What Does It Mean To Say In Jesus 9: 20-22

In their book, The Great Commission to Worship, Vernon Whaley and David Wheeler takes an in depth look at commandment from Jesus for His followers to go out and spread the Good News of salvation. Today’s Christian seems to have a misconception about their role in evangelism. As the authors stated, “many times in Scripture it appears

Making disciples is the overarching purpose of the church. However, many churches struggle with understanding and fulfilling the true meaning of Christian discipleship in individuals’ lives. This writing assignment will attempt to expound on several significant aspects of discipleship. The importance of the centrality of Jesus Christ to Christian discipleship will be detailed. Also, obedience to the directives of Christ and submission of particular areas of one’s life will be outlined. Finally, the three stages of discipleship according to Dave Earley and Rod Dempsy will be delineated and expanded upon.

In reading John 9:1-41, I believed this passage of scripture was just another miracle performed so others would know Jesus as the son of God. It was a lesson in a long list of teachings for the disciples to deepen their understanding in the good news Jesus was spreading. This was predestined to happen so that the blind man would gain sight and be another mouthpiece for the Lord proclaiming what had been given to him.

“God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit “- Matthew 28:18-20 (The Message)

J Matthew 28: 18-20 So Jesus came to them and said, "All authority (power) in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach those people to obey everything that I have told you. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of the world.

Discipleship students, or those who already have a faith commitment, tend to immediately join one of two categories. The first, or Stagnant, students are those who “made a decision to follow Christ at some time in life but never really grew in faith.” These students, from the outside, look very similar to the world as “the distinction between churched and unchurched students is rapidly shrinking.” These students require time to draw them into a

Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation. (Mark 16:15)

We must not look back or turn back longing after the things that are not of God; because it will only lead to destruction! We must not miss the boat that’s sailing by because we were standing on the shore not where we needed to be in order to catch it as it began to set sail! If we are not where we need to be in God when God does return, we will simply be left behind and lost for all eternity from God! We all breathe separately and we all will be judged separately! Therefore, we can’t take anyone along with us to heaven. We must seek and serve God for ourselves to have personal salvation with the Lord. We must have a made up mind to be with the Lord because full devotion and full determination is what it takes to stay with the Lord. Therefore, we don’t have all the time in the World to make up our mind to follow after

Over the years, many models have been developed and implemented to endeavor to make disciples. Some of the models have been effective and others have not. Among some of the most biblical and efficient models are the ones that involve small groups. Within the small groups models, they can be broken down into further detail, such as pastoral involvement, the church’s goal, missions mindedness, etc. In this paper, I will explain my philosophy of small groups in a church and the importance of the relational group in authentic disciple making. I will also explain how missional groups can help the body of Christ move out into the community. Finally, I will summarize my status in regards to living in community with other believers and being missional with that community.

Life’s circumstances can alter what we think of ourselves, what we think of God, whether God loves us, or whether God has the power to control anything in this world. Romans chapter 8, verse 28 reminds us, “(Romans 8:28) And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We may know this verse, or at least know the spiritual truth behind it, however, it is a different story when we realize that it is a promise to live by, a promise that gives the believer freedom in any situation, in any circumstance. The freedom from the power of sin and death, and the freedom to obey God.

He expects us not to be disheartened or crushed. The perseverance through difficult times is pivotal for the justice to be established. The mission work is not easy. The servant will suffer and may got frustrated. However, in spite of all the challenges, the servant will maintain his divinely directed course of action until justice prevails .

The Bible calls for all Christians to ,”Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), but it says

28:19–20). Jesus emphasizes to the disciples the need to preach the gospel to all nations before the end times. This was more important than looking for signs about the end times. In other words, “get busy.” Despite the persecution, it is a priority in God’s plan for the Gospel to be preached. We are not called to save anyone and there is no guarantee the message would be accepted but we are commissioned to proclaim the

From a personal perspective, the “Life on Purpose” article exposes several steps that will allow myself to move closer toward becoming a “world Christian.” The initial understanding that must be recognized is that the believer’s walk is a journey that means it is an intentional and deliberate trek. It is purposeful and decisive (CITE MY page 15). Claude Hickman, Steven C. Hawthorne and Todd Ahrend identify four steps that allow the believer to become more of a world Christian (My 17-19 Ibid). They state that there is a practice of going, welcoming, sending, and mobilizing (ibid). These practices are to help individuals engage with others, supporting missions and ultimately being able to “live holistically toward the evangelization of all peoples.”(Ibid 16). Of the four practices, I personally will continue to work on each one because even if I “major in one,” the authors of “Life on Purpose” encourage to “minor in the others.”(ibid) However, the primary practice I will focus on is empowering others in His purpose by mobilizing others (Ibid ). As part of delivering and teaching the world of God, the encouragement of those that have found saving grace is essential to continue the distribution of the word. The Apostle Paul asked how can others hear about Christ unless someone goes to tell them (CITE )

However, His purpose and plans do not need to take over our own ability to make logical decisions in various situations. Christians should not follow God’s commandments just for the sake of doing it, but they should understand why. It is important to study the Word of God, understand it, and use reasoning to make decisions. If humans mindlessly did whatever God asked, then God would not be the God we know. If this were the case, He would be a God who forced His’ purposes on everyone and not the God who created human beings with a mind of their own. God’s purposes explain teleological structures of the world and the decisions we make reflect our morals. While reflecting on God’s purposes and plans, it is important to understand what His has done for each individual. When reflecting on the history of what God has done, individuals should look at His creation, character, and actions. Lastly, one should reflect upon the purpose of the world and the importance of humanity. All these reflections allow us to see the blessings that God has given to the world (O’Donovan,