Discipleship
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:11
Discipleship is at the core of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. A disciple is a learner, an apprentice. They are to become like their teacher and master . The trade of sin is natural to all people because of Adam. The trade of discipleship to Christ comes only through the cross and Christ and is carried out in the power of the Holy Spirit and much prayer and personal sacrifice. Lets as a Church be known for
our discipleship - not for personal fame but the fame of Jesus Christ the Lord.
Discipleship is Gods way of restoring the image of Christ in His people. Sanctification - the process of making us holy is connected with discipleship. The goal of our salvation is Christ likeness the means is discipleship. Just as children resemble their parents so true disciples resemble Christ.
Christ discipled his disciples when he was on earth and when done he left 11 men who he infilled and empowered. But they also remembered His words and what discipleship would cost them. He also supernaturally equipped them to go and be the foundation of the Church. God hasn't changed his ways of dicipling. Everyday He is calling people chosen before time to be His apprentices, pupils, followers, i.e his disciples. We are to be like gems and infect people for Christ spreading his gospel everywhere we go. We are to disciple others in their homes when we gather for fun and fellowship and worship.
Christ is the true disciple. He humbled himself and took the form of a servant.(Phil 2) He was a disciple of His father.being submissive first to Him so others would be saved and become like Christ. That's discipleship - serving others like Christ did. We are to serve others because of Christ. We are to preach because Christ preached and taught. We are to pray for others because He did. We are to be his ambassadors and witnesses because that's what he did.
Christ was God but he willing tto humble himself as man being a disciple in order to make the disciples who began the first Church. The Church is both the body of Christ and a reflection of Christs character. That character was of a disciple. The Church is also a called out community or assembly of disciples of Christ. The making of disciples is to happen as we communion with one another in loving transparency and service. Just as disciples model Christ to the world so do local communities of believers.
Why is there so little true discipleship today. There are many reasons. Some argue that programs hinder discipleship. Many believers attend a Church but have not been taught to be the Church in their suburb or neighbourhood.
Today Christians must rediscover discipleship and make disciples like Christ did. True discipleship is going to cost us everything - our time and money and pleasure but what rewards it will have in seeing people changed. What business are you in? Lets be in the populating heaven one by disciplining one non Christian. It will change your life and save theirs - now that's life changing and obedient to Christ's command to make disciples.
Repentance of our programs and just attending Church rather than being the Church.
The cross - dying daily to ourselves and living for Christ
Faith - believe God's word for supernatural strength and power
Love - others whoever they are because God loves us
Grace. - giving to others what they don't deserve
"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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