An Invitation To Experience Face Time

FACE TIME:

Getting To Know God Better By Spending Face Time With Him

FORWARD

What is it that makes Biblical Christianity unique when compared to the other religions in the world? First of all, the basis of Christianity is not that of a religion, but a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Secondly, where other religions gauge spiritual success by keeping legalistic rules with the goal of securing favor with the chosen deity, followers of Jesus obey Him because they love Him. Finally, Biblical Christianity is not a static life but we are compelled to grow in our own faith, even as we seek to reproduce the life of Christ in others—making disciples. This is exactly what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he instructed his disciple Timothy:

¹ You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. ² And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

So, what does the Bible really mean when we are instructed to make disciples? Is this just for a few…or are there more global implications? I believe the Great Commission is addressed to everyone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. With every Great Commission that He gives us, it is always coupled with a Great Provision. In the case of discipleship, here are a few promises of provision He has made to the believer who desires to become a quality disciple:

1. He will give us His presence—always.

¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

2. He will make us fishers of men.

¹⁸ As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." ²⁰ At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)

3. He will give us an eternal perspective.

¹⁹ "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)

4. He will provide everything that we need.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

5. He will invite us to join Him in His work in the Harvest.

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:36-38 (NIV)

What are the qualities of a disciple of Jesus Christ? As I have studied the Scriptures, I have come to this conclusion: Before I can reproduce something in another person’s life, I must have it in my own life first. I believe the Bible teaches that there are at least seven essential spiritual elements of a quality disciple’s life. They are Grace, Worship, Bible Study, Prayer, Community, Service, and Evangelism. The mission statement below summarizes this very well.

For the quality disciple, it all begins with having a foundation of GRACE…where we can then WORSHIP God in the way He prefers…then, and only then, will we be able to experience genuine SPIRITUAL GROWTH (Bible Study, Prayer, Community)…where we will then be able to SERVE as we share our spiritual gifts…and as we experience God’s grace, worship Him as He sees fit, grow in our relationship with Him, and serve using our gifts for Him, we will then have an authentic WITNESS to the lost using both our words and our deeds.

If you are reading this book, you have already shown a willingness to take a deeper look at your life. You are willing to spend some face time with the God of the universe. The journey before you is not unique. Many before us have discovered the path or highway of holiness (Is. 35:15). They have personally experienced the path of life where God’s presence is there, witnessing an incredible fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11). Disciples of the Living Lord not only know how to talk the talk, they walk the walk (Col. 1:10).

Let the journey of a lifetime begin. The Lord willing, when our life on earth ends, you and I will meet at the very Throne of God, having eternity to give Him expansive praise and worship, where we will always see Him face to face.

Making disciples with you,

Denny Bates

Florence SC / March 2008