Become disciples of Jesus. . .Bringing people to Jesus is more than introducing them to Christ. The church is called to assist people to abide in Christ (remain in relationship with Him). This assistance comes in the form of teaching the Bible consistently (teaching sound doctrine), encouraging the practice of the spiritual disciplines and holy and obedient living by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Become disciples of Jesus. . .Discipleship is a call to holiness—being set apart for God. We are to be disentangled from the things of this world in order to be available for the things of God. We are called to practice inward spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible study, meditation and fasting); outward spiritual disciplines (simplicity, solitude, submission and service) and corporate spiritual disciplines (confession, worship, guidance and celebration).To be a disciple of Christ means that we also participate in a local church community.We come to Christ individually, but we are called to serve corporately. Jesus calls us to community in order that the world might see the new society manifesting the lifestyle of the Kingdom of God. Together, we are to be devoted to “the apostles’ teaching (the Bible), and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread (sharing meals together and communion) and prayer” (Acts 2:42).
Become disciples of Jesus. . .Just as living life is more than being born, so too being a Christian is more than having a conversion experience. Our Lord calls us to enter into the great exchange: giving all that we have, all that we are and all that we’ve done in exchange for all that He has, all that He is and all that He’s done. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must denyhimself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Lk.9:23). Discipleship is a radical commitment to following Jesus Christ as Lord and seeking “first His Kingdom and His righteousness” (Mt.6:33).
