Work Shop The Disciple

The Great Commission directs us to go out and make disciples from all the nations of the earth, commanding them to keep the directives given by Christ and His Apostles. We do not do this. We go out to "save souls," telling them they are not obligated to keep the commandments contained in the New Testament because they are saved by grace. When we try to "save souls" and build a large church we are apt to trim the demands of Christ so people are not offended.

The Lord Jesus never did this. He put it to His followers plainly: "If you are going to be My disciple you have to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you once put your hand to the plow and then look back, you are not fit for the Kingdom of God Kingdom of . If you love your family members more than you do Me you are not worthy of Me. If you do not take up your cross and follow Me you are not worthy of Me."

We are much more concerned about the growth of numbers than we are with the spiritual growth of individuals. We are sowing our traditions and personal ambitions and we are going to reap corruption in the days to come.

Primary Scriptures

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, And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19,20)

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my

disciple. (Luke 14:26)

As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." (Acts 24:25)

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Essential Points of Emphasis

The Book of Acts is not so much a record of the Apostles "saving souls," in the sense of urging their listeners to make a profession of faith, but of God’s preachers bringing the good news of forgiveness through the blood of the cross and warning people everywhere to turn from their sins and bring forth the evidence of deep repentance.

One can be an American Christian in all the customary meanings of the term and yet not be a disciple of Jesus Christ. A disciple of Jesus Christ is an individual who in his heart has come out from the world, who is denying himself and seeking Christ with all his might.

Suggested References

The Disciple; Making Disciples; Too Hard!

Follow up Activities

Answer Review Questions for this topic. 18

List additional Scriptures which support this concept.

Summarize this topic in your own words in one paragraph.

Read further on this concept in Fifty-two Kingdom Topics

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