To be a Disciple 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 Jim Brown