The Basics of Discipleship

Dear Friends,

One of the most basic truths of disciplemaking is bringing people to Jesus. We cannot change anyone, but we can bring people to the One who does. In my devotions this morning I came across some good thoughts from Henry Blackaby. Enjoy!

October 21
Bringing People to Jesus

He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which means “Anointed One”). . . —John 1:41

People become known for many things. Noah is known as a righteous man in an evil age. David is known as the man after God's own heart. Peter is known as the outspoken disciple. John is known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Judas is known as the betrayer. Paul is known as a fearless proclaimer of the gospel. Andrew is known for bringing others to Jesus.

The first person Andrew brought to Jesus was his brother Peter. As soon as Peter joined the disciples, he became the spokesperson for the Twelve, while Andrew remained in the background. It was Peter, not Andrew, who rose to prominence as one of Jesus' inner circle of three. We do not read of Andrew resenting Peter; it seems he was satisfied to bring others to Jesus and leave the results to Him.
It is not surprising that Andrew found the boy with the loaves and fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8–9). Andrew brought Greeks to Jesus, even though they were despised by pious Jews (John 12:20–22). There is no record of Andrew ever preaching a sermon, performing a miracle, or writing a book of Scripture. He is remembered for those whom he brought to Jesus.

Andrew is a good role model for us. Our job is not to transform people into Christians nor to convict them of their sin. It is not our responsibility to make people do what they ought to do. Our task is to bring them to Jesus, and He will perform His divine work in their lives.

—Experiencing God Day by Day (Henry Blackaby)

Praying for One Another

On the first Saturday of October, 18 men met on the campus of Columbia International University for a day of prayer. Our hearts were challenged by God's Word and refreshed as we worshiped Him, prayed to Him, and were blessed by a rich fellowship with each other. There is a certain power, a certain kind of blessing, when men pray to God and pray for each other. This passage of Scripture is one of many verses in the Bible that speak of this wonderful act:

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:3-4 (NASB95)

As a result of this prayer retreat, we are seeking to keep the momentum of prayer by asking men who have a heart for spiritual growth to meet with us on the first Sunday of each month from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Church at Sandhurst. We hope you can join us during this important hour. If you have any questions, please email me.

Speaking of praying for one another, please keep my friend (and a friend to many of you too) Jamie Grimsley in your prayers. Click on his blog--it will be an encouragement to you, and as you are encouraged, I'm sure he would love to hear from you. His link is http://www.jamiegrimsley.com/

Longing to spend time at His Throne. Hope to greet you there too!