say, which encouraged me. He was rather intense at times and seemed to be shooting for perfection.
March 28, 2023
This guide started off so goo about the concept of necessary Christianity and maturing in our walk. But each of the following lessons became a bit more muddy and unclear about how to do this.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews