In Christianity, a "disciple" is someone who not only believes in Jesus but also actively follows his teachings and seeks to live a life that reflects his values.
While a "convert" signifies a change in belief or allegiance, a "disciple" emphasizes a deeper, more committed following and learning from a teacher or leader, often involving a lifestyle transformation and active participation.
Jesus called his followers to be disciples, not just converts, emphasizing the importance of a transformative relationship with him, not just Religious practices and mindsets like the Pharisees.
*Action vs. Belief:*
While conversion can be primarily about belief, discipleship emphasizes both belief and action, following the teachings and example of the leader.
*Transformation:*
Discipleship often involves a transformation in one's life, as the follower seeks to live according to the teachings and values of their teacher.
*Growth:*
Discipleship is a journey of ongoing learning and growth, while conversion can be seen as a starting point.
Many people think going to church on a Sunday or Sabbath day is the goal. But church is NOT something you attend but something YOU ARE! *Something you become.*
Most people think of church as a building you go every Sunday to receive blessings, but that's NOT WHAT JESUS meant when he said In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it".
Church IS NOT a BUILDING. IT IS A people on a mission. Being a disciple is different from attending church. *Are you just attending church, or are you living as a DISCIPLE?*
In Acts 2:46-47, the early believers consistently met in the temple courts and homes to break bread, sharing meals with joy and sincerity, praising God and gaining favor with the people, with the Lord adding to their number daily those who were being saved.
*THESE PEOPLE MET DAILY IN HOMES, IN THE STREETS, ETC*
The modern church today is more about ATTENDANCE than TRANSFORMATION. More about COMFORT than COMMISSION. We need to shift from "Come to church" to "Be the Church". Church IS meant to be alive everyday.
*TODAY'S CHURCH IS NOT THE BODY OF CHRIST*
Many people in the Church today are converts NOT disciples. *In Matthew 28:19-20,* Jesus commissions his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."
*Here's a more detailed breakdown of This passage, known as the Great Commission*:
It is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, outlining the mission of the church to spread the Gospel.
*Go and Make Disciples:*
Jesus instructs his followers to "go" and "make disciples" of all nations, implying a proactive and global mission.
*Baptizing:*
The disciples are to baptize those who have come to faith in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, symbolizing their entrance into the Christian faith.
*Teaching:*
The disciples are to teach new believers to obey all that Jesus has commanded, emphasizing the importance of following his teachings and living a life of discipleship.
*Promise of Presence:*
Jesus assures his followers that he will be with them always, to the end of the age, providing comfort and guidance in their mission.
*TODAY, PEOPLE ARE BEING TAUGHT RELIGION RATHER THAN HOW TO FOLLOW THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS, BUILDING A DAILY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD INSTEAD*
There are 2 key signs of a true disciple:
1. A DISCIPLE follows Jesus's teaching. In John 8:31-32, Jesus tells the Jews who believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free"
2. A DISCIPLE bears fruit. In John 15:8, Jesus states, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
Bearing fruit entails developing Godly Character. Reflecting the nature of God through our lives. Revealing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
*A CONVERT KNOWS THE TEACHINGS BUT DOESN'T LIVE BY IT, WHILE A DISCIPLE LIVES BY IT, BEARING MUCH FRUIT*
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV
[14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
*THE CHURCH IS SUPPOSED TO IMPACT THE WORLD*
Acts 1: 8 says: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The above statement confirms the real work of the church happens outside a building. *CHURCH MUST SHIFT FROM COME AND SIT, TO GO AND SHINE* Church is made up of PEOPLE, not BUILDINGS.
We are supposed to go out there, lead people to Christ, build the kingdom of God (not our own kingdom), teach them the word of God, empower them to represent christ in wherever they find themselves.
Enjoy Your Day.
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