Mere Discipleship 2

                                                    by: Jerry Savage, Minister League Street Church of Christ

 

Did you ever realize that the word “Christian” is found only three times in the New Testament? The word “Disciple” or “Disciples” is found 255 times in the New Testament. Acts 11:26 explains that the first time the disciples were ever called Christians was in Antioch. You see, those who came to be called “Christians” in the 11th chapter of Acts had previously been called, simply, “Disciples.” You can’t be a Christian without being a disciple

 

The word “Disciple” means: A Learner or a Follower. It is altogether possible for a person to be “Religious” or to “Go to church” without ever really finding out what Jesus actually taught and without ever really living like Jesus lived. In the gospel of John, chapter 8, verse 31, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine ....” To be the kind of person that God wants, we must have a fervent desire to Learn the word of Christ. We must “get into His word”; we must “abide” there; that is, make it our home. Let me ask you something. Do you really know what Jesus taught? How well would you do on a quiz? If you are not a learner who abides in the words of the master, then you are not a disciple.

The apostle Peter understood the concept of Discipleship. In I Peter 2:21 he wrote, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS.” A Disciple is a Follower. Like a child following a parent’s steps through the snow, so a Disciple carefully follows the footprints of the master. Jesus left us an example of how we are to live in this world. We should learn to treat people like He treated people. Our attitudes must be become like His attitudes. The way we look at life must become like His way of looking at life. We must develop the kind of relationship with God that He had. This is what Discipleship is all about. Jesus invited us to Discipleship when He said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and LEARN FROM ME” (Matthew 11:28-29). A Disciple is a Learner or a Follower.

 

This is what God wants from you. He wants you to learn and obey what Jesus taught. He wants you to follow how Jesus lived.                                                                  

Think about it.

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