Monday, 25 September 2023
MAKING DISCIPLES
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).
The opening text from the New International Version says, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations..." The Lord Jesus commanded us to make disciples of all nations. A disciple is someone who follows their leader.
So, if someone refuses to "follow" you, then you're yet to truly make that one a disciple. The Master's vision is for them to become our disciples, accompanying us and emulating our actions in doing the things the Lord asked us to do.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." Notice that he didn't say, "I've led you to Christ, so follow Him." No! He explicitly stated, "Follow me as I follow Christ." Therefore, when we lead souls to Christ, we must teach them to do what we do and help them cultivate the habit of going to church.
Let them know that church gatherings are mandatory for us as Christians (Luke 4:16). Don't be satisfied if they only attend special church programs and neglect the actual church services. They must become disciples, and for that to happen, we must lead by example. Remember, the local church is a place of growth, teaching, training and protection. Everyone needs a family; so bring them into the church family.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I pray for many around the world whose zeal for the things of the Spirit may have dissipated, that their passion be rekindled, and they take their personal times of fellowship with the Spirit and study of the Word seriously; that there be unity, stability and growth as we, the Church, attain the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 11:22-26; Acts 6:7
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 2:11-22 & Isaiah 15-18
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:1-13 & 2 Samuel 23-24