Greetings: The words disciple and Christian, are they the same thing? I found it interesting when I recently read that the term Christian is used only three times in the New Testament, while the word disciple appears in the texts more than 280 times. Clearly the term disciple is the preferred word for the New Testament writers. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, disciple means follower, adherent, believer, student, supporter. Does disciple describe your relationship with God? I was intrigued by the words of Jesus used in the gospels as it relates to what it means to follow him. In Matthew 16:24-26 (New International Version), we read: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Christ? In John 8:31 (New International Version), we read, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” In Luke 14:26, Jesus says, If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. That means everything that Jesus taught must be followed in our daily living. Jesus does not ask us to throw logic out the window and follow him blindly. He advises to count the cost, tally up what we must give up versus what we will gain, and then decide. It really is an all or nothing deal. A half-hearted when it is convenient disciple is really not a disciple at all. One fundamental lesson we as Christians or disciples must learn is: God knows best. We must follow Gods principles. They are for our own protection. We live in an increasingly hostile world that has willfully rejected God, and we, as his disciples, are not immune to the worlds trials, tribulations and temptations. We will be tested. Once we learn this hard lesson, and we outgrow the childish notion that we know better than God, then its easier to submit to him and say, Lord, forgive me, I was wrong... Ive been living a life you disapprove of and I want to change. Help me to live the life you approve of. The essence of repentance is a key to becoming a disciple: To repent is to regret your sin, denounce your sin, turn from your sin, and turn to God. So just what is a disciple? A disciple is a growing follower of Christ, who is learning and applying his Word to daily situations, which leads to greater intimacy with God, thus resulting in a life change. Does that describe your relationship with God? Are you a disciple? This morning message is also available by email. Simply email me your address at schneider.nick@gmail and Ill make sure you get the message delivered to you in-box every day. Be blessed.
Posted on: Sat, 26 Oct 2013 10:28:03 +0000
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