Process

 

The following excerpt is taking from the JBU’s manual, DISCIPLESHIP 2000 For INTEGRATED CHURCH GROWTH, written by Rev. Dr. Prince F. Clemmings et al.

To become a disciple is to experience a radical change. as it were, to pass from one state or status into another … It is to have a change of identity. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

To be a disciple is to be humble and be willing to serve. That’s the example that Jesus, our Lord and Master, set (John 13:1-7) … and that’s the example we follow … even if and when suffering is involved.

To make disciples is to do what Jesus Christ wants His followers to do … and this was evident in various stages of His ministry.  At the beginning of His ministry, His invitation was to “Follow” Him to become “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17).  Later in His ministry, He would tell His disciples that He had “chosen” them and “ordained” them so that they could “bear fruit” and that their fruit should remain (John 15:16). After His resurrection, He commissioned His disciples to “go and make disciples.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

1.  BECOMING A DISCIPLE

  • A Change of Identity … 2 Cor.5:17
  • Authentic Authority … John 19:10-11; Matt. 10:1; 7-13; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8
  • Delegated Responsibility … John 13:13-16; Luke 6:40; 1 Cor.4:1-2; 1 Pet.4:8-11
  • Inevitable Accountability … Gen.2:15-17; Luke 19:11-15, 16-19, 20-26

 

2.  BEING A DISCIPLE

  • A Life of Submission … Luke 5:27-28; Luke 9:59-60; Matt.6:33; Luke 9:23
  • A Life of Service … John 13:1-7; John 13:14-15, 16; 1 Cor.13:4-8; Col.3:23; Mark 10:42-45
  • A Life of Suffering … Matt.16:21-25; Mark 8:31-35; Luke 9:22-23; Rom.8:16-18; 1 Peter 4:12-16
  • A Life of Satisfaction … John 1:35-42; John 6:8-9; John 12:20-22

 

3.  MAKING A DISCIPLE

  • Translating the Mandate … Mark 1:7; Matt.4:19; Matt.28:19-20; John 15:16: Acts 1:8
  • Transmitting the Message of the Mandate … Acts 8:5; Acts 11:19
  • Training in Discipleship, Part 1 … John 3:1-2; 1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 6:4; 1 Timothy 4:6-7, 10-16
  • Training in Discipleship, Part 2 … Matt.28:19-20; John 8:31-32; 2 Tim.2:2; Mark 1:17.

Evidently, a close relationship with Jesus Christ is enlightening, transforming and inspiring.  Nothing less ought to describe the experience of the Christian disciple.

As disciples engaged in this ministry of the eve of the twenty-first century, we are still encouraged by the assurance of the Master Himself, “surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt.28:20)

Continue to follow Jesus and your spiritual net will never be empty. (Mark 1:17)

 

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