Sunday, August 18, 2019 - What Is Discipleship?
Pastor Roger Marcos
August 18, 2019
The strength and influence of the church is wholly dependent upon its commitment to true discipleship. George Barma
Jesus was more interested in making quality disciples than the quantity in attendance. Jesus wanted believers who were truly sold out, who were whole heartedly committed to Him, and who were loyal and faithful to Him alone. He wanted it then and still wants it today!
The present state and condition of the Church, the body of Christ, is in decline and according to statistics it will continue to do so. There are over 133,000 denominations in the world and many of them, along with many independent churches, make the Word of God of no effect by their traditions, just as the scribes and the Pharisees as stated by Jesus in Matthew 15:6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. -THE NEEDS OF DISCIPLESHIP IN NYCC.
The Command of our Lord Is Plain:
"Make Disciples of All Nations." Matthew 28: 19
Discipleship in the Church Follow Me As I Follow Christ
TEXT: 12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to Pray, and Spent the Night Praying to God. 13 When morning came, He Called His Disciples to him and Chose twelve of them, whom He also Designated Apostles. Luke 6:12-13
We must share the Water of Life with thirsting souls.
We must reveal the Light of the World to people in darkness.
We must present the Lord of Life to those who are dead in sin.
It is a very important letting you know HOW MEMBERS UNDERSTAND DISCIPLESHIP MEANS... I looked on the Directory 2018 added 12 baptized 19 transferred all is 31 Soul’s - for the year 2019 transferred 8/11 baptized in all is 19.
The Directory 243-21= 222- IF YOU REMEMBER IN MY SERMON FOR THE LAST 7 years looking forward to see 300 souls.
Faithful and generous brethren, I just want you today to think when we were SINNERS, the Lord of heaven CALLED US into a relationship with Him and we are saved and safe. Think once again, BEING SAVED means ADDED US IN HIS CHURCH the NYCC and WE BECOME A DICIPLES OF JESUS.
In giving our lives to Jesus as His disciples ..He is giving us the MISSION-THAT IS TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATION- This is the premise of discipleship.
Now, our calling as a church is to establish or execute the mandate of Jesus in making disciples.
Jesus gave a very clear discipleship strategy and standard to follow so that we will be able to be a part of HIS MISSION ON EARTH.
In the time of Jesus Calls or Choose a Person TO BE HIS AGENT in order to make disciples.
I. DISCIPLESHIP IS A DIVINE CALL TO FOLLOW JESUS.
Definition of Disciple
One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as a Christianity : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts.
Jesus said, Follow Me (Matt. 4:19; 9:9). Jesus did not mean that they should just physically follow Him on the road, as we really can't do that now. Rather, this is a call to be set apart, challenged, and taught so we see and adhere to the call and mission Christ gives us. The word "disciple" literally means someone who pledges to be a "learner." Moreover, it is someone who follows another's teaching, and adheres to it. It is a commitment and a process to undertake the learning, and, as a Christian, a yearning to imitate Jesus!
So, are you a Christian who really seeks to follow Jesus? If not, what is in the way of His Way? What could possibly be better for you and those around you?
Discipleship is more than a call; it is a lifestyle that is never to stop, that must never stop until we are called home to eternity with our Lord. It is the instigation and flow for the Christian life; it is our continual devotion, worship, learning, growth, and practice in Christ as LORD over all.
Luke 6:39-40- 39 He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher
We are to become His disciples!
We are to be discipled!
We are to disciple others so they can, in turn, disciple others.
19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Mark 3:13-14 13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.
The 12 apostles got a chance to physically follow Jesus. After Jesus mission on earth He ascended to heaven. but the command given to them to imitate Jesus, Paul says, 1 Cor. 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
15 For even if you have ten thousand guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you. 16 I beg you, then, to follow my example. 1 Cor, 4:15-16 GNT
II. DISCIPLESHIP IS A DIVINE CALL TO FISH FOR MEN.
3 Ways to Win People
- By Our Love.
- By Our Witness
- By God’s Word
Love will be Visible and Observable.
Mark 1:17 Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” GNT
17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”NIV
"What Does it Mean to be 'Fishers of Men'?"
The phrase “fishers of men” was spoken by Jesus when He was calling two of His disciples, Simon Peter and Andrew, to follow Him. “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him” (Mark 1:16-18; see also Matthew 4:19).
III. DISCIPLESHIP IS A DIVINE CALL TO DIE FOR CHRIST.
This is the standard of True Discipleship.
The Way of the Cross
34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. 35 For whoever wants to save their life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? 37 Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38
APPLICATION POINTS:
Do You Follow Jesus? Are you Connected to Him Personally?
What Are the Ways You Can Effectively help Connect the Lost to Jesus?
Have you ever given Jesus all of your heart and all of your life?
If Not, then Today Is Your Day of Salvation!