If you are an American christian beware! The path that Jesus trod and set for us and our salvation is one of discipleship rather than the theoretical and shallow commitment of converts that we see in most churches in Westernized culture. If we don’t follow this extreme and unpopular path that Jesus called being His disciple, we only have the Broadway to Hell and destruction as our alternative!

Avail yourself to know and understand this eternal distinction called “Discipleship.”

Intro

· I’m not here to make the Bible easy for you to understand, I’m here to challenge you to believe it!

· There’s only ONE rule here: Believe the Bible

· But first, find out what these mean: Disciple, Apostle, christian, believer…

1. Defining Discipleship

Below: A. Language… – What is a “Disciple” | B. Functional Definitions of Discipleship

Language (“Etymology”) – What is a “Disciple”

The Hebrew is from ָלַמד (lāmaḏ) H3925: to teach, or "...the acquisition of instruction..." (The Complete Word Study Dictionary), which produces ִלמּוּד (limmûḏ) H3928: Someone who is taught.

The Greek is from μανθάνω (manthanō) G3129: “…to learn (in any way)” (Strong’s), which produces μαθητής (mathētḗs) G3101: “…a learner, that is, pupil …” (Strong’s).

The English word “disciple” ends up “…coming to English by way of the Latin discipulus meaning ‘a learner’.” [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disciple_%28Christianity%29]

The Bible is very clear that discipleship is the only way to heaven, and it is not at all some advanced form of christianity, but that it is indeed, the one and only form of True Christianity:

Mat_28:19-20; Act_11:26 - "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."

We ought to reject the heresy of easy-believeism which insults the entire body of Truth by asserting that christians need not necessarily be disciples in order to go to heaven, as though a person could be saved from eternal hell without truly and completely following Jesus.

Summary we could almost say that a disciple simply means a student, but this means so much more than something as shallow as “intellectual instruction” as we are prone to think of it. To those in the Bible, truly learning is more like apprenticeship, and this is why we use the word “disciple,” avoiding the shallow assumptions Westernized thinkers often connect to “learning.” This Divine apprenticeship is the only way to follow Jesus and be saved from sin and hell unto eternal Gory with Him forever.

Functional Definitions of Discipleship

Discipleship…

Is training in righteousness to fully obey and follow Jesus.

Is a mentoring process to become a man or woman of God.

Means being committed to this process of mentoring and training.

Is harder than you ever expected, and infinitely more rewarding than you ever dreamed.

Filters and separates the American christian from someone who is REALLY following Jesus.

Weeds out the fake and shallow, from the totally committed.

· When someone is ready to commit to discipleship, that’s when you know they’re really ready to commit to following Jesus.

- Do these things describe you?

· Making disciples is sealing the deal to call people to absolute and total commitment to live according to the eternal mandates of the Bible.

· Saying, “I don’t need training…” is saying, “I don’t need Jesus’ way of getting to God” because He’s the one that ordain discipleship: Mat 28:18-20 (“Make disciples”) Luk 10:16; Mat 10:40; Joh 13:20 (“Whoever listens to you, listens to me”)

· Humanism says, “I worship God in my own way”; It says, “I don’t need anyone to help me know God… I trust my own heart to guide me to him.”

We think we came up with this idea ourselves, but actually we’re our culture’s disciples when we think like this.

Pro 28:26 KJ2000 He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whosoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

Jer 17:9 KJV The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

Pro 14:12 WEB There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

Also see: Psa 51:5 (naturally corrupt); Ecc 9:3 (full of evil); Mar 7:21-23 (you sin because there’s sin in your heart)

· According to the Bible, we stand in desperate need of Jesus’ discipleship, and He has ordained that this be done through submitting to other people that He has put in a person’s life as ambassadors of His training (such as, Apostles, Overseers, Leaders, Mentors, etc.).

· Truly, we ALL stand in desperate need… the question is: are we going to walk in foolish self-confidence relying on ourselves, or are we going to acknowledge our need and embrace discipleship?

Discipleship Diggs Deep

Jer 13:23 KJ2000 Can the Ethiopian^{H3569/ G128} change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may you also do good, that are accustomed^{H3928/ G3129} to doing evil.

Also Compare:

The Disciples of John Mat_11:2; Mar_2:18; Luk_5:33; Luk_7:18; Joh_3:25

Said to be of Moses Joh_9:28

The disciples of the Pharisees Mar_2:18

[Ultimately, whoever you are learning from and imitating you are being discipled by]

Details:

From the Hebrew Old Testament (the original language), and the Greek Old Testament (The “LXX” translated ~200BC and quoted throughout the New Testament)

H3569/ G128 – כושׁי (kûshîy*)/ Αἰθίοψ** (Aithiops) – Where we get “Ethiopian” from, i.e. the African descendants of Cush, (being the greater part).

* i.e. “Cushite,” a descendant of Cush, son of Ham (Gen 10:6).

** Greek literally means someone with a “burnt (Αἰθί) face (οψ)” speaking of their adjusted skin color, (same as in Num 12 and Act 8:27).

H3928/ G3129 – למדי (limmûd)/ μεμαθηκότες (memathēkotes) – “discipled” (i.e. instructed)

- When you’ve TRULY been discipled it becomes cemented in you as a solid part of your nature!

- When you’ve TRULY been discipled it becomes as pronounced as the skin on your face!

- Mat 7:16-23 “You will know them by their fruits”

- Is discipleship where you are going?

Or are you drifting spiritually? You know, you won’t get godly accidently.

Disciples Are Eager for Discipleship

Questions

If you are a disciple and don’t understand, then you will ask questions as they did: Mat 13:10; Mat 13:36; Mat 15:12; Mat 24:1; Mat 24:3; Mat 26:17

It is not “forced” Externally

Act 2:41-42 KJV Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Ruth’s Example

Rth 1:15-16 WEB She said, Behold, your sister-in-law is gone back to her people, and to her god: return you after your sister-in-law. 16 Ruth said, "Don't entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God;

Elijah and Elisha

2Ki 2:1-6 KJ2000 And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Beth-el… 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray you; for the LORD has sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho… 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray you, here; for the LORD has sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. And they both went on. 9 And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I be taken away from you. And Elisha said, I pray you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.

2. The Proof of Discipleship

Are you Truly Following Jesus?

Joh 6:45 WEB It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned [μαθων³¹²⁹], comes to me.

(Also in Mat 11:27-30 “come to me… learn from me”)

From NJ Message…

“Mr. Too Quick” -

Mat 8:19-20 WEB A scribe came, and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." 20 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head."

“Mr. Too Slow” -

Mat 8:21-23 Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father." 22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead." 23 When he got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

The Rich Young Ruler:

Mat 19:16-30; Mar 10:17-31; Luk 18:18-30

Mar 10:17a WEB As he was going out into the way…

Luk 18:18 WEB A certain ruler…

Mar 10:17b …ran to him, knelt before him, and said…

Mat 19:16 WEB …"Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

Mar 10:17c …that I may inherit eternal life?"

Jesus lays the Law on him: Mat 19:17-20; Mar 10:18-20; Luk 18:19-21

Mat 19:20 WEB The young man said to him, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?” [i.e. “…that I may inherit eternal life“]

Mar 10:21 WEB Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack…

Luk 18:22 WEB …"You still lack one thing…

Mat 19:21 KJV …If you want to be complete [τέλειος⁵⁰⁴⁶]…

Mar 10:21 WEB …Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."

Mat 19:22 KJV But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Luk 18:24 KJV And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful…

Mar 10:23-27 WEB Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!" 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." 26 They were exceedingly astonished, saying to him, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesus, looking at them, said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.“

Exclusivity (Only 2 directions!)

Joh 14:6-7 WEB Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also…

Joh 6:66-69 WEB At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?" 68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Also See These Examples of Jesus’ Disciples Following Him:

Mat_5:1; Mat_9:14; Mat_13:10; Mat_13:36; Mat_14:15; Mat_15:12; Mat_24:1; Mat_24:3; Mat_26:17; Mar_6:35; Luk_6:17; Luk_22:39;

> Real Disciples FOLLOW Jesus

> There are Only Two Directions you can go… If you’re not following Him, where are you going?

Discipleship Scarcity

Narrow Gate - “ONLY A Few are Saved”

Mat 7:13-27 Jos.Trans. Enter by the narrow gate^G4439 [πύλης (pulēs)]: because wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and there are many^G4183 [πολλοί (poloi)] who go in by it: 14 Because narrow is the gate, and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are a few who find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bears good fruit; but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 20 So then, by their fruits you will know them. 21 Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the kingdom of the heavens; but he who does the will of my Father which is in the heavens. 22 Many^G4183 [πολλοί (poloi)] will say to me in that day, “Lord, Lord, haven’t we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out demons, and in your name done many powerful works?” 23 And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you: depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

24 Everyone then: whoever hears these words of mine, and does them, I will compare him to a wise man who built his house upon the rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and fell upon that house; and it did not fall, because it had been founded upon the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine, and does not do them, will be compared to a foolish man who built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was its fall.

Mat 7 Details

G4183 πολύς, πολλός polus polos pol-oos'

Including the forms from the alternate “pollos”; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverb largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely: - abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft (-en [-times]), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare G4118, G4119.

G4172 πόλις polis pol'-is

Probably from the same as G4171, or perhaps from G4183; a town (properly with walls, of greater or less size): - city.

G4439 πύλη pulē poo'-lay

Apparently a primary word; a gate, that is, the leaf or wing of a folding entrance (literally or figuratively): - gate.

Luk 13:23-24 WEB One said to him, "Lord, are they few who are saved?" He said to them, 24 "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able. (Read: Luk 13:23-30)

1 Peter 4:18 And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?

A Problem

- It is like we think that even if we don’t follow Jesus we will still somehow end up at the same destination.

- Jesus said there are only two paths (above, & Mat). Either you’re with Him or you’re against Him! Broad or narrow are your two choices!

- Which extreme are you on? - If you think you’re “in-between,” then you’re on Broadway.

Mat 6:24 EMTV "No one is able to serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and he will love the other, or else he will be devoted to the one, and he will despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

Mat 12:30 EMTV He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

Rev 3:15-16 WEB "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

- People ask, “Are you saved?” Real question: Are you burning for Jesus? (Otherwise you are spit out).

How do you know when you’re REAL?

- REAL Students (disciples) look and act like their masters (Mat 10:25; Act 4:13)

- Not, “We can go to movies and dress how we want” (see Rom 6:18-23 “being free from righteousness means not saved”; Gal 6:7-8 “Investing the flesh”)

Jer 6:16 KJV Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

- Students of Jesus obey Him as Lord (Rom 10:9; and Scriptures above)

- You know you’re not learning a thing when your life-style stays the same (2Co 3:18 “Gory to Glory”; Pro 4:18 “brighter shinning light”)

- If you’re not changing and growing in righteousness and holiness, then you’re dying in sin.

Are You Paying the Price of Discipleship?

The ONLY Way to Follow Him: This shows where you are going

Forsake ALL

Luk 14:25-35 KJB And great crowds went with him and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, and even his very own soul, his life as well, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 Because which of you wanting to build a tower doesn't sit down first and count the cost if he has the means to finish? 29 That it doesn't happen after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish that all who see it begin to mock him 30 saying, ‘This man began to build, and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king going to engage another king in war doesn't sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 But if not, while the other is still a great way off he sends a delegation⁴²⁴² and asks for conditions of peace. 33 So in the same way, everyone of you who does not forsake everything that he has cannot be my disciple. 34 Salt is good: but if the salt has lost its flavor how will it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but they cast it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Details

4242 - A "delegation," in Greek, "πρεσβειαν" which is made up of elders.

Bitter-Sweat News

If you’re not His disciple it doesn’t mean you’re a second-rate christian…

If you’re not His disciple it means you are not a christian at all! (i.e. verses 34-35).

Supreme Commitment

Mat 10:32-39 Jos.Trans. So any and everyone who confesses^{3670, (1722)} me in front of men, I will also confess him in front of my Father who is in the heavens. 33 But whoever will deny me in front of men, I will also deny him in front of my Father who is in the heavens. 34 Don’t think that I came to send peace on earth: I have not come to send peace, but a sword. 35 Because I have come to set a man against his own father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter in law against her mother in law, 36 and a man's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me, 38 and he that does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39 He that finds his soul, his life, will lose it. But he that loses his soul, his life, for my sake will find it.

Details

G3670 – This speaks of “confessing together,” meaning, joining with Jesus in front of men

G1722 – This unity “in” Jesus is multiplied by the use of the unrepresented word “εν ¹⁷²²” (en).

Literally and functionally: “Whoever confesses together [i.e. with me], in me, in front of men”

Are You Disciplined and Committed to Discipleship?

The Dedication of Discipleship

Act 2:41-44 KJV Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common… 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house… [Also compare: Luk_24:53; Act_1:14, Act_3:1, Act_5:42]

- Converts? Not at all! – We’re talking disciples, and not just numbers!

- The natural response of someone who truly finds Jesus!

- And we can’t even get people to stop watching sinful movies

- You can tell when someone gets it!: Don’t have to tell them to throw out their bad music

- Are you wondering why you can’t get you life right? There is a reason why…

Summary

- Don’t you get the idea that Jesus is demanding ALL if you’re going to follow Him?:

- Truly Follow Jesus by Paying the Price and submit to the Commitment of discipleship

Personal Proofs of Discipleship

When I say, “commit to discipleship” it is important to be sure to know what I mean. I do not mean going to church or Bible study per say, but I mean being eagerly devoted to gaining the spiritual truth and favor that God has worked in another person no matter what the cost.

In other words, when someone says, “I want to get somewhere in following Jesus” they often are actually adding to this, “I want you to help me, but I’m not willing to fully commit to getting what you got.” The problem and the limitation comes when people say with their actions, “I want you to tell me a solution that will work and after I try it, I might believe you have something from God if it works.” And “I want what information you know and I want it to help me, but I am not willing to commit to you or trust you.” But Biblical Discipleship simply never works that way. This is mainly because Jesus said:

Mat 12:39-40 Complete Apostles' Bible 39 …"An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

But if anyone has any favor from God, the only way anyone will be benefited by it is if those in need believe the one whom God has approved of, that they have what they need. Committing to discipleship means committing to gain the favor that God has entrusted to another person, seeing that you need what they have for life and salvation:

Act 11:13-14 Complete Apostles' Bible 13 And he related to us how he had seen the angel in his house, standing and saying to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter, 14 'who will speak words to you by which you and all your household shall be saved.'

Act 10:33 Complete Apostles' Bible 33 "Therefore immediately I sent to you, and you have done well to come. Now then we are all present before God, to hear all the things having been commanded you by God."

Rth 1:16 Complete Apostles' Bible 16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following you; for wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.

Gal 4:14 Complete Apostles' Bible 14 And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise nor disdain, but as an angel of God you received me, even as Christ Jesus.

1Th 2:13 Complete Apostles' Bible 13 Because of this we also give thanks to God unceasingly, so that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received not the word of men, but just as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe.

(Also see Act 17:10-12)

Disciples Discontinue Depravity

Act 19:18-19 WEB Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. 19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

The Hard-Core Way

Jesus Said: Lk. 6:43 For a good tree does not produce bad fruit, nor does a bad tree produce good fruit.

Mat. 3:10 And now also the ax is laid at the root of the trees, so that every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Lk. 6:46 Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things which I say?

Jn. 14:15 If you Love Me, keep my commands... 23 ...If anyone loves Me, he will obey my words... 24 He who does not Love me will not obey my words.

The Bible Also Says:

1Jn. 2:4 He who says, "I have come to know him," but does not keep His commands is a liar, and the Truth is not in him.

1Jn. 3:6-10 Whoever remains in Him does not continue to sin. Whoever continues to sin has not seen Him, or known Him. 7 Little children, don’t let anyone deceive you: he that does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He that continues to sin is of the devil; because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this reason the Son of God was revealed, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God does not continue to sin; for His seed remains in him: and he cannot go on sinning, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God…

3. Sin Lists

See the Bible Study on this topic

4. The Reward of Discipleship

Joh 8:31-32 WEB Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

Joh 15:8 WEB "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

A Discipleship Story

There was a father owned and operated a metal production shop and desired to pass on his creative and successful legacy on to his children.

When his son was about ten years old, He decided to adopt a younger sickly boy from overseas that needed help to survive.

As the children grew, the adopted son took greater interest in his father’s metal work than the natural son.

He followed his father around as the father managed the shop, eager to learn as much as possible, and worked as much as the father would allow him.

Social Life

The adopted son did not get much of anywhere socially growing up because he had left his home country, and his peers considered him to foreign to fit in. In addition to this, he spent most of his time learning and practicing his father’s work, so that he didn’t even have time to develop much of a “social life.”

Apathy

The adopted son became healthier and stronger than the natural one, especially because he was more active in his father’s work. But this was barely even noticed by the natural son, because he figured that he was guaranteed no matter what to be entitled to inherit everything from his father, because he was the natural son. He would come and go as he pleased, and did not even pay attention to his adopted brother, nor his father’s work.

Ambition

While he was still young, the natural son began to act presumptuously, anticipating fulfilling his ambition of taking charge of the shop: he started taking it upon himself to tell the workers what to do, even though he did not understand the production process.

Inheritance

When the father was old and it was time to pass his responsibilities on to his sons, he made the adopted son owner and operator of his entire business, but the natural son was given no part in it.

The natural son had not only lacked commitment, but had also stolen money from his father’s business, but not did not know that anyone saw him until the father announced his decisions.

- a server will rule over a son who causes shame

- if God did not spare than natural branches neither will he spare you

- we are Abrahams children

- the sons of the kingdom will be cast out

Applications

What does it take to bring Revival?

You can’t earn the wages of sin (death) and expect a return of life.

- Repent of learning the ways of the nations

Rev 3:19 KJ2000 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Repent of being American christian, and become a REAL disciple of Jesus

Breaking It all Down for You:

- If you are not forsaking ALL

- If you are not burning for Jesus

- If you are living in sin

Then you are not His disciple. If you do not repent, in the end, you will burn in hell forever.

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PersonalNotes
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We would welcome the rich young ruler or Nicodemus into the church as a well-attested christian, but Jesus didn’t!

Our system does not accommodate when someone does not get it at first. Jesus and the Apostles dealt differently with “converts” than disciples (Simon)

“I’m Saved!”

- Don’t read the Bible

- Pray av. Of 7-15 min a day

- establishing in ourselves that we stand in desperate need, is one of the most important values I can communicate to you

They are going to ask:

- how is this going to help bring revival?

- What does this have to do with the power of God?

They will think:

- Hope for action and big things, is proof that the message is from God

- How can I believe God for big things?

Who’s Discipling You?

Whoever you are learning from, you are being discipled by

Journal Thoughts

Think: “if God wanted me to know something he would tell me himself ”

Discipleship awaits you; commitment is calling you by name.

The need for commitment

God has designed all of us to long to be totally committed to something with all our heart. When we don’t meet that need, our conscience testifies against us.

Many people try to drowned that need with the vanities of this life:

- TV

- entertainment

- music

- empty relationships (not based on Jesus)

- Food

So in this way we try to avoid answering the call to commitment, but we trap ourselves in an endless effort of running from responsibility, and the guilt of not meeting it.

Act 2:38

Why is it that American churches have so many uncommitted attenders? Why do mega churchs “mega” in attendance but stand impoverished in commitment?

It is not that numbers are bad, because we have nothing even close to 3,000 souls added in one day as they did in the New Testament. The problem is not numbers, but the shallow ideology of failing to call the masses to real discipleship.

Do you want numbers or do you want discipleship and your congregation? Do you want both? If so then you must faithfully prioritize discipleship and pray for numbers, as God is willing.

Revival or Discipleship?

Discipleship is needed before revival

The disciples were taught three years before Pentecost, showing that the base of instruction was of greater priority chronologically than Pentecost to God.

So also it is necessary for us to get this down before we’re even close to being ready for anything big.

If we can’t honor God in our definition of a Christian, why should He continue to honor us with numbers that we mislabel as Christians and misinform concerning their eternity?

Have you heard of all the revivals that soon end up fizzling out?

If it cannot handle operating, then it is not worth starting.

What is God saying? If you want to go further, then you need to store up in this area

Discipleship Examples

- John the Baptist had disciples

- Peter brought in 3000

- Paul, Annanias, Barnabas

- Paul: churches, Mark, Luke, Timothy, Titus

- “follow me is I follow Christ”: the discipled by me

- Aquila Priscilla: Apollos

- Philippe and Samaritans

Other points

- First Corinthians shows us that discipleship is not the shepherding movement.

- Jesus is the only way, so you Gotta follow Him if you wanna make it to heaven.

Good and bad Examples

Good:

The book of James, “works”

Learning and obeying: morally, ethically, and spiritually

Bad:

“I believe in god; I even go to church”

Cultural Misunderstandings Show who’s discipling you

“No body’s perfect”

- Distorted from__________, and ignorant of ________

- you wouldn’t need to use that argument all the time if you were not living in sin

- Our culture has taught us (discipled us) to go to live in sin and go to church thinking we are going to heaven

“If you got, it show it”

“God helps those who help themselves”

“We need to respect everyone’s opinion”

Fragmented Presumptuous Theology

“Don’t judge me…”

(Mis-applied from Mat 7, and totally ignorant of the rest of the verses, 1 Cor 4 & 5)

- You can always know a person’s not being very discipled by Jesus when this is their theme verse!

- Who is it you are trying to protect?

- If you were living right you would not need to hide behind that excuse

- How about: “Judge those in the church”

“Spirit of the Law”

The Indeed

(Joh_8:31)

Poor indeed (in spirit)

Widow indeed

Know truth, free indeed

Disciple indeed

- he gives the holy spirit to those who obey him

HosSp

direct result of REAL discipleship

minimum requirements

hard-core

REAL christian vs. a Convert

Teaching them to observe all commanded

Discipleship: learning, wisdom, holy spirit...

The counterfeit: shallow, sensual, soul-ish

The Right Goal

My goal is not to be Pentecostal

My goal is the glory and honor of God Almighty; to obey Him and know Him

I know demonized people who can express a “pentecostal” display

But if someone honors God, they radiate light even if they are sitting down in their seat

“On this one will I look… humble”

Corinthians were like some Pentecostal churches today:

But he didn’t say decrease longing for gifts, but increase. Instead he says do it right!

- Love

- Prophecy/exhortation is greater for the church if no interpretation

Self-expression is managed by, subordinate to, considering others first

- Tongues so others benefit

- spirits of prophets subject (on account of what? Order! – Why? Because of others!)

- If not loving others, don’t do it

- considering one another

Humility

Unless you walk this way, you won’t make it

- become as children

- are converted

- walk humbly

You status of Humility makes or breaks you in God’s eyes

Pro 25:14 MKJV A man boasting himself in a false gift is like clouds and wind, but no rain.

Be slow; Count the Cost (Lk 14:25-33)

David said, "Bless the Lord, Oh, my soul" and danced without the baptism of the Holy spirit. We too dance, and are to be pitied if we confuse it as a proof of this Baptism.

Is it possible that there is a danger at times in thinking of what we call "Revival" as exciting and the disciplines of the Bible as, well, boring

- the bible reading, the fruit of the spirit,

Isa 8:16 - Seal up among Disciples

Some deeply compromised churches avoid excepting Jesus' high standard as requirements for salvation by claiming that there is a difference between being a believer and a disciple.

tongues: love, prophecy, faith, holiness

Personal groups have less restrictions than corporate worship

Prayer life ought to be way more extream than Sun morning

What does He look like?

- Holy

- Order

- Spirit of Sound mind

in 1867 when the movement established The National Camp Meeting Association for the Promotion of Christian Holiness with a notice that said: We are summoning, irrespective of denominational tie...those who feel themselves comparatively isolated in their profession of holiness…that all would realize together a Pentecostal baptism of the Holy Ghost....

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecostalism]

COG

BEHAVIORAL TEMPERANCE

We will practice temperance in behavior and will abstain from activities and attitudes which are offensive to our fellowman or which lead to addiction or enslavement.

Baptism with the Holy Ghost subsequent to cleansing

Personal verses

1Ti 3:9 KJV Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Expurgated:

Intro

· Business Cards

· Take Notes (Lots of Bible verses)