Christian Disciple
Jesus said, "He that believes in me, as the scriptures had said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water" John 7:38Building Strong Families, Churches, and Communities.
Discipleship
By definition, a disciple is a follower; one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. Therefore, a Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assists in the dispersing of the good news and doctrine of Jesus Christ, and not of Moses, Elijah, a denomination, or even Paul.
I am not in any way diminishing the work of the prophets and apostles. I am establishing the deity and authority of Christ. We can better understand the bible if we place Christ in His rightful position because His word is final. They all spoke of Him.The word disciple was derived from the word discipline, which means to submit to the control of a set of standard rules and regulations. In other words, a person must reject his personal beliefs and accept another. We could conclude that a Christian disciple is a person who rejects his personal beliefs and submits himself under the lordship and belief in the Lord Jesus Christ.
In order to further clarify the word ‘disciple’, in Matthew 9: 14 (Then John's disciples came and asked him (Jesus), "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?") This dialogue indicated that John had disciples also. These followers heard the word of God from John the Baptist. They believed it and followed John. They were called John’s disciples. He then had to redirect them to follow Christ.
The Disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. (Acts 11:26) They were called Disciples of Christ before they were called Christians. The name “Christian” qualifies what flock and leader you belong to, or follow. It tells the world and other religions who you belong to and what you believe. To be a Christian disciple means that you act like Christ, think like Christ, walk and talk like Him.
A religious pendant or a decal is no verification for Christianity, your lifestyle will reflect who you are.There is a marked difference between a follower of Christ and a follower of any other person or organization. Despite these differences, the basic theory of dedication and determination, as well as the desire to accomplish the set goals, are somewhat the same. The major differences between the followers would be summed up in the vision, mission and purpose statements of that leader or organization. Disciples were called and trained to serve, be examples, and to train more disciples (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 6: 1-6) "Go forth and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Disciples must keep this cycle continuous.
It is very important to recognize the fact that because you were called into ministry, God did not appoint you or anyone to have control over His people.It is also sad to say that many ministers believe that God will ultimately grant them according to their faith, a mega church with thousands of people to fill it, and a lot money, along with a mansion, finest clothing, large bank account, airplanes, yachts and a lot of money in the bank (Ezekiel: 34). That is descriptive of some CEOs of business organizations and not reflective of the Disciples of Christ. The pastoral department was mandated by Jesus to feed and to prepare His children to receive Holy Spirit’s empowerment in order to adequately perform the mission He has called them to fulfill. (Mathew: 10; 28:19; Acts 6: 1-6).
Jesus did not command us to build Him a temple or a magnificent house of praise and worship (even though it may be necessary to have one), but to change lives by the preaching of the complete Gospel of the Kingdom. Discipleship is not limited to the four walls of the church, but beyond.
We must make new disciples. He never did set up the pastor as the leader of His church, but a group of apostles, pastors, elders and deacons working together as one under the direction of the Holy Spirit. These believers represented the forgotten ministries of the church today. These lateral positions were put in place to equip the saints and make new disciples thus replicating themselves.
Be Battle-Ready
Be a catalyst of change through the power of God, by His spirit.
2 Timothy 4:2
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.
"The Spiritual War"
2 Corinthians 10: 3-6
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Serving God faithfully means that a person should not let anything or anybody come between them and God. The military also makes such demands on those who have enlisted to serve and defend their country.