Believers and Disciples 6

In this series I've been talking about the difference between believers and disciples. Jesus said that disciples are taught to obey everything he commanded.

I think "the church" in this country has imitated the larger culture- marketing, consumerism, materialism, self-centeredness, "me-ism," entertainment, aggressive political methods, dogmatic posturing, "hatred" of enemies. But none of these reflect the teachings of Jesus. In fact, they all are the exact opposite of the things Jesus commands.

Is it a wonder why the rest of the culture is not attracted to us in a general sense? Is it any wonder why the media loves to portray us as hypocrites?

But what if we started trying to do and be what Jesus told us to do and be? ... instead of trying to force our "agenda" on the rest of the culture? ...instead of using the world's methods of trying to gain power and influence?

The world was turned upside down by the early church, which was "weak" and without political power. The world is largely ignoring the modern church, despite our political clout. Could the reason for this be that we ignore the teachings of Christ himself, even though we love to call ourselves "Bible believers?"

Einstein and Christ

Question: You accept the historical existence of Jesus?

Einstein: "Unquestionably! No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life."

(Time Magazine 04/16/07)

Believers and Disciples 5

How did you do? Did you come up with some of Jesus' commands?

Here's one: If anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

When was the last time you heard this idea tossed around? Have you ever heard a teaching on this? (I haven't.)

I have to be the first to admit that I don't know if I can do what this tells me to do, but even so- have I grappled with the idea? Have I thought about it to try to figure out what it might require from me?

Believers and Disciples 4

He told the apostles to make disciples by 1.) Baptizing them and, 2.) Teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded us to do. So here we have some clear thoughts from Jesus himself about what it means to be his disciple.

Jesus also said a lot about following him and obeying him. Here are just two, of many, examples:

Then Jesus said to his disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross follow me.

If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching…He who does not love me will not obey my teaching (emphasis added).

When was the last time that you heard or read that Jesus commands us to follow him and to obey him? Have you ever been taught, by anyone, that in order to be a disciple of Jesus we must obey him?

The first step in obedience is to be aware of exactly what he has commanded us to do. Can you name three things that Jesus has commanded us to do? OK, how about two things that Jesus has commanded us to do?

Believers and Disciples 3

Looking closely at Jesus' words, we can begin to understand what he meant by the word disciple.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

What two things did he specify that the apostles do, to make disciples?