|
The word disciple is one of
those words that many do not fully understand. The name
first given to those who have chosen to become followers
of Jesus took place in Antioch where they were first
called by the name of Christians. Acts 11:26 the word
Christian actually means a believer in Jesus Christ and
a follower of His. He is the only begotten Son of the
living God. God sent Him to us to be our redeemer. Jesus
is part of the triune God. Jesus is the way, the truth
and the life; no one may come to the Father, but through
Him. John 14:6 these words were spoken by Jesus Himself.
There are those who think they are good people and do
not need a redeemer. Regarding the people who say they
are good consider this, Jesus was asked a question by a
man that addressed Him as good. Jesus replied to him.
Why do you call me good? No one is good except God
alone. Mark 10:18 so do we think we are good?
When someone comes to God in your presence in the
response to your words, do you say you led them to
Christ? If so you are only fooling yourself. We are only
a conduit for the Holy Spirit to speak through. Go into
the world and make disciples of all nations and men.
Make them Disciples of Christ. See Matthew 28:19-20 keep
in mind that the only thing we have to do with anyone’s
salvation is to be a willing voice for Christ. It is
important to note here that this is a commandment for us
to do, it is not a suggestion.
At this point we should address the word follower; it
does not mean to just tag along. The definition is a
follower of anything rather it be a person or an idea.
This means that anyone that believes they want to
emulate someone else will not only mimic the actions of
that person but will embrace their complete belief
system. They will pursue all of their teachings and
actions. Simply putting it, they have elected to give
themselves over to the guidance of somebody or a system.
Believing in Jesus Christ who is a part of the triune
living God has proven to be the way to accomplish an
ideal life. In His teachings we will uncover the path He
has chosen for us to walk. This path or the way we live
and behave is an important step and the rewards are
great. It will not be a simple or easy path to walk. Our
flesh will go against us mainly because we were born
into sin. James 1:15 every man will be tempted if he
takes his eyes off of Jesus if only for a fleeting
moment. He will be drawn into his own lust. Satan can
detect all of our weakness and will use them against us.
The true weakness lies in our hearts where lust, deceit,
covetousness and all the other worldly attractions are
harbored. James 1-14
Being a person who has chosen this path, we will
experience a way of life that has proven to be not only
a joyful and a fulfillment of life but also the way that
leads to the direct path to everlasting life. This is
not an easy path to walk when we dedicate our self to
being His disciple. We are looked at by the world as
uncompromising in our stance when it comes to the word
of God. This is the only choice we have, because to
deviate from His teachings is to call Him a liar. When
we have come to know Him we must keep His commandments.
For when we deviate from the narrow path it brings
sadness to our hearts that causes unbearable pain. Even
when we go to Him in pleading for forgiveness in prayer
we know that He is faithful and will forgive us. 1st
John 1:9 this knowledge still does not negate the fact
that we tore at His heart strings with our sin.
1st John 2:4 we are told in God’s love letters to us
that we are to obey His commandments, and we will find
that there are many through out the bible. Some seem to
think that there are only ten commandants, if so they
fool only themselves. They also seem to believe that
they are not the Ten Commandments but are just the ten
suggestions.
God knew all the trials that would confront all of us
who reside in the world. His word contains answers to
cure any plight we are in. The world is blind to God and
His plan for us and if only they knew, they too could
find peace and joy. God has told us when we are
persecuted because of Him to take heart for when we
endure to the end we will be saved. Matthew 10:22
A day does not go by that the sadness of the world is
not unfolded right in front of us in the newspapers and
we see it on television and on the faces of people we
encounter. Sadness that is raised up within the hearts
is over whelming when we see the despair in the eyes and
faces of those who are lost. If this alone does not
bring tears to your eyes, then you need desperately to
search your heart to see if you contain the love for
mankind that God has instilled in your heart. Don’t let
the world harden your heart. Reach out to those that God
places in your path that need help. Do not become
complacent; know that GOD has chosen you to become His
child and friend. He wants no one to be lost; they all
can come to Him through His Son. Reach out and offer
them the path of salvation. There is no transgression
that anyone can commit that God will not forgive except
the denial of the Holy Sprit
Click Here to print this document
Back to top
Jim Brown |
|
|