Discipleship

Observations Based on Below Study--
1) A disciple of Jesus is a student striving to learn his ways and adhere to his commands. This requires the study of Jesus teachings (scripture) and trust in his commands (faith) manifested in obedience.
2) A disciple of Jesus is willing to give up all things, including life itself, for him.
3) The outside world recognizes a disciple of Jesus by their love for others and by the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22).
4) We are called to teach people all over to become disciples of Jesus Christ. (Note: the NIV says go and make disciples, but the KJV says go and teach).

Matthew 28:18-20--
Mat 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Mat 28:19 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,
Mat 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary *
--one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another.
--a convinced adherent of a school or individual.

Easton's Dictionary: **
Disciple: A scholar, sometimes applied to the followers of John the Baptist (Mat_9:14), and of the Pharisees (Mat_22:16), but principally to the followers of Christ. A disciple of Christ is one who

(1.) believes His doctrine,
(2.) rests on His sacrifice,
(3.) imbibes His spirit, and
(4.) imitates His example

Strong's Information:
--make disciples=teach in KJV=matheteou (math-ayt-yoo-o) in Greek
--to become a pupil;
--to disciple, that is, enrol as scholar;
--be disciple, instruct, teach
--translated in other nt verses as instructed, teach, disciple in KJV
--mathetes (math-ay-tes): a learner, pupil, disciple. Used in Mat 22:16, Mat 9:14 to describe followers of Pharisees and John the Baptist respectively. See below verses of interest which are all this particular word.

Verses of Interest:
Mat 10:24,25: "A student (disciple, mathetes) is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master..." (also Luke 6:40).

Luke 14:26,27: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."

Luke 14:33: "In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple."

John 8:31: Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples."

John13:35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

John 15:8: This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples
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* Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
**M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.; Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1897.

Suffering.

Because human freedom is necessary for all that is meaningful in life (e.g., love, relationships, and acts of nobility) then God cannot create a meaningful world without letting people exercise their freedom. The same freedom that makes it possible to love makes it possible to hate. The same freedom that can lead to heaven can lead to hell. The heart of the appeal to free will is that freedom is worth the price of evil.

– C.S. Lewis


God is not like a senile old grandfather whose only concern is the temporal gratification of his grandchildren, but more like a skilled, benevolent surgeon who will do whatever it takes to eradicate the cancer of sin from the character of his creature, because he knows that ultimate health and happiness are impossible as long as any trace of the malignancy remains. In a fallen world this type of surgery often requires the scalpel of suffering. It is fortunate for us that God is perfectly willing to hurt us in order to bring about the ultimate healing of our souls.

– Alvin Plantinga

Ultimate God Compass

I came to faith in my late 20s. I had heard the story of Jesus and his death and resurrection. But I felt satisfaction in life would be found elsewhere. I set off on a journey to find fulfillment, peace, happiness....whatever you want to call it. I looked in a lot of different places over the years. Athletics, academics, partying, relationships, success, materialism. I looked for fulfillment in all. And found none. At the end of this journey, like Solomon it seemed to me life was meaningless. After running out of options, God mercifully pointed me toward him. In reality, the "compass" always points to him. We just don't look to see it, because we think we know better what is good for our lives. Jesus Christ has filled the emptiness in my life in ways that are unexplainable. He is the substance that fills the God shaped hole in each of us. Without him there is only disappointment and despair. Only he is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).

Things That Strengthen My Faith.

We all have faith in something. I choose to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and the authenticity of the Bible text in revealing him to us. Others believe there is no God. Make no mistake about it, atheism is a belief system. But, I also know that at times all believers if they are honest struggle with doubt. I think the fact that it is a struggle is a manifestation that those in this situation are indeed believers. I also am convinced that faith by definition is NOT the abscence of doubt. In fact, John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was indeed the "one who is to come." Jesus said John was the greatest man spiritually to walk the earth (obviously other than himself). So, when I struggle with doubt, what are some thoughts that refocus me on God and his truth?

1) God has not proven his existence because doing so would eliminate mans' free will in regards to loving him. (In other words, there is a reason for the lack of proof). --My belief.
2) Believing there is no God requires as much faith as believing there is a God.
2) Creation is unexplained if there is no God. (one must believe in the spontaneous generation of matter from nothing or matter that has eternally existed if there is no God. These positions are unbelievable to me).
3) Conscience points to right and wrong. If there is no God, there is no reason for an inate sense of guilt when wronging others. (In fact, evolutionary theory would suggest wronging others in many circumstances is beneficial to the one doing the wronging).
4) The Bible is approximately 1500 pages long, written over around 2000 years, by 40 different authors, in multiple locations BUT with one theme. (The Koran for example was written by one man).
5) Out of the 12 Apostles present after Jesus death and resurrection (not including Judas who was replaced by Matthias), eleven were martyred for their faith and one died in old age as a believer. (The Apostles died for Jesus even though there was no gain financially, materially or positionally to following him).
6) The tomb Jesus was laid in was and is empty. No reliable explanation exists as to how this happened. The tomb was guarded. Those who crucified Jesus wanted no questions arising regarding the truth of Jesus death. And the disciples would have risked persecution for no benefit in attempting to move Christ's body.
7) The heavens declare the glory of God (Romans 1, Psalm 19). Who can look at the stars on a clear night and deny the existance of the Almighty?
8) The inability to understand God and his working completely does not exclude me or excuse me from believing in him. If I point a gun into the night sky, eliminate friction and gravity where will the bullet end up? I believe in the universe without understanding it.
9) Seeing God is not necessary for belief and not seeing God is not an excuse for disbelief. The wind is invisible, yet I see it move the leaves and feel it on my face. In the same way, if we look we see God's Spirit moving around us in the lives of others.
10) The strongest assurance is the realization of what God has done in me...making me a new creation. I am not the same as I was before. Some can tell. Others may not be able to But, I am a different man.

Edward's 56th Resolution

Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Jonathon Edwards

Hunger.

I frequently am impressed with my inability to do what is right in God's eyes. Even if I try "really, really hard," I find it impossible to lead a righteous life. I am able to see sin in my thoughts, and even in my trivial actions that to others go unnoticed. It makes me sad to think I dishonor God through my sin in so many ways. I long to be a good and faithful servant to my Lord. But in reality, this sadness because of my sin and the longing to honor God point to the condition I will have in eternity. I long for myself fulfilled in purpose to the Almighty. Until I am with him this cannot be fulfilled as sin in me prevents it. Listening to Steve Brown on the radio this week was encouraging as he commented on Jesus' words on the above situation:

Matthew 5:6: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Observations:
-Those that long (hunger and thirst) for righteousnes are blessed.
-Those that long for righteousness will receive it.

Communion With God

Thoughts from John Owen's Communion with a Triune God:

Communion defined:
-God's communication of himself unto us,
-with our return unto him of that which he requires and accepts,
-flowing from that union which in Jesus Christ we have with him.

Two things are required of believers to commune completely with the Almighty. Communion consists of giving and receiving. First, we as believers must receive the Father's love. We receive it by believing his love for us is real, unchanging, eternal and significant. That he delights in us and that his love for us is not dependent on our living a sinless life. His love for us is dependent on who God is in his very nature. It is not dependent on who I am. (If his love was dependent on me and my actions, I could earn God's love and his glory would be diminished). To believe God's love is dependent on our actions is to diminish God's magnificent mercy and grace and is a manifestation of unbelief. We must receive God's love for us if we are to commune with him.

More to follow.

Link.
Link.

Rekindling The Spirit

Thoughts from my brother Todd Mace:

If you are a Christian and going through rough times of mourning right now, what I have to say regarding stalled enthusiasm is not intended for your benefit. What I want to say to you is that the Christian body of believers cares for you, loves you, and is praying for you. Those of us that are not in mourning will continue marching into the world, waving the Christian flag of God and waiting for your return. Trust in God in the dark until the light returns.

For all those Christians that are not in mourning and your enthusiasm for being a Christian is stalled, perhaps you need to mix up your spiritual routine and experience God in a different way than normal.

First of all, you must read the word of God every day. You need to stay in the word to stay near to God.

Secondly, maintain 100% of your free thinking focused on spiritual things. To rekindle the flame for God you cannot afford 1% of your free thinking to be wasted. What we think about when we are free to think is what we are, or will soon become. Once the flame is blazing again, you will be better suited to balance your free thinking. More than likely, how you got here in the first place is that your balance of thoughts between the spiritual matters and the world is not where it should be. Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Here are a few suggestions to follow for a month that will help fill your mind with spiritual thoughts. Part of the problem may be you have developed a few bad habits. It requires a minimum of 30 days of consistent altered behavior to change a habit.

When you listen to music, listen to only Christian music, and listen to it every chance you get. Music touches your heart and spirit. There is a whole new genre of Christian music out there today. Go online - check it out.

When you read other things than the Word, choose solid Christian authors. It is good to mix up your reading of the word with books by solid Christian authors such as; AW Tozer, CS Lewis, Francis Schaeffer, Andrew Murray, Thomas Merton, writings from the Puritans, or Hymns from John Wesley. Just remember this; all the answers are in the word, not in books written by men. The good books written by men point you in the direction of the word. A good rule of thumb for time you have to read might be 70% in the word and 30% other books.

Shut down the influence of the world on your free thoughts for a month. Do not spend any of your free time reading the newspaper, watching TV, reading world, business or entertainment magazines. No need to worry; you will not miss the end of the world if it should come during this time of abstention from these items.

Go be inspired by the awesomeness of God and spend some time alone observing the wonders of his creation. His creation is everywhere, pick some place close your home and marvel at God’s creation for a while.

Experience a glimmer of the willpower required by Christ to endure the physical and mental suffering on the cross, knowing he had the power to stop it at any time. Give up an addictive substance or an addictive behavior, fast, or improve the temple of the spirit -your physical body. It is one thing to endure pain when you cannot control it. Your spirit will strengthen when you drive yourself through pain that you are experiencing for a purpose, all the time knowing you can stop the pain anytime at your own will.

Experience the love of God; share the word with other solid Christians. There is nothing more beautiful than a person filled with the Spirit.

Experience the humility of Christ, serve someone and give God all the Glory
If you can commit to doing these things every day for a month, you perspective on life will change and the flame in your heart for God will surely grow.

Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be one of peaceful stagnation.
AW Tozer

Can't Get No Satisfaction.

All that we call human history--money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery--[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

C. S. Lewis

Cement.

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17.

God has created all things, and he has created the laws and rules by which all things hold together. He ordains gravity, the speed by which light can travel and the characteristics of the element carbon. He is the cement that holds creation in place and his word commands the principles of the universe. Science by definition is: The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena (see here). Science is the study and "explanation" of the laws of the universe that have been set in place by God. Science does not exclude faith in God, it discovers and defines his creation. All correct science will eventually reveal the glory of God. Those who believe the Bible to be true have nothing to fear in the science of today. Nothing can be discovered except that which the creator has set in place. Only the fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

Saved By Grace

We are saved only by the grace of God, through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). This is not of ourselves. God loves us even as sinners (Romans 5:8), he draws us (John 6:44) and he atones for our sin and grants us eternal life if we believe. He does it all. The great exchange-- our sins for his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

If we believe, we have the right to be called children of God (John 1:12). But what is belief? Is it knowing the gospel? I would say that is not enough as even the demons know the gospel and they are doomed to eternal torment (James 2:19).

If we really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, our lives will be changed (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change is reflected in our behavior as we are obedient to God's commands. So James, the Lord's brother, says faith without works is dead. Works are behaviors spurred on by our desire to be obedient to God. Works do not save us. They have nothing to do with our salvation. However, they are evident in all who believe. If we say we believe but are not fruitful in our lives, we have no reason to be assured of our salvation. In Mathew chapter 25 the Lord tells three stories that are particularly convicting. The parable of the ten virgins demonstrates the need for watchful readiness for the Lord's coming. The five virgins that knew the bridegroom was coming but weren't prepared are left out of the wedding banquet. The parable of the talents shows we will be held accountable to produce fruit dependent on the gifts we are given. Fear is not an excuse for lack of fruit. Lastly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Lord separates people based on their behavior. Convicting and compelling words that we should take obedience to the commands of God very seriously.

So, we are saved by faith and works develop out of that faith and bring us assurance that we are Christ's. Faith without works is not a real faith.

Even though our works have nothing to do with our salvation, the Bible says our degree of reward in heaven will depend on our fruitfulness on earth relative to the gifts God has given us. Speaking to believers, Paul says we must all stand before the judgement seat of Christ that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.(2 Corintians 5:10). In 1 Corinthians 3:13-15, Paul talks about our works being tested with fire with resulting reward or loss depending on that testing. Now heaven will be awesome for all who believe, but Jesus was, I think, speaking literally when he said store up treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Mark 10:21).

The above is a reminder to me that if I truly believe I will be obedient to God. Disobedience can only come from unbelief. For who could stare at our God, the consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29), and disobey? Who could believe: Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13) and not fall on their knees in submission?

O Lord, have mercy on me.

David's Prayer 1 Chronicles 29:10-13.

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,
"Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Observations:
-This is a great prayer of praise to our God and King.
-Everything is God's. He is ruler over all.
-Wealth, honor and strength are gifts from God, not of ourselves.

Tozer On Pride and Criticism

After a time of growth and successful labor comes the deadly psychology of self-congratulation. Success itself becomes the cause of later failure. Those who have already entered the state where they can no longer receive admonition are not likely to profit by this warning. After a man has gone over the precipice there is not much we can do for him; but we can place markers along the way to prevent the next traveler from going over. Here are a few:

1. Don’t defend yourself against criticism. If criticism is false, it can do no harm. If it is true, you need to hear it and do something about it.

2. Be concerned not with what you have accomplished but over what you might have accomplished if you had followed the Lord completely.

3. When reproved, pay no attention to the source. Do not ask whether it is a friend or an enemy that reproves you. An enemy is often of greater value to you than a friend because he is not influenced by sympathy.

4. Keep your heart open to correction of the Lord and be ready to receive His chastisement regardless of who holds the whip. The great saints all learned to take a licking gracefully – and that may be one reason why they were great saints.

A.W. Tozer

Band of Brothers

I have been blessed with a group of men that encourage me and hold me accountable. Together we fight the daily spiritual battle that rages around us through the power given by the Holy Spirit. There is a bond that has been formed over the years through trials and laughter that is priceless. This group holds me up and strengthens me. They help me to be faithful in my walk. They are a gift of God. I don't know God's exact purpose in having twelve disciples appointed in leadership of the early church, but I imagine they felt this bond. I think God has made us in a way that flourishes in fellowship and community. I cannot run the race alone. A good friend gave me the DVD of the mini series Band of Brothers, a story about a group of men fighting in world war two. They also developed a bond that still exists to this day, in those yet living, through suffering and helping each other over the duration of their war experience. We today fight a battle against the principalities and powers unseen that would, if able, destroy us. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. God has given us the means to wage the battle as a Band of Brothers. John Eldredge in his book Wild at Heart tells the story of Henry V at Agincourt. His army is weary and greatly out numbered by the French. As they prepare for battle, Henry bolsters the troups by saying (according to William Shakespeare in Henry V 1599):

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother....
And gentlemen in England, now a bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here;
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us.

The Weight

Felt a heavy weight on me last night brought on by difficulties in life. Nothing big. Just life. I found myself ready to have the Lord take me to be with him. It's a good thing to know I have an inheritance in heaven kept for me. Sometimes the toil of life is just such a burden. My inability to stop sinning. The fact that every day there is someone who is dissatisfied with something pertaining to my actions. Rain. I am better today. God always lifts me out of the mire when I get this way. It's a reminder though that my citizeship is in heaven, not here. I shouldn't expect a world without trouble now. Jesus said I shouldn't. I met with my brothers Jack and Kevin this morning and the fellowship reminded me that there are better things to come and that the Lord loves me so much he died on a cross so that I might spend eternity in with him.

Hebrews 10:24,25
1 Peter chapter 1
John 16:33
Psalm 40:2

Creation Groans.

Last night I read with my parents the section of Romans chapter 8 which talks about creation being subjected to decay by the curse of sin through Adam's actions. Creation groans waiting to be released from it's bondage. I was reminded in two ways today at work of this bondage in myself. The bondage of sin and the bondage of decay. First, in utter frustration with my schedule and clients requests, I lashed out it anger and treated a person completely inappropriately. After it was over, I looked at myself with disgust, reminded of my sinfulness and my complete inability to do what is right (even though I want to). Second, I saw a high school friend who was expressing his sadness at the loss of his youthful health and strength which reminded me of my many recent physical weaknesses. We together looked forward to the time when we will have new bodies in the kingdom of heaven. (My friend is a believer). My body groans to be remade as does my spirit, and someday soon, it will happen.

Resolution.

Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

-Jonathon Edwards, August 1723.

You Alone.

I've come to your thrown so cold and alone.
I'm calling on your name.
I lift my hands to the sky...open wide,
and I cry Lord take me away.
Take this heavy heart, this weary soul
and set them free.
Remove myself 'til there's nothing left
but you alone in me.

I'm letting go of all that I know.
I'm holding on to you alone.
I lay it all down, down here at your feet.
I want you alone, you alone.

If I go to the heavens above,
Lord I know you are there.
If I make my bed in the depths,
Lord I know you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
or settle on the far side of the sea,
Even still Lord I know you will, you will always be there with me.

I'm letting go of all that I know.
I'm holding on to you alone.
I lay it all down, down here at your feet.
I want you alone, you alone.

-Casting Pearls

Courage.

I would define courage as the character trait which allows a person to do what is "right" in spite of fear. To encourage someone is to help them to be courageous.

Hebrews 10:24-25:
"And lets us consider how we might spur one another on to love and good deeds. And let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and even more as we see the Day approaching."

The author of Hebrews reveals in these verses the importance of community in the Christian's life. He tells us to spur (encourage) one another on to love and good deeds (right actions), and he tells us to habitually meet together for this encouragement. It is a difficult thing to be courageous. God repeatedly tells Joshua (Joshua chapter 1) to "be strong and courageous" as he prepares to take the Israelites into the promised land. I need to meet with and listen to my God and my Christian brothers and sisters in order to remain strong. When I drift from this fellowship, my courage weakens.

Anxiety.

I usually get anxious when I perceive I am at risk of losing something I treasure. I might have anxiety over an illness, because I treasure my health and "pain" free living. Or, I might become anxious over my financial situation, because I like my economic status and don't want to sell my house and other material things. So, I worry about my worldly treasure. I have noticed that when I am spending more time with God in prayer and reading his word, my worries seem to melt away. I think this is because I begin to treasure the Lord and what he promises me in the future, and I realize that my inheritance through faith in him can never be taken away. Jesus also promises to care for us here on earth when we follow him (Matthew 6:33).

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

Lord may I "fix my eyes" on you and may I desire the things you have for me and not the things of this world. May you be my only treasure.