THE CHURCH - MINISTRY OF DISCIPLE MAKING
Readings: Matthew 28 v 16 - 20, Acts 1 v 8, Mark 16 v 15 -
18, 2 Timothy 2 v 2, Ephesians 4 v 11 - 16
The ministry of discipleship making in the Church is our
MISSION. This has to be based on the WORD OF GOD because:
a) Our gospel came unto you in WORD - 1 Thessalonians 1 v 5
b) Was allowed of God to put trust with the gospel- 1
Thessalonians 2 v 4
c) We preached unto you the gospel of God - 1 Thessalonians
2 v 9
d) We exhorted, encouraged and charged every one of you, as
a father to his children in the word - 1 Thessalonians 2 v 11
e) Ye received the Word of God of which ye heard of us - 1
Thessalonians 2 v 13
The Word of God has to be taught as well as preached because
spiritual growth is related to learning hence empowerment by the spirit of God!
You will realize that the gospel became real through the
ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul and his associates were empowered to teach
and preach the Word. Let us look at the steps to being filled with the Holy
Spirit, which are:
Authentic, Productive and Bold, having confidence,
fearlessness and frankness. Honest, being open and above board, Trustworthy and
Victorious in spiritual warfare are the other steps to being filled with the
Holy Spirit.
What then is the methodology of disciple making? There are
three ingredients which ought to be a part of every method of disciple making
outside the context of the church, and the experience of drawing upon other
members of the body, a new baby in Christ will not grow into a mature,
responsible disciple of Jesus Christ. These ingredients are;
a) RELATIONAL - The bible has examples of individual
relationships in disciple making such as Jesus Himself who called men to
Himself - Matthew 4 v 18 - 22
b) The example of Barnabas in - Acts 4 v 36, 9 v 26 - 29, 11
v 19 - 26, 13 v 13
c) The example of Paul in these passages of scripture - Phil
2 v 22, 2 Timothy 1 v 5, 2 v 13, 1 Thessalonians 2 v 7 - 8
There is need for us to also discuss about the marks of a
disciple and these are;
a) Personally related and unconditionally committed - Luke
14 v 25 - 35
b) Lives under the authority of the Word - John 8 v 31
c) Committed and loving to fellow disciples - John 13 v 35
d) Display faith allegiance by the fruit with visible
expression of submission, devotion and service. Discipleship making has its own
mechanics of discipling such as:
i) A maturing process - Acts 1 v 8
ii) A modelling process - 1 Thessalonians 2 v 8
iii) A mutual process- Ephesians 4 v 11 - 16
iv) A multiple process which is the input of many - Matt. 28
v 19
v) A manifold process, living for Christ in the world not
just in the church and this should be in every area of life.
Disciple making is a ministry process whereby the individual discovers in his own place in the Body of Christ. It should also be looked in the frame of a multiplying process for the Body of Christ, through doctrinal truth taught, lived and demonstrated truth.
This can be achieved by preaching, specialized ministries, practical ministry, thus evangelism, group prayer and bible study, one on one, personal devotional life, pastoral visitation and care. Are you ready for it?
Prayerful thought: Lord make me a faithful warrior in
discipleship making in the Body of Christ.
Day 10
THE CHURCH - DISCIPLESHIP DEMANDS SACRIFICE
Readings: John 16 v 33, Luke 9 v 57 - 62
Like I said before, following Jesus is not a bed of roses
but it is easy only when life runs smoothly and trouble free. Jesus assured us
that trials and tribulations will come to His followers, hence discipleship
demands sacrifice, and Jesus never hid that cost.
In the gospel according to Luke, three people seemed willing
to follow Jesus. When Jesus questioned them further, their commitment was half
hearted at best. They failed to count the cost of following Him. None was just
willing to take up his cross and crucify upon it his own interests.
Therefore, Jesus appeared to dissuade them. How different
from the typical gospel presentation! How many people would respond to an altar
call that went, "COME FOLLOW JESUS AND YOU MAY FACE THE LOSS OF FRIENDS,
FAMILY, REPUTATION, CAREER AND POSSIBLY EVEN YOUR LIFE?" The number of
false Christians or converts would likely decrease. Such a call is what Jesus
meant when He talked of self-denial of taking up the cross and follow Him. If
you wonder, and if you are ready to take up your cross, consider these
questions:
1. Are you willing to follow Jesus even if it means losing
some of your closest friends?
2. Even if it means alienation from your family?
3. Even if it means loss of your reputation?
4. Even if it means losing your job?
5. Even if it means losing your life?
In some places of the world, these consequences are a
reality especially in a Moslem world. But notice the questions are phrased,
"ARE YOU WILLING?"
Following Jesus does not necessarily mean that all these
things will happen to you, but are you willing to take up your cross? If there
comes a point in your life where you are faced with a choice, Jesus or the
comforts of this life, which one will you choose?
Commitment to Christ means taking up your cross daily,
giving up your hopes, dreams, possessions, treasures and even your very life if
it need be for the cause of discipleship, this is following Christ. Only if you
are willing to take up your cross may you be caned His disciples (Luke 14 v
27), The reward is worth the price. Jesus followed His call of death to self
with the gift of life in Him. What do you say to this, are you a disciple of
Christ?
Prayerful thought - Take my life and let it be consecrated
Lord to you for in you is my hope built.