What is Christian discipleship?

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Question: "What is Christian discipleship?"

Answer: By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the Holy Spirit, who resides in our hearts, to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more Christlike. This process requires believers to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to examine their thoughts, words and actions and compare them with the Word of God. This requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying over it, and obeying it. In addition, we should always be ready to give testimony of the reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) and to disciple others to walk in His way. According to Scripture, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth characterized by the following:

1. Putting Jesus first in all things (Mark 8:34-38). The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. Our focus should be on our Lord and pleasing Him in every area of our lives. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.

2. Following Jesus' teachings (John 8:31-32). We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God (1 Samuel 28:18), and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as He lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death (Philippians 3:6-8).

3. Fruitfulness (John 15:5-8). Our job is not producing fruit. Our job is to abide in Christ, and if we do, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit, and this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our lives will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts, and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of that change. The change we seek is done from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn’t something we can conjure up on our own.

4. Love for other disciples (John 13:34-35). We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God's family (1 John 3:10). Love is defined and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. These verses show us that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than of ourselves and to look out for their interests (Philippians 2:3-4). The next verse in Philippians (verse 5) really sums up what we are to do when it comes to everything in life: "our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." What a perfect example He is to us for everything we are to do in our Christian walk.

5. Evangelism - Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20). We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level in the Christian life, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don't really know enough or haven't been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. They may not know a lot of Bible verses or the "accepted" way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God, and that is exactly what we are to share.

© Copyright 2002-2012 Got Questions Ministries. 

Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-discipleship.html

What does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)?

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Question: "What does it mean that believers are to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16)?"

Answer: Jesus used the concepts of salt and light a number of different times to refer to the role of His followers in the world. One example is found in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8).

Second, salt was used then, as now, as a flavor enhancer. In the same way that salt enhances the flavor of the food it seasons, the followers of Christ stand out as those who “enhance” the flavor of life in this world. Christians, living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, will inevitably influence the world for good, as salt has a positive influence on the flavor of the food it seasons. Where there is strife, we are to be peacemakers; where there is sorrow, we are to be the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds, and where there is hatred, we are to exemplify the love of God in Christ, returning good for evil (Luke 6:35).

In the analogy of light to the world, the good works of Christ’s followers are to shine for all to see. The following verses in Matthew 5 highlight this truth: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, NASB). The idea here is similar—the presence of light in darkness is something which is unmistakable. The presence of Christians in the world must be like a light in the darkness, not only in the sense that the truth of God’s Word brings light to the darkened hearts of sinful man (John 1:1-10), but also in the sense that our good deeds must be evident for all to see. And indeed, our deeds will be evident if they are performed in accordance with the other principles which Jesus mentions in this passage, such as the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-11. Notice especially that the concern is not that Christians would stand out for their own sake, but that those who looked on might “glorify your Father who is in heaven” (v. 16, KJV).

In view of these verses, what sorts of things can hinder or prevent the Christian from fulfilling his or her role as salt and light in the world? The passage clearly states that the difference between the Christian and the world must be preserved; therefore, any choice on our part which blurs the distinction between us and the rest of the world is a step in the wrong direction. This can happen either through a choice to accept the ways of the world for the sake of comfort or convenience or to contravene the law of obedience to Christ.

Mark 9:50 suggests that saltiness can be lost specifically through a lack of peace with one another; this follows from the command to “have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” And in Luke 14:34-35, we find a reference to the metaphor of salt once again, this time in the context of obedient discipleship to Jesus Christ. The loss of saltiness occurs in the failure of the Christian to daily take up the cross and follow Christ wholeheartedly.

It seems, then, that the role of the Christian as salt and light in the world may be hindered or prevented through any choice to compromise or settle for that which is more convenient or comfortable, rather than that which is truly best and pleasing to the Lord. Moreover, the status of salt and light is something which follows naturally from the Christian’s humble obedience to the commandments of Christ. It is when we depart from the Spirit-led lifestyle of genuine discipleship that the distinctions between ourselves and the rest of the world become blurred and our testimony is hindered. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him can we expect to remain salt and light in the world.

© Copyright 2002-2012 Got Questions Ministries. 

Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/salt-and-light.html

Why is making disciples important?

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Question: "Why is making disciples important?"

Answer: The making of disciples is our Lord’s means for answering the prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). In His infinite wisdom, Jesus chose to use dedicated followers, His disciples, to carry the message of salvation to all peoples of the world. He included this as a command in His last words before His ascension to heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 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 28:18-20).

Making disciples is important because it is the Lord’s chosen method of spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. During His public ministry, Jesus spent more than three years making disciples—teaching and training His chosen twelve. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was the Son of God, the promised Messiah; they believed on Him, though imperfectly. He spoke to the crowds, but often He drew the disciples aside privately to teach them the meaning of His parables and miracles. He sent them out on ministry assignments. He also taught them that soon He would be returning to His Father following His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; John 12:23-36, 14:2-4). Though they could not comprehend it, He made the disciples this astonishing promise: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). Jesus also promised to send His Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16-17).

As promised, on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came with power on the believers, who then were emboldened to speak the Good News to everyone. The remainder of the Book of Acts gives the exciting account of all that was accomplished through them. In one city the opposition said, “These who have turned the world upside down are come hither also” (Acts 17:6 KJV). Multitudes placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and they also became disciples. When strong persecution came from the false religious leaders, they dispersed to other areas and continued to obey Christ’s command. Churches were established throughout the Roman Empire, and eventually in other nations.

Later, because of disciples such as Martin Luther and others, Europe was opened to the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Reformation. Eventually, Christians emigrated to the New World to make Christ known. Though the world still is not completely evangelized, the challenge is as viable now as ever before. The command of our Lord remains – “Go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” The characteristics of a disciple may be simply stated as

• one who is assured of his salvation (John 3:16) and is activated by the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27);

• one who is growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18); and

• one who shares Christ’s burden for the lost souls of men and women. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38).

© Copyright 2002-2012 Got Questions Ministries. 

Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/making-disciples.html

What is Compassion?

What is Compassion? Simple. Love in Action.

That's it, but the hard part is putting it into practice. There are so many ways we can show compassion, like helping the sick, the poor, and the hurt. But how often are we living a life style of compassion? Hopefully after you read the rest of this article you will be moved to do something to help, like supporting Gospel for Asia through prayer or giving a donation. By being the hands and feet of Jesus locally or by supporting our brothers and sisters in Asia we can truly demonstrate love in action.

Meet people who have never even heard the name of Jesus through watching the video below. See for your self how God is transforming lives through a group of dedicated Gospel for Asia supported missionaries who are reaching the most unreached with Jesus' love. It takes tremendous self-sacrifice and patience on the part of the Gospel for Asia native missionaries to work full time for the advancement of the Gospel, but they live to lead people to Jesus.

Open sewage, polluted water, lack of health care, illiteracy, superstition, and diseases such as tuberculosis and AIDS are just some of the threats all around them. But the Gospel for Asia teams of trained nurses and doctors visit dozens of villages, and Bridge of Hope Centers are all ministering to thousands of people each year, all in the name of the Great Physician—Jesus Christ.

Gospel for Asia's Compassion Services are bringing Christ's love to the suffering and needy in very practical ways. And the teams minister year-round in Asian slums, and one Bible college trains young missionaries for this specific ministry. Compassion Services missionaries similarly work in leper colonies and other forsaken communities. And it's all done in the name of Jesus. Please pray about how you can help today!

Please visit: http://www.gfa.org/cs/   or    http://www.gfa.org/donation/browse/items/compassion-services/ to learn more. Thanks and may God bless you!

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Sponsor a Child You have the opportunity to reach into at least one child's life through sponsorship. We can pray for these children and know that our Father hears these prayers. Consider this opportunity to sponsor in light of eternity.

Sponsor a Missionary National Missionaries are ministering much like the Christians in the early Church did, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, caring for the sick and needy and establishing local fellowships.

Revolution in World Missions Order the book that started the revolution! After reading it, you will never be the same.

If you have supported Gospel for Asia by learning about their ministry by through this blog would you please let us know? You are making a difference! Did you know?

One hundred percent of what you give Gospel for Asia to sponsorship goes to the field.
As a member of the ECFA Gospel for Asia manages your gift with financial integrity.
Your donations are tax-deductible. Gospel for Asia is a recognized nonprofit by the IRS.

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You're Invited

Do you know that there are people who are just waiting for an opportunity to give their life to the Lord?

Did you know that salvation is a two-sided thing? You see, on God's part it consists in giving something, and on our part it consists in receiving something, but the thing given by God and received by us is not a thing at all, but a person [1]. To be saved you must trust in the finished work of Jesus (John 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4), and invite Jesus to come into your life (John 1:12-13).

"And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:11-12.

Here are just a few examples of Invitations given to us from God in the Bible:

• Genesis 3:9 - "Where are you?"
• Joshua 24:15 - "Chose this day whom you will serve."
• Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13 - "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
• Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD.
• Matthew 11:28 - Jesus said, "Come to me" 
• Matthew 22:1-14 "Come, for all things are now ready." The Parable of the Great Supper
  
• Luke 14:15–24  "For many are called". The Parable of the Wedding Feast
  
• John 7:37-39 - Jesus said "If any man thirst let him come unto Me and drink"
• Acts 2:14-38 - 5000 responded to the invitation by Peter to receive Jesus as their Lord.
• Revelation 3:20 - "If anyone hears My voice and opens the door." He only comes in by invitation.
• Revelation 22:17 - "And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely."

Can you see that you are invited to have a relationship with Jesus? Maybe you already have one, but are you inviting others to also have a relationship with Jesus? It's not about giving an altar call, but an invitation to people to come to Christ. Share the Gospel and leave the results up to God.

If you are a Pastor or a Bible Teacher then for more encouragement please listen to these two audio messages from two Calvary Chapel Pastors:

• "Giving an Evangelistic Message" by Greg Laurie   
• "Pulpit Evangelism" by Bob Coy 

1. RA Torrey. How to Promote and Conduct a Successful Revival: With Suggestive Outlines, Quoted by H.W. Pope, Decision-Day in the Sunday School. Page 84.

Video - "Sharing the Hope"

Mark Cahill - "Sharing the Hope"

Mark Cahill urges Atlanta Christians at the Great Exchange to not lose a second of time in sharing the hope they have in Christ. Remember "If it doesn't matter the day you die it doesn't matter"! Check out Mark Cahill Ministries at markcahill.org

Video - "Hey Stranger"

Mark Cahill - "Hey Stranger" 

Mark Cahill talks on witnessing and evangelism.

Check out Mark Cahill Ministries at markcahill.org

Not Ability, but Availability by Greg Laurie (Calvary Chapel Pastor)

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols." — Isaiah 42:8

Not Ability, but Availability by Greg Laurie

What kind of person does God seek to use? What qualifications is He looking for in someone? Is it a towering intellect? Is it natural leadership ability? Could God ever use someone who is a bit shy by nature? Does this person have to be very talented or handsome or beautiful?

The answer to all of these questions is clearly no. It seems as though God goes out of His way sometimes to choose the most unexpected people to use.

If I had to choose one passage of Scripture that I think best summarizes my life as a Christian, it would be 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, where the apostle Paul wrote,

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

There is not a person who had less promise to achieve anything with his life than me. I was literally the last person picked for the team for whatever sport it was. I never was academically strong. I always underwhelmed in most areas of my life. So when the Lord chose me to serve Him, it was very clear that it was His doing—not mine. This is because God will not give His glory to another.

As I have said before, God is not looking for ability as much as availability. Are you available to Him?

Copyright © 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Source: http://www.harvest.org/devotional/archive/devotion/2012-06-01.html

Saved to Serve by Billy Graham

Saved to Serve by Billy Graham

“Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men’” (Mark 1:17). We are saved to serve; we are redeemed to reproduce spiritually; we are fished out of the miry clay so that we in turn may become fishers of men.

During our Crusades, thousands of young people have surrendered their lives to Christ for full-time Christian service. Young people want adventure and excitement; but they want more—they want something to believe in, a cause to give themselves to, a flag to follow. The only cause that is big enough is the cause of Jesus Christ; and its flag is the blood-stained body that was lifted on the cross of Calvary for the redemption of the world.

This invitation to discipleship is the most thrilling ever to come to mankind. Just imagine being a working partner with God in the redemption of the world! Jesus challenged, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:26).

Christian discipleship gives us the privilege of being associated with Christ intimately. And the faithful discharging of the glorious responsibilities of true discipleship invokes the approval and favor of God Himself.

Are you actively involved in discipleship? 

Prayer

Lord, help us to follow Christ daily and to make knowing Him and making Him known the guiding cause of our lives. Teach us how to be Your faithful servants. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Scripture quotations are taken by permission from The Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright ©1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc.,Publishers, Nashville, Tenn. From Billy Graham: "Decision" magazine, May 2012, ©1959 BGEA.

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