An appeal to Disciples

Dear disciples, and I mean ALL who read it J.  In the book of Acts 11:26 we read “In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” meaning everybody who was converted to Jesus was a disciple!  As conversions took place in the early church we read that the “number of disciples was increasing” (Acts 6:1), and the very next verse (6:2) says “the Twelve gathered all the disciples together.” 

They took seriously the Commission of Jesus to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and the new disciples were discipling others.  Discipleship was the way of life. The word “disciple” did not mean a “second-stage” Christian, it was a method of carrying over the Message to others.  Disciples would become disciplers.  Once you receive the teaching you go and teach others.  Once you had been empowered and received and empower others and give the Grace.

And over the millennia of institutionalized church the meaning has been lost.  At a recent Bible study a young lady after hearing word “disciple” started sharing how she does not like to be disciplined, as her parents were abusive.  We have changed the meaning of what the discipline and therefore discipling means.  New words have emerged – mentor, coach, guru, trainer, guide, etc.  Yet the method of Jesus and His Message are one package.  The Gospel can be conveyed and propagated only when we care for others in the community, when those with more experience invest their lives to teach, train, equip, empower others.

Discipleship begins at home.  Your kids are your first disciples.  Apostle Paul did not use the Greek term “matheteuo” for discipling, and talked about imitating and following. Our children imitate us parents as they grow up.  They may chose not to follow us, yet it all is caused by us, the adults who initiate the process.  If what we are and present makes sense, and is good, others would follow and live it.   Are your kids following you?  Ask yourself “Would I follow myself?”

Christian will grow personally, and also help others to grow into more maturity, and here’s how Paul lists some of these possibilities:

Titus 2:4  Older women are to train younger women.

2^nd Timothy 2:2  Paul trained Timothy to train others to train others.

Ephesians 6:4 — Fathers are to train their children.

Hebrews 3:13 — All Christians are to exhort each other every day to avoid sin and to stir each other up to love and good works

1^st Peter 4:10 — All Christians are to use their gifts to serve others.

Every Christian is helping unbelievers become believers by showing Christ within, and helping believers to grow.  Keep growing!