Absolute: Disciple

By Daniel Davis

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV)

This passage, commonly called the Great Commission, was issued by Jesus with the light of Easter still glowing in the background. Here stood the risen Lord with all power in His hands, giving His great task to His followers of making disciples. What is a “disciple?”

The term is not used in the Old Testament but shows up frequently in the Gospels and Acts. We are most familiar with the term in reference to the 12 closest followers of Jesus (Luke 6:13). However, others outside of the Twelve who followed Jesus were also called disciples (Luke 14:26–27). The term was not limited to Jesus’ followers, however. John the Baptist also had disciples (Matthew 11:2); and so did the Pharisees (Mark 2:18).

The word is not a special word used only in the Bible. It was a common and proper Greek term used throughout the ancient world. Essentially, the word refers to a pupil, a learner, a student, or an apprentice of a specific teacher or master. From that master, the disciple learns the worldview or theory of the master, as well as how to lead a good life or practice well a particular skill or trade. A carpenter could be a master teaching his disciple the nature and skill of carpentry. A rabbi could be a master teaching his disciple the nature of God and the skill of living in God’s law. A musician could be a master teaching his disciple the theory of music and the skills of composition and performance. And so on.

Thus, we see that those who were called disciples of Jesus in the Gospels were not merely a sect who thought Jesus had interesting ideas. Rather, they understood the brilliance and magnificence of Jesus’ teaching and way of life. Consequently, they chose to learn from him the Truth about God and life, as well as to adopt his way of living in that Truth.

The remarkable thing for us today is to see how the word is used in Acts. The term is expanded, not to refer only to the Twelve or the larger group who followed the earthly life of Jesus in ancient Israel. When we come to Acts, we see that those who were becoming what we now call Christians were called disciples (Acts 6:1, 7; 11:26; 13:52). This means that the original disciples of Jesus were following that Great Commission: they were making more disciples of Jesus. Indeed, this is even reflected in the original meaning of the term “Christian.” The word referred to those who believed in and followed the way of the Christ; hence, they were “Christ-ians.”

We can emphasize this point even more when we look at the context of the Great Commission. The text highlights the term disciple through repetition: “The eleven disciples went away into Galilee... make disciples of all the nations...” (Matthew 28:16,19 NKJV). The Eleven were to make more of what they had become—people who believed in Jesus and learned to live their lives from him.

We should note that in the New Testament, all Christians were called disciples. The term was not reserved for an especially committed group. To be a Christian was to be a disciple—a non-disciple Christian was nonsense. Of course, there could be poor and excellent apprentices to Jesus, but they were all apprentices nonetheless.

This same task given to the Eleven rests with the Church today. The American church in the 20th century has produced incredible results through evangelistic ventures. Untold numbers have been led to “walk the aisle” so their sins might be forgiven. Yet, it might be that we have missed the whole charge of Jesus. We are not merely called to lead people in a “sinner’s prayer;” we are called to recruit apprentices to Jesus. We are called to teach them everything we have learned about who God is and how they can live the God-life here on earth. Every convert is a recruited disciple in need of our teaching of the truth and skills for following Jesus. For this task we have been given the immeasurable power of the Holy Spirit—the resurrection power of God that raised Jesus from the dead!

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue of The Pentecostal Messenger.

Biblical Foundations of Discipleship: “The Community”

By Vernell Ingle

Text: Acts 2:42-47

Introduction:

1. In this passage we have a snapshot of what the church should look like. It serves as a pattern and outline for the life of the local church.
2. Church = represents the community of God on earth. The church is known as the Body of Christ of which He is the Head. The Church is not an organization as much as it is a living organism. We are members of the Body of Christ.
3. The church is pictured here as a group of believers who are not only involved in the work of Christ on earth but they are very much involved in interaction, interpersonal relationships with one another. There is mutual care, encouragement, ministry and it is all bathed in the love of Jesus Christ.
4. The common denominator of the church is fellowship with one another. And we have fellowship with one another because it is rooted in our fellowship with God. If we can get along with God then we can get along with each other or at least we should!

I. THE MEANING OF FELLOWSHIP

1. Definition: fellowship is defined by Webster as the following, “association; communion; intimacy; society; joint interest or feeling.”
   
2. Biblically speaking:
   1. “Fellowship” comes from the grk term, koinonia.
   2. This is where we derive our English word “common.”
   3. This word has to do with companionship and speaks of those who have something in common.
   
   
3. Practically Speaking:
   1. As Christians we first have fellowship with God and as a result of that fellowship we fellowship one with another.
   2. The dynamic of this common bond is the love of God.
   3. This Christian fellowship entails the following . . .
      1. Confessing and confronting one another in love if need be.
      2. Praying together.
      3. Worshipping together.
      4. Provokes to good works.
      5. Participating together in the Lord’s Supper.
      6. It results in ministering to one another’s need and for mutual edification.
      
      
4. Spiritually Speaking:
   1. Jesus prayed that we might all be “one” in Him.
   2. This union or oneness is an intimate fellowship that reflects not only our relationship with the Lord but also mirrors the unity and fellowship of the Godhead!
      ILL.- that is why division, factions, fighting, quarreling and bickering in the church is not becoming to the Body of Jesus Christ. In fact Paul calls it for what it is – the work of the devil!
   3. As we are intimately related to the Father, through Jesus Christ and in the power of The Holy Ghost, there will be oneness in the Body of Christ.
   4. We must understand that this fellowship is eternal. This fellowship is not fragile. It is a fellowship that is strong in the Lord.

II. THE ORDINANCES OF FELLOWSHIP 2:42

1. The Birth of The Church.
   1. In Acts 2 we have the birth of the Church.
   2. There is the mighty pouring out of the Holy Spirit upon the saints in the upper room.
   3. There is the attraction of the curious crowds.
   4. There is the first sermon (Pentecostal sermon) preached by Peter –now Holy Ghost baptized and anointed!
   5. 3,000 are saved and enter the kingdom of God.
   6. The infant church grows rapidly to over 8,000 by chapters 4 and 5.
   7. Chapter 6 the church begins to organize to minister to both the physical and spiritual needs of the people. They become a closely knit group and there is blessed fellowship.
   
   
2. The Nature of The Church
   1. In this verse we have the 4 ordinances for Christian fellowship.
   2. This verse describes their practice not their creed. This is what they were actually doing.
   3. This verse implies that they put forth a conscious effort and were faithful to these ordinances of fellowship.
   4. This kind of fellowship does not just happen, it is a conscious effort of believers in reaching out to one another.
   5. These new Christians were not coerced into this fellowship, they were happy, joyous, and glad in their experience of fellowship. This was an active and joyous church.
   
   
3. The Life of The Church.
   1. Teaching = These Christians were active students of God’s Word. They taught, they listened and fellowshipped in God’s Word.
      1. “Apostle’s Doctrine” = refers to teaching – instruction.
      2. There was a hunger for the Word of God.
      3. There was a desire to learn and receive all that the Lord had for them.
      
      
   2. Fellowship
      1. These saints enjoyed fellowship with one another and were actively engaged in it.
      2. They saw each other more than just at assembly or worship time.
      3. They were excited about their new-found faith and therefore they looked forward to being together – again it was not forced or made to feel like they had to. “But then they were not as busy and stressed as we are today!” It was TRUE KOINONIA
      
      
   3. Breaking of bread = twice the breaking of bread is mentioned in this context.
      1. It is probable that this refers to both the Lord’s Table-Communion and fellowship with one another in each other’s homes.
      2. This also includes what was known as the Agape/love feasts where the saints would gather in various homes, since they didn’t have fellowship halls, and enjoy fellowship dinners – yes folks eating together was an important part of early church life!
      3. It was common at these meals, either at the beginning of the meal to observe the Lord’s Table-Communion.
      4. The key was that they gathered in fellowship around meals. Note that in Revelation 3:20, Jesus desires to come in and sit at the table with us.
         When we sit and take a meal together with a friend that is not a difficult or stressful experience. It is meant to be an intimate and enjoyable experience!
      
      
   4. Prayer = these early Christians prayed together often.
      1. Prayer meetings were common in the early church.
      2. This accounts for the unity, rich fellowship and the demonstration of the power of God
      3. This prayer was both personal and corporate. The personal prayer provided the dynamism for the corporate prayer.
      
      

III. THE RESULTS OF FELLOWSHIP 2:43-47

1. Their Faith Was Active.
   1. This fellowship produced wonderful results of Christian service.
   2. They were active on behalf of the Lord, in His work.
   3. This service was accomplished in an atmosphere of joy and excitement.
   4. They went everywhere gossiping the Gospel!
   
   
2. They Were a Giving Church.
   1. The church gave and shared with those in need.
   2. A healthy church is a giving church.
   3. Their giving and sharing pictured a giving, caring and gracious God. They gave because God is a Giver. God gave us His Son who Paul called, “His unspeakable Gift!”
   4. Their giving was accomplished voluntarily. Again there was no coercion.
   
   
3. They Were a Faithful Church.
   1. They were active in their fellowship and worship together.
   2. They knew the importance of meeting together in church to receive edification, education, and inspiration, especially in that day of persecution!
   3. They acknowledged that they needed each other.
   4. They were said to observe the daily prayer time together at the Temple during the week both at 9 am and 3 pm.
   5. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together especially due to the evil days. How easy it is to lay out of church once we start missing!
   
   
4. They Were a Growing Church.
   1. NOTE: verse 47, the church was growing miraculously and the Lord was blessing.
   2. There was growth, and the favor and blessing of the Lord.
   3. “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved!” This means that the Lord was directing the growth of the church.
   4. If the saints are doing their part, the Lord will do His part and there will be growth!
   5. Such growth will be accomplished by the Lord through the power of the Holy Ghost working through His people.
   6. God has always made a habit of using people!!!
   7. ILL.- NOTE: Acts 18:9, 10 –“…for I have many people in this city.” This means that God has a definite harvest in every community but He reaps the harvest through humble and obedient saints. God entrusts us to do His work on earth. We carry on the work and ministry of Jesus Christ in this world.

Conclusion:

The church is known for a number of designations in the NT. It is known as “The Body Of Christ,” the Bride of Christ, the family of God, the community of God. All of these depict intimacy and unity. And rightfully so, because the church reflects Jesus Christ and His work on earth. What a privilege to be considered a part of this great Body of Christ! What a privilege to be adopted into the great big family of God! What a joy to be known as the Bride of Christ, the object of His love and favor. What a glorious opportunity to have all of this in common with each other – as fellow-believers!

"Those Kids" Can Be Reached for Him

By Jackie Thomson
Can you remember your first grade teacher or your first day at school? Stop and consider what you remember and what caused that to stick with you. Was it fun, unusual, funny, sad, new, scary, exciting... what? As the years passed, what made an impression on you and which teachers made class something to look forward to and learning easy?

I remember my first teacher and our first day together. Some things just have a way of sticking with you, especially if you are one of “those kids” (and I was). You know the type, you’ve probably had one or two in your class. If not, just wait, you will.

The first day of school Mrs. Menkin put me in a desk toward the back of the class. Guess what. That was not where I wanted to be. So, I picked up my desk and moved it up next to hers. Then I sharpened my crayons in the pencil sharpener. Yes, you’re right — there were some intense moments of fellowship then, and when I got home the grapes of wrath were pressed out. I got the message pretty clear early on and 2nd through 4th grades went by fairly smooth. The fifth grade presented a challenge, especially science. I wonder if Mrs. Smith remembers me and the “discussions” we had. (After all a kid can take just so much, and she pushed the envelope a bit when she started telling us we came from a monkey.) Before the year was up, she was telling the class, “We all come from a monkey, that is except Jackie and her mother.” I can’t imagine why I just barely passed that class.

What kind of memories are we making when we step into the classroom? We’ve learned to use games, gadgets, gizmos, music, drama, and even snacks to make a lesson memorable and that’s good, so what more is there?

Claude Olney, author of Where There’s A Will There’s An A, How To Get Better Grades in College tells us, “Choose instructors over courses” and went on to say that poor instructors can ruin a good course and excellent instructors can make any course interesting and fun. Notice how important you are in the lives of your students. Your making an impression! Press on! Don’t give up, give in or give out.

There’s one tool available that will strengthen you and bring it all together. This tool should be used every time we stand before a class, regardless of the age level. It should be used so much it’s polished and shines from use. This tool is called the Holy Spirit, “the anointing.” We study, prepare games, have fun, serve snacks and transfer information from our head to theirs, but with the anointing there is something else that happens. The anointing does something with that information—it brings transformation into lives… transformed into His image and His likeness.

Live your lesson all week. Meditate on the Word and it will come alive in you. Like a good pot of soup, it takes time to cook and for the flavors to blend to be it’s best. Prepare all of the ingredients, add a little of this, some of that, season it just right, stir, turn on the heat and let it simmer until time to serve.

“Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living water,” John 7:38.

Church Growth and You

By Jackie Thomson
As the little boy dropped seeds into the dirt he said,“Be fruitful and multiply little seed.” The sun shown down, night time came, clouds passed over and the sun rose and shined bright overhead. Days passed as he carefully loosened the soil, pulled the weeds, watered each little mound and said,“I have faith in you little seed; I know you can do it. Be fruitful and multiply.”

The seed lay resting in the soft, damp, dark soil warmed by the sun ands omething new began to happen. Fresh energy was experienced; connection with the earth was discovered and life moved inside. In response to the energy of the sun, moisture of the earth and caring of the gardener, two tiny green arms pushed up and broke through the thin covering of soil to feel the welcoming friendship and warmth of the sun. Then the new little plant heard a voice say, “Welcome, I knew you could do it, little seed. I had faith in you.”

Learning how to move people from friendliness to friendship then to genuine spiritual growth, and discovering how to create a culture of connectivity in your church, is much like the little boy and his garden. The goal is to connect people to each other and to God through planting the seeds of friendship and cultivating them so people will develop a genuine friendship with God. This happens best in the soil of the church friendship garden.

Over the past few months, I’ve been stretched with challenges outside of my comfort zone as God opened doors of opportunity for training and speaking to church leaders and lay persons concerning church growth. One of the greatest challenges and experiences has been learning a fresh new way of connecting to people — a tool of evangelism for churches to use that can cause growth not just in numbers but spiritually, in a friendship with God. People want to be known, to belong and become closer to God. But how?

Find a friend and discuss the following questions:

• Are newcomers happy in your church?
• Does someone connect with newcomers on their first visit?
• What is connectivity?
• Have you eaten a meal or shared an activity with a newcomer to your church lately?
• Would people say you love God?
• How much time do you spend intentionally building friendships?
• Do you surround yourself with friends?

Jesus said, “I no longer call you servants, but friends!” (John 15:15), and Paul wrote, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men,” 2 Corinthians 3:2.

Friendship is a great picture of what a relationship with God is like. What pictures are we painting with the brush strokes of our life?

If you are interested in digging deep into creating a culture of connectivity in your church, contact Messenger Publishing House at 800-444-4674 to order “Friendship First” or “Surprising Questions Jesus Asked”.