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!

Repentance and Discipleship

The Disciple’s Core Belief: Jesus preached repentance to those who sought the kingdom of heaven

12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles--16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." Matthew 4:12-17 (NIV)

The Core Principle Applied:
Biblical repentance is a change of mind. It is not a decision based upon emotion or circumstance. Instead, repentance is a volitional choice of the will—a will that has been influenced by an inner conviction that comes from the Holy Spirit.

It is God who grants us the gift of repentance
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:25 (NIV)

Repentance is closely linked to the kingdom of God and belief in the Good News, the Gospel.
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" Mark 1:15 (NIV)

The fruit of repentance is always seen in a changed life.
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Luke 19:8 (NIV)

Getting in the Correct Position

September 13

Prayer Is Preparation (by Henry Blackaby)

When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.—Acts 2:1

Prayer does not give you spiritual power. Prayer aligns your life with God so that He chooses to demonstrate His power through you. The purpose of prayer is not to convince God to change your circumstances but to prepare you to be involved in God's activity.

The fervent prayer of the people at Pentecost did not induce the Holy Spirit to come upon them. Prayer brought them to a place where they were ready to participate in the mighty work God had already planned.

Jesus told His followers to remain in Jerusalem until the Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:4–5). The disciples obeyed His command, waiting for God's next directive. As they prayed, God adjusted their lives to what He intended to do next. As they prayed, a unity developed among them. For the first time the disciples used Scripture as their guide in decision making (Acts 1:15–26). The day of Pentecost arrived, and the city of Jerusalem filled with pilgrims from around the world. When God released His Holy Spirit upon the disciples, He had already filled the city with messengers who would carry the Gospel to every nation. Prayer had prepared the disciples for their obedient response.

Prayer is designed to adjust you to God's will, not to adjust God to your will. If God has not responded to what you are praying, you may need to adjust your praying to align with God's agenda. Rather than focusing on what you would like to see happen, realize that God may be more concerned with what He wants to see happen in you.

—Experiencing God Day by Day

My Ten Year Anniversary

July 3....1998....what a day! It has been 10 years since the Lord trusted me with my heart attack and bypass surgery. By His grace, He has given me 10 years of memories....10 years of seeing things from a fresh perspective...10 years of being able to experience the joy of deeper relationships....10 years to learn how much He loves me...10 years to consider how important making disciples is to Jesus. 10 years to appreciate the way His Spirit leads me, comforts me, counsels me. Below are some of the lessons I have learned about the Wonderful Counselor:

So, we have been given a Counselor, one who defends us, helps us, and leads us.

What does it mean to be Spirit-led by this Counselor? How does this play out in practical ways in the life of the believer?

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalms 16:11 (NASB95)

It is the Counselor, the Wonderful Counselor, who makes known to us, the path of life.

A. He knows how to get us to that path of life (the knowledge of His will)

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 (NASB95)

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13 (NIV)

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

B. He knows how to keep us on that path of life (the fullness of joy that comes from being in His presence)

¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (NASB95)

³⁴ For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. John 3:34 (NIV)

¹⁸ For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Ephesians 2:18 (NIV)

⁵ And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5 (NIV)

C. He knows what we need while we are on that path of life (the Fruit of the Spirit; the Provision of God)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

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

¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

CONCLUSION:

Do you need more love? More joy? More peace? More patience? More kindness? More goodness? More faithfulness? More gentleness? More self-control? These pleasures are all available in His right hand by His Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit comes from Him and is produced through His disciples. It is by grace, through faith.

Are we bearing the Fruit of the One who is the Wonderful Counselor? Do we have an intimate relationship with our live-in Counselor? What is the key to intimacy?

¹⁶ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. ¹⁷ For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be Spirit-led: not by the world, by Satan, and even by our own flesh, our own desires of the sinful nature. During this intense “tug-of-war” we need to plead with our Counselor to help us live a life marked by His Fruit. We need to live the discipled life.

Thanking the Lord for your faithful friendship--for all of these years,

Denny

The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

Why Discipleship Matters

Dear friends,

Came across this article from USA Today (More Americans Dropping Dogma For Spirituality ). There is much for us to chew on as leaders and disciplemakers, but if we are committed to the task of making disciples of Jesus Christ we will need be more than prepared to help others walk through the dangerous undercurrents of our culture. Here is an excerpt. If you have time, I'd invite you to read the entire article. (Refer to June 23, 2008)

A 'spiritual salad bar'

"Americans believe in everything. It's a spiritual salad bar," says Rice University sociologist Michael Lindsay.

Rather than religious leaders setting the cultural agenda, today, it's Oprah Winfrey, he says.

"After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the national memorial service was at Washington's National Cathedral, conducted by Episcopal clergy. After the 9/11 attack, Oprah organized the official memorial service at Yankee Stadium, and while clergy participated, she was the master of ceremonies.

"The impact of Oprah is seen throughout this survey. She uses the language of Bible and Christian traditions and yet includes other traditions to create a hodgepodge personalized faith. Exclusivism (the idea that one religion has the absolute and exclusive truth) has gotten a bad name in America today," says Lindsay, author of a book on the rise of evangelical social and political clout.

Nevertheless, Jesus said "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". John 14:6

Making disciples with you,

Denny

Creating a Culture of Biblical Discipleship

The Lord Jesus, at the conclusion of His earthly ministry, gave to His disciples a compelling charge that has become known as the “Great Commission.” In very clear and convincing terms, He challenges each one of His disciples to “Go and make disciples…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Years later, the Apostle Paul writes his final letter to his disciple, Timothy, and urges him to “…be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 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). Discipleship is the heartbeat of the Church. When discipleship is woven into the inner fabric of our being, the Church is healthy and growing. When discipleship becomes a hollow pledge and a forgotten way of life, the Church becomes sick.

A believer in Jesus Christ, a Christ-follower, needs to be fully engaged in discipleship. This task, this wonderful privilege, of being His disciple and making other disciples for Him, is not another “religious” duty, but a way of life. Discipleship, biblical discipleship, is the normal Christian life. Any other way of living as a Christian is fraudulent and will certainly lead to an unfulfilled life. We know that it is God’s will for His people to be fully committed disciples of His. We also know that for every requirement that God places before us, He also provides for us the necessary resources we need to do what He has called us to do. This is also true about discipleship.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT)