Discipleship is the bible-based process and principles by which a new baby in the lord (someone that just repent from sins to follow Christ) is assisted progressively to become a mature person, an adult in the lord who in turn can lead others through the process that has made him/her a disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is the foundation for consistent Christianity and reliable followers of the lord. Many church members do not know what it is all about, how much more being ready to be disciple. What a big gap that portends future danger to Christianity and the church.
Jesus the savor and redeemer of the world came to launch an eternally arranged programmed. To ensure its success and continuity, he needed pupils’ followers (disciples/apostles).
Jesus went up on the a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him, He appointed twelve designating them apostles, that might be with him and send them out to preach (Matthew 3:13-14). Jesus needed pupils, followers and co-workers who would be taught what he believes, represents and wants to do, so that they become like him. He was guided by his father and the Holy Spirit. Some of his followers were called apostles (Matthew 10:2) others were called disciples (Luke 10:1). The apostles were the foundational disciples, the specially sent and commissioned and anyone who has the gift of teaching, evangelism, pastor and prophecy.
Everyone is a disciple but not all are apostles.
Jesus called people of different backgrounds, fishermen, tax collector, farmer and others. The twelve apostles and the seventy two disciples were not of the same backgrounds but they were all called by him.
There is a definite call through the gospel to everyone Firstly, for salvation (to be save) and secondly, for service (to work/ lead others) come follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men at once they left their nets and follow him (Matthew 4:19-20). To be made fisher of men means teaching, intimacy, relationship, delegation, practice, formal and informal experiences until they are made by the lord Jesus who had a predetermined programmed.
First apostles of Jesus Luke 6:13-16
1, Simon peter the apostle
2, Andrew peter’s brother the apostle
3, James the apostle
4, John the apostle
5, Philip the apostle
6, Bartholomew the apostle
7, Matthew the apostle
8, Thomas the apostle
9, James the son of Alpheus the apostle
10, Simon called Zelotes the apostle
11, Judas brother of James the apostle
12, Judas Iscariot the apostle who was later replace by Matthias
After salvation, every believer is expected to serve God according to the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Practical aspect of disciple of Christ
The time came for the twelve that had been with Jesus from oneset (mark 3:14) to be sent on practical. He empowered them to effectively represent and represent him in, and to the aching/dying world. As he endued all true Christians to demonstrate signs and wonders by the power of his spirit. Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere. Luke 9:1-6
The disciples were strictly instructed not to take anything extra on the journey and do not go from house to house, but that they should remain in a particular house where they were firstly welcomed. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleave on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10:4-11.
Jesus was indirectly teaching the disciples to be contending with what provides and to remain in a place for easy location and cohesion. Consequently all evangelists and missionaries should submit to appropriate authorities for leadership, mentorship, supervision, accountability and growth. They are to shake the dust from their feet in the town where their message was not welcome. In the jewish culture, it means separation. That is the disciples were not responsible for whatever judgments that would befall them. We must duly and understandably present the gospel to the sinners so that we are not held accountable for their blood (Ezekiel 33:1ff). The apostles immediately went from village to village to preaching the good news. When the apostles returned, they report to Jesus what they had done (Luke 9:6-10) when last did you preach? Holy Spirit is ever ready to back us to set the captives free, as we preach the gospel of Jesus Christ (mark 16:13-18).
Jesus commission the church to go into the whole world to preach the gospel. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). The great commission is a universal task to be carried out by disciple/ believers (mark 16:15). The early church continued in discipleship, Peter preached and revealed Christ in his message, which brought about three thousand convert in a single Holy Spirit gospel crusade. However, to sustain their salvation, they would have to remain within the frame work of the church, persisting in the right Christian doctrine, as handed over to the apostles by Jesus Christ himself.
Disciples of Christ merits and rewards
1, He gives us the assurance of salvation ( Romans 8:16 )
2, He give life to our physical body ( Romans 8:11 )
3, He teaches us how to pray (Romans 8:26 )
4, He provide the fruit of the spirit in the life of believers ( Galatians 5:22-23 )
5, He redeem us from the cause of law
6, Is our source of spiritual strength
7, He guide and direct our steps
8, He gives us boldness to preach the gospel without fear ( Acts 4:31)
9, He teach and reveal the secret thing we did not know to us
10, He make us danger to the kingdom of darkness
11, He gives us authority over the prince and principalities of the devil
12, He make us member of Christ body
Disciples of Christ process
1, Hearing the gospel (Acts 2:37)
2, Genuine repentance (Acts 3:19)
3, Baptism (Matthew 28:18-20)
4, Remain in the frame work of the living church (1thesalonians 5:11)
5, Studying the scripture (2Timothy 2:15)
6, Pray for total, complete salvation (psalm 85:7)
7, Rejoice in the salvation of God (psalm 9:14)
8, Work out your salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)
9, Proclaim the salvation to others (psalm 67:2)
10, Grow in the salvation through his word (1Peter 2:12)
Conclusion
Every member of a christian church / fellowship who believe, obey and practice the doctrine of Jesus Christ are the true disciples of Jesus Christ irrespective of your denomination, its then he will recognize you as his disciple. John10:14 'I am the good shepherd; i know my sheep and my sheep know me'
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